My Resolution

This resolution hangs on a wall in my home as well as in my office. It is a resolution that I have made to take full responsibility for my life as well as the life of my wonderful wife and precious children. I gave it to them yesterday for Father's Day. I felt impressed of the Lord to not only make this resolution, but to also speak a word of affirmation to my wife, Nichole, and to each one of our children. After affirming each one, I prayed a blessing over them, individually. It was very special, a day I will never forget and a day that I pray my children will see lived out everyday by their dad. With God's help, I plan to affirm my wife and children and pray a blessing over each one of them every Father's Day for the rest of my life and for His glory.

I was challenged to commit to this resolution from a movie that I have not even seen, Courageous, which will be in theatres starting September 30th. Be sure to click on the link to read a synopsis and watch a trailor of the movie by Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA --the makers of Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. My wife and I are looking forward to the privielge of prescreening the movie with my wife and church staff and their wives next Thursday. There is a scene in the movie that I cannot wait to see where men make the same resolution I have made to be the spiritual leaders in their homes. Throughout the movie they display heroic acts of courage on behalf of citizens in their community, but their most courageous moment comes when they choose to stand as men and take responsibility for their own lives and the lives of their families.

I have been looking forward to seeing Courageous because I believe it wll be what I need to encourage me as a man to lead spiritually not only my wife and children, but the church I pastor and the community I live in. But, more than seeing a movie such as Courageous on the screne, I want to live this resolution in real, everyday life before my Father in heaven, my family at home, and the future that is here.

I completely understand that to be able to live up to this commitment, I will need my Master, my mate, and other men. If you are a man and reading this post I encourage you to make the same resolution for your family. Let's see this become a movement in hearts and homes all across America and not just a scene in a movie!

My

RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself,
Nichole, and Madison, Morgan, Mallory, Meghan, Joshua, Stephen, and Maleah.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them
the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, Nichole, to love and honor her,
and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with
all of their hearts, all of their minds, all of their soul, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me
and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins,
and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to
His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides
to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

Keith A. Boggs
On Father’s Day the 19th day of JUNE in the year 2011


As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15





My All Pro Dad!

Gene Boggs - My All Pro Dad

A few weeks ago my brothers (Larry and Kenny) and sister (Wanda) and I along with our families had a 70th birthday party for our dad. It was a great time and blessing. We invited 70 of his friends and family to the party at Legion Park in Austell, GA where we all participated in recreational sports as children and our dad coached the boys in baseball while Wanda was a cheerleader.

As I was thinking about my dad and what to give him for his birthday, I wanted it to be special and meaningful. The Lord brought my attention to what a retired man shared with me while having the privilege of serving as a Family Revivalist for Life Action Ministries during a Summit in Jackson, MI at Bethel Baptist Church. During that Summit on the Saturday we hosted a Home Life Cafe (4hrs of teaching on the family). The retired man told me that the 50 Ways to Coach Your Children was "good stuff" and very helpful. 50 Ways to Coach Your Children was something I typed up and gave to every dad from a book I have in my office by Steve Farrar entitled, Anchor Man How a Father Can Anchor His Family in Christ for the Next 100 Years.

As I thought about that man's encouragement, I took the time to sit down and write a letter to my dad, letting him know 70 things he coached me in throughout life. It was a blessing to think through certain things my dad has coached me in as a boy, teenager, young adult, and now a husband and a father. I would like to share the list with you, maybe you will want to do something similar for your dad on Father's Day. Below is the text of the letter I wrote...

To My All-Pro Dad,
Below is a list of things that you have coached me in over the years. Although some of your coaching was very intentional, some of the things I learned from you came out of how you have lived your life over the years. You have made a big difference in my life and for that I would like to say that you are an All-Pro Dad!

