Fishing

After the helicopter ride, we went down to the fishing pond my grandfather built and stocked with fish. I hadn't been down there before and it is absolutely beautiful. Little John's face when he came around the bend and spotted it was priceless. He got several nibbles on his pole but we couldn't manage to get a fish all the way in with the Cars pole so we had to go for a heftier one. We didn't stay very long since we needed to get home for small group but we're definitely going back soon when we can stay and watch the sun set over that water. A ranch sunrise or sunset will always top my list of beautiful things I love. I'm definitely thinking fishing birthday party in the next few years.

Fishing with Grandpa

Fishing with Dad (how great is this picture?!)

Checking out Caitlin's fish

Carli caught a big catfish

I never seem to have a picture with my beautiful sister-in-law so I thought we would find few better backgrounds than this!
Da with two of his five granddaughters (I think he looks just like Spencer Tracy)

Helicopter Ride

My grandfather just got a new helicopter. Sunday was it's big "debut" with the family there. The pilot, who is a wonderful, godly man, gave us some instructions and prayed a blessing over the helicopter and that it would be used safely and for God-honoring purposes. My extended family has not always done things like that together and seeing my grandfather become the spiritual leader of our family is something that was only in my wildest dreams at one time. God truly gave us so much more than we were even praying for all those years. If you have loved ones you have prayed for year in and year out, NEVER give up! You have no idea what could happen.

Little John thought the ride was great! He was so excited about everything. For me, the ride was wonderful. Looking down and seeing my childhood home full of happy memories was better. Having a precious moment with my grandparents and family was the best.

Kyle, Brittany, Kyndall, John, LJ & I got the first ride

It's a beauty

The kids checking out their new ride. LJ was excited to see a remote control, DVD player and headphones. Believe me, he never thought about them once we got in the air.

Da gathered us as a family to share his special moment

We could talk over the headsets to each other and the pilot

Home, sweet, childhood home

The Rolling V Ranch

August Birthday Party

Sunday we celebrated the August birthdays with my mom's family and my dad's mom out at the ranch near Rhome where I grew up. It was such a fun day for all of us, but especially for Little John. He loves to be with family and having a lot of them in one place is a little piece of heaven in his book. He really missed my cousins Brianna and Brittany but they were out of town. Hopefully we'll see them soon. He hasn't stopped talking about being with Bimi and Da, Vicki and Greg, and Mema since we were there. He also went fishing for the first time and on his first helicopter ride!!! Is that a big day or what? Believe me, more pictures are coming.

The August birthday crew - Brittany, Christopher, Bimi & John

Trying out the new "Cars" fishing pole complete with a tire-shaped floater on the end

Practicing in the pool with Dad before going down to the pond

As LJ was practicing, Uncle Kyle dove in, grabbed the end in his mouth and started tugging

They "reeled him in" and he started flopping around like a fish. The look on LJ's face was priceless. It was hilarious! I love the way my siblings interact with my kids. They are tremendous blessings in our daily lives! I thank God for each one of them!

Happy Birthday, John!

On John's birthday we made him snickerdoodles and took them up to his office after lunch. Getting two kids and a plate of cookies upstairs to his office was quite a feat, especially since Kailey really wanted the cookies. Afterwards we helped him pick out a new watch and enjoyed a cold drink at Starbucks. During this little outing, LJ decided to tell Dad what we got him for his birthday. I think he missed it, though. When John got home that night, LJ was standing at the door holding his gift ready for him to open it. Since it was candy and a new Wii game, LJ was slightly excited about partaking in the goodies. One cute thing about this birthday was that it was the first time LJ picked out his own card for Dad. He picked one with pool balls on it after considering one with transformers and one with a G. I. Joe. : )

That night we went to dinner with Ryan and Meredith at Texas de Brazil. All four of us have birthdays within a month - the girls turned 27 and the guys turned 28. We decided we would have a little birthday party together and it was a fun one. They are so much fun to be with and so easy to talk to. We loved having a chance to hang out and laugh a lot!

