hope

This post from (in)courage really spoke to me today. The passage from Joel that she mentioned first came to my attention a few weeks ago and I've been digesting it ever since. To me it speaks to the hope that we have in Christ. It's so encouraging to know that, even if I have to wait until I reach my eternal home, I will be satisfied. It's His promise to me and He always makes good on His promises.

lonely

Loneliness. It's part of the human condition, I guess. And we go to such lengths to keep it at bay, don't we? Maybe stay in a relationship that we shouldn't. Maybe deceive ourselves into believing that we really are ready for that new relationship when we're really not. Shopping, TV, internet, alcohol. It's all a big distraction from the lonely. But I think of Jesus on the cross. It's doesn't get more lonely - even the Father turned from him. He knows lonely more intimately that I could ever imagine. He knows my brand of lonely to be sure. He knows. But it serves a purpose, if only to align me more closely with Him and His heart for the world. Our heartache is not wasted. Lord, I surrender all to you. Turn this broken girl into an instrument worthy of your name.

he's four

Gosh, I can't believe that it's been a month since my last post. Life is flying by, punctuated by the fact that Donovan is now FOUR YEARS OLD! Yep, my little man recently had a birthday. I am so glad that Mark and Melissa were still around to celebrate with us. They left for Wisconsin a few days after the party and are leaving the country soon. We are all missing them terribly, but it was a joy to have them here for a few months.

Here's the birthday boy with his lion cake.

This gift was from my mom and dad. It's a laminated poster called "Fishes of Minnesota." The kid is obsessed with it. He sleeps with it most nights. No joke. I think he has most of the names memorized. Oh D, you rock my world. I am one fortunate mama.

m&m

We've had a couple of housemates around here recently. Mark and Melissa are a married couple who are in the US to raise financial support so that they can return to the middle east as missionaries. At the end of July they found themselves without housing so I offered them some space in our home. They have graciously put up with a basement re-model, children crying in the middle of the night, and Donovan letting himself into the bathroom while they showered. Through it all they are helpful, kind and genuinely enjoy the kids. Of course, O and D adore them and the extra attention they get. They are currently at about 90% of their goal and I have a feeling they will be leaving us soon. I feel mixed about them leaving. I rejoice that they will soon return to the middle east where they long to be. But I will miss these dear friends. It has been an honor and privilege to know them and share our home with them.

firsts

Without further ado, here are the photos I promised...

What she wanted to wear the first day of kindergarten

What she actually wore

With little bro in his self-selected outfit

First day of preschool

Complete with backpack

My babes are growing up. *sigh*

labor day

The kids and I spent the long holiday weekend at the lake, but I forgot my camera!  Bummer.  We had a great time.  Highlights included fishing, playing in the camper and catching frogs.  We were all sad when it was time to go.  Now we're getting in the routine that comes with September.  Olivia started kindergarten yesterday and enthusiastically reported, "It was GREAT!"  Donovan starts preschool next week.  Olivia will begin attending American Heritage Girls next week.  Also starting next week is AWANA, our Wednesday evening kids program at church.  Both kids are old enough to participate this year and I am volunteering.  My basement update is nearly done, just in time to dive into all this activity.  It looks to be a busy, but good fall ahead of us. 

shindler's list

Remember this?

I find myself thinking about this scene a lot.  A couple of months ago my friend Mo and I were talking about it in the context of making financial choices.  Even though I try to be wise with my money, I know that I can always tighten the belt, make better decisions.  I can fore-go little luxuries knowing that my money can be put to much better use helping someone else. 

But it doesn't just apply to money.  Am I making wise choices with how I spend my time and energy?  Am I doing what I was made for?  Am I doing kingdom business?  I don't want to face Jesus filled with regret, knowing that I could have done more, tried harder, lived to my fullest potential.  God can accomplish his purposes with or without me.  But I don't want to miss out. And this song has become my anthem: