We are in the middle of a series at church called ‘The  Joy Genome,  a study in Philippians’.  It has proven to be a very powerful series for me and our entire family.  Last Sunday our pastor discussed Phil 2:14, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God..”   Not only was this verse the focus of the sermon Nick and I heard, but the ekidz ministry also had lessons for the kids that were focused on it.  During their class the kids made ‘Ugly Jars’ for each family to bring home.  It was the size of a peanut butter jar with probably the ‘Ugliest’ paint job you can imagine.  Each family headed home after being encouraged to fast from complaining or arguing for a week with the challenge that for each time you were unable to control yourself, you had to put money in your ‘Ugly Jar’.   This Sunday we brought the jar back to church and all the money collected  is going to go to one of our outreach partners in the city of Charlotte.  Wow, has this week been an eye opening, insightful journey for our family!!  Here are some of our take aways…..the girls are so innocent and honest.  Ada Grace came home from school on Wed and put money in the jar because she argued with a friend at school.  Later that afternoon, Maddie and Ada Grace were playing outside and got into an argument and they both came inside to put money in the jar!!   They are at an age they can understand the simple truths of God’s word and put it into action.  I realized I complain the most when I am at work.  Other people are complaining so I go ahead jump right in, instead of being a light in the darkness!!  Such a convicting realization!  What an insightful exercise for our family.  I am proud to be a part of a church that not only preaches God’s word but encourages us to walk it out in our life!!