The Sims Family

Our Jan -Mar 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

Sims Family Newsletter Jan-Mar 2011

Oct-Dec 2010 Newsletter

2011-01-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Sims Oct-Dec 2010 Newsletter

Aug - Sept 2010 Newsletter

2010-10-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Aug-Sept 10 Newsletter

June-July 2010 Newlsetter

2010-07-28T22:25:00.001-07:00

Sims June-July 2010 Newsletter

And Away We Go...

2010-05-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, this is our last week in the United States for quite awhile. My dad and I will be crossing the border this Sunday, and Kristina, our moms, and our kids will be flying to join us in Cuernavaca on Monday. We are excited to meet up with the rest of our team who is already there. Our first week's activities will include finding a house to rent, outfitting it with essentials, and enjoying being around both old and new friends. We can't wait!

Oh...and here is a picture of Isaiah getting his first haircut last week. :)

New Paypal Gadget

2010-05-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

If you look on the right-hand side of our blog, you will now see a "donate" button. It is a secured link to our working fund account. If anyone wishes to give directly to the work in Mexico, this is a safe and quick way of doing so once we're in Mexico.

God bless!

Jeff

Cuernavaca: Information Please

2010-03-31T09:21:00.001-07:00

Here are a few links if you'd like to learn more about Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico:

General Info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuernavaca
http://www.mexperience.com/guide/colonial/cuernavaca.htm

Travel Info:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Cuernavaca

Weather Info:
http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Cuernavaca+Mexico+MXMS0064?lswe=cuernavaca,%20mexico&from=searchbox_localwx

See it for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-09aARPCfns

Enjoy!

Jeff

Fund Raising

2010-03-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

We are slated to head to Mexico at the end of May. We still have a big hurdle to overcome in the next two months: Fundraising. We've been at it for a long time now, and we're making a last big push before we go. We are trusting that God will provide everything we need. We are still $1,500 short on our monthly needs. I don't know where it will come from but if you do, please call or email us. Our support goes to Alpine Church of Christ. It is at 610 E. Loop 281, in Longview, TX. Please pray for us. Please consider partnering with us. God Bless!

Jeff

First Longview, Then Mexico

2010-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

We've recently moved back to Longview again and here's what's going on with us right now.

I'm interning with Alpine Church of Christ for the next three months. I'm teaching classes, researching curriculum, planning small group events, working on Missions Policies, finishing up our workshops through Missions Resource Network, and working on finishing our fund-raising.
We are staying with My grandmother, Jeanne Pace, and you can still reach me at my old cell number.
Kristina is very busy with our three kids, packing/unpacking, cooking for 6, and is still experiencing occasional pain/nausea related to her previous gallbladder surgery.
Noah is beginning soccer. We're taking him to his first practice today. He is so excited and can't wait to race me while he's wearing his "super fast" cleats.
Juliana is talking up a storm. She loves everything pink, and especially all the winter Olympians' pink garb. Her favorite food right now is a bagel with strawberry (pink) cream cheese.
Isaiah is between crawling and walking. He can stand up unassisted for a short time and is still so full of joy. He's been sick this last week with double ear infections, very high fever, and congestion. I'm happy to report that his fever has come down, and he is smiling again. :)
We are planning to leave for Cuernavaca, Mexico at the end of May/beginning of June for the beginning of a six-year commitment to work for the Lord in Mexico.

If you'd like to know how to pray for us right now, please pray that we will be able to raise the necessary monthly support for us to stay on the field, for strength during this time of transition and change, health and rest for all of us, and for wisdom in our many important decisions ahead.

God bless you all,

Jeff

P.S. Here is a picture of our team at work.

Counting Down

2009-12-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

We only have two weeks left before we finish the School of Missions here at SIBI in Lubbock. We have so many things left to do in these two weeks that it can be overwhelming to stop and think about it. So, we just keep going and take one thing at a time. Our family is doing well. We're all healthy at the moment (a rare blessing in our house). We had a great Thanksgiving too. We were able to spend it in Conroe with family and our friends Ken & Debbie who are from China. So many decisions and tasks lay ahead of us in the coming year. It is incredible to imagine that we'll be settled into our new homes in Mexico at this time next year. Please pray for our perseverance, strength, wisdom, and patience in this time of overwhelming change.

