Prayer Journals

So, I am never really one who is big on New Years resolutions (sorry Dad). I just feel like I am setting myself up for failure. (I did achieve last years resolution however). Anyway, I would like to be much more intentional about my prayer life this year. I was inspired/copied this blog to create prayer journals this year. She/I got the motivation for the cute/cheap journals from this blog. And here they are :)There is a journal for Josh/our marriage, Ben, Jake and Caleb

I divided them into categories (well plan to I just made them tonight)

Here are the categories I think that I will use (still praying over that part). A lot of the sections are directly from Stormy Omartian's books the power of a praying wife and the power of a praying parent.

So here are the sections I will use for the you and me journal

About 1/3 will be devoted to specific areas of our marriage the could use improvement (we are pretty much perfect but there is always room right?)

Another 1/3 will be devoted to God sized prayers (the stuff that seems impossible to change)

The final 1/3 will be devoted to each of the following categories, a few pages for each area, I can then write notes, verses, specific things for each category as they arise throughout the year. The areas are: Work, Finances, Affection, Sexuality, Temptations, Mind, Fears, Purpose, Choices, Health, Protection, Trials, Integrity, Reputation, Priorities, Relationships, Fatherhood, Attitude, Marriage, Walk, Talk, Repentance, Deliverance, Obedience, Self-Image, Faith, Future,

Each of the kids will also have a journal

1/3 of their journals will be devoted to a spiritual inventory, goals for Child each month.

1/3 Character qualities my kids have and those I would like to see grow in them with scripture to back them up

The final 1/3 will be devoted to each of the following categories: Releasing (Ben,Jake,Caleb) in God’s hands, Securing protection from harm, Feeling Loved and Accepted, Establishing and eternal future, Honoring parents and resisting rebellion, Maintaining Good family relationship, Attractive Godly friends and role models, Developing a hunger for the things of God, Being the person God created, Following truth, rejecting lies, Instilling a desire to learn, Identifying God, given gifts and talents, Leaning to speak truth, Staying attracted to holiness and purity, Enjoying freedom from fear, Living free of un-forgiveness, (Ben, Jacob, Caleb) future wife, Walking in repentance, Seeking wisdom and discernment, Growing in faith (establishing a true relationship with Jesus Christ),

So, that is what I have for now. I think that these will help me be more purposefully in my prayer life. I am also thinking about creating another journal to fill with just specific praises/adoration towards God

Basketball 1-22-11

Ben had his first Upwards basketball game on Saturday. He had a great time playing although he had no idea what he was doing. Hopefully he will understand what he should do by the next game. Ben is #11.

Change of Name

The Band has decided to change their name. They will now, from this point forward, be called the Nasteritos! (is that better Todd, we could also go with nasteronies)

Also in my 2010 review I realized that in September I stated that Jacob was starting Kindergarten. I realize he is incredibly smart but, the reality of it is, he started preschool. Sorry for the misunderstanding :)

2010 in review

January

Jake had a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy late January. That kind of took up most of the month. He was kind of a bad patient but the goal was for him to sleep better. I am still in debate that happened as a result.

February

Sweet little Jacob turned 3. What an amazing little boy he is. We had (as usually) lots of celebrations.

Ben had a very fun kindergarten valentines day party

We had lots and lots of snow which resulted in a snow day or two.

March

We had a beautiful sunny day early in the month so we headed to the park with the boys. They were so happy to be outside after all the days of being cooped up in the house.

Ben fell and split his chin causing him to get his first set of stitches.

Ben lost his first tooth. The tooth fairy was very good to him.

Jake had lot of fun at a sports class he took through the city of Troy.

Caleb and I had a fun trip to Alabama with my Mom and Dad to see Meg and CT.

Ben and Jake had their first horseback riding experience.

Caleb turned 1. He was all over the cake thing J

April

We started off the month celebrating the most amazing day in the Christian life, Easter.

We took Jacob to the elephant zoo over spring break. It was a great trip!

Caleb learned to walk

Both Dad and Karen celebrated their 60^th birthdays.

We had a fun surprise party for Dad.

Jacob finally got potty trained!!!

May

I didn’t blog much in may although I know there was a lot that happened.

Anyway, Ben had a fun run that had to be inside because of the weather but the kids had fun.

There was a fun awards night for sparks. So proud of Ben and all the verses he learned.

Oh, I also had a birthday J

The kindergartners had a little performance called the spring fling.

June

June started out with a concert from Ben’s choir at Church

Ben took a tennis class through the city of Troy. He learned a lot during that class.

Ben finished Kindergarten. There was lots of fun and parties the last week of school.

We had another round of horseback riding. So fun and SO cute.

We got to be involved in one of our favorite weeks of the year. KKDC (Kreative Kids Day Camp) at church. It was an amazing week as always.

July

July started off with our usually fireworks display at Lincoln hills. The kids all enjoyed them this year!!

We had a fun family day spent outside having fun with the kids.

August

We spent the hot days of summer outside or in a pool as much as we could (especially since we didn’t have Air Conditioning for most of the summer)

Ben learned so goofy new tricks (becoming spider man on the walls in our living room)

Another one of our favorite weeks of summer happened, On Goal Soccer. It was a blast for all of us and Ben learned so much both soccer wise as well as spiritually.

Ben finished up his baseball season.

Ben also turned 6

At the end of the month Ben had his Tonsils and Adenoids out and Caleb had tubes put in. Ben’s recovery was MUCH better than Jacob’s was.

September

Labor day weekend was spent golfing J Ben had so much fun playing an actual round of golf with his Dad.

Ben started first Grade and LOVED every second of it

Jake also started kindergarten and like Ben loved it!

October

We had a trip to Westview orchards with Jacob’s preschool class. It was a beautiful day so we took advantage of it and enjoyed the time outside.

Halloween was once again a blast in our cute neighborhood although it was quite cold this year.

November

We were able to head to Indiana for Uncle Dan’s election. We had so much fun and Ben was surprised to learn that he did in fact have cousins J The process brought back a ton of memories from when we were kids.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Coats this year. It was fun although we had a bit of the stomach flu around the house. It was nice to be able to spend some time with Meg and CT.

December

December was filled with celebrations of Jesus’ birth. It was an amazing month.

We had a great year, I am looking forward to see what God has in store for our family in 2011. I am so comforted to know that God has a great plan for each of our lives. So thankful to be a follower of Jesus Christ!!

Santa's Letter

Just in case you were wondering, I thought I would post the letter that Santa left for my boys.

Nast Boys
First, I really wanted to bring your Dad a kyak. however, I couldn't manage to fit it down the chimney. Tell him I'm sorry. Okay, no to you boys . . . you have had a good year. There is always room for improvement in the area of obedience however I know you boys are trying hard. I hope you enjoy your presents. One important thing!!! You must share these things with each other. Otherwise I will send my elves to come take them back. So remember . . . share, share, share!!! Don't forget we are celebrating the birth of Jesus today. It is God's gift to us. You boys and me! I must try to squeeze my round belly back up this chimney again oh boy!!!

Love Santa


I love our Santa letters. He is awesome