Infant Swim Rescue

My husband and I have had our children in Infant Swim Rescue Lessons since they were babies.  We have always felt it was important for our children to respect water and know how to save themselves if need be. 

The video clip shows you what the children learn to do and, amazingly enough, they really do learn the skills.  They come back each year for refresher courses and, over the years, it's a little chunk of change.  In fact, I have often questioned myself for spending the money.  Well, until one night...

My son is four years old and swims like a fish.  He still is not a fan of floating but he can and will in case of emergency. My daughter is still learning the skills she needs and is not the hugest fan. 

The other night I was in the pool with the instructor because we were moving and she wanted to give me some pointers on working with "T."   We were in the middle of a large pool and "T" was screaming about having to float.  My son was fully dressed and I kept watching him out of the corner of my eye.  I noticed him, bent over, putting his arms in the pool, but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary.  I was trying to focus on "T" and got distracted for a few minutes. 


All of a sudden, I heard "A" cry out.  He was inside the pool, holding on to the side.  We never saw or heard him fall in.  He simply rescued himself.  He was mostly upset because his play clothes were wet and he wasn't wearing his swim clothes.  I simply told him to swim to the steps and he did. 

There could have been a very different ending that night.  First, I want to praise God for His protection of my little guy.  I also want to praise Him for putting this desire in my heart for the kids to get swim lessons.  I also want to thank ISR for teaching others how to teach children how to rescue themselves. Another child was saved tonight.  Praise GOD!!!! - Rejoicing in the Present

Learning But Not Knowing

I was working through my Bible Study when I came upon these verses in 2 Timothy 3:

...This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

When I got to that last line, I immediately was convicted.  You see, we have so much knowledge in front of us. 

Just this morning, I went online to find out how to fix my Keurig.  (It was barely dripping out water.) 

(Last night, I went online to find out how to fix my new ceiling light.)

In both cases, I found out information within five minutes that helped to fix the problems. 

Sometimes, our Bible study and even church is just another time to get more knowledge. We know a little bit about a lot of things.  BUT never, yes NEVER, should we EVER just learn ABOUT God.  We must KNOW Him. 

Studying the Bible isn't just a chore to check off or a way to look smarter.  The Bible is our love letter from our Creator.  It is our guide through life.  It is the source that speaks to our hearts. It reveals to us a closer relationship with Jesus our Savior and God our Father.  It is TRUTH. 

Don't just listen with your brain.  Ask God to help you KNOW HIM with your heart, soul and mind. It's not about learning it's about KNOWING. 

May we never just be learning, but may we always be knowing. - Rejoicing in the Present

Life

You know that moment.

You finally have all your kids smiling and looking cute. Everything is perfect. You go to take a picture and one glances the other way
or cries
or gets up
or pinches their sister.

Yep, that glorious moment!

Do you ever feel that LIFE is that way?

EVERYDAY???!?!?   

Hahahaha

I get ya, girl. Me too!

We were just out-of-our-minds excited when we found out that we were going to have the opportunity to remodel part of our house in 2015.  First we gave our kitchen a makeover, then we started on one bathroom which turned into the remodeling of three.  Our forever-home was finally going to be finished.  We even got a six-foot jetted tub so that I could give relief for my back and so that J. would be able to comfortably lay in it. Our dream bathrooms were finally within our grasp.  After all the hours and frustrations that were poured in, it felt like we finally were going to be done.

...and then we got a call. A call from a pastor-friend asking J. to come serve in another state.

Now???? 

J. and I started praying about it.

Originally, I was fully against the idea. I told my husband right away that I didn't want to move. Of, course, I would go if God led us, but I myself just didn't want to go.

I wanted the Lord's will, but I was comfortable where I was.

I loved my girls that I ministered to.
I loved what God was doing in the areas of ministry where He had me.
I loved my house, my friends and my life.

...so I prayed for peace

...and God has given us peace.

With tears on my heart but peace surrounding it, I must announce that God is leading us to another place, another ministry, and another group of friends.

We attended this particular church the year before J. and I were married. We served in whatever capacities we could, so we do have a history there.

This is also the church where we were married so it holds a very special place in our hearts. 

We are moving to Knoxville, TN and Jeremy will be the Assistant Pastor for Pastor Bobby McCoy at Oak Ridge Baptist Church. 

We are excited to see what God will do with us there, but we are sad to so say goodbye to some very dear friends.

We are going to miss Faith Baptist Church and the family who embraced us here. Please pray for us during this transition.- Rejoicing in the Present

Overcome

"I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." - 1 John 2:14

We all have "that problem."  The problem that seems like it will never go away. The one that makes us cry at nights and keeps us frustrated during the day.  The "thing" that we feel we can never overcome.

On Pinterest there are 5 ways that we can beat it. 

On Google there are ads that sell us cure. 

BUT in the Bible it simply tells us that "we can do it," by showing us that others have before us.

In 1 John the letter tells us of a spiritual young man who is strong and HAS overcome.

...but how?????????????????????

"the word of God abideth in you"

Psalms 119 tells us why and how the Bible is so helpful in overcoming.

vs. 11 - The Bible helps us not to sin.

vs. 24 - The Bible gives us counsel

vs. 25 & 107 - It revives and renews us (quickens us)

vs. 28 - It strengthens us 

vs. 91- It helps us not to perish

vs. 153 - It delivers us. 

vs. 165 - It gives us great peace

vs. 173 - It helps us. 

When your mind is focused on God's ways, you can't help but go in that direction.  Yes, the evil one will try to sway you but keep your eyes looking up.

Some ideas for scriptural-intentional living are:

1. Posting Bible verses on your mirrors, walls and anywhere else where you would often look .

Example: Post a verse about gluttony on the fridge and a verse about having pure eyes on the TV.

2. Write verses regarding your particular struggle on 3x5 cards and put them in your purse, pocket or in your car.

3. Read "those verses" every morning, and night and at lunch time, if you can.

4. Memorize and review them daily.

5. When you are struggling, get out the scripture and pour your time into that instead of worrying about your problem or talking to a friend about it.

Dear friend, we can be like this young man and overcome, by getting into the Word today! - Rejoicing in the Present