God bless you all,

Jeff

Break Week

2009-10-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

We just finished the first term in the school of missions here at SIBI and our team is doing really well. We've been really busy planning and dreaming about what God can do through us in Mexico, and try to raise funds at the same time.

We finished our finals this week and we took the kids and our friend Debbie to a special event at a local orchard. It was very small, but the kids enjoyed the hay ride, fresh honey, and releasing lady bugs.

Here are a few photos to give you a taste of the fun:

New Team Photo

2009-09-21T21:52:00.001-07:00

These last couple of weeks have been extremely busy. We've been seeking support for God's mission in Mexico. We have a couple of churches that have yet to get back with us yet. Please pray for our team and for the lost of Mexico.

Noah's 4th Birthday

2009-08-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Noah turned 4 yesterday and we had a party at the park this evening. We brought pizza from one of the places downtown that has a 28" pizza! One pie feeds 8-10 adults! Noah was so excited. He called it "the party pizza." He told me that to have a good party he needed: 1) his Frisbee and soccer ball at the park, 2)chocolate ice cream next to a Lightening McQueen cake, and 3)"the horse game where he doesn't have a tail and you have to put it on and if you do then you are the winner". Don't ask me where that came from, but we came through for him and he had a great party. :) Lots of his friends from school came and he received a hat, sticker books, a backpack, and a lunchbox set that were all Lightening McQueen. We are set. He also got some much needed clothes. The Reyes Family got him a Lightening McQueen race track and we had to put it together when we got home. There is a short clip of him playing with it before we pried him off of it to go to bed. We are so blessed to have such great friends here. Good thing that we are taking half of them to Mexico with us!

That's a Big Pizza!

Our Friends Ken and Debbie

Eating Pizza

Patrick and Sophia

The Before Picture

Our Friends

Cake and Ice Cream

Happy Isaiah

The After Picture
(she's singing Happy Birthday)

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Presents!

I'm on a "Quest"

2009-08-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Our team has begun an extensive training weekend with Missions Resource Network called "Quest.". We'll be making and presenting missions presentations, undergoing extensive professional psychological evaluations, and getting some welcome advice from some seasoned and well-respected members of the Sunset Church of Christ regarding families, missions, and personal spiritual development. Please pray for our team, for those who have sacrificed to help us, and for the people we'll meet in Mexico.

Noah's rocket

2009-07-21T09:41:00.001-07:00

We love books

2009-07-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

Here is Juliana "reading" to the boys. :)

Our Newsletter: March-July, 2009

2009-07-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

The Sims' Newsletter--March to July, 2009

PICTURES!!! (Part 1)

2009-06-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

The many faces of Juliana....
"Cheese"

This is what Isaiah's head has looked like for most of his life. He's been struggling with Eczema and Cradle Cap.
Until this week. HOORAY! I'm glad to report that he's doing much better. And last night he fell asleep in our teammate's arms (Recardo) and he was sucking his thumb for the first time.
Here we are at the Science Museum in Houston and we're making lego cars.
Our friends from China, Ken and Debbie, went with us. Here the girls are working on a puzzle together.
The kids had a great time "preparing" and serving food.
Notice Juliana on tiptoes preparing the drinks.
And here we are on our first Date Night in a long time. Ken and Debbie stayed over and we got to go out to a movie. What a blessing!

Astronaut or buffalo?

2009-06-25T22:25:00.001-07:00

Juliana tried on a space helmet a few weeks ago when we visited NASA in Houston, but withIsaiah's seat behind her she grew "horns.". :).

Learning is fun!

2009-06-24T19:36:00.001-07:00

Here Noah is playing his "Spanish game.". He's really going through the Spanish Rosetta Stone software (as are we) that one of our supporters generously donated to our family. I hope he continues to think of it as a game and language learning continues to be fun for us all. :)

-- Post From My iPhone

Noah's End-of-the-year program

2009-06-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

And now a clip for all the grandmas and aunts. Enjoy. :)

Senior Sermon

2009-05-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

For those of you who'd like to hear my senior sermon, you can follow this link:

http://www.sibi.cc/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=373&Itemid=185

It's 11 minutes long.

