tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43175339336200081642024-03-13T07:49:51.466-07:00Seeking HimHebrews 12:1-2Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-38880919567448972522015-02-18T07:36:00.000-08:002015-02-18T07:36:08.794-08:00Do not drift away<br />
"We must pay close attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that <em>we do not drift away.</em>" Hebrews 2:1<br />
<br />
Precious Emmy and Boone,<br />
I am sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by cereal boxes not yet in the recycling bin, folded laundry blanketing the living room and a sweet ray of sunshine warming these cold fingers. And I am filled with gratitude and joy. God has met with me this morning. He is sweet to do that. What is man that He should care for us? It is so humbling to know that the Creator God, the God who set ALL THINGS in motion, desires to have MY heart. He is jealous for my affections. He wants my mind to be set on Him. Because He knows NOTHING will satisfy me and give me joy like His unfathomable glory. <br />
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My sweet babies, this world is so loud. It's ridiculously easy to forget what is real and what is truth and what is life giving. Hebrews tells us to pay close attention to God's truth so we don't get swept away in the current of deception and evil and death. Does that sound a bit dramatic? It's not. "The thief comes only to STEAL and KILL and DESTROY; I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the full." John 10:10 That is not a taciturn statement. Nor shall our response be taciturn.<br />
<br />
I am praying for you both this morning. I am so humbled by what God has called me to do next year. I am worried God sent the memo to the wrong gal. Teach my kids? At home? Be a kindergarten teacher? What? Don't you know me at all Lord? I'm pretty sure I'm not cut out for this job. No cute, organized, gentle, patient woman anywhere near this house. You both have tasted the bitterness of my sin many times: the bitterness of my anger, lack of self control, laziness. <br />
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And yet I'm your mama. And I love you so much it hurts. All. The. Time. Sometimes I have to walk myself off the ledge of panic and anxiety because my fear says you will be taken away by some horrible accident. I have to run into the arms of my sweet Jesus and let him remind me that he is real. And he cares. And he loves you both more than I do. In those times, in this moment, he reminds me we are more than conquerors in him. He reminds me his grace is sufficient. He blesses me with a peace that surpasses ALL understanding and a joy that is palpable. So, did he pick the wrong person for this mama job? Undeniably! Is he who he says he is? Absolutely. We have nothing to fear as we move into this unknown place of homeschooling and private school. As long as we all remember we are not enough, and He is more than enough, I think we're going to be ok.<br />
<br />
And Daddy and I will start putting away money for your future counseling.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-74243552171950492842014-07-08T11:13:00.002-07:002014-07-08T11:21:38.876-07:00A Little Man and a Little Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Is this not one of the cutest faces you have ever seen? Two weeks ago Joel and I embarked on our ten year wedding anniversary trip. We chose to vacation in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Picture a beautiful beach, a laid back island culture, numerous nationalities in one hotel and that begins to set the scene for our wonderful vacation. Before we left for the Dominican, we discovered that a school we had heard many things about via our church and friends who had lived and served there firsthand was a mere 30 miles from our hotel. We took a side trip to Colegio Makarios (which means "blessed" in Greek) and are forever changed. I cannot wait to see where God takes us in terms of a desire for the people of the Dominican Republic to taste and see and know God. In the meantime we are praying for that little man (his name is Juan Carlos) who is a kindergartener at the Mak school. His home life is horrific and we have heard he is in pretty desperate need of a family who loves him and will care for him. Stories like his are far too common in the Dominican because of the high level of poverty and lack of education. <br />
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Won't you pray with us? We will pray big things like restoration for families and hope for the hopeless. We will rest on the truth that God is redeeming his people for his glory. No amount of brokenness or loss or terror changes that. He is so good. Amen.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-58928259579590629472013-09-09T06:57:00.002-07:002013-09-09T06:57:59.912-07:00Why Do We Have "Quiet Time" With God?The manna of one day was corrupt when the next day came. I must every day have fresh grace from heaven, and I obtain it only in direct waiting upon God Himself. Begin each day by tarrying before God, and letting Him touch you. Take time to meet God. To this end, let your first act in your devotion be a setting yourself still before God. In prayer, or worship, everything depends upon God taking chief place. I must bow quietly before Him in humble faith and adoration, speaking thus within my heart: "God is. God is near. God is love, longing to communicate Himself to me. God the Almighty One, Who worketh all in all, is even now waiting to work in me, and make Himself known." <em>Take time, til you know God is very near.</em> - Andrew Murray<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-88769971717055676182013-05-23T21:45:00.001-07:002013-05-23T21:45:28.071-07:00BattlingI had a mini break-down on Mother's Day. I'm pretty sure I had a mild panic attack. I could not get the funk out of my head, tears were waiting for just the right moment to make their way down my cheeks, and the exhaustion I felt was overwhelming. I told Joel he needed to take the kids to church without me and then I got back in bed. And slept. For three hours. When everyone got back from church I made my way downstairs to eat lunch. During the course of the meal, Emmy informed me that she had given me the title "Queen of Headaches" at which I put down my fork and walked back upstairs for a good old cry and self-pity session. I felt like an absolute failure. I felt lonely. I felt sad. I felt like a waste of bones and skin and breath. Not fun.<br />
Luckily I am blessed to have some amazing friends, one of which called me after reading a desperate text I sent her in response to one she had sent earlier. She listened to me cry and blubber on about my fears and sadness. Then she read Isaiah aloud to me and prayed. <br />
God is so good to get us out of the pit of despair. I had slipped in and wanted to sit in the muck and stale darkness because it felt too exhausting to battle my may out. Thank goodness we have a God who fights for us. Thank goodness for dear friends who will take the time to remind you of truth and gently point you to Jesus. I decided to believe that the power that lives inside me is greater than the power of the enemy. I decided to get up and have courage to face the day. I decided to reach out to some folks and offer love despite feeling empty. In response to that obedience (yep, I admitted I did something right. I obeyed) God filled me with energy and joy and patience and breath. I felt a peace that surpasses understanding. Really. Not making it up.<br />
The other day I was reading Isaiah 26 and sensed God calling me to really digest verses 3 and 4. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is fixed on you. Trust in the Lord forever, for God is an everlasting rock." I texted this verse to my Young Life girls. I prayed it over myself and my family. A day later I open a book Joel is reading just to see what it's about and on the front page there is my verse. I felt known and loved in that minute. I truly sensed God's presence. He speaks. He is real. He is faithful. <br />
Depression is an ever-looming monster I battle to keep at bay daily. I cannot imagine battling this without the Lord. Praise God that He holds me fast and protects me from myself. It is far too easy to fix my mind on the negative and become discouraged in a world that feels frantic. God is sweet to provide a way out. I pray you would never let me go Lord. Remind me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-82436747470198690702013-03-26T12:02:00.001-07:002013-03-26T12:02:05.931-07:00For Emmy and BooneDear Emmy and Boone,<br />
<br />
You are both asleep in your rooms right now. I just left the grocery store empty handed after realizing we had no money to buy the groceries piled in our cart at Costco. On the way home I screamed at you both for some minor disobedience. Now I sit here battling the urge to feel sorry for myself and let discouragement ruin this gift of a day. You will have these days. You will wonder why God ever chose such a wretch to be His. You'll wonder if the power of the Holy Spirit actually dwells in your heart. I hope. I hope you will wrestle with these things because this will be a picture of how you desire to be like Christ and still have to put up with the enemy before Christ comes back. <br />
<br />
My blog began as a sort of love letter to you both. I want to continue to share my journey with you so that when the time comes and I am no longer by your side, you will have a bit of my journey on hand. Why? So you can be encouraged as you cling tightly to Jesus. I pray you would come to know Him as I have. I pray you would agree that Jesus is Lord and nothing else in this world will ever satisfy your soul the way He CAN. I love you both.<br />
<br />
I just read this blog post from our friends who are living in Africa right now. It encouraged my heart.<br />
Exerpt from Jeremy and Christina Gabrysch's blog:<br />
"How are you doing spiritually?” Have you ever been asked this question? I
have. In fact, I probably have asked other Christians this question. But as I
study the Gospel more and more, I see that it’s just not about how or what I am
doing. It’s about what Christ has done. The problem with this question is that
it forces me to come up with some laundry list of spiritual disciplines or
ministry activities to justify myself. And the Gospel reality is that we are
utterly unable to justify ourselves. Only Christ through his active obedience
and death on the Cross can do that.<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nothing-Everything-Tullian-Tchividjian/dp/1433507781"><span style="color: #0d839f;">Tullian
Tchividjian</span></a> puts it this way: “To focus on how I am doing, more than on what
Christ has done, is Christian narcissism (an oxymoron if ever I heard one) – the
poison of self-absorption which undermines the power of the gospel in our
lives. Martin Luther noted that "the sin underneath all our sins is the lie of
the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and that we must
take matters into our own hands.””<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, I know that the well-meaning question I opened with
isn’t aimed to undermine the gospel. I believe it is asked to provide some
accountability or perhaps to be compassionate if things “aren’t going well.”
