Since birthdays are a national holiday around here – 18th birthdays call for a holiday weekend to fit it all in. Josiah turned 18 and we’ve been celebrating for days!
Josiah was born our 5th child and much welcomed ‘little brother’ of the family. Only 16 months later he was dethroned – as a little sister took her place center stage. That was fine with him – he’s a man of action and not one to sit very long anyway. Once she arrived I tried to take a picture of the kids to send out for a baby announcement. Little Josiah would not stop bending over and kissing her, as she lay propped up in her infant seat. The older ones were all poised for the picture so I finally just took it with him hugging on her. It was too much to ask him to be calm – he couldn’t contain his excitement!
So have gone the last 18 years – filled with adventure and energy – thanks to this son who truly exemplifies the ‘zeal of the Lord’ which his name defines.
He’s a senior now and his days are filled with books (lots of books), debate research, basketball, guitar, piano, politics (just ask his opinion), writing speeches for competition and most always a smile – not to mention humor. He’s, undoubtedly, one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.
He’s transformed from a busy, opinionated, little guy with mesmerizing blue eyes, who would literally pogo stick all afternoon if we let him – to an energetic, stable young adult. Oh, he’s still busy and opinionated – and our lives are all richer for it!
Happy birthday Josiah – with love. Enjoy that ipod and we’ll see you at the polls!
Since Above & Beyond is a fairly new blog – I’ve decided to write posts introducing our kids on their birthdays and anniversaries so you can get to know us like we are – one person at a time. 
“In an absence of biblical conviction – we will go the way of the culture.” - Sally Clarkson
I’m not a ‘groupie’ kind of person – OK, maybe with music - but not with teachers. But, through the years, I’ve found Sally Clarkson’s ability to take you to a new place in mothering, refreshing beyond words. With her teachings, she does to ‘mothering’ what Beth Moore does to ’scripture’. I highly recommend anything she’s about.
BTW – I DO think The Mission of Motherhood is a modern day classic and I don’t say that lightly.
I spent last weekend at the Mom Heart Conference with hundreds of other moms of all ages. Every year it’s fresh and new. When I can’t go, I love to hear what I missed. I thought you would too. I’ve written her words verbatim – {mine are in these}.
- Our “culture gives you permission to be a weak person, to compromise.”
- “God wants to do something bigger and better and different than you’ve ever thought.” {Above and beyond what we ask or think …}
- “Be the conductor of your own symphony.”
- “The more scripture you read, the greater the vocabulary the Lord has to speak to you.” {Wow!}
- Think back when you started … “are you the mother you thought you would be?” {This was a challenge to regroup and get back on track – not a rebuke}
- “What does your personality need to prosper and be refreshed?” {Do you need quiet, order, conversation, more action, strategy?}
- “Picture yourself as somebody who has the art of God flowing through your life.”
- “If your children are reacting to you and angry, it’s because they want to be understood.” {Do you have your child’s heart?}
- “Make (your kids) work hard and reward them like crazy!”
- “Do you feel guilty when your kids don’t get all their work done, even though you never get all your work done?” {Ouch!}
- “Food is an extremely important aspect of discipleship.” {especially when you have boys} Proverbs 1:9-5
- Psalm 118:24 ”The people dancing were thought to be fools by the people who could not hear the music.” {Don’t expect the world to understand}
- “Wherever you are on the continuum of ideals – just move forward.” {Don’t live in guilt}
- “We all have a chance to be faithful.”Heb 10:19-25 {Ours is at home when only our kids are watching}
- Resolve in your heart to – “endure to the end … finish strong.” Heb. 10:32-39
I came away with my own ‘punch list’.(Prov. 14:1) Mostly, I came away with fresh air – I feel like I can breathe again as a mom. My hope is renewed and my vision … rearranged.
Join me next year?
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