And, you can hear Juliana saying "Daddy!" a few times in there too :).

Our Team So Far...

2009-05-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Sims Family, The Garcia Family, and The Reyes Family. We'll have more info. for you soon on the Reyes family in our upcoming newsletter. With eight children between us and one on the way, our mentors in Cuernavaca joked that we need to recruit a youth and family minister for our team alone. :)

Some of the best things in life are free

2009-05-16T18:49:00.001-07:00

Juliana loved her free donut...and Noah's too since he didn't want his.

Here is a sample of my school work--check it out

2009-05-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Lay Your Burdens Down Lay Your Burdens Down mrjssims 12 Lessons For Christians Who Want Relief From The Burdens They Carry.

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Essays & Theses School Work

Should we really have a “right to privacy”?

2009-05-10T23:11:00.001-07:00

It sure sounds good to my "American Ears," but I've had to reexamine my felt need for a right to privacy.

First, in Gen. 2:18 it says, "it is not good for man to be alone." Can I say Amen? In this context, it is discussing the marriage relationship between a man and a woman and it says that it is better for man to have help and companionship rather than be alone. Let's just look for a second at Satan's first recorded attack on mankind. Notice that he didn't approach Eve while she was with Adam, but he waited to approach her when she was alone. He apparently does some of his "best" work when people find themselves alone (think Jesus in the desert). Personally, I know that I am tempted much more often and with greater intensity when I'm alone rather than with someone else. For my spiritual well-being, I try to avoid being isolated for prolonged periods of time unless it is for the purpose of meditating on God's word or for prayer (and let me tell you that even (or especially?) during those times, Satan tries to hound me).

Second, nostalgia aside, the early days of America offered a unique atmosphere that promoted family unity, community involvement, and mutual accountability. Maybe it was that no one wanted to be in the house much without air conditioning, so they found themselves outside and with their neighbors together very often. Or, maybe it was because the usual floor-plan for their houses, schools, and churches consisted of a single room. I do know how easy it is to isolate myself from my family, my community, and the world by closing a door to my car or room. I also know, however, that it is impossible to discharge the duties I have as a husband, father, minister, missionary, brother, son, and friend when isolated from other people. Sure, it's nice to be alone, and some people need time alone to "recharge." But, let us all be careful of how we use that time, and of how much time we spend alone.

And so, though there is something in me that longs to "get away to just relax," I know that there is a danger ever-present in those situations. And, just as Jesus often went out to be by himself to pray and meditate, as I learn to be more like Him, I must continue to be ever-vigilant in such situations against the Tempter and his schemes.

And speaking of exasperated children…Preventative Discipline has saved a lot of tears

2009-05-10T22:40:00.001-07:00

There have been a lot of spankings in our house in the last few years. And, unfortunately, they're not always very effective. Noah, especially, seems to think that spankings are worth it in order to do some things he's not supposed to do. It was time for a change.

Bedtime has been particularly frustrating over the last year or so. Ever since Noah's been able to dismantle the door knob cover, he's found it increasingly enticing and entertaining to come out of his room for hours on end, which led to many, many spankings. The system was broken.

Amazingly, now when it's bedtime he stays in bed without so much as a peep. What's changed? Our usual routine is still the same: read our Bible (and one other book of his choosing), sing songs together as a family, Brush Teeth, Floss, use the restroom, Pray, go to bed. But now…he has an incentive to stay in bed that keeps him in bed. Noah LOVES to play games (and who would have known? J ), and especially UNO, checkers, and Skip Bo. Now at bedtime, instead of threats and punishments, we offer an opportunity. I say something like "Noah, if you're a good sleeper tonight and you stay in your bed quietly and go to sleep without coming out of your room; you can earn the opportunity to play UNO (or another game) with Mommy and Daddy tomorrow night." The results were almost immediate. The first night he chose to come out of his room (for something other than going to the restroom or being sick). When he realized he'd really lost the opportunity to play a game the next day, he cried and cried (much worse than if I'd spanked him ten times). The next night when we offered him the same chance, he made the choice to stay quietly in his bed. IT WAS AMAZING! The first thing he says when he gets up now is "Daddy, I can play UNO with you tonight!." He's so proud that he's made a good choice and been rewarded for it. And, we all enjoy playing games together in the evenings before bed. It's become a great way for him to learn colors, numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, patters, order, manners, and good sportsmanship. What a blessing!