And perhaps to celebrate if things are going well. But that’s my point. What
are we celebrating? That I am racking up the spiritual disciplines and/or
ministry activities? Or in the other case, what are we bemoaning? That I am
failing to achieve that which Christ has already achieved for me? (By the way,
this brings up accountability groups. Don’t get me started on
those…)<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Gospel takes us outside of ourselves. It’s not about
us. It’s not about a moral improvement program that cleans up the outside.
It’s about what <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Chalmers"><span style="color: #0d839f;">Thomas
Chalmers</span></a> called “<a href="http://www.monergism.com/Chalmers%2C%20Thomas%20-%20The%20Exlpulsive%20Power%20of%20a%20New%20Af.pdf"><span style="color: #0d839f;">the
expulsive power of a superior affection.</span></a>” We must focus on all that Christ
has already done, and the riches and the right standing that we possess in
Him!<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next time someone asks me this question, I will answer
like this: “You know what? I’m actually doing pretty bad spiritually. I daily
have to die to sin and remove myself from the throne of my own life. I daily
have to fall on the good grace of God in Christ just to make it through the
day. Thank God for the Gospel! It’s the only hope I
have.”<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or maybe I’ll just say I’m doing fine,
thanks.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-68217110637759544672012-07-17T07:07:00.001-07:002012-07-17T07:07:49.087-07:00Picture This<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This past weekend I had the honor of taking photos for a friend's wedding. Initially, Joel had wanted to hire an old friend who is a real photographer but because it was such late notice he was already working (the couple had just gotten engaged on Monday and planned the ceremony for that Saturday!) We knew they needed someone there to chronicle such a special day and were left with the only viable alternative - me. I do not claim to know the first thing about professional photography, but I do enjoy taking pictures and feel I have somewhat of an eye for what looks good in a picture. I also have several friends with really nice cameras who are very sweet to let me practice. My good friend Christal loaned me her Canon SLR and armed with that and my limited knowledge of how to use that technical camera (thank you Ali and Cary) I set out Saturday morning. </div>
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When I first showed up at the location I quickly realized I had forgotten how to use the manual setting and the basics of Aperture and all that other technical jargon. I had a mild panic attack as I blanked and was afraid I didn't even know how to take one picture. Then I remembered that little button at the front of the camera, you know the one you push to make the shutter click. Then I also remembered the provided automatic settings. Whew. So I slowly climbed out of the truck, praying I wouldn't screw up this precious couple's photos.</div>
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I took 945 pictures.</div>
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It was so much fun!</div>
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I had even more fun when I got home and played around with the editing tools on Picasa. Who knew photography could be so addicting? Aside from the fact that it was an absolute honor to do this for two very deserving people, the whole photography process was really exciting and served as a truly fulfilling artistic outlet. </div>
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So here's my take away: One, I wanted to make sure I got this down on computer screen so I don't forget such a neat day. And two, I was reminded of how important it is to do things like this that inspire my creative side in the midst of being a stay at home mom. Even as I write this I have just had to deal with two fighting preschoolers and a major poop in the pants potty accident. It is easy to lose perspective and feel like you are living in a very small fishbowl. I love my two babies. Immensely. Would give my life for them. I know how blessed I am to have a faithful and giving husband and a home to live in and food to put on the table. But there are days when I feel like my brain cells are being sucked out of my head and depression is just lurking outside the front door of my heart. I am continually tempted to ask incredulously, "Is this as good as it gets?" like a spoiled child. I become restless and bitter, thinking I have somehow missed the boat for the "real" life I had planned back in college.</div>
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I truly believe God gives us opportunities to taste the goodness of His gifts so that we don't lose valuable perspective in the middle of the journey. As silly as it may sound to anyone else, God loved on me in a big way by letting me take part in this little wedding. I felt a sense of the bigger picture and had a chance to get out of the vacuum of my little world. I also tasted the sweetness of a thankful heart, which is good medicine for the soul.</div>
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These are some of my favorite shots. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-56361515336164951732012-07-02T21:45:00.001-07:002012-07-02T21:51:48.865-07:00My Blue Crush Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you know me at all, you might be aware of the fact that I am mildly obsessed with a dorky surfer-girl movie called <i>Blue Crush</i>. The first time I saw it I just knew I would one day be an amazing surfer. I could feel the saltwater running through my veins. This past weekend, I got the chance to reach for my Blue Crush dream.<br />
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While on vacation in North Carolina with two of my dear pals Alison and Cary, we took a little side trip to the beach. Cary surprised us with surfing lessons! Alison said she'd take pictures because she would rather have her fingernails pulled out than have to be in saltwater for an extended period of time.<br />
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So Cary and I got suited up and met the coolest surf instructor named Jo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't we look like two legit surfer gals?</td></tr>
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We started off learning the basics. I could feel my inner surfer girl just itching to burst out.<img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoeduG3JSFU/T_Jp0SOxvWI/AAAAAAAAB9s/mqEO28lETrQ/s400/IMG_7220.jpg" width="400" />We checked the line up. Yup, I know the lingo.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several iconic photos to follow. (Isn't Alison a great photographer?!)</td></tr>
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Then we headed out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for some sweet waves.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0CB8S6Y3_g/T_JtE7JNRDI/AAAAAAAAB-U/Z6ovRENnUr8/s1600/IMG_7273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0CB8S6Y3_g/T_JtE7JNRDI/AAAAAAAAB-U/Z6ovRENnUr8/s400/IMG_7273.jpg" width="400" /></a>Right off the bat Jo told me to go for a wave I was in perfect position for. I started paddling and rode that bad boy all the way to shore. On my stomach. Oh, you meant try to actually surf? I got caught up in the pure joy of the moment and was perfectly fine to just boogie board.</div>
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Cary, on the other hand, was not. This girl was not messing around. She wanted to stand up some kind of awful. The learning curve is a bit high though and she did ingest a bit of saltwater.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GyXtlGs5C4M/T_JtJrHtHMI/AAAAAAAAB-c/yQ_tgMnaD1A/s1600/IMG_7288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GyXtlGs5C4M/T_JtJrHtHMI/AAAAAAAAB-c/yQ_tgMnaD1A/s400/IMG_7288.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What happened?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cary's first time to get up on the board. Do you see the absolute elation on her face?!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTRL7nI7bSc/T_JtzzEQNII/AAAAAAAAB-8/N4KsCxefKRc/s1600/IMG_7295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTRL7nI7bSc/T_JtzzEQNII/AAAAAAAAB-8/N4KsCxefKRc/s640/IMG_7295.jpg" width="640" /></a>Don't I look cool and serene out there waiting for a wave? Well, that wasn't quite the case. You see, it was about this time 20 minutes into our lesson that I started to realize my dream was about to end. Every time the sea would move under my board, my stomach would lurch and my throat would tingle. My head started pounding and I felt like the breakfast bar I had eaten was about to become fish food. I was SEA SICK! I have had this problem since I was little. Car rides, carny rides, air plane rides- they have all wreaked havoc on my inner ear for years. Whenever I fly, I always check for that little bag in the front pocket because I know I will probably need it during landing. My tolerance for boat rides out on choppy water is nil. I get greener than a tree frog and feel as miserable as a drunk monkey.</div>
