Shepherding A Child's Heart

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6).

Six months. It has been six months that Mandy and I have been parents. We would both say with the biggest smiles on our faces, "We have been truly blessed! It is delightful to be the parents of Lydia." We are just beginning as parents and have much learning, growing, repenting, and rejoicing ahead of us. Learning how to guide our lives in God's ways as parents. Growing in grace between each other as a family and to Jesus. Repenting of our faults, failures, and foolishness to Jesus, who is our Advocate, and each other. And rejoicing each day as new adventures and joys come our way by God's hand of providence.

Over the past couple months, Mandy and I have been reading, learning, and thinking over godly parenting. Now to our "dorky" side. A fun evening for us, though not all the time, is to sit down on the couch and watch a sermon or lecture on whatever. The topics are usually over a practical issue such as marriage or parenting. One of the resources which has been extremely helpful is a video series by Ted Tripp, the author of "Shepherding a Child's Heart". We share it with you because we love you and it is very good. So, be a dorky like us and sit on the couch (even with some popcorn) and learn for God's glory and your joy! There are five of them. Here is the first:

Must love dancing...

Dear Future Husband,

I know I'm only 6 months old, but my mom says it's never too early to start thinking of what kind of man you'd like to marry. I already have a list of a few preferences. So, to all the boy babies and toddlers out there in the blogosphere: have your mommy or daddy read this to you and if you are interested, see me (well, my dad first) in about 20 years.

1. Must love Jesus. And I mean, love Him with a passion.

2. Must wear clothes for men. I know this seems obvious, but there has been a recent trend in men wearing pink, purple, and jeans that are a bit too tight. No thanks. Pink is for girls.

3. Must love to dance. I thoroughly enjoy dancing. I mean, have you seen my parents? You are gonna have to love this crazy-fun-who-cares-if-we-look-cool-or-not dancing.

4. Must be OK with drooling, bald spots, chubby cheeks, my ardent desire to chew on toys. Mom says I'll grow out of this, but just in case...

I don't have facebook, twitter, or a cell phone. So, if you want to get in touch with me please contact my dad. I have a feeling that's how this is gonna have to be done years from now anyways.

Love,
Lydia

P.S.- A degree from Clemson is a bonus for my mom. When you talk to my dad just bring up Jonathan Edwards, ketchup, or running.

A Lydia First: Eating With A Spoon!

Yesterday, at our six month doctor check-up, we received the go ahead on solid foods. This morning, after Lydia's first nap, we strapped her up in her high chair and this is the result:

I love the "yum-yum-Mommy-this-is-so-deliciously-tasty moments"!

Lydia: Six Months

Happy (half) Birthday to you Lydia! Our little girl continues to grow healthy and make us smile. She just went to the pediatrician today and asked me to update our readers on her "stats".

Weight: 15 pounds, 2 ounces
Height: 26 inches
Apparently, her weight is below "average" and she's a little taller than most gals her age. She certainly looks "plumper" because a good portion of her weight is in her cheeks and thighs! Her cloth diaper also gives her a rather pear-shape.

She can stand (with balance help), sit up (with lots of pillows), and is getting very skilled at grabbing things (such as my food, necklace, hair, etc). She cannot roll over yet. I was a bit concerned about this since even though I try not to, I compare her progress to other babies and books. The pediatrician says not to worry...so I will enjoy this extended immobile time!

Tomorrow we endeavor into solids foods. Pray that Lydia would learn how to eat from a spoon, patience for us, and for her continued growth, health, and curiosity in this world!

Run a Race (Part 2)

2) Make a goal for the race.

The wise man in the book of Proverbs plans his life (Prov. 21:5). He sets goals to achieve and trust the Lord for the results (Prov. 16:3). The wise runner should do the same. Simple and attainable goals should be made for your race. This will shape your training and motivate you to get out and run on those hot, summer days or cold, winter nights.

If you aim at nothing, you will receive nothing in return. In your preparation, aim at something. For a beginner, this could be running the whole race without walking. You goal could be a certain time or place in the race. It could even be beating a spouse, friend, or co-worker (Personally, this is my greatest motivator!).