We've not stopped spanking by the way. Sometimes there is just no substitute. But we've been able to significantly lessen a major point of contention between us by being proactive rather than reactive.

Fathers are to Lead…Make Sure You Know Where You’re Going

2009-05-10T22:16:00.001-07:00

God created specific roles for specific people. Fathers are to train their children in the way they are to go. Children look to their fathers for guidance, acceptance, love, discipline, boundaries, education and more. If a father fails to lead their children to God or to teach them His ways, then their chances of finding and following the truth are poor at best. God told the Jews how to raise godly children:

Pro 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Deu 11:18-23 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (19) Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (20) Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, (21) so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. (22) If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him— (23) then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you.

Notice how God wants fathers to take advantage of every opportunity: at home, when traveling, during times of rest, in the morning, in the evening, and as you come and go. Notice also the actions: teach, talk, sit, walk, lie down, get up, and write with your children.

Paul reiterates this message in Ephesians. It is the Father's responsibility to see that his children are trained and instructed in the Lord.

Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Challenge to fathers: How are your home devotionals (or equivalent) going? Do you have time set aside to read Scripture, Pray, sing, and talk with your child? If not, start today (and continue)! You are leading by example: make sure your example is a good one.

More sharing...

2009-04-24T20:40:00.001-07:00

I'm just glad we walked in when we did... Who knows how big the stack would have become. :)

My beautiful girls

2009-04-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Aren't they lovely?

Sacrificial Love

2009-04-24T12:19:00.001-07:00

Juliana shares even her most prized posessions with her baby brother.

Circus Events

2009-04-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Noah's favorite, the ring of fire!

A close second, motorcycles in a ball!

People

2009-04-23T09:23:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Animals

2009-04-23T09:21:00.001-07:00

Elephants!

White tigers!

The Circus!

2009-04-23T09:18:00.001-07:00

Startin' 'em early

2009-04-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Isaiah

2009-04-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

I thought that you might like this. It's such a great picture. :)

The face of fun

2009-04-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

Here is Juliana in a slide at the park.

Happy Easter

2009-04-15T14:33:00.001-07:00

The kids enjoyed their holiday and their cards.

Edible Art

2009-03-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

My Dad used to make pancakes in all shapes and sizes when my brother
and I were growing up. I've enjoyed passing on this fun tradition.
The kids requests so far include Lighting McQueen, dinosaurs,
butterflies, princesses, snakes, and circles. That's right, circles!
Strangely, that's one of their favorite's. :) Here's a blueberry bird
on the griddle from this morning. They sure eat well on pancake
days. :)

Cool Readings

2009-03-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

They wanted to wear their sunglasses for most of the day today.
Juliana's ended up upside down almost as often as not.

Snow Day!

2009-03-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

We ventured out into the snow today and getting dressed was as much
fun as playing in the snow. :)

A 1st

2009-03-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Isaiah's first restaurant experience was Rosa's Mexican. He slept
well the whole time we ate. I'm sure he'll get his share of Mexican
food later. :)

Listening face?

2009-03-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

At Peace

2009-03-10T07:58:00.001-07:00

Isaiah's Granny

2009-03-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

Isaiah's Great-Grandmother

2009-03-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

Isaiah Daniel. :)

2009-03-05T00:29:00.000-08:00

Isaiah Daniel Sims...

2009-03-05T00:27:00.000-08:00

...was born at 1:17am. He weighed 5 lbs. 13oz. and was 18 1/4" long.
He is perfect and beautiful!

Un Tradición En Mi Familia

2009-03-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

Kristina was finally able to pick up her plate last night. Doesn't it look great?! She was inspired by the "Waechtersbach Plate" tradition to create something comparable. But, I really like the Spanish touch! Here is the description of the Waechtersbach Plate from Amazon.com:

"It was a time honored tradition among early American families when someone deserved special praise or attention, they were served dinner on The Red Plate. Today this custom, so dear to early American families, returns to remind us a simple reward can mean so much. The Red Plate is the perfect way to acknowledge a family member's special triumphs . . . celebrate a birthday . . . praise a job well done . . . reward a goal achieved . . . or simply say "You are Special Today". When The Red Plate is used, any meal becomes a celebration, honoring that special person, event, or deed. It is a visible reminder of love and esteem, a way of showing someone dear to you they are appreciated and remembered."

