Daniels Davids Esthers and Peters

This isn’t original with me but well worth the read. I don’t want to forget it so I wrote it in my journal tonight and writing it here for safe keeping and easy access. 

Blessings to you my friends, family and fellow blog readers. 

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“Don't feel sorry for or fear for your kids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they're in. Their life wasn't a coincidence or an accident. Raise them up to know the power they walk in as children of God. Train them up in the authority of His Word. Teach them to walk in faith knowing that God is in control. Empower them to know they can change the world. Don't teach them to be fearful and disheartened by the state of the world but hopeful that they can do something about it. Every person in all of history has been placed in the time that they were in because of God's sovereign plan. He knew Daniel could handle the lions den. He knew David could handle Goliath. He knew Esther could handle Haman. He knew Peter could handle persecution. He knows that your child can handle whatever challenge they face in their life. He created them specifically for it! Don't be scared for your children, but be honored that God chose you to parent the generation that is facing the biggest challenges of our lifetime. Rise up to the challenge. Raise Daniels, Davids, Esthers and Peters! God isn't scratching His head wondering what He's going to do with this mess of a world. He has an army He's raising up to drive back the darkness and make Him known all over the earth. Don't let your fear steal the greatness God placed on them. I know it's hard to imagine them as anything besides our sweet little babies, and we just want to protect them from anything that could ever be hard on them, but they were born for such a time as this.”

-Alex Cravens, refers to himself as “just a dad”

BIG DAY 1, 2, 3

#1

Yep, I watched it and as soon as it was over I turned off the television. Who needs a group of media specialists telling us what we just saw? I watched it...don't need you to add your twist, your approval or your disapproval. This was a great day for some, horrific day for others but many of us will wait and see where we go from here. My guess is there will be changes but nothing that prevents the sun from coming up tomorrow. I am not a politically out spoken person. To be frank, I have very little trust or hope in any of the political establishment. When I vote it is based on issues not parties. When I am around the ranting and raving of people who deem themselves political giants I mostly listen, or walk away if I can't take it any more. ;-)

What I do know is we have a 45th president of the United States of America. He is not perfect and he will not make or break this country. We need to pray for him, his staff, his family and all he will have to work with to make our government run. Pray for his success. Failure of a president means the ship goes down people...and we are ALL ON THE SHIP!!!

On a complete side note, our new First Lady looked elegant today!

One more thought, what do you think the Obamas said when the door on the helicopter closed? I think it was something like, "Hallelujah, that's over!"

#2

Three girls from the EGA Maroon 01 soccer team are on a college visit at Auburn University today. Reagan's itinerary includes meeting all kinds of coaches, soccer facility tour, sports dietitian, academic counselor, dorm tour, campus tour and staying with a student athlete host (overnight I think). The Tigers women's soccer finished ninth in the nation this year so getting an invitation for an unofficial visit is huge! In case you are wondering what exactly this means for Reagan, it's hard to know. This trip gives her the chance to see if going so far away is really something she could handle, which is why mom and dad stayed home. Doing something a little uncomfortable far away is a good growing opportunity for her. She will see how the coaches and players interact which also helps her know if she is a fit at AU. The coaches have seen her play on several occasions but now they get to see if she can add something to their program. There is no talk of scholarships and there are no promises made. It's a two-sided interview and hopefully all parties leave with more answers than questions. Tomorrow Reagan and her two teammates will attend a prospect ID camp. 

 My prayer for Reagan is that God will allow her to see past the bells and whistles of recruitment and gain wisdom towards her academic and athletic decision. Come home safely sweet child.

As I am writing this blog post this picture was sent to me. Hmm, this game room looks like a great recruiting tool. I see skee ball in the background...I love skee ball!!

#3

AND EMMA GAVE BLOOD AT SCHOOL AGAIN!

Sadly, when she got back to class her teacher was mad at her for missing class. Hmm, maybe they shouldn't allow kids to give blood durning school hours (at the school blood drive) if teachers are not going to support the effort. Anyway, I am proud of her for giving such a precious gift. 

We all can do something to make this world a better place. Not everyone can give blood just like not everyone can donate $10,000 to an Anti-Human Trafficking organization but we ALL can do something. Some people like to hold babies in the hospital or drive kids to school or pray faithfully. Find your thing and do it with passion and reap the benefits of joy. Thank you Emma for donating blood to help those in need. You may have saved a life today.