Happy 18th Birthday, Little Joe

So I am a little late.

Sunday, May 1st, "Little Joe", turned 18 years old. And with it came much rejoicing. Not just for the age achieved, but for a return home.

Little Joe,

Here we are. You are now the "magical" number; yet so much has happened in the last couple of months that has proven this number doesn't mean a whole lot.

I can't believe that it has been 18 years. You have grown into an amazing young man with so much talent and personality given to you by your Creator. I know there are many unknowns in your life that you desire answers to that I just can't give you. But I do know the One who has the answers and is the best guide to impart wisdom into your life. 

I know hard lessons were learned over the past few weeks. Lessons that I could never have taught you. Sometimes life is the best teacher. Oh, how difficult it is as a parent to sit and watch this process, but having an incredible God who hears my every prayer made it much easier. This same God is the one who stands with open arms to all who call upon His name. Praise Jesus!

Many times I watch you talking and I can still see your adorable pudgy baby cheeks and those big eyes that seem to take everything in all at once. I close my eyes and think back to 18 years ago in October when you came into our lives. Oh, my heart is filled with thanksgiving! He gave me a beautiful son who has taught me so much about life and myself. You have taught me how to love better. You have taught me how to appreciate all aspects (and genres) of music and I love hearing your fingers move up and down on those guitar necks.

You gave me a gift this birthday. You came home. I pray as we dance through this next season in life, you will lean heavily on the unseen dance partner. The One who wants your whole heart. The One who loves you more than I do. The One who says, "Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you what great and awesome things I can do."

I love you, "Little Joe." Happy Birthday!

My 8th Grader

Listening Big

Each morning my treasures and I have Bible around our kitchen table. We are reading through the book of John. We each take a verse and we read through one chapter a day. Each person, then, explains a verse that they took notice of, or an attribute of God. Today was no different.

John 10

"Mrs. Cartwright":

"John 10:28 reminds us that once we are God's sheep, nothing can change that. 'and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.' Nothing can take us out of the fold...but we must be part of the true fold to begin with. Does this mean we can live any way we want to and hold to this promise. NO! We must always be examining our lives to see if our fruit is in line with true conversion. Our hearts desires must be to relinquish all sin and strive for holiness. We will continue to sin until we are in heaven, but are we relying on Christ and wanting to please him?"

Then I reminded them of the interview of Tullian Tchividjian (part 1 and part 2) that we listened to on Sunday. He prayed a prayer at 6 years old, but wasn't saved until he was 21. Saying a prayer doesn't save you, trusting in Christ and bearing fruit is evidence of a change.

"Little Joe":

"Jesus says I am the Good Shepherd."

"Marie":

"The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus, but it wasn't His time yet."

"Inger":

"Mommy, can I say something?" (Usually she has a hard time paying attention to the hard words, but today was something different.)"It was wintertime, Mommy."

I looked at her and wondered where in the world she got that from. Lo, and behold, there it was staring me in the face. John 10:23, "It was winter...." (Although, she is my nature lover...that word must have jumped out at her.)

Just a reminder to me of the little details that matter. One day, my prayer is that these little lambs will have a strong desire to inductively study the Word of God. One little fact that mattered to place the context of this passage.

Jesus, bend my lambs' hearts to you.

Our Newest Teenager

I hate that word. Teenager....

He is a young man.

"Little Joe" turned 13 today. He is a joy and it is a privilege to be his Momma.

L-Light Hearted; bringing joy to all around him

I- Incredible; in MANY ways

T-Trustworthy; He always follows through on what he says

T-Totally cool; This is a word he would be proud for me to use.

L-Loving; I have enjoyed hearing from his heart in our journal we correspond with.

E-Easy; to be around

J-Jolly; he is always making me laugh

O-Observant; he's the one with the photographic memory

E-Eager to help; does any task to his fullest ability

We love you, "Little Joe".

Happy 13th birthday.

Daddy's Fishing Buddies

Daddy and two of the three "Cartwright" young'uns went fishing this last week. They had such fun; came home with wonderful tales and yup, you guessed it, smelled like fish.

(Notice the littlest's fishing attire:)

Happy Gotcha Day, "Little Joe"

"Little Joe", I will never forget the day your Dad and I drove up to the northern part of our state to pick you up.

To say, "I will, forever".

As we were introduced, Dad and I were both wondering if the case worker had made and mistake...for we were sure we were looking at a little girl. But, alas, we realized you were a boy, just 2 huge brown eyes surrounded by the biggest Afro we had ever seen on any baby. You were just adorable.

As we celebrated your Happy Gotcha Day this year (Oct. 16) I know you were so thankful to be with your big brother again. We know this year has been hard and it seems that you are so young to have been dealt so many things. Yet, we are confident that God is using all these things for your good. To show you the power of Almighty God. To teach you that dependence on your Savior is so necessary.