I'm really looking forward to many years of special family memories spent around our dinner table.

Noah's "Special Day"

2009-02-25T21:23:00.001-08:00

With the baby coming very soon it is clear that Noah is feeling like he's losing some our attention already. Here is an example:

Mommy: Noah...I'm so glad you're my son. You're mommy's special boy. Do you know you'll always be mommy's special boy?
Noah: Well, there is another boy coming.
Mommy: Yes, but you're always going to be my big boy. Your brother will always be younger than you.
Noah: But he's going to grow!

This conversation, among others, gave Kristina the idea to give Noah his very own "special day" in which he gets to make all of the decisions about what the family will do, what we'll eat, and where we'll go. He loved it. Here is a brief summary:

Breakfast: Apple Sauce and Cereal (with the TV on today)
Science Spectrum: He and Juliana played and had a great time.
Lunch: McDonald's for happy meals and play time.
Nap: (this was Mommy and Daddy's only requirement)
Library: Noah and Juliana got to pick out new books and videos. Noah picked 2 Bob the Builder movies, a Curious George book, and a Wallace and Gromit Comic Book.
Dinner: Furr's cafeteria :) He loves it! (Especially the Jell-O)
Movie: He got to watch one of his Bob the Builder movies from the library while Juliana took her bath.
Bath: Always a favorite with Noah. He loves to play basketball in the tub.

During the day Noah was trying to understand how far his "special day" privileges actually extended. He kept asking questions like "does Juliana get to play at the Science Spectrum too?" and "Does Juliana get to take a bath tonight too?" meaning he'd like to be the only one to do any of those things. The next two mornings he asked if he could have another special day. I think he really enjoyed the extra attention, and I think we've started a new family tradition. Eventually it would be cool if we could rotate each child (maybe even adults in the rotation too) once a month. Kristina painted a "special day" family plate the other night at the "Clay Cafe." Each family member will be able to eat off of the plate on their own birthdays, special days, and important days. I'll have to post a picture when she picks it up.

At the Science Spectrum playing checkers with chess pieces

It is a "special day" when Grimace joins you for lunch

Ah...chocolate milk and french fries (he was very adamant that we get him ketchup too)

Enjoying the view from above

Surfing?

There's always room for two (so thinks Juliana) :)

Dr. Noah

2009-02-14T15:36:00.001-08:00

Noah "checked" Juliana's temperature. He said she had a fever so he
sat down and wrote out her prescriptions. He said she needed lots of
medicines.

Cat in the hat

2009-02-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

Notice the forced handshake.

At play

2009-02-13T13:11:00.001-08:00

"football"

Baby!

2009-02-13T13:09:00.000-08:00

Juliana's ready for her baby brother to come. :)

And the two became one

2009-02-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of our new baby boy's upcoming delivery we moved Noah and Juliana in to the same room. It hasn't been a completely smooth transisiton as you might imagine. Oh, they're both excited about being in the same room, but they are more interested in playing than sleeping when bedtime comes. Noah sleeps with the light off normally (and plays when it's on), Juliana sleeps with the light on normally (and cries hysterically when it's off). Solution? We got a very dim nightlight and the last two nights have gone much much better. I'm sure this is just the beginning of the concessions and sacrifices they'll both be making for their little brother. :)

Here is a picture of Juliana as we found her in the middle of the night shortly after we moved her from her crib to her "big bed." It took me awhile to find her actually...when she was nowhere else to be found, I looked under her bed. :)

I also wanted to share one of our new family traditions with you. Noah and Juliana got to decorate Christmas cookies with thier "Da" (My mom) and they left them out for Santa. "Santa" ate the cookies and left a note. I plan to leave a note every year for them as a response and kind of a year end summary of thanks and praise for their good behavior and attitudes.