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So I sat on my board, torn by my desire to conquer the board and my lurching insides. I hung my head low and sadly admitted to Jo and Cary that I was a lightweight and needed to get out of the water before I lost my cookies. As I paddled back in dejected and sick, I gave it one last go.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6X_g0U3DV-Y/T_Jo6KkVu9I/AAAAAAAAB9U/DJxVtxPkPHU/s1600/IMG_7377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6X_g0U3DV-Y/T_Jo6KkVu9I/AAAAAAAAB9U/DJxVtxPkPHU/s400/IMG_7377.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIhgNyUDjU/T_JuOE-zm_I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/2VeJhfaNYRA/s1600/IMG_7378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIhgNyUDjU/T_JuOE-zm_I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/2VeJhfaNYRA/s640/IMG_7378.jpg" width="640" /></a>And that's as close as I got to being Kate Bosworth. Lame.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkODLmTaJmw/T_Jv-_WMSoI/AAAAAAAACAE/abh3NJQm1mU/s1600/IMG_7344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkODLmTaJmw/T_Jv-_WMSoI/AAAAAAAACAE/abh3NJQm1mU/s400/IMG_7344.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpBSqIYqeiM/T_JucwDCqWI/AAAAAAAAB_o/vm1akT5l7BQ/s1600/IMG_7439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpBSqIYqeiM/T_JucwDCqWI/AAAAAAAAB_o/vm1akT5l7BQ/s400/IMG_7439.jpg" width="400" /></a>But Cary was a natural! She had so much fun and I think it was more fun to watch her and cheer her on with Ali than actually being in the water. She was cracking us up being such a ham for the camera. I don't think she came off her surfing high all day.</div>
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Jo offered to come with us on a surfing trip to Costa Rica with all of our families some day and teach the whole fam-damly. Wouldn't that be a blast? I would just need to be sure to bring a small truckload of anti-nausea medicine. I will keep the dream alive. Thank you Cary for such a fun experience and many thanks Alison for being there to get it all on film.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-57830124904826214792012-06-06T12:22:00.005-07:002012-06-06T12:22:55.763-07:00How Long?How long will I struggle with the same insecurities I have carried since childhood?<br />
How long will I judge my parenting based on my children's behavior?<br />
How long will I remain undisciplined in the areas of sleeping, waking, reading my bible, and returning phone calls?<br />
How long will I criticize my husband for the very things I fear he criticizes me about?<br />
How long will I stare past the gifts God has bestowed and fixate on the green glow beyond?<br />
How long Lord will you make us stay here?<br />
I am ready for forever. Been ready.<br />
In light of that, I will wake up tomorrow morning and declare God's goodness and I will fight to declare his faithfulness tonight when I lay down on my pillow. Thank you again and again Jesus that you love us. My heart would be dead without you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-18984117445881274612012-05-18T22:19:00.002-07:002012-05-18T22:30:58.930-07:00WhyThe annoying question, "Why?" has been a source of much growth and discipline lately. I figure God has to deal with me as you would a preschooler so He has been asking me this question incessantly the past few weeks. <br />
So how this pertains to my inner dealings with the Lord is this: I struggle with desiring something I don't perceive as having and God asks me, "Why?" to help me uncover the junk I am choosing to be a slave to in contrast to basking in the freedom of His truth.<br />
For example:<br />
Katie: I wish I had beautiful long, thick hair.<br />
God: Why?<br />
Katie: Because I want to be beautiful.<br />
God: Why?<br />
Katie: (begrudgingly) Because I want people to look at me.<br />
God: Why?<br />
Katie: (feeling really lame) Because I want people to make much of me.<br />
God: Why?<br />
Katie: (do I have to answer?!) Because I am afraid people won't like me if I'm not sort of a big deal.<br />
God: Why?<br />
Katie: (now I'm feeling pretty stupid) Because I think this world will make me happy.<br />
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As silly as this may seem, this has really been a useful tool in digging down deep in my little heart and recognizing that old nasty sin I cling to instead of God's truth. As embarrassing as it is to admit, my vanity has been weighing me down tremendously lately. Am I pathetic or what? It is ridiculous. It is selfish and stupid. I should be much more mature and not care at all what I look like and focus my energy on truly important things; things like molding my children's hearts, serving my husband well, being an agent of change in the areas of homelessness and extreme poverty to name a few. And yet here I have been making myself sick focusing on my self image over and over again, spending a little too much time in front of the mirror trying to create some persona of togetherness and beauty.<br />
But God has been faithful. He will not let me settle for a quick fix or even a continuation down this slippery slope. So He asks me why I think this way and leads me down a path of humility and confession. Why is it important that I feel pretty? Why do I value outer beauty so much? Do I really buy the lie that we are worthy because of how we look or what we do? I have but I choose to fight this lie. You may not think this is a battle you are engaged in, but I guarantee this need for a sense of worth permeates our human psyche. Depending on what demographic you find yourself a part of, worthiness is defined in so many different ways.<br />
Thank goodness I have a hope to cling to beyond what this world offers! Thank goodness my worthiness comes from the One who made all things. I am more than the sum of my actions, thoughts, weight, reflection in the mirror. I am Christ's bride and a daughter of eternal royalty. I'd be in big trouble if I had to weigh my worthiness based on the world's scale! I've got nothin! Oh but I am more than a conqueror in Jesus and He loves me more than I can fathom. And He loves all of his babies. We are all so very loved and I pray we would stop walking around like a bunch of unloved orphans.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-1642143355669430062012-04-10T09:37:00.000-07:002012-04-10T09:37:17.716-07:00Happy Resurrection DayHe is Risen! He is risen indeed!<br />
I must admit I woke up yesterday morning a bit cynical. Not because I wasn't excited to celebrate the amazing truth of Christ's resurrection.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GczpuJD6YGk/T4RfjjuwN5I/AAAAAAAAB1w/URPPcZEf8nM/s1600/frank+erwin+center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GczpuJD6YGk/T4RfjjuwN5I/AAAAAAAAB1w/URPPcZEf8nM/s320/frank+erwin+center.jpg" width="320" /></a>No, I was a bit cynical because we were headed to our church's HUGE Easter service at the Frank Erwin Center. Where one goes to see basketball games and concerts. Our church is large. There is no getting around it. We did not ultimately choose our church, God chose it for us. We had bounced around for several years trying to find the "best" church in Austin. Did we really think it existed? In our prideful minds we certainly did. We moved one last time to a little community church, barely 4 years old, thinking we had finally reached our Mecca. A small and intimate church focused on going deeper and building true Christ followers; we had found the "perfect" church for our family. Only months after making this big change, this tiny church merged with a massive mega church. This church is solid in its core beliefs, vision and mission, but it is HUGE. Not our preference certainly, but clearly where the Lord wants us. We made a decision before all this had happened that this was it and we would stick where we were no matter what, barring some radically un-biblical leadership. We're in for good.<br />
So I woke up yesterday fighting off seeds of judgement and frustration. I didn't want to go to a rock concert where our church would come off super hip and entertaining. I didn't want to show up at a huge facility where we sat in a mass of unknown faces. I didn't want to be led to an emotional frenzy aided by great lighting and visual effects. I simply didn't want to go.<br />
After we dropped the kids off in what reminded us of stock show cattle bins, we slowly made our way to our seats. We ran into some people we knew and said, "Happy Easter!" with big smiles on our faces, but inside my heart was crusty. I picture a little old lady sitting in the corner of my mind smoking a Marlboro and muttering to herself. Not a pretty picture, but indeed where I was.<br />
As the lights dimmed, I leaned over to Joel and said, "U2 concert here we go!" I am so glad I was preparing my heart to worship.<br />
The first song I sang with arms folded across my chest and praying silently that my heart would change. I truly wanted to celebrate and honor Jesus with my worship and knew what I was presenting was not it. "But this is a big show Lord! They are making it really difficult to come before you on an intimate level. It's the church's fault."<br />
Then our pastor, who is a highly gifted teacher, asked us to turn around and greet one another. "Oh great, now I get to do the awkward handshake and say the appropriate words and act so excited to be here." I turn around and am shocked to find our NEXT DOOR neighbors sitting behind us. I'm no mathematician but I would say the odds of this happening are minimal at best. This arena seats over 30,000 and I think the place was about 1/4 full. We didn't even know they were believers. To top it off, the wife had brought one of her Young Life girls to the service. WHAT? Believers AND involved in the ministry we hold dear to our hearts. Chance?<br />
I turned back around and was immediately hit with a sober humility. God is much bigger than any of the hullabaloo and His sovereignty trumps my personal preferences.<br />
