Monday, February 28, 2011

Progress Report! :)

Many of you SCA girls have sent us applications to be big or little sisters! We are prayerfully beginning to make the pairs and so looking forward to our “sister kick-off” in May. Keep the applications coming, and stay tuned for the dates for our big sister meeting and "sister kick-off"! :)

(If you are just joining us, please check out our website: http://scasisters.webs.com/)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Tribute to Our Mom

From setting up little tea-parties for us when we were younger, to supporting us by cheering for Tessa in a swim race, or by watching Ashlyn’s debate rounds, our mother holds a special place in our lives.  Over the years, she has always taken the time to lovingly decorate our rooms, make birthdays special, or create fun memories and traditions.  Our mom has faithfully prayed for every aspect of our lives, and for ways to help us to develop our gifts and talents.  This special friend and confidant also whole-heartedly encourages us to pursue our passions.  We know how fortunate we are to have her unconditional and deep love!  She is the truest of blessings to us.
 Being the likeable person that she is, our mom constantly reaches out to others, and gives them encouragement.  It is not uncommon for her to take the time to help a mom get started with home schooling, to make a meal to share with a sick friend’s family, or to leave a special surprise on someone’s doorstep.  She often includes us in these endeavors and so we get to share her joy in blessing others!
Besides reaching out to the people in her life, my mom also cares for our each and every need.  With the huge commitment she has made to home-school us, our mom has a tiring job!  Regardless, she finds time to support us, to stay by our side through tough times, and to encourage us to each have a strong walk with the Lord.  We are sure that at least once every week of our lives, she has written us notes of encouragement in one form or another!  What a gift!  Some of our favorite  “Olson girl” things to do together are to cook and bake, serve others, work out at the gym, explore museums and historical sites, study the Bible, shop, take long walks, and talk and talk at all hours of the day and night.  Probably the most fun we have are our frequent “girls only” nights where we watch a special movie and eat our “traditional” foods: brie cheese, roasted garlic, bread, and fruit!  J
One of the most important things our mom has done for us is to teach us to be true friends with each other and with our brothers.  The four of us siblings are a team!  Because of what our mom has modeled for us, making banners to celebrate each other’s achievements, attending events that are special to each other, and just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company, come very naturally to us.  And, since we were very little, our mom has helped us to appreciate and enjoy the gift it is to have a sister. Without a doubt, the two of us are best friends, and we are sure that her influence has helped us to get there!
 Finally, our mom is a Godly woman, who not only spends time with the Lord, but influences others to do the same.  One of our mom’s best qualities is her dedication to her spiritual life.  By watching her stand strong in her faith, and seeing her commitment to grow as a person, it encourages us to do the same.  Ever since we can remember she has prayed with us and taught us to see life from a Christian world view.  She knows God’s word and lives out what she teaches us.
 We love our mom and we want to encourage all of you to love you mother with all of your hearts!!  A loving mom is one of the best gifts that God has given to each of us.  We all have much to learn from our moms, and we are all blessed to have their love and commitment to do what is best for us.
As you hang out with your SCA Sister, maybe you could take some time to talk about your moms and their influence in your lives. J 
WE LOVE YOU, MOM!!!
Ashlyn -and- TessaJoy

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Greatest Commandments

We have all heard the two greatest commandments from Matthew 22:37-39. But, what does it mean to truly love God with all of your heart?  How do we really love our neighbor as oneself?

Loving God will all of our heart, soul, and mind means rejoicing in His presence. We can be content in whatever circumstance He places us in, because we have the confidence that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We should delight in reading His word, and continually strive to praise Him in our words, thoughts, and actions.

Loving your neighbor as yourself means reaching out to others in the way that we would want to be reached out to. We should not treat others with selfishness, irritability, or indifference. Forgiveness and grace are key to success in any relationship.  

Our prayer is that God will bless these sweet sister-friendships that are growing within SCA. Will you pray for that too?

JOY can stand for Jesus Others Yourself. True joy comes from obeying God’s greatest commandments and placing Jesus and others before ourselves. So, as we reach out to our sisters in Christ, from infants to grandmas, we are obeying Jesus and furthering His Kingdom. Isn’t that exciting? J