Billy and I have been married for just short of 18 years. Not shabby if you ask me. We had a lot of dreams when we first said, "I Do", first of which was to raise a family.
Elizabeth Joy was born 4 short days after our 1 year anniversary...and Hosanna only 18 months later. By the time Victoria was born, only 13 months after her big brother, Benjamin, we had a grand total of 4 kids in 5 years. My friends, it's not for the faint of heart!
Despite our struggle for daily survival (and sleep) back then, we were able to articulate something, very early in our attempt to raise a Christian family, that has proved to shape almost all of our parenting decisions...thus shaping our children. So deeply have we believed this one thing over the years, that it's dictated where we live, which church we attend, which activities we are apart of and the jobs we take. It's dictated which friends we choose, which friends our children choose, how we spend our money and where we send our kids to school. It's dictated which battles we fight with our children and on their behalf. One very important idea indeed.
God has not called us to raise "good" kids.
Yup, that's it! And fellow believers, He hasn't called you to raise good kids either. He hasn't called any of us to raise quiet, well behaved, sweet mannered children. He hasn't called us to raise smart kids or good atheletes. He hasn't called us to raise good musicians or popular kids.
To the point, God is calling us to raise anointed kids...kids on a mission...kids who lay hands on the sick and see them recovered. Kids who care more about people - marginalized, broken, down and out, hurting people than they do about fame, accomplishment or the riches of this world (which is a trap for so many).
God is calling Christian parents to raise their children to care about what He cares about. Humility and self sacrifice come to mind as opposed to pride and self centeredness. Kids who have ears to hear the Holy Spirit and the willingness to cooperate with what the Spirit of God is doing in their lives and in the earth. Kids who would see the world's orphan crisis curbed in their generation not only because they were willing to adopt, but because they are full of compassion and courage, willing to go to the poorest countries to plant churches who could care for many orphaned children. Kids who have compassion on the poor, the hungry, the lonely. Kids who have compassion on the outcasted kids in school. Kids who love well. Kids who understand surrender.
We believed it was our role to stir a hunger in our children for righteous things. When people are hungry, they eat. They do not have to be forced to eat, they just do - A hunger for God's word, worship, and a knowledge that in order to know and embrace God's plan we must surrender our own.
We believe that a person doesn't have to enter their adult life knowing everything. However, knowing how to hear the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit and cooperate with what He says is imperative. Teaching our children this became necessary above all else.
We believed that our role was to introduce our children to the best representatives of our faith, and train them in certain disciplines (like how to pray, how to study God's word). Then, stand back and let them react as they would. For relationships to be authentic after all, we must build them for ourselves.
Bottom line, that's called DISCIPLESHIP. And THAT is what Christian parents are called to do.
With only 24 hours in a day, you can't make your child the best at everything. You can't give them every experience nor cultivate every activity that they MIGHT be good at.
Wise people know there isn't enough time in a life span to fully know everything. But this. This one thing. Discipleship. There is time for this...if you have the courage to make the time, to let other things go, to evaluate the value of each activity based on God's Word - not on current culture.
It's risky. Your kids might appear...different. You might get called a fanatic.
Yet, to disciple our children is what we are called to do.
Parents must understand and teach their children that coming to Christ is like joining a great feast, yes? Blessings, forgiveness, deliverance, eternal life with God in Heaven. All these are ours, and thank you God for them! On the flip side, it's being willing to participate in a great fast. A fasted lifestyle that makes more of Him, more of the least of these, and less of us, of me, who is already blessed so much.
The ability to stop thinking of myself so much, and in turn think of others, to be a blessing, to be the answer to someone else's prayers...to surrender our own selfish appetites for something so much greater - is a gift far beyond sports, music lessons, and an Ivey league education.
What does that cost you? Everything. EVERYTHING. The Christian life is about surrender. And staying the course for life will require everything from your child as well.
Fortunately, God takes what we offer and multiplies it and gives it back. So, someone in this home MAY get an Ivey league education, become a good athlete, or musician as well. But if they do, it will be because God opened those doors for His purpose and for His glory, not because I spent more time preparing my child for college than I did Heaven.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Be mine
Lest you all think it's "too perfect" - here are a few things heard in RamFam Casa this Valentines Day....