70 ways you have coached me that have and will impact me and my family…

1. You coached me how to give 110 per cent in everything.
2. You coached me that men protect women.
3. You coached me how to respect and obey authority—parents, teachers, pastors, police officers, etc.
4. You coached me how to do a job right—the first time.
5. You coached me how to do what is right when no one else is around.
6. You coached me not to lie.
7. You coached me how to be a gentleman.
8. You coached me how to stand up to a bully and defend myself.
9. You coached me that when you said “No.” You meant, “No.”
10. You coached me that honesty is the best policy.
11. You coached me how to be able to stand alone.
12. You coached me how to be a follower, so that one day I could be a leader.
13. You coached me that it is a father’s job to provide for his family.
14. You coached me how to know what to look for in a wife.
15. You coached me that there is nothing that I could ever do that would make you stop loving me.
16. You coached me how to spend the time scouting for deer so that opening day would be a success.
17. You coached me how to fish slow and to set the hook.
18. You coached me to look people in the eyes whether I am speaking to them or listening to them.
19. You coached me how to tie a “Texas Rig” and a “Carolina Rig” knot so that I could bass fish alone.
20. You coached me how to catch fish from the back of the boat.
21. You coached me that hard work pays off.
22. You coached me how to steady the rifle, take a deep breath, and to squeeze the trigger.
23. You coached me not to get to close to a deer trail.
24. You coached me how to step toward the outside pitch and drive the ball to right field.
25. You coached me to get in front of the ball and to keep my head down, and watch the ball in the glove.
26. You coached me to use two hands when making the catch.
27. You coached me to look down field at all times.
28. You coached me that it is best to wash the vehicle twice and not once.
29. You coached me that legacy is more important than lifestyle.
30. You coached me that the outdoors is a privilege.
31. You coached me how to fish a “Pig-n-Jig.”
32. You coached me to read the “Sports Page” first.
33. You coached me how to use a push mower.
34. You coached me that it is okay to have a good time at the right time.
35. You coached me how to be there for my wife as you were there for my mother.
36. You coached me that men can wash the clothes, do the dishes, and vacuum.
37. You coached me how to give to people.
38. You coached me that it is okay for men to cry.
39. You coached me that my brothers and sister and their families are very special.
40. You coached me to look right, left, and then right again before crossing the road.
41. You coached me to keep my eyes on the belt, put my nose there, and then wrap to make a tackle.
42. You coached me to always pay the bills on time.
43. You coached me that being responsible goes a long way.
44. You coached me to step toward the target while throwing a football or baseball.
45. You coached me to see the ball hit the bat.
46. You coached me that my mother was to be honored and respected.
47. You coached me to take a full, smooth swing when driving a golf ball.
48. You coached me that meals together as a family make lasting memories.
49. You coached me to say, “Yes, Mam.” and “No, Mam.”
50. You coached me to trust in the Lord with all my heart.
51. You coached me to make sure the oil gets changed.
52. You coached me to handle money rather than letting money handle me.
53. You coached me to use a cool towel from the cooler on a hot day while playing golf.
54. You coached me how to tuck my shirt in and keep it tucked in.
55. You coached me that prayer is a powerful thing.
56. You coached me that I am responsible for my actions.
57. You coached me that it is important to vote.
58. You coached me to be well read.
59. You coached me that men lead the home.
60. You coached me that with God’s help my children can do anything He desires.
61. You coached me that taking a shower for an hour is okay every now and then.
62. You coach that it is not how I start but how I finish that makes the difference.
63. You coached me to obey you and mama.
64. You coached me that spending time as a family will never be regretted.
65. You coached me by treating Martha Ann as a virtuous woman also.
66. You coached me to keep my mouth piece in and buckle my chin strap.
67. You coached me that it is okay to take a nap on Sunday afternoon.
68. You coached me that momma was so special that Jesus wanted her in heaven.
69. You coached me to understand that to be successful at work and to fail at home is to fail completely.
70. You coached me that Proverbs 20:7 is a reality for me and can be for my children.

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
- Proverbs 20:7 -

Grateful to Have an All-Pro Dad,

Keith

Simple Living and Nature's Bounty!

Keith and I have desired to simplify our lives as much as possible, and do you know that even as we have successfully done that, our lives still seem sooooo busy. I can't imagine how it is for those who do everything and go everywhere! Part of the definition of simple living is a desire not only to reduce one's possessions, but also to increase one's self-sufficiency. Slowly, but surely we are trying to learn as much as we can to become more self-sufficient. We both were not raised this way, so it is taking some time and lots of effort.