We are so thankful for God's gift to our family...YOU!

We are grateful for one more year with you and pray for many more.

My Music Man

"Little Joe" and I had the privilege of spending two days this last week in Brandenton, Florida attending a band festival. Several Christian Schools get together once a year focusing on four to five orchestra performance pieces. They hire Christian professional conductors to lead the performance. Friday, it ends with a beautiful concert. Although I homeschool, we are part of a homeschool band and the Suncoast Festival invites us to attend. This has been a blessing each year. "Little Joe" did a beautiful job.

It's Here...Ready or Not!

Today is our first day of school. We are starting a tad early so more flexibility can happen throughout the school year.

In many ways I am ready. Schedule and discipline invigorate the body and soul.

In other ways I am not. My emotions can take over at times and my bed calls from afar and bids me to come and stay for the day. But this I must fight.

"Little Joe", "Marie", and "Inger" are ready. They are a privilege to teach. They bring much joy to each day.

This year we attempt a few new features:

~ a weekly nature walk and nature notebook

~ "Little Joe" is taking a science class taught by a wonderful Christian home school mom. This year it is General Science by Apologia.

~ "Inger" is starting kindergarten. She is elated.

~ Each morning we will have table time, which will include memory work (multiplication tables, Bible passages, catechism), praying for other countries using Window on the World, and art.

Along with the joys, there are many remembrances that "Hoss" is not with us again. We eagerly wait for his return. This will happen in time when the Lord sees fit.

For now we wait and pray.

Fishers of Men

It was a beautiful day out. As the Ponderosa headed out to fish, my heart's prayer was that my little people would see their Mama fishing for men, too.

We spent a couple hours at the pond hoping there would be some bites. No fish seemed to need our food we were supplying. Do those out in the "big pond" know that we have the Bread of Life? Do they realize we have the answer to their hunger and thirst? Do we tell them? This can help you as you attempt to help them see that they even have a need.

Finally, we had a couple of nibbles; just a couple of beautiful baby bluegills. My little women caught them. O, Master, give my daughters hearts of truth. Give them courage to stand strong in a world of hate and lawlessness. Give them love for the lawless.

Their hands are small, but can learn so much. Timing is the key to fishing. They must learn how to watch the bobber, and gently, pull the line in. Father God, give my children discernment to know truth from lies. Keep their eyes focused on you and not the world around them.

Giver of life, help us to be in the world and not of it. May we not be so separated that we fear coming nose to nose with unbelievers. Help us to love those of the world, by having compassion on their souls, not condemning them for their way of life. For we were once with out You, and you showed us much mercy.

The leader of the Ponderosa has always loved fishing, both for fish and men. He has been such an amazing example to this family as he has such compassion for the needs of the lost, and doesn't hesitate to share the truth of God's Word with others.

God Almighty, grant my husband the courage to lead this little flock.

The Ponderosa Artist

"Inger" is quite the four year old artist. I may be slightly bias...but you must admit, these pictures are quite the rendition of "Little Joe", "Marie", and "Inger".

4th of July ~ Missouri Style

"Mr. Cartwright" and "Little Joe" surprised "Hoss" this weekend.

And, boy, was he surprised. Agape Boys' Ranch had a big day planned for the boys and families that were visiting. "Little Joe" has had a hard time lately, missing his big brother...and I mean BIG!!! Looking at these pictures it is amazing that there is only 16 months between them. "Hoss" just keeps growing and growing....remember he is only 13 years old. God continues to work in his life and we are so thankful for that.

"Hoss" was able to participate in the first 2010 rodeo event at Agape. He is the boy with the orange bandana on . This was the chute dogging event. He was able to grab the steer by the head and hold him eventually so the other boys on his team could grab the tag on his tail.

Brothers together again...just for a day...

Dad and son....forever....bound by ties that will never break.

The fireworks display was one of professional quality. The show lasted for about 45 minutes and the grand finale was truly grand. This was the first time in 10 months that "Hoss" was able to see the moon and the night sky.

Better Late Than Never

Before I had boys, I was one of those mothers who said, "My boys will never own a toy gun." All that changed when my 3 and 4 year old little guys played Lone Ranger with their "finger guns".

For any of you who have boys around this age, you probably are aware of airsoft guns. Guns and boys...I think all boys are created with the "gun gene".

So I have come to learn that it is not the gun that is the problem, but the heart of the person.

"Little Joe" turned 12 on May 1st, but due to many unplanned things, we had to celebrate a little late. This weekend we celebrated with a sleepover/airsoft war with eleven 12 year olds. Fun, but exhausting. Thankfully, I had the kitchen duty, which included keeping them well fed. "Mr. Cartwright" had the job of keeping them occupied...and, of course, playing airsoft with them! For, no matter, what the age of the man, the little boy comes out when the guns come out.

