Family Favorites Friday: Olympics

Grateful for Grace is hosting a blog carnival called Family Favorites Friday. I was so excited to see this carnival begin because I love stories. Then I was struck with stage fright, worried that my family stories wouldn't be funny to anyone else except us. But, then I realized that really my blog is for me and my family as a sort of digital scrapbook, so if we like the stories, that is what matters. And if anyone else gets a giggle out of them, that would be an added bonus. So, here goes....

I love the Olympics. In fact, I am an Olympics junkie. I remember being a little kid and watching the Olympics. I remember all the big stars, and moments. Now, I don't really like boxing or hockey, but put it in the Olympics, add a few personal stories, and I will watch every moment I can. When I was 20 I had surgery on my knee and spent a lot of time on the couch recovering, and the Summer Olympics was on. I watched every televised moment that year. I was even up in the middle of the night to see all the coverage I could. I love the Olympics.

So, 12 years ago, I was so excited for our two oldest boys to be introduced to the wonderful world of Winter Olympics. They were 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 years old. I thought they would be interested in seeing the skating or the skiing, or any of it. The Olympics were held in Japan, and during the opening ceremonies, our boys did see something that they loved. They were fascinated, and practiced their moves every chance they got. They discovered Sumo Wrestling!!! I couldn't believe it. The were disinterested in everything else they saw, but those huge men wearing what looks like diapers, they loved. They would take off their clothes, stripping down to their underwear and diaper, and practice the opening moves, and then full fledged wrestling would follow. We have lots of pictures, but I am not able to scan pictures right now. Maybe some time soon the kinks will be worked out and I will add some pictures.

This year, Padme is 5 and can't get enough of the skating. She dances along as they skate on TV and practices all the moves. Exactly what I was thinking would happen 12 years ago. But the boys did find something they loved, just not what I was thinking they would. And it wasn't that I hoped they would want to be in the Olympics, just enjoy watching them as much as I do. Really, what mother in America hopes her sons will grow up to be Sumo Wrestlers???

90 Day Challenge Check In- Day 32

I am loving this Reading the Bible in 90 Days. Reading fast has really brought out new details that I have never noticed before. It has been taking up my evenings, as well, so I am not blogging or reading blogs as much as before. And we have had sickness at our house since our return from our quick trip. But, everyone is mostly healthy, I was a bit behind on my reading twice, but I am all caught up now.

A few things that have really struck me the past couple of weeks:

1) I didn't realize that Joab was not only David's general, but also his nephew! I wonder if that is part of the reason he had Solomon deal with him instead of doing it himself.

2) Samuel was a man of God and seems blameless throughout his service to God, but his sons do not follow the Lord as he did.

3) There aren't many examples of parents raising up godly children for the Lord. The two kings that are most mentioned for their following God like no one before or since, Hezekiah and Josiah, were both succeeded by their sons who walked away from God. God truly has no grandchildren.

4) As many times as the nation of Israel and later Judah walked away from the Lord, led by the king many times, the priests seemed to be faithful, and there were always prophets of the Lord to give wisdom and speak God's words to the people.

5)David was not to build the temple for the Lord, but the Spirit of God gave all the plans for building the temple to David, and he gave them to Solomon, who built it.

Another interesting thing about reading the Bible through right now is that in my CBS class we are studying the book of Revelation. Seeing the beginning of the nation of Israel and the kings of Israel while studying the end, really highlights God's personality and love for Israel. He is so long suffering and patient. He always sends a warning or warnings before he punishes. He always gives chances for repentance, and is always ready to forgive and restore. I personally would have wiped out the nation back with Moses! God is truly a loving and compassionate God, but he is also a just God and cannot tolerate sin. I am so thankful for his mercy and grace!