Attention Teachers in all shapes and sizes

2009-02-04T18:54:00.000-08:00

Ok. I don't normally recommend books to others unless they are extremely valuable and worthwile. So here goes...I am reading this book:

We're reading it in our Family and Youth Ministry class right now and as I'm reading each chapter I find myself saying things like "I wish I had read this book before I taught for five years," "I should buy this for all of my friends who are teachers," and "I can't believe how true and helpful this information is." What a difference this is going to make in the lives of students whose teachers take this material to heart!

Challenge: If you teach anything to anyone in almost any setting...please buy and READ this book. You will not be dissapointed.

-Jeff

Newsletter--Volume 1, Issue 1

2009-01-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

Jan & Feb 2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

To Subscribe to our newsletter, send an email to simsnewsletter@gmail.com and type the word "subscribe."

Missing Tacos already

2009-01-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

Here are our teammates (Patrick, Brandon'a, and Sophia), next are Doug and Sandy Holcomb (Missionaries in Cuernavaca and possible future mentors/co-workers), then Kevin Haynes (Dean of Missions and an instructor at S.I.B.I.[He worked as a missionary in Equador for 5 years and served as our translator and mentor on our survey trip], and then of course there's us. (Our parents were able to watch Noah and Juliana for the nine days we were in Mexico...WHAT A BLESSING that was for our trip!)
Here are the famous Tacos Al Pastor. They can be found especially in the area near Mexico City. They are indescribably wonderful. We weren't in Mexico for more than 2 hours before we were sitting in front of a plate full of these tacos. :)

Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who helped us get to Mexico. It was an amazingly fruitful trip. We eliminated San Luis Potosi from the list and we're deciding between Aguascalientes and Cuernavaca. They are both beautiful cities with unique and appealing works. We'll be prayerfully considering them both. Please pray with us and for us.

Also, Alpine Church of Christ graciously and generously helped us purchase a used Minivan for our work in Mexico. We needed a vehicle that would be reliable and have enough room for our growing family. We decided on a Toyota Sienna. It has been and continues to be a huge blessing to our family. THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! Your support for our studies and our work is such a blessing!

Aguascalientes

2008-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

We made it safely to Aguascalientes and it's a beautiful city. I´ll have to post pictures when I get the chance. All is well here. Today we will rent a van and see as much of the city as possible. The bell hop from our hotel is going to be our guide. He used to live in Tuscon so he speaks very good English as well. He loves his city and he´s excited to show us all about it. I´d better go for now, see you soon.

Jeff

Cuernavaca y mas

2008-12-28T15:59:00.001-08:00

We're in Mexico and we're well! Our first stop was Cuernavaca and
we're getting a lot of our questions answered. Doug and Sandy Holcomb
have been very gracious hosts and guides. It's a beautiful place with
very friendly people. We'll try to keep you updated as we get
Internet access.

Christmas Parties

2008-12-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

We attended our class Christmas party last Friday. It was great getting to sing and play games with everyone. Any moment we spend not studying these days is very welcome around our house. :)
Noah and Juliana got to see Santa in their classes on Friday too. Noah was very excited and Juliana walked over to get her present, but didn't want him to pick her up. I'll get pictures up soon so you can see. Right now, it's back to studying.

She who has ears, let her fear

2008-12-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here is Juliana at the Doctor's office. She had tubes put in her ears last week. She seems to be feeling better and has no signs of ear infections since the operation. I think it was probably harder on mommy than on baby, but both did well. :)

My "Big Bed"

2008-12-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Juliana is no longer sleeping in her crib. She's graduated to the toddler bed. She is very excited and walks around saying "big bed" "big bed." She goes to bed when it's time and stays all night long. She's really growing up fast!

Blinding Sun

2008-12-01T20:25:00.001-08:00

I took this today on the way home . I put it through the
infrared filter on my phone and I thought it looked pretty cool.

Arrrrrrr you sure you can't spare another necklace?

2008-12-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

I'm glad I caught this moment because it didn't last long. :)

Pirate Party

2008-12-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

We also got to go to my nephew's birthday party while we were in Ft.
Worth. Noah and Juliana got to go on a treasure hunt. :)

Family Fun

2008-12-01T13:09:00.001-08:00

We got a chance to visit my brother's family in Fort Worth this week.
While we were there we got a chance to go downtown. It was beautiful
and we had a great time.