As I continued worshipping, with a much more humble and thankful heart, I realized there was a gift just for me right in my line of vision. A precious African woman dressed in her beautiful traditional clothing was singing and dancing with total abandon. Next to her was a man with a large tumorous-growth on his chin, the kind you only see watching National Geographic, worshipping in the same fashion. Tears just started to flow as I realized God was meeting with me on a very personal level. I have a soft spot for Africa- never been there, but simply love the culture. I love the strong women who live in true community, know how to laugh at the troubles that come their way, and most of all I love that they DANCE. Some day I know God will let me go and be a part of what He is doing in that country. I know it may sound silly, but I truly believe God put her in my line of sight as a reminder of how much He loves me. Isn't it funny how He seems to have a special language with us all?<br />
The remainder of the service was wonderful, the sermon pertinent and truth-filled and I walked away filled with the scent of a sweet encounter with God.<br />
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He is Risen!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-43961113643296105472012-01-20T07:27:00.000-08:002012-01-20T07:28:42.583-08:00Vulnerable<div style="text-align: center;">
Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken.</div>
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If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one, not even an animal.</div>
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Wrap it carefully round with <b>hobbies</b> and <b>little luxuries</b>; avoid all entaglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. <b>To love is to be vulnerable</b>.</div>
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C.S. Lewis</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-46749432591347410522012-01-04T13:43:00.000-08:002012-01-04T13:43:43.559-08:00Goodbye 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just have to point out the fact that I have the funniest sister in the world. We didn't get to spend Christmas with the Loop family this year and I found myself missing my goofy dad and silly sister.<br />
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See what I mean? She cracks me up! I am just hoping I can convince her to move to Austin and live across Mopac at the Domain. Then I could see her whenever I want... muh wahhahahaha!</div>
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Adios 2011!! I am excited to see what God has in store for 2012. I hope it includes some road trips and less preschool tantrums. Here are some of my highlights from this past year... in no order whatsoever...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xa1qUZ1nw_A/TwS-_e9J49I/AAAAAAAABsM/M9iLAU9Uq7Y/s1600/IMG_7747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xa1qUZ1nw_A/TwS-_e9J49I/AAAAAAAABsM/M9iLAU9Uq7Y/s320/IMG_7747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post Halloween Party with the Besties.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPKhwPCrJ5U/TwTBYgYiJqI/AAAAAAAABs4/9aGDwn-D0J4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPKhwPCrJ5U/TwTBYgYiJqI/AAAAAAAABs4/9aGDwn-D0J4/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade goo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHpUFhkIDVU/TwTBnR2Dy6I/AAAAAAAABtA/jDZhZCgk_0E/s1600/2011+Port+Aransas+%2526+more+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHpUFhkIDVU/TwTBnR2Dy6I/AAAAAAAABtA/jDZhZCgk_0E/s320/2011+Port+Aransas+%2526+more+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port A with all the Fosheas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63TqBc-XxIk/TwTBtxjbQcI/AAAAAAAABtI/KliJE1zuMW8/s1600/2011+Port+Aransas+%2526+more+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63TqBc-XxIk/TwTBtxjbQcI/AAAAAAAABtI/KliJE1zuMW8/s320/2011+Port+Aransas+%2526+more+125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids being old enough to appreciate the beach = priceless.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFVuKz9vKeU/TwTB0lRtkBI/AAAAAAAABtQ/7qhH6w3K01U/s1600/2011+Port+Aransas+%2526+more+147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFVuKz9vKeU/TwTB0lRtkBI/AAAAAAAABtQ/7qhH6w3K01U/s320/2011+Port+Aransas+%2526+more+147.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A really hot summer demands extreme trailer trash cool downs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2cUzoFXoj8/TwTB2qpe1_I/AAAAAAAABtY/FmWL5M4eoqs/s1600/gen+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2cUzoFXoj8/TwTB2qpe1_I/AAAAAAAABtY/FmWL5M4eoqs/s320/gen+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping with best friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcAeN2gjRMA/TwTB-kfuOcI/AAAAAAAABtg/13Sba176uwY/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcAeN2gjRMA/TwTB-kfuOcI/AAAAAAAABtg/13Sba176uwY/s320/129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two years old. Wow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dknv6jd2CqU/TwTCB7r0S0I/AAAAAAAABto/EakA6k7G0oE/s1600/104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dknv6jd2CqU/TwTCB7r0S0I/AAAAAAAABto/EakA6k7G0oE/s320/104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging poolside with the Hardys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQwMdrZFYgE/TwTCDOiuaJI/AAAAAAAABtw/y37eG4E-N9U/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQwMdrZFYgE/TwTCDOiuaJI/AAAAAAAABtw/y37eG4E-N9U/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sweet bedtime reading.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5_ddTvlrL0/TwTCHw7ffMI/AAAAAAAABt4/fexUP_yqHA4/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5_ddTvlrL0/TwTCHw7ffMI/AAAAAAAABt4/fexUP_yqHA4/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fixing up the old house = lots of demo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rpvzNgAIZI/TwTCIv-ZPWI/AAAAAAAABuA/jgl5z0kNTqA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rpvzNgAIZI/TwTCIv-ZPWI/AAAAAAAABuA/jgl5z0kNTqA/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting close to putting her on the market.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhIpw4Jpx2M/TwTCLaOwvRI/AAAAAAAABuI/iXQa3utenHs/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhIpw4Jpx2M/TwTCLaOwvRI/AAAAAAAABuI/iXQa3utenHs/s1600/art.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trip to Chicago with Pops and Seester.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wI5Hh5FJLyg/TwTCXDAHtHI/AAAAAAAABuQ/8BNcaoFVYdM/s1600/iphone+september+october+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wI5Hh5FJLyg/TwTCXDAHtHI/AAAAAAAABuQ/8BNcaoFVYdM/s320/iphone+september+october+022.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sending my dad photos of Lesley and I in IKEA and pretending it is our new house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8wvkF_9aRI/TwTCaO2ayDI/AAAAAAAABuY/DFGaxUs0JTM/s1600/iphone+september+october+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8wvkF_9aRI/TwTCaO2ayDI/AAAAAAAABuY/DFGaxUs0JTM/s320/iphone+september+october+036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preschool cuteness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fZ4jlRVpxY/TwTCceS5NNI/AAAAAAAABug/M7r7S-6juCE/s1600/iphone+september+october+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fZ4jlRVpxY/TwTCceS5NNI/AAAAAAAABug/M7r7S-6juCE/s320/iphone+september+october+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New neighbors are the best.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAzBcbz9z4o/TwTCslnSD5I/AAAAAAAABuo/c6XkDyVWhts/s1600/100_5304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAzBcbz9z4o/TwTCslnSD5I/AAAAAAAABuo/c6XkDyVWhts/s320/100_5304.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cars 2 with Emmy's pseudo sister.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QY4XTf_otJU/TwTCvh3_ARI/AAAAAAAABuw/6MFF6l3uBEY/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QY4XTf_otJU/TwTCvh3_ARI/AAAAAAAABuw/6MFF6l3uBEY/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebonnets in Nana's front yard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nE0QSPzZvp8/TwTC08zQu4I/AAAAAAAABu4/B5VE6WuyhYc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nE0QSPzZvp8/TwTC08zQu4I/AAAAAAAABu4/B5VE6WuyhYc/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some serious skills with an air gun. RIP squirrel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RT_ofBAsgzw/TwTC9Ayy70I/AAAAAAAABvA/pXw-TwStQtk/s1600/100_5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RT_ofBAsgzw/TwTC9Ayy70I/AAAAAAAABvA/pXw-TwStQtk/s320/100_5319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was HOT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLHxpkndNwA/TwTD1cw5jwI/AAAAAAAABvM/SCm1_nYRZGs/s1600/boone+and+joel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLHxpkndNwA/TwTD1cw5jwI/AAAAAAAABvM/SCm1_nYRZGs/s320/boone+and+joel.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to our new home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cDgiM2PqRk/TwTD8QyQAAI/AAAAAAAABvU/uEHI8swnTF8/s1600/IMG_1191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cDgiM2PqRk/TwTD8QyQAAI/AAAAAAAABvU/uEHI8swnTF8/s320/IMG_1191.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday parties galore!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCHdtFthDDs/TwTEQE1dh0I/AAAAAAAABvg/h-xnFZRexUg/s1600/IMG_8917%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCHdtFthDDs/TwTEQE1dh0I/AAAAAAAABvg/h-xnFZRexUg/s320/IMG_8917%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book club girls... so fun! Probably my favorite night of the month, hands down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nr7_KbXp4W8/TwTEg1zGwBI/AAAAAAAABvs/Qar-B5I2LQ4/s1600/christmas+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nr7_KbXp4W8/TwTEg1zGwBI/AAAAAAAABvs/Qar-B5I2LQ4/s320/christmas+pic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So blessed to have a wonderful family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tB53suLPpZM/TwS_YOFl-2I/AAAAAAAABsU/oHSht-3G03g/s1600/100_5275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tB53suLPpZM/TwS_YOFl-2I/AAAAAAAABsU/oHSht-3G03g/s320/100_5275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Wodies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter with Pancho and Aunt Lesley.