James 1:19-21 Humbly Accepting the Word of Truth

Before we can live what we believe, we must know what we believe. Kevin outlined the basic steps of Bible study this morning:

1. Observe by looking at the contest, word definitions, and genre of literature in the book which contains the passage.

2. Interpret by taking the facts and asking, "What was God inspiring the original author to teach his original readers? What is the big idea?"

3. Apply the passage to your life.

I didn't get to hear this message in person, because I was teaching 8 energetic little 4-6 year olds in Children's Church. We talked about being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry - something people of all ages need to remember and live out! So I listened to the sermon at the website. You can, too, at kurtenchurch.org!

Summer Begins

Last day of school

Playing in the pool

Hot dogs on the grill, potato salad, and watermelon in the back yard

Summer is officially started!

James 1:13-18 Temptation

Kevin preached about the dangerous slope of entertaining temptation (an inward pull to sin), and how it starts a cycle that leads to sin and death. He addressed the interesting question of the phrases, "God cannot be tempted" and "No one should say, 'God is tempting me'" - What about Jesus's temptation in the desert. For more one that issue, visit kurtenchurch.org and click on the pastor's blog. You can hear the whole sermon on the website, as well.

At the Alpaca Farm

The kids and I had a fun visit to a nearby alpaca (or as Johnathan pronounces it, ala-paca!)farm this morning with buddies Ellie and Margaret. The animals are so sweet, with their soft fur and big eyes. The kids had fun trying to entice them to come over to sample the hay they offered. If they held still enough, the little alpacas would come over and sniff their faces - at which point the Boaz siblings would scare them off by squealing and running away!

We learned, among other things, that alpacas are mainly raised for hair and are sheared once a year, they only have teeth on the bottom of their mouth, and baby alpacas are called cria.

Here is a little girl who was just born on Saturday.

She and her attentive mama stuck close together.

A morning of furry fun with our friends!

Naomi's Preschool Graduation

Naomi's preschool end of the year program was today. Can't believe she'll be heading off to kindergarten this fall. The kids sang lots of cute songs, were awarded "Godly Traits" certificates, and had pizza for lunch.



Naomi was awarded the godly trait of "Initiative". She definitely loves to take the initiative - she's never been one to sit back and not get involved! Here she is crossing the stage to get her certificate from Mrs. Letz with her baby picture on the big screen (What are they trying to do - make a pregnant Mommy cry?).

Don't miss this video of Miss Naomi singing "I'm Not Perfect":

Still growing...

It's been compared to a basketball, an Easter egg, and a "feat of architectural engineering" (my personal favorite!).

I just call it "the baby bunker"...

Seriously, how much larger can my belly get?

At my 34 week appointment on Monday, we got the report that Baby Boaz is still in the upper 90th percentile for his size - maybe 6 1/2 pounds. And he is very low. I'm starting to dialate a little, so it may not be too long now. We'll keep you posted!

The Nursery

We're ready for you, little guy, whenever you're ready to make your appearance! Here's your new room.