The Things Kids Say

Today Sophie was playing and singing to herself a familiar song to us here at IHOP. It's called Above Every Other Name by Justin Rizzo. Part of the lyrics are...."No one whose hope is in the Lord will ever be put to shame, You are the Rock that is higher than I" , she was singing over and over again...."No one whose hope is in the Lord will ever be put to shame, you are the rocket that's higher than I". The other kids were trying to correct her but she insisted that a rocket is higher than us. OK. Somethings are not worth arguing about.

School Days

School is now in session for all the Nielsen children. Zach is at FMA and doing 2 very early morning sets at the Justice Prayer Room. Rachel and Sarah are attending The Daniel Academy for a second year. Hannah, Josiah, Chloe, and Sophie are being homeschooled. Next week Dance classes start for the girls and Acting class for Rachel. On top of all that, John & I will be hosting a small group of new Call Institute young men every other week and hosting Media Apprenticeship teams to get to know the new groups. We're still trying to work out the kinks in the schedule but so far it's looking good.

The Call

Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend The Call in Washington, DC. But we can still be a part of it. IHOP will be simulcasting it live as well as GOD.TV. Please be in prayer for our nation on Saturday.

I Will Not Be Moved

Lately every time I'm in the car this song by Natalie Grant. I'm not kidding either. Last week the kids and I were on our way to the pool and we heard the song. On the way home....the same song. This has happened every time I'm in the car in the last 3 days. Finally today I started really listening to the lyrics. (I'm slow sometimes)

"I Will Not Be Moved"

I have been the wayward child
I have acted out
I have questioned Sovereignty
And had my share of doubt
And though sometimes my prayers feel like
They're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go
And is the reason why...

[Chorus:]
I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart
Many times before
My life has been like broken glass
And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
That I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on

[Chorus]

And the chaos in my life
Has been a badge I've worn
Though I have been torn
I will not be moved

Stand firm my friends, do not be moved from our firm foundation.

Celebrating 19 Years of Marriage

Yes, it was 19 years ago on a VERY HOT and HUMID day in Minnesota that John and I were married.

John and some of the kids lead worship this morning in the Malachi prayer room. This is a prayer time for kids about 12 and under. The kids are on the worship team and do most of the praying and singing. It's a great a great environment for them to learn.

It also happens to be family night. We are going to celebrate as a family by having a special dinner that Josiah is choosing. (It's his week) We've gotten back in the habit of having our Tuesday night family nights. We've neglected this special weekly night for the past 2 years and we want it back. The kids were so excited the first week. We played charades and there was so much screaming and laughing I thought the neighbors were going to call the police about all the raucous. On our family nights we have 1 child choose the meal, we worship together, than we do an activity together. It's hard to find activities that span our large age group but so far it's been a blast. There are a ton of free activities in the Kansas City area to do as a family. Not all of them are on Tuesday nights though. We will have to be flexible depending on what we want to do.

Last week we went to Long View Lake park and fed the fish. I thought it sounded like such a sweet thing to do, but wait until you see the fish. Check it out, not your best eatin'.

Big, fat, ugly, well-fed CARP!

The Mad Scientists

While cleaning out and organizing our homeschool things I came across a science experiment kit. It was a big hit for kids who can't go outside because it's too hot.

Sophie is changing the color of the flower. Doesn't she look way too smart in goggles?

Chloe changed the color of the chemicals as they hit the special paper.

This was the favorite. A chemical reaction that takes the shape of a cupcake.

The Swan

Sophie is doing the swan. She actually touches her toes to her nose. Try that!