Dancing Time

A Time to Dance

I have been blessed to be close to my parents. We are still about 2 hours from Madison, but I have been able to spend quite a lot of time with them recently. It has been a joy not only for me, but for my kids -- Sophia and Sam love spending time with Nana and Grandpa. Thank God for great parents who are amazing grandparents...thank God for times of dancing!


Ecclesiastes 3:4 For everything there is a season...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time mourn and a time to dance.

Friends

Friends

There is little in life more important to me than my friends - friends become a part of my life - an intentional part of my community. My children have many aunts and uncles not related by blood! I have watched some great friends move away lately, but I do not worry because I know I will see them again. My children have been blessed to make lots of friends in Iowa...here is Sophia hanging out with a couple of her friends from kindergarten.

There is no greater love than this, that one lays down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Lifted Up on Eagle's Wings

Wings of an Eagle

We went to Midland, MI and we were fortunate enough to get to take the car ferry across Lake Michigan. Sam loved standing on the top of the deck where the wind was so strong he was held up. He told me it was like someone was holding him up - like someone was actually making sure he didn't fall. I have felt that many times through my life, just as it seems that I can't stand any longer, God is there to lift me up.

Ah, kids are so smart sometimes.


But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Even Though I Walk...

Psalm 23

My Aunt Judy died on Thursday - one week ago. I haven't had time to do my daily photo blog, but I think God understands. I spent five days in Michigan, reconnecting with family and I had a wonderful time. I was able to lead in the funeral worship and sing with dad. It reminded me that we must take time to see people, let them know how much they mean to us, and show our love in any way possible. I love all of you!!






Psalm 23 - Though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death...I will fear no evil...Thy rod and staff comfort me.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Lilies of the field...

So, these aren't really lilies...but they are flowers. I want to learn how to take macro pictures, really close up pictures...so this is the beginning of that. In any case, some are my own wonderful flowers, and some are from the Farmers Market, and I love all of them...flowers just make me feel awesome.




See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:29

Baseball Season

Seasons Change

Sam began baseball again. His first game isn't till next Tuesday - I wish him luck. It's not necessarily about winning, but about learning to work together, keeping focused, and having fun. I hope for a lot of laughter and learning this season.






To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Eight Years

Marriage

My husband and I have been married for eight years today. It has been awesome, difficult, amazing, interesting, fun, frustrating, and exciting. I am blessed to be married to a great husband and father. Matt has taught me how to trust, how to love, how to serve, and how to be a good mom.




Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11

Celebration of Graduation

I recently graduated from seminary with my Masters. It's an amazing feeling; being done. But it's also a frightening one...now adulthood looms and the real world beckons. While I love the idea of beginning my ministry to the PCUSA...I feel a bit like holing up into the warmth and safety of my seminary. I will celebrate the joy of being finished, while ernestly understanding that I am only as old as I feel.



They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness
Psalm 145:7

Samuel - God Heard

The name Samuel means God heard...Sam actually chose his own name since I couldn't decide between Samuel and Gabriel (since he was born on Christmas Day) and I think he chose correctly. Sam is starting to jump into the teenage mentality, and even though I struggle with his lethargy, his deafness, and his attitude; I know he can accomplish amazing things with God's help. He's a great kid...now we just need to get through the next six years.






The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. 1 Samuel 3:19

God Shots - May 16, 2009

Sophia - Wisdom





We named our daughter Sophia because it is a very biblical name. Sophia is the greek word for wisdom and is found in the Greek Bible hundreds of times. Sophia can be used as God's wisdom, the feminine counterpart of God, or the Holy Spirit. I know that my Sophia teaches me something new every day, if I am just able to shut my mouth and listen. I am thankful for her wisdom.

Psalm 51:6
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.