Friends and Fun

2008-11-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

We got to see our good friends Chris and Becky while we were in
Longview.

Can you spot our Indian?

2008-11-18T22:26:00.001-08:00

And again

2008-11-18T22:25:00.001-08:00

Our budding musician

2008-11-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

Horn Yonkers

2008-11-18T22:22:00.000-08:00

Trees are fun

2008-11-18T22:18:00.001-08:00

And again

2008-11-18T22:16:00.001-08:00

Unconventional swing play

2008-11-18T22:15:00.001-08:00

Excercise

2008-11-18T22:12:00.001-08:00

We have fun at the park. :)

Priorities

2008-11-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

Juliana rarely goes anywhere these days without her blanket, her
"baby,"or her juice (barely visible under her blanket).

We're A Snuggly Family

2008-11-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

Turkey here we come!

2008-11-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

We're planning on spending our Thanksgiving break in Longview. We're also stopping along the way to visit my brother's family in the Metroplex. I hope we'll be able to see many of you on our travels.

-Happy Turkey Day,

Jeff

# 4--Where did the Bible come from?

2008-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

2Pe 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. (21) For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

1Th 2:13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

The Bible is the Word of God. The message is God's message. It was revealed to men (Apostles and Prophets) by the Holy Spirit. They wrote it down so that others could hear and know the truth.

The Bible does not change because of our interpretation. It is our job to study and find out what God said, and then to tell THAT MESSAGE to others. The Bible from cover to cover is a message of hope for people who are willing to listen and obey what God says. It is a sober message of condemnation for those who refuse to listen and obey.

Mommy's Home! :)

2008-11-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids waiting for Kristina at the airport. They love the airport. Noah is most excited about what the passengers always bring: pretzels or peanuts. :) Juliana ran to meet Kristina and gave her a big hug. This is Juliana's "cheese face." It actually looks like a smile so that bodes well for future pictures. She's quite the little ham.

# 3--How do I get faith in God?

2008-11-09T19:34:00.001-08:00

Rom 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Without the Bible, it is possible to know that there is a God by looking around at creation. But without the Bible we would know precious little about Jesus, and we would not know what God says a person must do to have their sins forgiven. Without the apostles' testimony a person could not be saved.

I know that many people would like to have a stronger faith in God. I know that many struggle with doubts and wonder what they can do to get closer to God. Here is one sure solution that God offers to all mankind: Read the Bible. "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."

# 2--What is God's plan?

2008-11-08T19:21:00.001-08:00

Eph 1:4-5 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love (5) He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

I love to read that God knew before the world was made that He would send Jesus to make a way for us to come back to Him. He knew we would separate ourselves from Him through sin, and loved us anyway. This tells us that the church is not an afterthought. The church was part of God's plan all along.

"Kids Eat Free"...are there any better words?

2008-11-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

I guess the kids are missing their mother...and they've decided to ship themselves to San Antonio. They really had a lot of fun playing in the suitcase today.

This morning we went to the park to Noah's friend Liam's birthday party. Everybody had a great time. Here's Noah after he just pinned the tail on the donkey. He'd never played that game before and didn't understand that you couldn't peek under the blindfold. So, of course he did very well. :)

One of our friends from Sunset (Dave) plays the guitar and sings very well. Liam's parents got him to play and sing for the kids at the party. They had a great time singing along.

We made our way to Denny's for dinner tonight. Kids eat free on Saturdays with an adult entree. Where else in town can three people eat so well for $5? They gave Noah some "Mystery Powder" that turned his lemonade blue. He thought it was pretty cool.

Here's Juliana trying to decide if she's going to take another bite or not. (More likely she's trying to find another bite of fruit instead of eating the rest of her bread). She ate really well and I think she was pretty full by this point.

# 1--Is there a God?

2008-11-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Rom 1:19-20 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Most of the people I know believe that to be true…that there is a God. I know some who try to hide from that fact, try to push it out of their mind, pretend it is not so, or just live lives so busily that they can "forget" that there is a Creator who has expectations for them.