There are no words to express how glad I am that my husband was born 28 years ago to his wonderful parents and that he grew into the incredible, godly man he is today. Just when I think he would be difficult to improve, he gets better and better. Each year he grows more mature in things of the spirit and yet stays fun and young at the same time. His leadership of our family is wise, his discipline of our children is loving, his caring, considerate love for me is Christlike, and that is only the beginning of a list that goes on and on. I get so excited for my kids as they continue to discover just how great their dad is! I'm still learning about all the ways he is wonderful and I've known him more than twenty years! So, happy birthday to my hunky husband (a little late)! I can't wait to get to know you even better as you continue to grow and change into the image of Christ! I better get to work keeping up with you!

Taking cookies to Dad

Presents!

Two kids who ADORE their daddy (and look a lot like him)!

Yummy dinner!

Birthday Week

I'm going to get caught up on all of our busy week now that I'm feeling a little more blog motivated. Thursday was Big John's 28th birthday. We started celebrating Wednesday night by going to the Ranger game with all of his family. It was LJ's first Ranger game and he had been talking for days about going to see baseball with Nonnie and Poppie. It was a fun way to celebrate our baseball-loving guy!

Such a cool stadium

Watching the game

LJ and Caden

$1 hot dog night

Daddy and LJ got new hats. LJ's been wearing his everywhere.

I Like It!

And today for your reading pleasure from your not-motivated-to-blog-this-week friend. . .

Boynton Books!If you haven't read these with your kids, they are a must. Funny, cute illustrations, easy and quick to read. Big and Little John have a special tradition of reading Blue Hat, Green Hat together that always ends in hysterical laughter. Moo, Baa, La La La has all the different noises the animals make and at the end it asks, "Now what do you say?" Then I look at LJ and he says, "Duuuude." Hilarious.

I Like It!

Since I missed my product review yesterday, I'll catch up today. My vote for this week goes to

Our friend, Matthew, recently recommended this to us. It is a beautifully done dramatization of the Bible with music, talented voice actors, and sound effects. You will feel like you are in the middle of the story with Jesus and his disciples. They will soon be releasing the Old Testament as well. Amazon has a good price - we downloaded it on iTunes. It will be a fantastic way to listen to the Bible with kids!

Just A Moment Alone, Please

Yesterday was a crazy day. A crazy day where we stayed home. Kailey decided to stay awake in her crib through her morning nap so she was a little crabby around lunchtime. Since I didn't have that opportunity to take a shower, I decided to hop in while she was playing in my bathroom and closet. We have one of those showers without a door and I had just started washing my hair when she crawled in, fully dressed. For a minute, she played in the water and then started screaming and pulling on my legs looking like a soaked kitten. Seriously? Just when I thought mommyhood couldn't get any more 24/7, I can't even shower by myself. : )

Later, she was playing with LJ. I left the room, came back and she was on the 4th step of the stairs. Not crawling, STANDING on the stairs! So, the stair gate is making its return at our house for a while.

Last night LJ had some crackers that Kailey wanted. When she reached for them I heard him say, "No, Kailey, you can't have these. Now I need you to say, yes sir." Hmm. She was probably thinking, "Who made you the boss of me?" It is so funny to hear him repeat the things we say to him. Funny moments are certainly a part of the daily routine around here.

Zoo Again

We made a spur of the moment, quick trip to the zoo on Monday afternoon. It was one of those unusual outings that began with the power going at the restaurant where we ate lunch and ended with us barely making it to the car before it started pouring. Still, it was tons of fun. Any time we hang with Ches and Garrett, it makes my kids and I happy!

This is LJ's "cheese" face. I think Garrett is wondering why his mom keeps insisting he hang out with this crazy kid.

LJ took this picture of Garrett. Not bad for a three year old's budding photography skills, huh?

Feeding the birds is one of our favorite zoo activities and usually affords the best photo ops.

Garrett was a little less sure about the birds after one flew in his face but decided to check out the ones LJ was feeding.

LJ loves the carousel! He always asks to go "ride the horses" and when we get there he always picks the little cart instead of a horse. Kind of random.

A Little Date with Tim and Faith

While I know we are going to be severely mocked for this, I have to tell you that John and I had a BLAST last night at the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill concert! We have been listening to them for ten years together and it was such a blast through the history of our romantic relationship. A fun thing to do as we rapidly approach our sixth anniversary. Sometimes we can't pretend to be adults any more and while we usually contain those episodes to when we're at home with our kids, on nights like last night we are just two teenage best friends who fell in love. I love having a good time with my man and Tim has nothing on him, even in person.

