A Martin Minute

Books! I love to read, but I have to be honest - I have not read a lot of "parenting books."  They seem to be very overwhelming & when you have so many great parents around you, well . . . I have recently been introduced to a Bible study series called "She Reads Truth."  This group puts out some great online/book Bible studies that are true to Scripture.  They are geared to get women focusing back on Scripture & not on what the world says of Scripture.  Why are so many people looking for truth & help in places that offer whatever they feel like offering?  These Bible studies have renewed my love of God's Word, of His truth.  The creators wrote a book (above) with the same name.  When I heard about the book I thought it would tell their stories & I was curious, BUT the book did so much more.  The book talked of finding permanent in an ever-changing world.  I think I look for permanent & everything is always changing. ...

It's true - our Cinco is turning 11! Our first boy is growing up much too fast (do I say that in every birthday post?) & this Momma is ready for him to STOP!  I love this age - he is still innocent & funny, but carries on great conversations & thinks of others. So far nothing "tween" is showing up.   We are ALL boy. He got his first gun at Christmas (be-be)  & I will have to take him shopping today to get him some new clothes because he has hit a growth spurt. Cinco, Can you always be this fun? Can you always be this cool? Can you always love your momma this much & not be afraid for anyone to know it? Thank you for being a great big brother.  Thank you for doing well in school & being an example in class. I pray your dreams come true & I know they will when you work at them so hard. To another great year! Love, Mommy

Welcome 2017! Welcome to our home & family! Welcome to our new adventures! We are so excited to meet you & see what you have in store. We are ready for more twirling, soccer, football, music & imaginary friends. We are excited for good grades & playdates. We are ready for riding & running through the neighborhood. What will you teach us this year? What will you hold for our hearts? We know there will be good & bad, happy & sad, but may they all come gently & truthfully? We know there will be grace, but may there be extra helpings. We know there will be lots of Love, but may it grow in abundance. "What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2017? Bay: Being in the leadership class - 8th grade! WFM5: Going to middle school! Whitty: Going to a new school by himself Baby Lee-Lee: Playing with Kazoo (pet hamster) "We have seen His glory,  the glory of the one and only Son,  who came from the Father,...