No worries...the guns weren't loaded for the pictures!

The Soul Lives Forever

When our oldest son was just one years old, we started the adoption process again.



The attorney had matched us with a girl who was due at the end of May. She lived across the bay from where we lived. One Friday, we met her for lunch to introduce ourselves and find out a little bit about her. She was a young girl; the typical pregnant teen. Her boyfriend was in and out of jail, abusive and controlling.



The next day we received a phone call that she had gone into early labor and we were to meet her at the hospital. This was the beginning of May. This was a position I had never found myself in before. God had taken the ability to have children away from me, by His design and sovereignty. This I questioned for many years, but chose to trust. Here I found myself in a place called labor and delivery. We were given bands to wear giving us privilege to the little one when he was born. Lots of emotions were happening inside me.



A few hours later we were told the doctors were attempting to stop the labor, as the precious one inside her needed as long as possible to develop. Saddened, we went home that night. Lots of questions in our minds. When would are arms be filled with this bundle?



The next morning we went up to see her. She was well, but there were quite a bit of family members in her room. Some from the boy who didn't deserve to see this gift! We left a little taken back by this momma's response to us that day. She seemed distant, removed. We again, headed home with prayers falling out of our hearts and out of our mouths.



The following day as we were headed up the elevator to see her, my wise man said, "You know, she is probably going to change her mind." There. The dreaded words were said. The words we both knew were possible. He then reminded me, "If she is going to try to raise this precious boy, we must minister to her soul. Her soul needs Jesus more than we need this baby." Truth. My love spoke truth that day.



We did share Christ with her and then left the room never to hear from her or see her again.



The emotions were strong, but I never shed one tear. My focus was where it needed to be.



Her soul...



Little did we know that the next October we were united with our next son, "Little Joe". He was five months old...and His birthday? May 1st.



As we were sharing Christ with a poor troubled soul, who was to become a Mommy soon, the gift of our heavenly Father was being born. We just didn't know it yet.



I trust You, Lord.

Oh, Brother

Brothers....

This is a relationship that can exist throughout one's life, from age 1 to 101.


Brothers Are Forever
by Alex Romero
Brothers share a special bond,
Like blood, brotherhood,
It’s thicker than water.
Friends may come and go,
And relationships may drift apart,
But brothers are forever.
Though the sun may rise in the east,
And set in the west,
We will still be brothers.
Though the seasons may change,
Spring, summer, fall and winter;
We will still be brothers.
What God has ordained,
No man can change,
Brothers are forever.


The brothers at the Ponderosa are apart right now; my littlest man misses his big brother greatly.

Please pray for "Little Joe's" heart to heal.

Contented Heart = Thankful Heart

helpful little ones

my diligent man....he allows me to stay home and has never complained about working every day

religious freedom and freedom in Christ

hearing my "Marie" pray

the joy in "Little Joe's" eyes when he plays trumpet

my precious nephews and nieces

the continuous blessings of Christ (Romans 7)

the Titus 2 Women in my life

Susan Heck

bouncing beads...when my littlest one runs through the house, you always know where she is!

the tender kiss of my love

raindrops after many nights of hard freezes

then the sun coming out

New Gadgets

This is a sure-fire way to keep grease from splattering in your eyes. What an inventor, hey? Well, even if the patten won't be accepted, you can't help but admit he sure is handsome!!

"Little Joe's" Happy Gotcha Day

I think you and I are actually looking more alike the older you get!

Dear "Little Joe",
God gave us such a special gift when He gave you to us. You bring something to this family that is very unique. Your humor, or silliness at times, really helps us to keep things in perspective. We love your laugh; it is so infectious. Your big, bright eyes exude so much of your personality. We remember this day so vividly, 11 years ago. We always joke with you because the first time we saw you Daddy thought you were a girl; you had a nice size afro! You truly are a gift from God!








October 16th marked a special day in our home. Eleven years ago God brought "Little Joe" into our lives. And for this we are extremely blessed. We went out to dinner and then surprised him by going to Pops in the Park. The Florida Orchestra performed at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. We had a great time.

My Nature Lover

There are some children, when you ask to go out into nature to scavenger hunt, (especially in the 92 degree Florida heat) that argue and complain. Not "Little Joe". I gave him an assignment for Science to go explore and see what he could find.

He found 2 different leaves, a beautiful blue bird feather (you can't see the blue in the picture, but it is startling how blue it is), and a precious lavender wild flower.

The joy in this is seeing his joy in nature.

These items lying in our yard remind me that there is so much beauty around us and so often we are so busy to see the small things such as wildflowers, bird feathers, cocoons, etc. Take time today to look around you.

"Little Joe", thank you for this reminder. I love you.