Some others are trying to do their best to live for Him. I've learned a lot of things over the past year and a half that I'd like to share with everyone I know. I'm going to do my best to offer God's word and God's truths to those willing to listen.

This will be a journey…and I do not know where it will lead, but I do know that God is the only hope for any of us. And, there is a God.

Daddy's Day

2008-11-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

Kristina is in San Antonio with her sisters and her mother until Monday. They meet every year for a weekend of shopping (mostly getting their Christmas shopping done) and fun. So that means I've got the kids all to myself for a few days. We've really been enjoying each other so far. I would hate to have to do things all by myself for much longer than that, but it's fun for a little while. :)

Juliana's hair is finally long enough for a pony tail. She's never liked us to put bows in her hair, but this didn't seem to bother her at all.

Noah was a big help at the library today. He enjoys doing things for others like opening and holding doors for them and pushing his sister in the stroller.

They each got to pick a book (Noah picked Juliana's too). Noah picked one about Curious George. He knew which one he wanted before we went in. Kristina read it to him a few weeks ago at the library. We went to the Curious George section and began looking through it...he seemed disappointed with each one we picked up until we got to the exact one he was looking for. He giggled and said "That's it daddy! I've been looking for that one for a week!"

Fridays are long days for the kids. Our classes don't get out until 1pm, and so the kids don't eat until about 1:30 or 2. That pushes their naps back, and then by the end of the day they're pretty worn out. This is Juliana waiting for her turn to get dressed for bed.

Noah's Great-Grandmother sent him a Halloween card with $1 in it. We told him he could pick out one thing at the dollar store that he wanted. He picked out this game called Stack Tower. We take turns adding pieces to the precarious tower, and the one with the most points (earned by getting 3 in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) at the end wins. He loves it, and it's a good review of numbers as well as good practice at hand-eye coordination.

Kids are fun :)

2008-11-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

Juliana loves her sunglasses. (She loves anything she can wear)
Here she is at school eating her snack.
Here we are at the dollar store. They have a good time playing "dress up."
A rare moment when they're both still.
We love to read together.

Our Frog

2008-10-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Our Penguin

2008-10-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T22:28:00.001-07:00

It's a zoo around here!

Family picture

2008-10-29T20:20:00.001-07:00

Mexico and Report Cards

2008-10-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you who've not yet heard...we've committed to going to Mexico after we finish the curriculum here at S.I.B.I. (including advanced missions for six months after we graduate).

In addition, our team is already forming. We've committed to going with our very good friends and classmates, the Garcias. Patrick graduated from Texas Tech and worked for Raytheon. His wife Brandon'a graduated from Lubbock Christian University and was an art teacher before coming to S.I.B.I. Their precious daughter Sophia was born earlier this year. Patrick and Jeff were co-leaders of our class last year as were Kristina and Brandon'a for thiers. And, our families have been growing closer every day.

We're narrowing down the list of possible cities in which we'll work (we even met tonight to pray, go over research, and plan). We're also planning a survey trip to visit the cities that make the cut in late Dec./Early Jan.

We're very excited about what God has in store for us and for Mexico in the future.

Kristina and I also recieved our report cards today for last term, and I'm pleased to report we both did very well.

I'd love to talk to you all more about Mexico and our plans. If you'd like to hear more, please call us anytime.

--Goodnight,

Jeff

Stromboli night

2008-10-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

2008-10-06T20:04:00.001-07:00

2008-10-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Mobile

2008-10-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Noah and Juliana enjoy riding/pushing things around the neighborhood.
And playing in the dirt and rocks. :)

From Noah with love

2008-09-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

Noah gave this flower to me the other day, and he said "don't lose it
Daddy." Usually he brings Kristina and me weeds and calls them
flowers. But I love it! It makes me so happy that he is giving us
gifts. I have never valued weeds before, but these are precious. I
love those moments when I get a better picture of God in my mind...I
know that my gifts must look a lot like weeds sometimes, but he loves
me with a Father's love and they are so beautiful to Him. I couldn't
keep this flower alive, but I didn't want to lose this memory. I hope
you all enjoy this flower from Noah as much as I did. :)

"Lay in a round"

2008-09-19T23:25:00.000-07:00

Wal-mart parking lot last week

2008-09-19T23:19:00.000-07:00