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just chillin...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And killin at the Safari B with the Bakers.<br /><br />Happy New Year!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-85955641780653961492011-11-18T06:39:00.001-08:002011-11-18T06:54:21.463-08:00Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">An excerpt from a really good book on doing church and life together and all that good stuff:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If the Western world's prevailing culture reinforces individualism, a different culture is necessary to present an alternative. The church is a great context in which to learn what it means to live in relationship with others. It is the location in which <i>my self-preoccupation will be confronted.</i> This happens as I hear the Bible being taught. It happens as I am encouraged and rebuked by my brothers and sisters who take responsibility for my godliness. It happens as I respond to the Lord's call to love God with all my heart and my neighbor as myself. It happens as <i>God's truth</i> <i>conspires with my circumstances to show me that this is not my world and I am not God.</i> It happens as the community responds to my sin with love and grace.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel very blessed to have folks around us who are battling for this kind of life together.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-62221978049644004992011-11-08T09:34:00.000-08:002011-11-08T09:38:33.851-08:00Running in the rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After I dropped the kiddos at preschool I went running around the Municipal park near our house. It was glorious! I got lost in the maze of trails and ended up by the railroad tracks... had to pull out my phone to figure out where I was (oh modern technology, how i have come to depend on you far too much). I loved the adventure of it. I know, it's not like I was scaling a mountain or trekking through the AT but it was a slice of heaven in the middle of our little city. Trees crowded the trail, a small (dry) creek ran on one side and there was not a soul in sight. It reminded me a lot of the trail I used to run on in Waco at Cameron Park. This fact made me all silly with warm memories from college which in turn became a sweet time of worship as I allowed God to show me how much He has done in my life. From that flowed a real spirit of thankfulness- this I have not experienced in a while!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had a sweet moment of holy contact this morning. I ran along in the "wilderness" of this little park and listened as God ministered to my heart through the music in my phone and the solitude of the place. The rain that came as I exited the woods and made my way back into our neighborhood was so refreshing and loved on me as well! I just soaked it in (literally and figuratively) as God's gift during a bit of a funk time. It is no wonder Jesus always made time to get away to a "lonely place" and pray to his father. For a long time I have known that God tends to use times of physical exertion to speak truth over me and today was no exception. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have never experienced more testing and refining than when I led backpacking trips in Colorado 10 years ago (I can't believe it was that long ago!!) I miss the simplicity of my days during those two summers. When we were on the trail, we had a sole purpose: share the love of Christ with high school kids in the middle of God's beautiful back-country. We would take them up on high places and hopefully share a perspective with them they had never experienced before. I was always stunned by how small I felt amidst the towering peaks and yet how intimately known and loved by God I felt at the same time. Thank you God for giving me a bit of that this morning. You are so good to meet us where we are. I am, as always, overwhelmed by your grace to such a wretch. You alone have my heart.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aNAYGFY8ik/TrllYuNZl9I/AAAAAAAABlo/28Jx4KY-XtA/s1600/wilderness+2+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aNAYGFY8ik/TrllYuNZl9I/AAAAAAAABlo/28Jx4KY-XtA/s640/wilderness+2+001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the clarity and size of this photo. I am still figuring out our scanner. This picture was from one of my trips during my second summer at Wilderness. This was an all girl trip that was full of adventure and fun. This was probably one of my all-time favorite trips!</td></tr>
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Man I am running on nothing but God's grace alone. Isn't it funny how He just won't allow us to stay in a place of neutrality or lukewarmness for too long before He yanks the rug out from under you? I know all the right things to say and the right Scripture to reference when feeling downhearted. But do I truly allow myself to 1) believe it all and 2) make a concerted effort to hang on to that truth for dear life? Unfortunately I have limped my way into a state of spiritual comatose and am having to battle to get my feet under me. It is far too easy to let the eternal things of life take a backseat to the obnoxiously loud temporal things. Things like changing addresses, fatigue, bills, getting dinner on the table, vacuuming for the 1,035th time; these all scream for my attention and I am lulled into an almost trance-like state. I find myself simply trying to "make it" until the end of the day when I fall into bed exhausted and empty. I severely dislike the feelings of listlessness and anxiety that have somewhat taken root in my daily routine. The only way I can battle fruitfully is to call on the power of the Holy Spirit. Plain and simple. So I leave this computer now to go soak up God's word and to allow His word to penetrate my heart so that I am no longer like a reed being tossed to and fro whenever the wind blows. We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS in Christ! He has good things prepared for us to do if we would but take courage and follow Him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-79831689426083236482011-08-19T08:07:00.000-07:002011-08-19T08:07:09.049-07:00Absolute Surrender <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3w-YYiGtnU/Tk57w2uGwtI/AAAAAAAABd8/6Ns1oSJ5j-o/s1600/sharon" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3w-YYiGtnU/Tk57w2uGwtI/AAAAAAAABd8/6Ns1oSJ5j-o/s320/sharon" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2008! Sharon's in the middle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My dear friend Sharon came to Austin earlier this week and hung out with me and the kiddos for a few hours. She is a woman I look up to in every way possible. From her humility to her goofiness, to her deep, passionate love for Christ, Sharon is someone you can't help but love instantly. The depth at which she loves her family, friends, and the dorky college kids she ministers to is immeasurable. I just love her so much. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Over the years she and her husband Ronnie have given me books that I treasure- so much so they NEVER end up in the stack bound for Half-Price Books, which says a lot! I have been reading one of those books lately and my butt is getting a severe kicking. <u>Absolute Surrender</u> by Andrew Murray, an old Scottish preacher from the late 1800's, is stock full of good food for the soul. This morning this little passage is the icing to what I believe God has been trying to teach me the past few weeks:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kl7h4ctxFzo/Tk567x64e9I/AAAAAAAABd4/kf0hU4NYk0s/s1600/surrender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kl7h4ctxFzo/Tk567x64e9I/AAAAAAAABd4/kf0hU4NYk0s/s1600/surrender.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>I pray you learn to know and to trust your God entirely. Say: "My God, I am willing that Thou shouldst make me willing." If there is anything holding you back, or any sacrifice you are afraid of making, come to God at once and prove how gracious your God is; be not afraid that He will command from you what He will not bestow.</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amen.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Peter was brought to the end of himself when he denied Christ during Jesus' most desperate time. Peter realized with a painful clarity how wretched and despicable he was. Only then did he truly understand how brilliant and glorious and beautfiul Jesus is. From there was birthed an insatiable desire to truly leave everything behind and follow his Lord wherever and whenever, knowing he could do nothing apart from Christ's power anyway!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"My Lord, O King, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have." 1 Kings 20:4</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-55432945118171451212011-03-24T08:28:00.000-07:002011-03-24T08:52:55.789-07:00A Much Better Morning<span></span><br /><div>Just smile.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgjCVa-M4aU/TYtjuymAwAI/AAAAAAAABOI/yYDC7kQVyzQ/s1600/061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587669418189570050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgjCVa-M4aU/TYtjuymAwAI/AAAAAAAABOI/yYDC7kQVyzQ/s320/061.JPG" /></a> Whew. Made it through a day of self-reflection and at times, self-loathing. All of that wrapped up in one little neat bundle called "too much self." I am a wretch, not sure why that surprises me at times. Now moving on.