"Mom, since I paid $52 for the flowers, they gave me a free vase."
Me, "Valentines Day is a fake holiday designed by Hershey and Hallmark to get our money". Hosanna, "I know. That is why I didn't get you anything".
Me, "Billy, you will love what I got you for Valentines Day". B, "Are you serious? I didn't get you anything". Me, "Then you will love what I got US for Valentines Day".
Remaining nameless, "Did you charge us a hot tub on your mom's credit card for Valentines Day"?
"Thanks mom for the electric blanket".
Eli, "Did you know I'm suppose to take little cards with words on them to school today"?
"Do you think we should invite the extended family over for a romantic Valentines dinner"?
Female child, "I need to become a cheerleader"? Me, "why"? "Because apparently when you are a cheerleader
You get a whole bunch of free stuff from boys on Valentines Day."
Be blessed friends!
"Mom, since I paid $52 for the flowers, they gave me a free vase."
Me, "Valentines Day is a fake holiday designed by Hershey and Hallmark to get our money". Hosanna, "I know. That is why I didn't get you anything".
Me, "Billy, you will love what I got you for Valentines Day". B, "Are you serious? I didn't get you anything". Me, "Then you will love what I got US for Valentines Day".
Remaining nameless, "Did you charge us a hot tub on your mom's credit card for Valentines Day"?
"Thanks mom for the electric blanket".
Eli, "Did you know I'm suppose to take little cards with words on them to school today"?
"Do you think we should invite the extended family over for a romantic Valentines dinner"?
Female child, "I need to become a cheerleader"? Me, "why"? "Because apparently when you are a cheerleader
You get a whole bunch of free stuff from boys on Valentines Day."
Be blessed friends!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Pro Life thoughts on Breast Cancer
(I haven't read every article. I don't know every thing there is to know about breast cancer research or planned parenthood. But I have read. I have listened to some of the arguments. And, I do care about women. So on that note, here you go...).
I have "friends" on both sides. Pro Life friends and Pro Choice friends. Friends in both camps whom I respect, who love their families and believe they are contributing to the good of our society.
I am Pro Life. Not because my Christianity dictates I have to be, but because I've studied the issue from both sides and I've made a thoughtful decision about where I want to stand. I realize that with every decision, especially concerning causes, I don't have a perfect argument. Neither side does. But none-the-less, I have too choose. I love women. But I can not separate that love from the love I have for the babies they carry.
I am not Pro Life because I am a woman hater. I have read that label in many articles over the past few days and it is absurd. Probably a label given by a Pro Choice organization who was no doubt tired of being called a baby killer. In my opinion, none of this is helpful.
The Susan G Komen situation has been interesting to watch over the past few days.
Pro Lifers have applauded SGK's break up with Planned Parenthood. They have escalated it to "baby saving status". Why? This is very unlikely. This non-faith based organization has out right said there decision had nothing to do with the pro life cause and in my opinion we do not do anyone any favors by misrepresenting them.
On the other hand, Pro Choicers have done the same thing. They have also made it political at the sake of women's health care (which has become increasingly unaffordable in America). The last time I checked SGK was a philanthropic organization in the United States of America. They have the right to give money or to not give money where they decide is best. To demand a gift be given is entitlement and bullying. And it is just as political to decide that the "experts" are no longer the "experts" because they make a financial decision that pro choicers don't care for.
I've done some research. Not a single PP in my town does mammograms. They do breast exams. Which is more expensive? Breast exams as done as a part of a womans health screening or a mammogram? If SGK says their funds would do more good for women going directly to these providers, I won't shed a tear over it. But I won't misrepresent their intentions either. They are trying to care for women, not save babies.
Both organizations made quite a bit of money from the 2 days break up. For Pro Lifers and organizations who feel cheated, you need to understand that SGK is a non faithbased, secular, breast cancer research organization. Give them your money if you want to fund breast cancer research. If you look for another organization to support because of the PP connection, you are in your rights to do so. However, if you gave because you wanted to applaud a pro life stance (one that they never claimed to have), you should consider that pro life dollars are better spent by make a contribution to your local crisis pregnancy centers -- places specifically designed to care for woman who couldn't other wise afford it and offer alternatives to abortion.