In planning your goals, we need to look at three areas:

a) Assess your abilities. This takes a reality check and a little dose of humility. What you can do when you are in your 20s is different than when you are in your 40s and had skipped exercising in your 30s. Personally, I shouldn't set my goals as fast as I did in college. I need to remind myself that I am in my second career of running. As my college coach use to ask before we would run a road race, "How many miles are you running per week?" and "What is your pace?" or "How fast are your intervals?" This is a good indicator on your race ahead of you.

b) Assess your stage of life. What you can do when you are single is different than when you are marriage with a child or two. It should be. Your time should be given to your family before running. Ask, "What are my responsibilities? As a husband or wife? As a dad or mom? As an employee? As a church member?"

c) Implementing your goals. As you make goals, you need to think practically, "how will they be played out?" Some of the questions in regards to running are:

How many days can I run per week?

How much time does running take out of my day?

When can I run?

Where can I run?

If I need showers, do I have a place to clean up?

What time should I run?

The last thing is to write them down along with a training schedule which is what we will look at next time.

to be continued...

Two Hikes, Two Waterfalls

A couple weeks ago, on July 4th weekend, the Stock family along with our friend's, the Mobleys, vacated to Mandy's Mom and step-dad's cabin in Brevard, NC. It was a great time of hiking, walking around the 4th of July festival, playing cards, and Dolly's Ice Cream. Here are some pictures from the trip:

Being right next to Pisgah National Forest, we took two great hikes which ended at two beautiful waterfalls. The first hike was a 0.7 mile trail back to Moore Cove Falls. These falls fell over a huge, indented rock so that you could have a party inside the falls. It also meant that you could stand directly under them. Everybody step under the waterfall and got a little wet. Lydia didn't like it that much.

Another day, we hike to Cove Creek Falls. The distance was about a mile and it was an easier trail. Along the hike, there were off-shoot trails to go down to the river below. Mandy, being the adventurous one, blazed the trail for the rest of us. These were some of the pretty spots.

Mommy and daughter are have a blast!

As we were hiking, we would come across these big, open sunny fields. Lydia needed some cool, eye protection, aka. Daddy's hat.

We made it and it was worth the hike.

Waterfalls and Grace

"Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life" (Psalm 42:7-8).

As I was standing before the waterfall, taking in the beauty which was before me, I reflected on how God's grace is poured out like a waterfall over us. When we are in the grace of God, grace flowing from the cross, always flows over us. But, not at the same intensity or quantity. See, as I observed the water flowing over the rocks, in a continuous moment, parts of the waterfall would be gushing and surging and others parts would gentle glide over and peacefully stream down the river. This is how grace is. There are days and there are night where grace is gushing over me and I know by faith that God's love is every present. And there are seasons and moments where trouble arise and grace surges to get me through. And there are times and days where grace is peacefully soothing my heart and life. But always, there is enough grace for that moment.

Cow Appreciation Day

Today is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fli-a. Thanks, Chick-fil-a! In honor of this great day, the Stock family is having a "Super Chicken Me" Day. Here's the break down:

Breakfast: A morning date with 2 Chicken Biscuits and 1 Chicken Mini

Lunch: A quick lunch for Mandy with one grilled Chicken sandwich

Dinner: A picnic date without Lydia with 2 Chicken Sandwich and fries

So, dress up like a cow and get your free CFA. Enjoy!

Also, here are two "Chick-fli-a Song" by Tim Hawkins:

The older one:

The newer one:

"Look Daddy and Mommy, I can hold things" - Lydia

"I like to read like Mommy and Daddy. Today, I am learning about animal sounds"

"I check my mail every day. Today I received a post card from my Grandpa and Grandma about their travels to the Northeast. I can't wait to see the whales!"

"One of the most favorite parts of my day is when daddy gets home from work!!!"

"I found my new favorite toy - Watermelon!"

"I can't wait for another day in learn and grow in God's creation!"