Afternoon Date

I have to tell you about my special date with my husband this afternoon. We did something we have never done together. It was a day to put down in our dates to remember book.

I bet your wondering what we did....aren't you?

We met at the Wal-Mart Optical Center, got in side by side chairs and ordered bi-focals. That's right, our date consisted of ordering bi-focals. Aren't those supposed to be for the "older" generation? Does that mean that Donnie and I are now part of the "older" group? Ugh!!

My dear friends, please don't let me act old even if I really am getting old(er).

Now For Beth

All the kids are in bed and now I get to sit down and share with you a little bit about Beth, my middle child who just turned 14.

I think the best way to describe Beth is that she is one of the "best" girls that I know. When I say best I mean that she is such a good girl with high morals, strong Christian values and overall just an easy child. She always has been. She is one of those children who really makes it easy to be a parent.

Beth gave her heart to Christ when she was five years old and to this day never lets me forget when it is her spiritual birthday because her salvation means that much to her. When she was twelve years old, she surrendered to the ministry. She is not exactly sure what God is calling her to do, she just knows that He is calling.

Beth is a tremendous athlete. It just comes naturally for her. She is in constant competition with her daddy and loves to beat him in anything she can. It's a healthy competition that I think makes her better in what she is doing.

Beth (Diddy) is a fantastic big sister to Faith. I never knew a sister could love her baby sister so much until I saw Beth with Faith. It is an incredible gift and blessing to see these two girls together. Beth will be a great mommy someday.

I want Beth to always know how absolutely beautiful that she is on the outside but also on the inside. I have tried to teach Beth that the Bible says that God sees what is on the inside and that is the most important beauty. I believe she has that inner beauty that shines so bright.

I want Beth to know that not only is she my daughter but she is my special friend. I would rather spend time with her than any friend I can think of. We truly have fun together and enjoy being together.

I want Beth to know that I love her more than she could ever know. She is my precious child and she makes my heart happy. I am so proud of who she has become and of who I know she is striving to be; a girl after God's own heart.

I also want her to know that she is truly a princess because her Father is the King of Kings and that she is the apple of His eye. And as much as I love her, God loves her even more.

The Wisdom of a Little Sister

The kids and I were watching television tonight when a girl came on the screen who was not dressed very modestly. Faith decided to take matters into her own hands when she covered her brother's eyes. She proceeded to say that bubby did not need to see someone dressed like that now but needed to wait until he was married to see his wife dress that way.

Needless to say I am pleased that Faith is concerned about how women dress. She, herself, has not always enjoyed the comfort of too many clothes around our house. (know what I mean)

I am glad that she is concerned about what her brother sees that could cause him to stumble. I pray that she will stay that way. I also pray that she will always try to dress in a way that is pleasing to God.

Keith's Turn

I've told you about Donnie, now I want to tell you about my firstborn. Keith will be seventeen in March. I can't believe it. The years have flown by with him. It truly seems like it has been no time since he came into this world and showed me what unconditional love was all about. There's something about that first born child that is pretty special.

If I had to describe Keith it would be like this. Keith is a fine young man who loves the Lord. He has a gentle, quiet faith. Keith is not one to be the center of attention and really would rather be in the background. He truly is an unselfish person and would give you most anything he had. He is a gentleman.

Keith loves anything to do with electronics, music and movies. I figure he will end up like his dad doing something with computers for a living because that just seems to be how he is wired. He has always, even since he was a little fellow, been smarter than me with a computer. This always did and still does thrill him to know that he knows more than me on something. (actually probably on a lot of things)

When I think about Keith's future, I truly believe that he will be much like his daddy. I believe he will make some girl a wonderful husband someday. I believe he will serve and follow the Lord with all his heart. I know he will make mistakes, but I believe he will keep his focus on God and stay the course that is planned for him.

To Keith I would say, "I love you with all of my heart and am so proud of you and so thankful to have you as my son. I wouldn't change anything about you and think that God made you just perfect."

Animal Merry Go Round

What goes on in the Kinser home during a typical school day? Of course we do the usual homework, test taking, arts and crafts, Bible time and other creative handiwork.

On other days, like yesterday, time is taken to "play" with Faith and see what her reaction will be.

When Faith walked downstairs for lunch yesterday you will see what she found on the ceiling that her big brother had done. He really didn't do it to be mean and it really was funny.

Are you wondering how Faith reacted? At first she laughed, until Keith started spinning the fan, and then she became very, very unhappy. Mad would be more like it. She didn't like her best furry friends going for a ride where they might fall off.

Beginning to get a little out of control, we told Faith that she couldn't scream at her brother anymore and had to calm down. Well, this is what I found taped to the banister a few minutes later.

Let me decipher this for you. The first one is Faith yelling Keith's name, the second one is her screaming and the third one is her sticking out her tongue at Keith. (which by the way she is not allowed to do) Their was one more of her crying but she tore it up. How funny is that? Maybe if more people drew out their frustrations on paper rather than letting them out verbally, we would be better off. I don't know.

In Faith's bedtime prayer she told God that she really thought it was funny that he had put her friends up there but she didn't like it when he started to spin them around because they might have fallen off.

Anyway, all is forgiven and our furry friends are safely back on the ground where they belong.

Inauguration 2009

The kids and I watched Fox News all day today as our 44th President, Barack Obama, was being sworn in. It was a historical day that's for sure.

We watched as the transition of power took place and the Bushes with great dignity and respect welcomed the new president and first lady. I was so impressed with how these two families seemed to treat one another.

I pray for our new president that first of all he knows Jesus as His Lord and Savior and that he will seek God's wisdom in every decision he makes from here forward. I pray for God's presence and protection upon him, his wife and children.

I thank you, President Bush, for being the kind of man that I would like to be friends with, that I would like to have dinner with, that I think would pray for me if I asked. I believe you are a fine man.

God bless the United States of America!!

Oh Happy Snowy Day

Okay, when you live in Middle Tennessee even a little bit of snow makes us oh so happy. We have waited and waited and waited for snow and finally we have some. Be it ever so little, we do have some.

Faith has taken advantage of the snow just in case this is all we get. How sad it is when we think we have a big snow and the deck is barely covered. Oh well, we will take what we can get.