Lots of people feel passionately over abortion Passionate feelings don't make one an expert on breast cancer research. In my opinion politics won here -- and both sides contributed.
In the meantime, if you are woman who finds herself pregnant. Call me! 719-290-2449. No judgement. No hate. Just someone to care about your story. Having been in an unplanned, teen pregnancy myself, I feel more than qualified to walk you through several options. And love you even if you don't do what I would do...because I do indeed care about both women......and babies.
I have "friends" on both sides. Pro Life friends and Pro Choice friends. Friends in both camps whom I respect, who love their families and believe they are contributing to the good of our society.
I am Pro Life. Not because my Christianity dictates I have to be, but because I've studied the issue from both sides and I've made a thoughtful decision about where I want to stand. I realize that with every decision, especially concerning causes, I don't have a perfect argument. Neither side does. But none-the-less, I have too choose. I love women. But I can not separate that love from the love I have for the babies they carry.
I am not Pro Life because I am a woman hater. I have read that label in many articles over the past few days and it is absurd. Probably a label given by a Pro Choice organization who was no doubt tired of being called a baby killer. In my opinion, none of this is helpful.
The Susan G Komen situation has been interesting to watch over the past few days.
Pro Lifers have applauded SGK's break up with Planned Parenthood. They have escalated it to "baby saving status". Why? This is very unlikely. This non-faith based organization has out right said there decision had nothing to do with the pro life cause and in my opinion we do not do anyone any favors by misrepresenting them.
On the other hand, Pro Choicers have done the same thing. They have also made it political at the sake of women's health care (which has become increasingly unaffordable in America). The last time I checked SGK was a philanthropic organization in the United States of America. They have the right to give money or to not give money where they decide is best. To demand a gift be given is entitlement and bullying. And it is just as political to decide that the "experts" are no longer the "experts" because they make a financial decision that pro choicers don't care for.
I've done some research. Not a single PP in my town does mammograms. They do breast exams. Which is more expensive? Breast exams as done as a part of a womans health screening or a mammogram? If SGK says their funds would do more good for women going directly to these providers, I won't shed a tear over it. But I won't misrepresent their intentions either. They are trying to care for women, not save babies.
Both organizations made quite a bit of money from the 2 days break up. For Pro Lifers and organizations who feel cheated, you need to understand that SGK is a non faithbased, secular, breast cancer research organization. Give them your money if you want to fund breast cancer research. If you look for another organization to support because of the PP connection, you are in your rights to do so. However, if you gave because you wanted to applaud a pro life stance (one that they never claimed to have), you should consider that pro life dollars are better spent by make a contribution to your local crisis pregnancy centers -- places specifically designed to care for woman who couldn't other wise afford it and offer alternatives to abortion.
Lots of people feel passionately over abortion Passionate feelings don't make one an expert on breast cancer research. In my opinion politics won here -- and both sides contributed.
In the meantime, if you are woman who finds herself pregnant. Call me! 719-290-2449. No judgement. No hate. Just someone to care about your story. Having been in an unplanned, teen pregnancy myself, I feel more than qualified to walk you through several options. And love you even if you don't do what I would do...because I do indeed care about both women......and babies.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Small Beginnings
Years ago now..16 to be exact...B was preparing to come on staff at his home church in Valrico, Florida. He would spend his days working on everything from leading worship...to small groups...to outreach. The position was a big deal for 2 very young, newly married, Bible School Students and this church in particular was a place we really wanted to be...under a Pastor we had a great deal of admiration for.
Elizabeth Joy had recentlyrocked entered our world and although I was passionate (and busy) with both motherhood and ministry, I still felt led to pray for my own niche - which I hoped would fall outside the realm of baby diapers and church.
Having been a Performance Music Major, my mother-in-law gave me the family piano and I tossed around the idea of teaching. My across-the-street neighbor was a sweet, kindly music teacher with more than 20 years experience and on occassion we'd find ourselves chatting about the subject.
I remember clearly the day I decided that I would begin teaching piano lessons. I said to B, "Well, if I'm going to do this, I need to advertise. God's not just going to drop students in my lap." About an hour later, my neighbor knocked on our back door (those are still in use in the South) and said, "Here is the name and number of a mom who would like piano lessons. I can't take anymore students in my schedule so, I thought of you. Infact, why don't I recommend you to people who call me from now on." I guess God can do whatever He wants to do.
