His Words (for when you’re ready to give up)
Every Sunday around here is for His words, instead of mine. Are you at the end of your rope, ready to just give up? Read on...and HANG on... So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Galatians 6:9 MSG So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be. We can rejoice,...
Wonder
Brody is at that point where he is putting the toddle in the toddler. He's pretty much walking everywhere, but not without a fall about every 10-12 steps, or stopping to wave his arms in a tight-rope-walker-style balance attempt. It's adorable to watch. With the weather being so beautiful, we've been able to be outside a lot, and he's been experiencing grass and dirt and rocks in a country setting like every little boy should. Last evening, we were all outside. Lilli was on horse duty with Maddie (just about her happiest of all places), and while Papa chatted with a neighbor, Emmie and I was letting Brody "run" free. He'll point to trees, now, if you ask him, and he happened to...
From Mouth and Hand
After a full day of hammock play, and indoor play, lunch out and no nap, bed time was physically welcome to one almost four-year-old little girl. Even though her little brother had a nap (two, even!) he was still really ready, too. We ushered it in with our routine, the same ritual I always use when I'm around: bath, cuddles, books, songs and a whisper of "I love you...sweet dreams." Brody has taken to quietly laying his head on your shoulder, but not right on your shoulder. He drops it forward a bit so he can tuck his chin and hug straight in, just above the breast. It seems to be he own method of hugging, and he doesn't just do it when he's tired. He'll stop sometimes and just do...
When You’d Rather Do Something Else
Right now, there are three additional hearts beating under my roof. Three of my very favorites, as a matter of fact. Emmie, Lilli and Brody rolled in, late afternoon, after Papa picked them up from the airport, and a blissfully uneventful flight over. We helped them get reacquainted with the surroundings, and Lilli, in particular, was wide-eyed over everything, wanting to experience it all again in a collective "now." We settled for some indoor horse play while Maddie gave a lesson outside, and reintroduced Brody to the toys, too, which I'm sure seemed different from a walking vantage point. All was well with the world, until about an hour later when we left. Yes, that's right. Our...
An Open Birthday Letter to my Mom
Good morning Mom! It smells like coffee in my house on this, your 74th birthday. It would smell like home to you, as it certainly does for me, being one of the defining smells of my childhood. I remember waking up in the very wee hours of the morning, spying a light under my door, as the smells of the ever-brewing coffee, along with eggs and bacon, would waft under, too, telling me that Dad was getting showered to leave for his work downtown, and you were up with him to make him breakfast. It was the natural rhythm of home. That's how I think of you, Mom. The natural rhythm. You have always been, and are still, the driving beat of our family. Every single memory of my childhood home...