The concert was great! The energy was fun and seeing one of the few high profile couples who actually maintain a relationship is neat. It does sadden me a little when I see the people who are SO into the concert that it almost looks like they're worshiping, feeling every word and getting very emotional. First, I wonder why we're less enthusiastic about praising the Most High God than they are about singing along to a favorite country anthem. Second, I want to say, "Do you know Jesus? He can fill that void that causes you to become so emotional when a song about love and loss is sung." Third, I am reminded why I don't drink. Oh my goodness, people can be incredibly stupid after three beers. Yikes. It's hard enough to try to bring every thought, word, and action captive for Christ without help being out of control!

All in all, great concert, nice people, fun night, and the BEST husband ever!!!

Swimming with Small Group

We went swimming with our small group the other day and had such a great time! The kids were great, gave us lots of laughs, and we always love being together. We did miss Randi and Cason, though! Let's do it again soon, girls!

Product Review Day

I have decided to declare Friday, "Product Review Day" until I can come up with a better name. I love hearing about things that other moms use so I'm going to share any I find with you guys. It's not like we have much time to be checking out the latest these days. So, to start.

Bible Touch and Play Cards!

We have the alphabet and number cards and there are also opposites. Little John loves playing with them and telling the stories. It's a great way to learn both Bible and the basics at the same time for a hands-on learner! They have them at Lifeway and online at CBD.

Prayer Update

I received an e-mail this morning with this note from the family of the triplets. Their faith and the grace poured out on them is something you can almost physically feel through their words. I thought this would bless those of you who have been praying for them.

Sweet friends and family,

We want to thank all of you who prayed so faithfully, and we are sorry to bring sad news. But although our hearts are broken right now, we know that heaven is a little richer this morning. The triplets were born this morning in the wee hours of the morning, and within about an hour, Frances Grace, Charles Robert, and William Michael had all found their places in the arms of Jesus.

The doctors and Becky did everything they could to save them, but Becky's own safety was at issue with some complications due to the medications. They were never able to stop the contractions in any case.

Beautiful, beautiful babies :-) :-) :-). Mommy and Daddy were able to hold them for a short time to say their goodbyes. Becky said, "I will still say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

To Gracie, Will, and Charles:

When we prepared to give

Three "Welcome home's" one day,

You flew away to heaven -

God did not let you stay.

You lived and smiled in dreams we had

Before you went away,

We sang and spoke our love to you,

For there was much to say.

We had to end the conversation,

For the dreams did not come true:

The Father called, "My little ones!"

And to His arms you flew.

What is this love we cannot give,

The things we cannot say,

The treasures of our hearts locked up

Until one far-off day?

Like presents for a birthday

That never seems to come,

A story that's untold to us -

A song that's still unsung.

But treasures of such love are worth

The pain we must endure,

For love is grief's best remedy,

Its blessing and its cure.

It is better to have loved and lost,

Despite the grief and pain.

We know it's true; we still love you;

You are not loss, but gain.

Prayers

My heart is heavy tonight for a family I learned of through my produce co-op. All three of the triplets she was carrying went to be with Jesus last night, born too early at 22 weeks. Please stop wherever you are and pray for Becky, Scott and their son, Jackson. I can imagine only a little of what they are experiencing. I have been there and seen the grief of those I love separated from their child so soon and only by the grace of God is it survivable. Thank you for praying with me.

Kailey Update

Now Kailey gets an update. She is a constant delight to us, especially because she's back to sleeping good. We had to let her cry it out some, but we are all feeling much better now that she's back to a long, deep sleep at night. Usually it's eight or nine hours, a feeding, then another couple of hours. I can do that. I was feeling a little bad about letting her cry until she started waking up super happy in the mornings. Then I realized that if I need better sleep, she does too.

She continues to get faster and faster crawling. She's all over the house and will follow me from room to room. She hasn't seemed to even notice the stairs yet which is very nice. I think they're just off her beaten path. As soon as she finds anything slightly raised from the floor, she pulls up on it or uses it to push up. She loves to stand up, raise both hands in the air and squeal in excitement before she falls down. She's getting steadier and steadier both standing and sitting back down from a standing position. She cruises around the couch well and can let herself off the couch into a standing position. She continues to amaze me.