Thus began a little cottage industry where I would teach music while Elizabeth Joy played on a baby blanket on the floor and B was out saving the world (so to speak).
Over the years, I continued to teach private music lessons while expanding my abilities -- teaching classroom music in schools of all types and becoming a liscensed Kindermusik Educator.
16 years in and I'm ready to take on the expanded role of mentor and encourager to young teachers, just like me, looking to make the world a better place and instill a love of music in young students in Colorado Springs.
This coming year, my studio, Creative Music Concepts will be expanding to offer private lessons in more than one location in our city. We will once again be offering Kindermusik classes to children and their parents/caregivers ages 3 months - 5 years old. We've hired teachers, wonderful musicians in their own right, and the kind of young people you really want your kids to be around.
Now, will you help us by spreading the word? You and your friends can "like" us on Facebook by searching Creative Music Concepts. Also, feel free to pass along our information should you come across anyone needing private piano lessons or might be interested in Kindermusik classes.
We are grateful for the rich place God has brought us too, in our family, in ministry and in business. We look forward to the next 16 years and living life well with many of you.
Blessings,
Shanna and Billy Ramsdell 719-290-2449
Elizabeth Joy had recently
Having been a Performance Music Major, my mother-in-law gave me the family piano and I tossed around the idea of teaching. My across-the-street neighbor was a sweet, kindly music teacher with more than 20 years experience and on occassion we'd find ourselves chatting about the subject.
I remember clearly the day I decided that I would begin teaching piano lessons. I said to B, "Well, if I'm going to do this, I need to advertise. God's not just going to drop students in my lap." About an hour later, my neighbor knocked on our back door (those are still in use in the South) and said, "Here is the name and number of a mom who would like piano lessons. I can't take anymore students in my schedule so, I thought of you. Infact, why don't I recommend you to people who call me from now on." I guess God can do whatever He wants to do.
Thus began a little cottage industry where I would teach music while Elizabeth Joy played on a baby blanket on the floor and B was out saving the world (so to speak).
Over the years, I continued to teach private music lessons while expanding my abilities -- teaching classroom music in schools of all types and becoming a liscensed Kindermusik Educator.
16 years in and I'm ready to take on the expanded role of mentor and encourager to young teachers, just like me, looking to make the world a better place and instill a love of music in young students in Colorado Springs.
This coming year, my studio, Creative Music Concepts will be expanding to offer private lessons in more than one location in our city. We will once again be offering Kindermusik classes to children and their parents/caregivers ages 3 months - 5 years old. We've hired teachers, wonderful musicians in their own right, and the kind of young people you really want your kids to be around.
Now, will you help us by spreading the word? You and your friends can "like" us on Facebook by searching Creative Music Concepts. Also, feel free to pass along our information should you come across anyone needing private piano lessons or might be interested in Kindermusik classes.
We are grateful for the rich place God has brought us too, in our family, in ministry and in business. We look forward to the next 16 years and living life well with many of you.
Blessings,
Shanna and Billy Ramsdell 719-290-2449
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Excessive Parental Boasting
Warning...this blog is filled to the brim with sheer and utter "braggy"ness...if you have a problem with excessive parental boasting...please stop now....
Tonight, Elizabeth is helping to lead the charge at the DSM prayer meeting. She knows prayer is a valuable way to spend her time. She is beautiful and wonderful and I can hardly believe she belongs to me. Actually, she belongs to God and I've always known that. Consecrated. Set apart. And the fact that God loaned her to me is a sign of His goodness. These days our home is filled with talk of College, Cars, Jobs, Future, Future, Future...and I'm gonna miss her like crazy when I don't get to see her everyday.
Hosanna is praying too. She's also kicking academic butt in one of the best schools in the nation! From the moment God put the very thought of her in my mind, I knew she would be someone special. She's beautiful and wonderful and tonight before DSM -- she paused her busy schedule to cook dinner for the family. I love her willingness to serve and the fact that she's just as comfortable behind the scenes as she is on stage. I think she's pretty amazing.