</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587669419316640018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUkKAHxLy4c/TYtju2yueRI/AAAAAAAABOQ/yJiCy5kCF3o/s320/039.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587669428503606370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gXlq722vII/TYtjvZBEdGI/AAAAAAAABOY/5gcYqu0I6oA/s320/009.JPG" />I have missed these little punkins this week, much more than I anticipated. They help keep my feet on the ground. They are just so dad-gummed cute...most of the time. This week of freedom, aka my ultimate me-cation, has offered a giant dose of perspective. I have been trudging through the past few months in a sort of martyr-like trance, missing the fact that this fish bowl existence of life with preschoolers is going to pass in a flash. I am praying my eyes would be ever opened to the gift I have in staying home with our babies.<br /></div><div>Ok on to some random thoughts and quotes.</div><div>1) My sister sent me a link to this blog because it involved the slamming of my least favorite pastor in Houston, Joel Osteen. Is it even right to call him a pastor? I can't think too much on it or a rant is sure to ensue. Anywho, I clicked over to this blog and it is SO much fun to read. I am hooked. Check it out if you have a few hours <a href="http://afigleaf.wordpress.com/">http://afigleaf.wordpress.com</a> The blog name is based off this awesome quote from Kierkegaard:</div><div> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Thanks and thanks again to Him who offers to the man</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"> whom the sorrows of life have assaulted and left naked- </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">offers to him the fig leaf of the Word </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">with which he can cover his wretchedness.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><span style="font-size:100%;"><div align="left">I know, right? </div><div align="left">2) </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centered on the living Christ.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Then the church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">And finally, it moved to America, where it became an enterprise.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Richard Halverson</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span> </p><p>Today I will focus my energy on the living Christ. What will that look like? How the flip should I know. I just know He has called us to so much more than self-consumption and ME ME ME ME.</p><p>3) Pandora is my BFF. I feel like someone has been hiding this wonderful secret from me, sort of how I felt when I first experienced Facebook. I was introduced to this gal yesterday while listening to aforementioned Pandora: Sara Groves. She is really cool. I like her music. Her song, "Awakening" is full of great lyrics and a beautiful melody. Take a little listen on itunes if the moment should so sieze you.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-75029417259582388132011-03-23T08:01:00.000-07:002011-03-23T08:13:55.136-07:00Not a good morning.Why does God love me so? I am a weak, filthy, sad little person who has the self-control of a two year old and the faith of an atheist at times. This morning I woke up after having a bad dream, which unfortunately happens quite a bit, and have battled to find perspective. The kids are with Joel's parents for the entire week. I am free to do whatever "the flip" I want as Julie so eloquently put it. And I find myself struggling with those old demons. It is good to have the time to slow down and dig into those deep places of hurt, but I am realizing something very important. As I am slogging through my junk this morning God is beckoning me toward a place of utter submission and death to self. Blah. Who wants to die to self? What an impossible act. And all in light of the truth that He truly adores me. Blah. I am so unworthy. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy and love. Help me to carry my cross. Help me to stay untangled from the things that would seek to steal my life. I want to be faithful but have no power on my own. Fill me with your Holy Spirit because I am worthless without your very breath in my soul. I am my Beloved's damnit. I am. That says an awful lot about our God. If He lets a wretch like me in the family, He is pretty merciful.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-78595159496609415432011-03-14T20:47:00.001-07:002011-03-23T07:51:54.987-07:00DONE!First things first. My closet is user friendly! I have been seriously working hard to drop old, sloppy habits lately. One of these being an inability to keep a clean and organized closet longer than two days. The before pictures are hideous. An earlier blog entry shows the level of devastation my closet was in. I cannot even bring myself to set up a link. If you really want to see it, you'll just have to go back on your own because I have moved forward. I have mentally cut ties with that old messy closet and seek not to fan any old flames.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yBrUf7_20E/TX7kXWzLLwI/AAAAAAAABN4/A5CNuNzVyyg/s1600/clean%2Bcloset%2B4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584151677894340354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yBrUf7_20E/TX7kXWzLLwI/AAAAAAAABN4/A5CNuNzVyyg/s320/clean%2Bcloset%2B4.jpg" /></a> Exhibit A: My clothes are...wait for it...color coordinated. I also took the advice of a dear pal and chunked all of our wire hangers. Soooo ugly. (I know, aren't there more important things I should be thinking about right now. Like the most devastating earthquake in Japan's, and the world's history?) I digress.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHd08naZSg0/TX7kXciK67I/AAAAAAAABNw/DhngdPHzCiQ/s1600/clean%2Bcloset%2B2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584151679433632690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHd08naZSg0/TX7kXciK67I/AAAAAAAABNw/DhngdPHzCiQ/s320/clean%2Bcloset%2B2.jpg" /></a> <div>Exhibit B: Everything is in its place. I have pretty containers that are see through so I don't have to wonder where my trying-too-hard-to-be-trendy belts are. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7YGGF0VSxQ/TX7kXPeHGdI/AAAAAAAABNo/fr65IRLkE3E/s1600/clean%2Bcloset%2B3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584151675926944210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7YGGF0VSxQ/TX7kXPeHGdI/AAAAAAAABNo/fr65IRLkE3E/s320/clean%2Bcloset%2B3.jpg" /></a> While this may look like a mess, it is actually all of my fabric. Folded. Color coordinated. Sorted by type. I know, you're salivating. I know I am.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHmx3uhL_vU/TX7kW5O2grI/AAAAAAAABNg/07ghff07__k/s1600/clean%2Bcloset.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584151669957362354" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHmx3uhL_vU/TX7kW5O2grI/AAAAAAAABNg/07ghff07__k/s320/clean%2Bcloset.jpg" /></a> I can see the FLOOR! Beautiful. Putting things away, instead of just throwing them on the floor and letting a pile grow until I can no longer shut the door, is the way to go. Who knew? By the way these are all pictures from my phone, hence the horrible quality.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">We are getting closer to the day when we will put our lovely house on the market. I know this because things are actually getting done! Case in point...our kitchen. When we moved in I can without any hesitation say this room made me want to vomit and gave me hives. Well maybe not hives, but certainly mild tremors. Here are some before shots. Please note the two-toned cabinets as we tried to decide whether the dark look would work. Just. Lovely.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffVQJs-ipxk/TX7iTfllZ9I/AAAAAAAABNY/zPZhEV8Bg1s/s1600/cabinets"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584149412510525394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffVQJs-ipxk/TX7iTfllZ9I/AAAAAAAABNY/zPZhEV8Bg1s/s320/cabinets" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1_IIYzPyZA/TX7iPD-ThyI/AAAAAAAABNQ/7a-T5vmeyTY/s1600/kitchen%2Bbefore"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584149336378541858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1_IIYzPyZA/TX7iPD-ThyI/AAAAAAAABNQ/7a-T5vmeyTY/s320/kitchen%2Bbefore" /></a> Here we were in process. Remodeling isn't for the faint of heart.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uiSa8O46WOM/TX7iOzPkz6I/AAAAAAAABNI/zE7tgikfrDs/s1600/kitchen%2Byuck"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584149331887574946" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uiSa8O46WOM/TX7iOzPkz6I/AAAAAAAABNI/zE7tgikfrDs/s320/kitchen%2Byuck" /></a>Drum roll please! I am so excited to walk into the kitchen now. I know it will be short lived but I am soaking up every light, airy minute I can. Isn't she gorgeous. Not a question. A statement. I'm just sad we don't have a better camera to give a more accurate feel of the gloriousness of this kitchen.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584148469694343810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq7BsxqHYlU/TX7hcnUsKoI/AAAAAAAABNA/-i0QtSPzN9Y/s320/045.JPG" /><br />Blue countertops, gone. Nasty cabinet color, gone. Old appliances, gone. Blah backsplash, gone. I am one lucky woman to be married to a man who can pull off this kind of a transformation. I think I am going to sleep in the kitchen tonight. Or my closet. I can't decide which.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqLTUaPYeD4/TX7hca69rVI/AAAAAAAABM4/UUIElBn2HlU/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584148466365214034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqLTUaPYeD4/TX7hca69rVI/AAAAAAAABM4/UUIElBn2HlU/s320/044.