Milestones

So today we reached another milestone in our home; we now have 4 children with drivers' licenses! I've never posted about this event before (probably because I didn't have a blog with the last one), but I got thinking about it, and it is just one of those amazing experiences as a parent. Sending them out on the road by themselves is heart-rending. I wonder if it is something like the times people send their little ones off to school for the first time; however, not ever having had to face that one (until they were 18 or so!), I don't know for sure. I know one of the main features of parenting is growing them up to help them leave, but wow, it's a hard one. I have been so utterly privileged to have our five children around more than most kids are, and it is wonderful to see them maturing into these beautiful, thinking, communicating, independent beings, so full of life and adventure. What exciting futures lie before them. (This isn't quite what was in my mind; music is playing in the background (Billy Joel classics), (more memories), and I have never been able to concentrate on more than one thing at once when studying or writing or talking...) anyway, these times of letting them go really drive me (no pun intended) to fervent and continual prayer. All good. Being reminded how completely out of control I really am and of how our Heavenly Father cares so much more than I can comprehend is a good thing! Anyway, I am deliriously proud (I hope in a good way) of all my children, but today, it's Luke's turn to be congratulated. Good work, son! (This picture was a year ago at the Grand Canyon--it's amazing how much older he looks today!)

My Best Friend

photo by anna.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I know about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. -Philemon 1:4-5

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! --Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

EXPELLED

Went to see this movie today. Great! Go see it!

After the rain...

i am not ever sure exactly what to say after a post like the last one ( somewhat embarrassed), a kind of Psalm 77 day. Anyway, just want to speak about the faithfulness of the LORD (Psalms 86:7, 86:15, 119:15, 120:1, and too many others to name...) The other day He sent me friends to pray with (separately), His very Word spoken to me, a good human book a dear friend gave me and i have been taking my time through (Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Edward T. Welch), an ever-faithful and loving husband and family, hope, love for the unlovely, and much, much more. It amazes me once again His parental, unconditional love. He does not tower over me shaking his finger and pummeling me into the ground with His extreme (and justified) displeasure; He beckons me with open arms to come to Him for kindness, mercy, love, and forgiveness, peace, and hope. Wow. To His Name be glory and honor and power forever and ever.

Reconciliation

The struggle: i want to BE "somebody" but God wants me to die to self; i want to please Him (some times anyway), but then i act like the classic wretch-idiot-sinner. i know the Romans passage (chapter 7); i want to be noticed and affirmed, but this is all so me-centered instead of Christ-centered...wretched woman that i am! the answer is clearly Jesus, and a focus on Him, but what a struggle. May the blessed Lord above break through my stony, rebellious heart.