Her most recently acquired skill is a lot of verbalizing. She is saying, "mama," "dada," and "bubba" indiscriminately but definitely knows that the "dada" stands for John because she starts rapidly repeating it when he gets home. She's starting to repeat sounds that I make. Little John never really did that. He just listened and then one day said the word. He was always a studious one. Kailey's a little more hands-on and wants to play the game with you. Both ways are fun. I can already see big differences in their learning styles. John has to have repeated correction and daily setting of boundaries. Kailey figures out you're not going to let her do something and figures it's a waste of time to keep trying. I feel quite sure she will grow into some of the other behaviors with time but he was already showing that tendency at this age.

Speaking of Bubba, he is still a favorite person. She thinks he can do anything! He helps me in the car by entertaining her and I will hear lots of giggles back there while driving. He asks where she is as soon as he doesn't see her for a few minutes and gives her lots of kisses. Precious, precious moments.

Kailey's hugs and kisses are precious, her babbles delightful, her smile sunshine, her laugh contagious, and her love that unconditional baby kind that gives us a glimpse into the heart of God. I think there are few ways that God reveals more of Himself to me than through a small child and what is revealed about my heart when I'm around one.

Happy 80th Birthday, Memaw!

One wonderful thing I was taught growing up is that friends come in all packages. All colors, sizes, personalities, and ages. One of my best and sweetest friends has been a big part of my life for 22 years now and this week she turned 80! She doesn't seem a day older than when I met her - if she's changed at all it has only been to grow better with time. Our relationship began when I took a class making a doll at her house. That then turned into sewing lessons each week until I graduated from high school in '97. She has continued to be an important part of my life. She has had an even longer relationship with John, praying for his parents to be able to have children during some of their twelve years of waiting for that blessing. She has now prayed for us to conceive our children. I really think she prayed for us to get married and had much to do with our relationship. I can remember countless times that she asked me what I thought of John Martin. : ) She has excellent taste. She has taught hundreds of girls how to sew, encouraged us to memorize Scripture each month, and modeled for us how to speak and live with grace and honor. She showed us what it meant to love a man faithfully until death parts you. Still to this day she is memorizing God's Word and has books of the Bible she can recite. Her home was and is a place of safety where ugly words are not tolerated and lifetime friendships are made. On Wednesday when we stopped by her dining room table was full of cards from many of the people she has touched. Sometimes God's faithfulness astounds me that He would give me not only two of the most wonderful grandmothers in the world, but also this spiritual grandmother, mentor, and friend. So to Memaw, may this year be a wonderful one! I love you!

Little John Update

I guess it's about time for a Little John update. He continues to surprise us with his constant hilarious thoughts and actions. His favorite things are having people over, playing Wii, playing any sport, being outside, any activity that includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and/or cousins, playing with cars, and pretending. I hear him in his room a lot talking in different voices and someone will be grandpa, someone will be the baby, etc. So cute.

I am loving the behavior changes as we get further into this year of being three. He is listening more, understanding our instructions, being more cooperative, and having fewer and fewer episodes of temper and defiance. We definitely still have our moments, but they are the exception now instead of the norm. All that work is starting to show and we are so proud of him and so grateful to God every time He shows us ways to make things a little better for all of us. We've been working on speaking to adults respectfully with some success, although we're still a little confused on who's a sir and who's a ma'am. Whenever I say, "Yes, sir" he says, "Mommy, did you say sir? I'm so proud of you!" in a high voice. Pretty funny.

Today I heard him in his room with a picture of Noah and the ark saying, "And God told Noah not to be afraid of the animals." I don't remember that part of the story but I'm sure that's true! He would have had to not be afraid of the lions and bears. Tonight John was telling us about the story of Goliath and said that Goliath was big like Daddy and David was small like Little John. Then he told the story like he was David and kept saying that he would get Goliath. At some point he mentioned going outside and getting him with his shoe or something like that. We need to continue working on our Bible stories, I think.

Today I got a text message from Amanda and realized that he had been text messaging her on my phone. He sent her a picture of himself! Amanda gets the benefit of his electronic prowess because she's the first entry in my phone address book. I think he was doing that while I was in the shower.

He just keeps getting bigger and bigger! Where does the time go?