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-17248252298125224682011-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:002011-02-02T12:48:03.573-08:00just a quote<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TUnC7nrOgaI/AAAAAAAABIQ/NJvto04QAO4/s1600/happiness.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569196743738687906" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TUnC7nrOgaI/AAAAAAAABIQ/NJvto04QAO4/s320/happiness.jpg" /></a><br /><div>anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. the fact is that most putts don't drop. most beef is tough. most children grow up to be just ordinary people. most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. most jobs are more often dull than otherwise...life is like an old-time rail journey - delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. the trick is to thank the lord for letting you have the ride. gordon b. hinckley</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-53477138692125626162010-12-28T20:20:00.000-08:002010-12-28T21:03:16.323-08:00A prayer<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TRrAC4-7faI/AAAAAAAABFI/BiCSgp6wnps/s1600/100_2102.JPG"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I left my husband with our two darling children tonight. I walked out of the house after dinner with no specific destination in mind. I just knew I had to get out of the house or something in me would quite possibly snap permanently. </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555963110282485554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TRq_AxWP3zI/AAAAAAAABFA/REYK8xHy-uo/s320/100_2421.JPG" /><br /></div><div align="center">My sanity.</div><div align="center">My sense of reality. </div><div><br /></div><div align="left">Whatever it was, I needed to leave and quickly. Luckily Joel was kind enough to give me a free pass to shirk my mothering duties for an hour. I have been wondering lately if this whole "Stay-At-Home-Mom" gig is something I am equipped to do. I am quite possibly the worst SAHM on this planet. I need help. My kids' ages (18 months and 3) are exhausting. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center">I love them dearly of course. </div><div align="center">I know there is much worth in being a mama. </div><div align="center">I know Christ is glorified when I love my family well. </div><div align="center">I know the glamorous life of being a missionary I pictured back in college was bred mostly from pride. </div><div align="center">I know God calls us to be faithful in the mundane.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">BUT- is this it? </div><div><br /> </div><div align="left">I truly want to be a woman after God's heart. Is this what He has called me to? I want to live life to the full but feel I am weighed down by basic daily life. I know God wants more from me but I can feel overwhelmed at times by even the simplest of things. I can also get overwhelmed by the "list" of things I should be doing and the people I could be loving better... not to mention the need for more prayer and time I should be spending in the Word... Should I be starting a small business to help our family financially? Should I be creating a curriculum for my little ones in lieu of paying for preschool? Should I be finding more healthy recipes for our meals? Cutting coupons? Cleaning more? Cleaning less?</div><div align="center">Ahhh!</div><br /><div align="left">God I seek simplicity. Help me to be a simple woman. To have a single focus. To know you and love you more. I want to be more like Jesus, not like this world. Please God help me to throw off the crap that entangles me and hides your glory. You are my joy and my portion forever. You are the light of this world and the king who reigns. You alone can heal the blind and bring down nations. Humble me Lord. Help me to follow you better.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-61599871369125862682010-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:002010-11-22T12:58:07.564-08:00<div>I have problems. One of which would be this DISASTER of a closet. Before you judge though just know that I am a messy person by nature but I fight it with every fiber in my body. My closet is the only place that gets like this! I promise!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTc-LObwI/AAAAAAAABCE/qveAZ0RuqY4/s1600/152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542474786112696066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTc-LObwI/AAAAAAAABCE/qveAZ0RuqY4/s320/152.JPG" /></a> It's even worse if you get the whole view. No lie, the pile is mid-thigh. I am only posting this because of two things: one I need to confess my closet is a problem. Two, this will provide the accountability I need to clean it up before we leave to celebrate Thanksgiving. I am already getting out the old Christmas tree and decorations...what better way to come home and enjoy the coming of Christmas than to have a house decorated and a closet completely organized and cleaned!?!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542477714273377650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrWHabInXI/AAAAAAAABCc/hD6g0C1iYX4/s320/150.JPG" />Oh how embarrassing. On to more fun things. I found this beautiful computer armoire on Craigslist for a steal (originally this baby was $1200. We didn't pay even a fourth of that!). I am painting it a cream color and hopefully this will help keep the bedroom feeling peaceful and not stressful with all of our work stuff lying around.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTcHNXU3I/AAAAAAAABB8/bfbPujGWjX8/s1600/147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542474771357717362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTcHNXU3I/AAAAAAAABB8/bfbPujGWjX8/s320/147.JPG" /></a> I am also in the crafting mood lately and will be making TOO MANY of these little beauties. I love these little flowers. They look so cute on a scarf, shirt or jacket. Really you can pin these bad boys anywhere!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTaxbEgnI/AAAAAAAABB0/rday85BGyGI/s1600/148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542474748329755250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTaxbEgnI/AAAAAAAABB0/rday85BGyGI/s320/148.JPG" /></a> Oh the kitchen cabinets. How I loathe you!! Slowly but surely I am making a dent on these babies. Soon you will all be a gleaming creamy white and I will hate you no more.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTZ7NUsiI/AAAAAAAABBs/RZxljyECfwE/s1600/149.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542474733776581154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTZ7NUsiI/AAAAAAAABBs/RZxljyECfwE/s320/149.JPG" /></a> I love me some wreathes and I found this idea from another blog. All you need: glue gun, coffee filters and a cheap wreath. It's gonna be fun!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTZDvIIOI/AAAAAAAABBk/hF2BaHQchok/s1600/176.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542474718885978338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TOrTZDvIIOI/AAAAAAAABBk/hF2BaHQchok/s320/176.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I am amazed by how faithful God is. Today I had some sweet time in the word and a neat opportunity to love on our friends who just lost their dog. That may not sound like a big deal but I stopped by during my run to find them dealing with the emotions of finding their sweet puppy lying still on her bed when they woke up this morning. Add in the emotions of caring for a newborn baby merely days old and my heart just ached for them. I felt so honored to have been there and to have gotten to serve them in a tiny way. Thank you God for community and the way you use us, if we are willing and listening, to care for eachother as we stumble along on this journey.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-79025333868184762142010-11-04T13:07:00.000-07:002010-11-04T13:36:57.760-07:00More nestingI think I have a problem. I need to find a "Nesting Anonymous" group. I can't leave anything alone in our home for long. I LOVE to decorate and change things and just create a sweet atmosphere for my family and friends. I guess it's better than eating too much...<br /><br />I am also somewhat convicted that I would rather be blogging and decorating than spending time reading my Bible and spending time with the Lord. Maybe I should make a deal with myself that I can do neither of these things I love before I have had a quiet time. Oooo, that's good!<br /><div align="center">Remember this little find from Goodwill? It was so sad...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMUMef_-jI/AAAAAAAAA9M/m4iock3TN2A/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535790571546737202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMUMef_-jI/AAAAAAAAA9M/m4iock3TN2A/s320/030.JPG" /></a> Bam! I LOVE this piece of furniture! I sanded, primed and SPRAY PAINTED this puppy black. Then I took some sandpaper and roughed up the edges a bit. Add in some sparkly knobs and voila... my new fave re-furb. Of course Emmy has already broken her in by ripping off the two top knobs. Oh my. Toddlers. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535789496297309602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTN44jxaI/AAAAAAAAA8s/Z4W2P3hxlb8/s320/home+decor+004.JPG" />So here's where I need some help. Being this is my personal journal I don't really know how many folks actually read this. But if you are out there I want your input!!<br /><div><div>Something about our bedroom has always bothered me. It feels too big and not very cohesive. I decided it would be fun to see what would happen if I hung a curtain in this random knook/office space to separate our bedroom from our office chaos (see below!)