Benjamin is working hard to please his parents -- and admittedly we are sometimes hard to please. He claims he'll go to cotillion if I want him too, although he thinks fancy manners are useless. I'm convinced he's growing in wisdom -- allbeit S.L.O.W.L.Y. I think he is destined to follow in his father's footsteps...to defend the fatherless...to love his family like crazy...to be kind...intense...and care about the things God cares about. I'm crazy about him really.
Victoria is sitting at the piano. She's playing...singing... worshiping. Her favorite past times. I love that I only taught her to play a chord chart 5 minutes ago. I love the way she loves...how she gives her whole heart to something. I love that she is sensitive to words -- and she knows for her this is a good thing -- and a hard thing. Victory comes easily for her...and she is our sunshine on a cloudy day.
Eli is whining. It's annoying really. Regardless -- these past 2 years he's proved himself brave...and he's becoming filled with true joy. Amazing. I love him to death.
So there ya have it. The RamFam clan at it's finest...at least for today. Great days don't happen all the time. At least they don't for the 7 of us. This day in fact began with grumpiness (I didn't sleep well)...and boredom (I didn't want to do the list of things I H.A.D. to do...much less those things that keep our household functioning...like dishes and laundry). But, my friend Valerie likes to encourage people to choose the color of their day. Gray? No. I'm not really a gray girl. How's about RED...or ORANGE AND PINK or GREEN AND BLUE! Even if I liked Gray...I'd want something Red hanging on the wall in front of it. So...looking through THAT lens...we ended up with a GREAT day. And, I'm so thankful.
Blessings and more blessings to you and yours!
Shanna
Tonight, Elizabeth is helping to lead the charge at the DSM prayer meeting. She knows prayer is a valuable way to spend her time. She is beautiful and wonderful and I can hardly believe she belongs to me. Actually, she belongs to God and I've always known that. Consecrated. Set apart. And the fact that God loaned her to me is a sign of His goodness. These days our home is filled with talk of College, Cars, Jobs, Future, Future, Future...and I'm gonna miss her like crazy when I don't get to see her everyday.
Hosanna is praying too. She's also kicking academic butt in one of the best schools in the nation! From the moment God put the very thought of her in my mind, I knew she would be someone special. She's beautiful and wonderful and tonight before DSM -- she paused her busy schedule to cook dinner for the family. I love her willingness to serve and the fact that she's just as comfortable behind the scenes as she is on stage. I think she's pretty amazing.
Benjamin is working hard to please his parents -- and admittedly we are sometimes hard to please. He claims he'll go to cotillion if I want him too, although he thinks fancy manners are useless. I'm convinced he's growing in wisdom -- allbeit S.L.O.W.L.Y. I think he is destined to follow in his father's footsteps...to defend the fatherless...to love his family like crazy...to be kind...intense...and care about the things God cares about. I'm crazy about him really.
Victoria is sitting at the piano. She's playing...singing... worshiping. Her favorite past times. I love that I only taught her to play a chord chart 5 minutes ago. I love the way she loves...how she gives her whole heart to something. I love that she is sensitive to words -- and she knows for her this is a good thing -- and a hard thing. Victory comes easily for her...and she is our sunshine on a cloudy day.
Eli is whining. It's annoying really. Regardless -- these past 2 years he's proved himself brave...and he's becoming filled with true joy. Amazing. I love him to death.
So there ya have it. The RamFam clan at it's finest...at least for today. Great days don't happen all the time. At least they don't for the 7 of us. This day in fact began with grumpiness (I didn't sleep well)...and boredom (I didn't want to do the list of things I H.A.D. to do...much less those things that keep our household functioning...like dishes and laundry). But, my friend Valerie likes to encourage people to choose the color of their day. Gray? No. I'm not really a gray girl. How's about RED...or ORANGE AND PINK or GREEN AND BLUE! Even if I liked Gray...I'd want something Red hanging on the wall in front of it. So...looking through THAT lens...we ended up with a GREAT day. And, I'm so thankful.
Blessings and more blessings to you and yours!