Fun Day

We had a great play date with Jack today. Since John knows several Jacks, he decided to specify this one by calling him, "Mickey Jack." They both have the same Mickey Mouse croc shoes, hence the name. I was very excited because instead of doing housework, which my guests could testify definitely needs to be done, I got to have my friend over too! My bed stayed unmade today and Christine and Baby Sam joined Jack for a few hours here. They got out of the house and it was so much fun to talk! It's amazing to me how much the boys have changed and how they can go off and play with less and less intervention from us. They are going to be such good buds because they love all of the same things! I am richly blessed with the best girlfriends in the world and through them wonderful friends for my children! God certainly knew what He was doing when He encouraged us to be part of the community of believers and have those who could walk with us and support us in this journey.

I like doing housework but I will take a good visit with a friend over most things any day. Thanks for coming to play, Christine, Jack and Sam!

Unmotivated & Shocked

I'm feeling very unmotivated lately. I don't feel like blogging, doing housework, doing laundry, or really anything else for that matter. I'm really not sure what's wrong with me. We have house guests coming this weekend so I need to get a move on. So, I'm going downstairs, putting on some good music, and getting to it! We'll see how that goes.

For your entertainment, my friend Summer's blog and my sister reminded me of two classic lines I've gotten from young, male cashiers at the grocery store on two separate occasions.

I was buying baby food for Little John when we lived in Hurst. I would drive out to Market Street and buy the organic kind so I would stock up for a few weeks when I was there. As the guy was ringing up all those little jars he said, "What do you have, a BABY FARM???" What is a baby farm? What in the world? If you don't want to ring up what I'm buying, get me another cashier.

I was buying quite a few things at the grocery store on another occasion and had a pregnancy test among my items. Obviously you're hoping that one slides on by. Not this time. First, he had to get it back from the bagger because it didn't ring up right. Then, he says (and I'm not kidding), "Would it be too personal to ask you who this is for?" WHAT???!!!! WHY??!!!! What difference does it make to you, Dude?!!!! I calmly answered and then started talking about something else.

PEOPLE. Did your mother never tell you, if you can't think of something good to say, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!

LJ's New Passion

Little John has discovered the world of board games. John and I are both big game lovers. Dominoes, cards, trivia, you name it. We love a good competition. Unless I lose. Then I love it until the losing part. Anyway, on the 4th he played a game of Life with my family and was completely enthralled. He sat there the entire time we were at my parents' house without moving. On my birthday we played Uno and it was the same thing. Loved it. I think it's time to break out the Go Fish, Old Maid, Candyland and Hi Ho Cherry-o. Any other suggestions on good board games for little ones?

Please Pray!

Tonight I just have a prayer request for all of you. A sweet friend of mine is going through something I can't even imagine tonight. A few hours ago she found out that her brother committed suicide. She is 31+ weeks pregnant and I know the stress of this kind of grief is not good for her or the baby. Please pray peace over her and her family and safety for her and the baby.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Official 27th Birthday Post

Today I am 27. That just seems weird. I feel like I just had my 17th birthday. Ten years ago today I was in Prince Edward Island with my family and Katelyn on our senior trip after graduating in May. That night we went to the Anne of Green Gables musical. It was wonderful and the whole trip was fantastic. I need to see if I can rustle up some pictures of that trip to post. That was one place I've been that was absolutely everything I thought it would be. It looked exactly like the movie with the same atmosphere. One of the best trips ever.

I cannot look back on my life without being amazed by the grace of God. Humbled that He would choose me to be His daughter, give me the opportunity to know Him from the beginning of my life, provide me with an environment to grow up in where everything constantly pointed to Him. I am overwhelmed with how little I would be without Him and what sin I am capable of without His power and Spirit in my life. I know that the only way to express my gratitude is by living my life in a way that shows what is important to me. If it is really my Lord then my life will shout that in my actions, attitudes, and words. That is my desire and I pray for the ability to live out His love every day to those around me.

Here are 27 great things about my life this year. Some of them are the same as last year - they are still favorites! This goes from the important to the insignificant and random things that just make life better.