We have had our chickens now for almost a month and they are getting fat and sassy! We let them out during the day and watch them peck around at the grass and scratch to find bugs. The kids love them and Joshua in particular has taken a special interest in them. During this past month we have dug potatoes and canned them.We have picked buckets of blueberries and frozen several bags and baked blueberry cobbler and blueberry coffee cake. We have picked corn and blanched it and frozen it in gallon size bags. We have been blessed with people who have offered their abundance to us and we have tried very hard to not let any go to waste!

This was my first time ever canning potatoes and the directions, of course, had to call for a pressure canner. I have NEVER used one and was very intimidated by them. I borrowed one from a friend and I am glad to report nothing blew up and the potatoes did very well. I hope to save these for later and use them for mashed potatoes.

Our beloved tomatoes are coming in. They are heirloom and completely organic! We have about 25-30 plants. We hope to can some of them, but I am afraid that they may not make it past the supper table!

After waiting 6 long (really doesn't seem that long at all!) months, I finally have homemade vanilla extract. I was able to order some organic vanilla beans from the co-op that I am apart of at a reasonable price and a friend of mine (because I just couldn't bring myself to do it!) bought some vodka for me. I know that seems really terrible to say, but it was necessary to pull the good stuff from the beans to make the extract. And anyway, that is what is in your extract sitting in your pantry right now! It is very strong and delicious. I will be doing this again. Hopefully my next batch will make it into pretty jars with pretty labels and we will give some away at Christmas time. It is so super easy and I got the idea from http://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/.

This is definitely not very much in the arena of "self-sufficient" living, but it is a start. We have thoroughly enjoyed everything and the kids have been such a big help in every step of the way!

Thankful for black dirt under fingernails that have been digging potatoes, cucumbers on swollen eyes, chickens getting plump, tomatoes turning ripe, blueberry covered faces, warm cobbler, vanilla flavored everything, a God who makes all things grow (even me).

Nichole

We've Got Chickens!!!

Sometimes you have a desire in your heart for something you think you want and would like to have. The Lord knows it. In His timing, He may choose to give it to you, and then He may not. I believe part of trusting in Him is accepting whatever way He chooses. Well, after 3 years or more of wishing and wanting to have chickens of our own, we have 19 of them!

While waiting for these chickens we have bought eggs from the grocery store, health food co-op, kind people have given us eggs from their chickens, etc..... So, where there is a will there is a way and I was thankful that He provided in all of these ways. When Keith finally entertained the idea and then changed his mind I didn't get discouraged. I had hope that one day maybe....

I know it sounds silly to say that I had a "dream" of having chickens that would supply our eggs for us, but it is true. I did! A couple of weeks ago Keith was offered the opportunity to get some chicks from a dear church member and he said yes. Then there was the task of building a coop. Two solid days, from dawn to dark, he built the coop. With the occasional help (or possible interference) of his wife, 5 girls, and two excited little boys. It was a family effort and we are very proud of the man in the house!!

A couple of nights ago before drifting off to sleep he said, "I am ready for an egg."  I laughed and told him he has a while before we get to taste that first egg!

I have to post this verse. I know that sometimes we must simply die to dreams that we may want for our life as God calls us to go a different path. And though that seems sad, it is always for our best.This verse was a part of my devotional time a couple of mornings ago and it had been a long time since I read it. And I do believe chickens qualify as do so many other things that are in our hearts.

I encourage you to read all of Psalm 37, but here is verse 4. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

Thankful for hard work, dreams fulfilled, kids beside their daddy, dirty faces, cold water on a hot day, team work, boys with hammers, cute pony tails, 19 sweet little chickens!

Nichole

Harvesting Potatoes!

Joshua harvested these this morning, bright and early!

It has been several weeks since we posted and a lot has gone on in that time. Our garden is growing by leaps and bounds (and so are the weeds!), we spent 10 days in Michigan filling in as the family revivalist for Life Action Ministries, I am almost through my first trimester (praying the nausea and tiredness will be gone quickly!), and we are in the process of building a chicken coop for our 15 hens that are waiting on us to come and pick them up!