Shanna
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Great weekends are much appreciated
We had a great weekend. It started with an email response from an old friend. You see, I am "somewhat organized". This leaves plenty of room for "somewhat disorganized". I like my kitchen counters cleared off, for instance, but if you open my "junk drawer" -- well lets just say it looks like a good old fashioned junk drawer. IAM JUST FINE WITH THIS.
Still, I sent one of my oldest and best friends, Ginny Thomas, a long email (it probably took her 4 hours to read) lamenting my need to re-organize virtually every area of my large life. She graciously responded with the kind of response only someone who really knows you can give...Shanna, you know what needs to be done...you just need to actually DO what needs to be done. Yes.
It takes a long time to become "old friends". It's worth it.
Billy and I have decided to make 2012 "our year". Ya know it goes like this, "No, we are not taking the 5 of you. Only me and dad are going out to dinner". And, "No, we aren't all staying the weekend in Breckenridge - only dad and I". It's only January 8th and our kids are already notably confused by this. So...what do you do when you need a cheap date? Friday night we piled sleeping bags in front of the TV, ate popcorn, watched the World's Worst movie, and listened to the 80's station. For parents of 5 children, this was almost like being in the spa. Almost.
Saturday, we drove 2 hours to Limon, Colorado where our youngest daughter, Victoria's worship band class had the opportunity to run through a real rehearsal and lead an hour worship session. They did a fantastic job thanks to a lot of hard work and a great teacher/leader. After a week of "Celebrity Wife Swap" and Facebook conversations about pastors on "Dr. Phil", I am especially grateful for humble, Godly men, like Victoria's teacher, Gary Trobee, who are willing to serve God in quiet places without any fanfare. My heroes I tell ya.
Besides having a great time with our daughter and her friends, we were able to have dinner with too new friends, Valerie and Ron Lumsden. Valerie brought me my first birthday gift and let's just say we are planning on the Lumsden Family becoming old friends.
Today, after a very enjoyable church service we had CHRISTMAS DINNER compliments of my sweet in-laws. Yes, Christmas Dinner on Jan 8th and it tasted just as good. Not to mention that AMAZING win by the Broncos.
Here are a few misc pics for your viewing pleasure!
Blessings!!!
Still, I sent one of my oldest and best friends, Ginny Thomas, a long email (it probably took her 4 hours to read) lamenting my need to re-organize virtually every area of my large life. She graciously responded with the kind of response only someone who really knows you can give...Shanna, you know what needs to be done...you just need to actually DO what needs to be done. Yes.
It takes a long time to become "old friends". It's worth it.
Billy and I have decided to make 2012 "our year". Ya know it goes like this, "No, we are not taking the 5 of you. Only me and dad are going out to dinner". And, "No, we aren't all staying the weekend in Breckenridge - only dad and I". It's only January 8th and our kids are already notably confused by this. So...what do you do when you need a cheap date? Friday night we piled sleeping bags in front of the TV, ate popcorn, watched the World's Worst movie, and listened to the 80's station. For parents of 5 children, this was almost like being in the spa. Almost.
Saturday, we drove 2 hours to Limon, Colorado where our youngest daughter, Victoria's worship band class had the opportunity to run through a real rehearsal and lead an hour worship session. They did a fantastic job thanks to a lot of hard work and a great teacher/leader. After a week of "Celebrity Wife Swap" and Facebook conversations about pastors on "Dr. Phil", I am especially grateful for humble, Godly men, like Victoria's teacher, Gary Trobee, who are willing to serve God in quiet places without any fanfare. My heroes I tell ya.
Besides having a great time with our daughter and her friends, we were able to have dinner with too new friends, Valerie and Ron Lumsden. Valerie brought me my first birthday gift and let's just say we are planning on the Lumsden Family becoming old friends.
Today, after a very enjoyable church service we had CHRISTMAS DINNER compliments of my sweet in-laws. Yes, Christmas Dinner on Jan 8th and it tasted just as good. Not to mention that AMAZING win by the Broncos.
Here are a few misc pics for your viewing pleasure!
Blessings!!!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Back to blogging
Looking forward to blogging more in 2012 (thanks to my new iPad). We decided to take a winter hike shortly after Christmas. At one point, Elizabeth froze and said, "Dad, are you growling at me?". Well, that's never good...although we never saw any other animal capable of growling....thank the Lord! Here are a few pics from the day.
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