1. Being in a different place than ever before in my relationship with the Holy Spirit and in hearing His voice speaking to me daily
   
2. Being even more aware of my desperate, daily need for God's grace
3. Being more confident to reach out to others even when they haven't asked
4. Having thicker skin and being much less bothered by what other people think or say about me
5. And yet it still meaning the world when others have something helpful or encouraging to share with me
6. My husband - just when I think I couldn't be more in love with him, I find that I am. With each child and life change I see a new side of him that I can fall in love with, keeping things new and fresh
7. My precious son - he is becoming more and more a companion as he matures. He fills my life with fun and laughter. I am excited as I look forward to teaching him and us growing together as I do my best to prepare him to work for God's Kingdom
8. My baby girl - full of snuggles and unconditional, baby love. She is pure sunshine every day.
9. Family - having our families close by and involved in our lives
10. Friends - unbelievable women (and men) who model Christ to me
11. Meeting weekly with a small group of believers in our home and being uplifted, challenged, and encouraged as we study and grow together
12. Still having three grandparents here with us that I can see and talk to
    
13. Keeping our home full of people and activity as we try to use it to serve God
14. Being busy but not crazy
15. Laughing daily
16. Big hugs
17. Baby, slobbery kisses
18. Doing more cooking and enjoying it together as a family
19. Having a new sister-in-law to make our family even fuller and better
20. Looking forward to two fun, family trips in the coming months
21. Fruit - can't get enough of it lately
22. Looking forward to meeting lots of friends' new babies this year and watching them grow
23. Sunshine - it seems more special lately when it's missing so often
24. Having my husband walk through the door each evening
25. Putting my babies to bed each night
26. That my kids don't get up before 8:00
27. LIFE! It's so good.
    

More Birthday

The party continues. This morning my guys (and girl) took me to Blue Mesa for brunch. You have to love a place where you can eat waffles, omelets, chips, and fajitas in one meal. Yum. After a nice day at home we wrapped up with our small group being here which is always a party. We've had several people out for weeks and tonight we were only missing one couple. It was nice to almost be all together. It's amazing how you miss people when you're used to seeing them once or twice a week! One of the best things about my life at 27 is the way I am surrounded by people who love me and are involved in my day to day life. I love all of you! Official birthday post will come tomorrow. Until then, who could not have a happy birthday when this is one of the first things I will see tomorrow morning?

My Birthday Begins

Sorry I went missing on you for a few days there. Busy week, including a few days where I couldn't get the computer working. Turns out it was off. Long story. I'm a moron.

Monday is my birthday so last night began the official weekend of festivities. I love birthdays. I really want to have a birthday party just like when I was a kid but I'll settle for more adult activities since I am drawing ever closer to 30 and it's weird to throw yourself a swim party at my age. My partying started last night with my in-laws coming over. It was lots of fun. John surprised me by working from home, going to the grocery store, and handling almost everything for dinner, including having others help out and bring yummy food. What a sweet husband. My sweet mother-in-law made me a strawberry cake with pink icing and sprinkles and sparkle candles. That is so me. I'll turn 27 if I can still have sparkle candles and pink icing on my cake. Little John keeps insisting that it's his turn to have a birthday. Not sure what he's going to think when Dad and Kailey also have theirs before his comes around again. I can't wait to throw Kailey pink birthday parties. Have I mentioned that I love birthdays?

Baby Blue Eyes

The other night I was cuddling Kailey before bed and thinking. When I look into those big, blue eyes, inside that tiny girl is a sweet woman with gifts and talents. Someday that helpless baby will be helping others and taking care of herself and a family. Those tiny hands patting my face will cook and clean, write and draw, work and play. I found myself wondering what God has for her and how He can package so much potential in such a small space. I want so badly to make sure that I am focused on His plans and not my own, on His dreams for her even more than her dreams for herself. His ways have always proven to be better in my own life and I desperately want her to see that, to see Him in everything. I pray daily that my children will spend every day of their lives walking in God's plans for them, loving Him wholeheartedly. The beautiful thing about my God is that when I pray that for them, I know that it won't always be the easiest way according to our earthly views, but in some ways it is easier than the alternative. Is it not easier to allow God to fill the gaping void than to fight Him by filling it with other things that require our constant attention? Is it not easier to trust Him and His omniscient ways than to work to figure something out for ourselves that we cannot understand? Is is not easier to be different than to flow with the sad, dreary normal that those around us are content with? I do not ask for my children to fit, to succeed, to be comfortable or normal, but I do know from experience that if they are following in God's will they will have joy, laugh and work and play hard, experience worship and peace, never knowing where He will take them but knowing that it will be good. So good. Those are the things I hope for when I think about the woman behind those baby blue eyes.

A Beautiful Promise

"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17