As you can see we are impatiently digging up some potatoes every day so we can prepare them with our meals. We have learned that we did not plant near enough and would possibly have to plant our entire yard in potatoes to have enough to eat and store for the year! Even though we only have 5-10 more good diggin's, we are thoroughly enjoying them and it has even gotten Joshua excited to see what God can do with a little work on our part. He was up early with his clothes on and asked if he could go outside and get us some potatoes for supper. How could we say no? May he always be this eager to help.

"Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise. Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep-So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man." Prov. 6:6-11

Thankful for potatoes and little boys digging in the earth bringing forth the harvest,

Nichole

Easter Surprise!

Keith and Nichole,
What a timely match.
God gave us to each other.
There was no need to catch.
Madison, Morgan, Mallory, and Meghan
were special gifts sent to us from Heaven.
But, would we have a little boy one day?
A year and a half later Joshua was on the way.
Would he get a brother...a playmate even?
"Yes!" was the answer when God gave us Stephen.
God is Salvation and Crowned Victorious!
We pray these two boys for God's Kingdom will be glorious!
Joy, sweetness, and laughter is what we needed.
Maleah Grace, full of them all, soon proceeded.
Is our family complete, O Lord?
For the answer we would wait.
"Not Yet", says the Lord.
So we welcome baby #8!

Well, this is the poem that we had the children read on the Lord's Resurrection Day because we couldn't think of a more special time to celebrate what God is still doing in the lives of His people. All of them were very excited and even today at lunch, our three year old told his daddy, "Daddy, Mama's gonna have another baby." We just laughed and Keith said, "Really? How did you find out before I did?" Of course, Stephen thought this was fantastic that he told his daddy something he didn't already know!

Lord willing that everything goes well, we will welcome a new little life in the beginning of December. That will only make 3 birthdays, 1 anniversary, and Christmas in the same month. What better time to celebrate?!

Praising the Lord,

Nichole

Beautiful Hair!

While these last few weeks have been trying, taking care of sick children and washing everything in sight, during nap time one day I decided to get out that Beautiful Hair Treatment that I bought from the Bulk Herb Store a couple of years ago. It had been in my freezer along with many other herbs that I have gotten from them over the last few years. In the directions it stated that a good time to do this might be when you know your husband will be gone for a day or two and since Keith was out of town, I thought this time would be great.

Of course, I couldn't resist doing it together with all of the older girls (except the sick one).

Bless her heart, she was only able to lay down and watch. Although a little Vitamin D did her some good!

After mixing all the ingredients and getting chairs and towels set up outside, we began slopping that stuff all over their heads!

At this point they are not so sure about what I had talked them into doing.
We all agreed that it smelled like Maleah's feet after taking off her leather shoes after she had been running around and sweating in them all day! We sure hope this is worth it???!!

I can promise you that we did not do this to "turn heads", but I have to admit that catching Stephen in this picture was too cute to pass up. He was really just wondering what in the world we were up to. I had to get a picture of the finished product. Even after wearing that stuff in our hair for an hour or so and then only rinsing it out until the next day when we would finally wash it, it was fun. I can honestly say that the girls have healthy hair anyway, but I knew this treatment would do them some good. And, yes, I took part as well. I just decided to spare you the sights of that one!

The mixture consists of different herbs that are good for the skin, body, and hair. Herbs like oatstraw, chamomile, horsetail/shavegrass, and nettle. To it you add some lemon juice or vinegar, a couple of eggs, and olive oil or mayonnaise. Our particular blend was for blond hair. I bought it to use on myself. As you can see, Madison, who is the oldest, and Morgan, the second oldest have some blond highlights (natural) and the treatment really enhanced those highlights. My hair is slightly blonder than theirs and it really made the blond look lighter. My hair is very soft and seems so free of all the chemicals that I put on it with hairspray and gel, etc...

Doing this a couple times a year is all they recommend and probably all that we would do, but it is definitely worth the time and the smell.

If you are interested, you can check out the Beautiful Hair Treatment and much more about herbs and such over at http://www.bulkherbstore.com.

Nichole