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535790567647274450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMUMP-S5dI/AAAAAAAAA9E/TxEedDZrGWI/s320/home+decor+010.JPG" /><br />I also am not in love with this wall and don't know what to do about it.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535790555903705746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMULkOaQpI/AAAAAAAAA88/u3ywPxoPYeY/s320/home+decor+011.JPG" />So give me your honest opinion. Thumbs up or down? I literally tacked this curtain up to the ceiling and haphazardly tied it back, so that for sure needs some work if this will stay.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535789510742296114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTOusgxjI/AAAAAAAAA80/PTmJ98nSEzo/s320/home+decor+003.JPG" />I am also trying to bring in some more modern elements into our home. My mother-in-law bought me this lamp for my birthday when we were out shopping at Marshall's the other weekend. I like it SO much. I also really like my wreath-in-a-frame look. The wreath will sport seasonally appropriate goodies throughout the year.<br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTNho_yqI/AAAAAAAAA8k/-dQzjb4rRyI/s1600/home+decor+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535789490058021538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTNho_yqI/AAAAAAAAA8k/-dQzjb4rRyI/s320/home+decor+007.JPG" /></a> I found this old orange blanket I bought years ago at IKEA last month and think it looks cool with the light blue walls and other colors in the house. I have also been told orange is so "in" this year. Ha! Like I know anything about that!!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTNPbdUQI/AAAAAAAAA8c/BMM2Dy5uqSg/s1600/home+decor+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535789485169398018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTNPbdUQI/AAAAAAAAA8c/BMM2Dy5uqSg/s320/home+decor+009.JPG" /></a> Here's a more comprehensive look at my fall decorations. Soon to come- a family painted masterpiece on the mantle. Translation: the kids will do whatever they want to a large canvas I bought at Hobby Lobby (half off baby!) with colors I have chosen. Hopefully it will look modern and not like a hot mess.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTM3UIIuI/AAAAAAAAA8U/2VsMTAqIvAI/s1600/home+decor+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535789478696198882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TNMTM3UIIuI/AAAAAAAAA8U/2VsMTAqIvAI/s320/home+decor+008.JPG" /></a> I have some really fun ideas about traditions to start with our family during the holidays. I will jot those down next blogging time. Not before I sit down and spend time in the Word though! Thank goodness that God loves me even when I myself am a hot mess. If not we'd all be in trouble!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-18201212836114580192010-10-21T13:01:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:43:41.905-07:0015 years is a long time<div align="left">1996 was the year I last saw my mom's side of the family. What in the world? That is far too long. This past weekend Emmy and I made the long trek up to the Yankee Land. We had a great time hanging with family. It is also the most beautiful time of the year in the Northeast. As Emmy said, "Just go-jus."</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center">My grandpa and sister. Grandpa is my hero. The man served during WWII and has so many wonderful stories from his life. I wish we could have stayed longer. I also wish Emmy knew how to sit still longer than 2 minutes so I could have focused more on conversations.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCdmiDatbI/AAAAAAAAA4U/vVXx_b5TBxA/s1600/069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530593627712697778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCdmiDatbI/AAAAAAAAA4U/vVXx_b5TBxA/s320/069.JPG" /></a>The normal picture.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCdmdwbhhI/AAAAAAAAA4M/yjWCIYhv3BU/s1600/066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530593626559317522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCdmdwbhhI/AAAAAAAAA4M/yjWCIYhv3BU/s320/066.JPG" /></a> The picture I will actually frame.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCdlx5bayI/AAAAAAAAA4E/csPyX8DV3E4/s1600/067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530593614785899298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCdlx5bayI/AAAAAAAAA4E/csPyX8DV3E4/s320/067.JPG" /></a> There was so much eye candy in the scenery and surroundings. An old barn at this sweet farm we bought cider and melt in your mouth do-nuts was so charming to me.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc7TEVHsI/AAAAAAAAA38/e7IsZsLz-9I/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530592884955619010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc7TEVHsI/AAAAAAAAA38/e7IsZsLz-9I/s320/057.JPG" /></a> Trying to be artistic.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc7AqbVcI/AAAAAAAAA30/YaXjEMwg34c/s1600/056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530592880015136194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc7AqbVcI/AAAAAAAAA30/YaXjEMwg34c/s320/056.JPG" /></a> Ummm. I didn't even know trees could look this vibrant.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc6xd3HxI/AAAAAAAAA3s/ZsZ91drXuHE/s1600/062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530592875935899410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc6xd3HxI/AAAAAAAAA3s/ZsZ91drXuHE/s320/062.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc6lfSfaI/AAAAAAAAA3k/rjR5zMm6BJk/s1600/064.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530592872720661922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc6lfSfaI/AAAAAAAAA3k/rjR5zMm6BJk/s320/064.JPG" /></a> This is the town my mom grew up in. Go-jus.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc6ZxQ3hI/AAAAAAAAA3c/_zWK2pB79Zg/s1600/072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530592869574827538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TMCc6ZxQ3hI/AAAAAAAAA3c/_zWK2pB79Zg/s320/072.JPG" /></a> Overall it was a great trip. Very emotional, but good. It is a very strange thing to visit a place you only remember from a highschooler's perspective and where the memories seem to cascade on you the moment you step off the plane.</div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317533933620008164.post-60708208883432487212010-09-28T10:56:00.000-07:002010-09-28T11:29:22.903-07:00Ponderings<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TKIzO8NZdzI/AAAAAAAAA1w/uNZ5Q-IYsHc/s1600/images%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522032424883156786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TKIzO8NZdzI/AAAAAAAAA1w/uNZ5Q-IYsHc/s320/images%5B3%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zkrTYeDzB5o/TKIskyC6reI/AAAAAAAAA1g/XoQCGNxdxWA/s1600/007.JPG"></a>The banqueting table. A place where we come, sit, and eat and drink together in merriment. The purpose that brings us to the banquet is far more important than the banquet itself. I think back to the many Young Life banquets I have been a part of and helped throw. We put in countless hours to nail down every detail: table decorations, menus, registration tables, volunteers, a silly program, tshirts, a speaker, etc. All this for one purpose: to share the ministry of Young Life so others could join us if they felt led to. That was the reason for the banquet.</div><br /><div>My good friend and "mentor", Sharon, always talked about getting a taste of the banqueting table Christ has for us. The absolute fulfillment we will feel when at last we dine with the One who alone fills us completely. Can you imagine how awesome that will be?! No worrying about what you have to wear... we'll all be in the most beautiful garments unimaginable to man. No bickering with your husband before you pull up to the event. The groom is Christ and He is our joy. I also like to believe that when all is said and done in this cosmic journey, it will be one...ummm...<em><strong>heaven</strong></em> of a party!<br />I say all of that because life tends to bear down on us all and we forget the joy we have set before us if we trust Christ. This life IS NOT it. I need to be reminded that there is a banquet I am invited to by the grace of God alone...nothing I have done grants me a seat at the table beyond admitting my need for Christ and accepting Him as the director of my life. I can't wait. I decided on the one year anniversary of my mom's death that I wanted to throw a "feast"...something other than rice and beans or the same old white chili I always make. Our budget was not up for providing a feast but off I went to the grocery store anyway, knowing that God would provide a way for that night to be something of a celebration. Wouldn't you know it; I get a phone call as I am driving. One of my best buds, Kara, informs me she and another buddy Julie want me to have a feast (HER WORDS!) and is bringing La Madeleine over and wants to know what my favorite dish is. Hmmm. Coincidence? I think not. This is what happens when people listen to the urgings of God. And this is what happens when you trust in the faithful and amazing creator of the Universe. </div><br /><div>You get La Madeleine. </div><br /><div>No, but really, I hope you see the significance here. God is very aware of our pain and our brokeness. He is whispering to us who we are to him and what he would do to keep us near him. Is God real? This is a question I rolled around and around in my head many times this past year. Absolutely he is. Thanks Kara and Julie (and all of my precious friends) for allowing God to use you to speak truth to my heart.<br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0