Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10:37PM Silly sisters. Sweet sisters. Eliana was trying to give Micheala bunny ears; she didn't know that I couldn't see it anyway.
I Heart Faces is collecting Oh So Silly pictures this week. While this moment isn't over-the-top silly, and in fact I missed the silly bunny ears, I thought it was a fun candid shot. I'm sure there will be some very cute and funny pictures this week.
Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 8:54PM This morning's sermon was solid, substantial, profitable. Charlie Dunn preached part of a series on Abraham; his passage this morning held the account of the weak moments of Abram and Sarai when they turn to their own resourcefulness in order to make God's promise of a son and heir come to pass. Charlie began with a story illustration about Oliver Cromwell's famous request to be painted "warts and all". He went on to say that the Bible is full of stories, not about spiritual heroes and their moral uprightness, but of a God who lavishes those he loves with grace even when (especially when) they least deserve it. Abraham was no different; instead of remembering the voice of God, he listens to the voice of Sarai. His memory falters. He forgets God's faithfulness. He takes the reins.
While chaos follows, not only in his immediate family situation but also in the unfolding history of the nations which come from his sons, God continues to speak to and chase after and love his children. He does not forget. He remains faithful. He reigns. God's purposes indeed unfold, until finally the radical and unbelievable extent of his unconditional love is seen in the coming of his son Jesus. The promised son, the son who would save.
I am so much like Abraham in his weakness. I can worship God on a Sunday morning, leave the service, and spiral down to a devastatingly low place in minutes as I listen to and see the effects of the fallen world around me. From the fighting of my children to my own failures at home to the poverty in so many regards of so many people in the world...it becomes an immediate weight that threatens to pull down and destroy. Yet, suddenly, in spite of all of my ineptitude at being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, housewife, there is the hand of God. Again. Holding. Firm. Strong. Everlasting.
Warts and all. Wavering faith. Desire to move forward. Learning to wait. Leaning heavily on the strong tower.
"In the Waiting Room" - sermon title
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11:16PM -Sleeping in, and not feeling bad about it.
-Getting the laundry caught up, because I slept in, and now have a lot of energy!
-Celebrating Christian's birthday.
-Taking more pictures with our camera.
If those things happen, then I will consider it a good day. If I can also clean Eliana's room, straighten Michaela's room, swipe the bathrooms, get the kitchen in order, get our tree out of the house, vacuum the carpets/rugs, and exercise then I will consider it a day like no other (i.e. when the Lord stopped the sun for Joshua) (read: a miracle of a day).
I think I ought to add -shower to the above list.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 7:25PM Michaela's true love is reading a book. She can always be found with a book (or three) in her hands. She may be reading one, and holding a couple in her lap. She often has several going at once. I love this about her...I was much the same way. She has read millions of words, hundreds of stories (many more than once).
She surrounds herself with entire worlds kept secret until pages are held back and doors are slowly pushed open. Even when she is asleep.
I am submitting this photo to the I Heart Faces "By the Book" challenge this week...how could I not, when I have a girl who has such a love affair with books?
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 11:39PM Christian likes to pretend that he doesn't like for me to take his picture.
The more accurate thing to say is that he likes for me to take his picture on his own terms.
So, if I can get a shot of him smiling, or laughing his contagious, inexplainable, awesome laugh?
Even if it's after antics galore
Well, I'm not looking that gift horse in the mouth.
Or bottom. However the saying goes.
Seriously. You have to hear him laugh.