Look Out Russell Crowe...

There's a new gladiator in town!


I haven't brushed up on my child development reading lately, but from the looks of things I have a hunch that three and a half to four is when imaginative play gets ramped up a bit.   It's alive and well at our house.  By the way,  I'm laughing that Tyson looks like he's nursing Luke in the photo below.  How's that going, Honey?  Just kidding.

The uses I've seen for pots and pot lids lately opens up a whole new world.  Just in case you were wondering  (as seen in these photos) they can be used as full body armor, cymbals for a drum set, controls in the cockpit of your spaceship, and for just plain cooking.  

Dad

Well, typical - I didn't get your card in the mail on time.  Are you surprised?  Since A. Your card is late (it is a good one though) and B. Your gift -well, it's in the mail too; I thought I'd let you know how much I love you through this little note and few pictures.


Dad, I'm so blessed to call you my father.  You have loved me so well.  You are such a good man and someone I admire more than you'll ever know.   You are loyal (understatement), wise, a servant, generous, hard working, funny, and a little crazy to top it off.

I know many besides your own children have looked to you like a father figure.  I can remember you picking up kids for sports practices who didn't have rides otherwise, coaching our teams, helping friends and neighbors, and being a listening ear for some.  People are just drawn to you.


Thank you for always being there for me.  You've loved your family so sacrificially in many ways.  I always know you're in my corner, and I'm so proud of you.  It goes without saying what a great Poppa you are.  You're a grandkid magnet!

Today, on Father's Day 2013, I honor you!!  "May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace."    I love you dearly!!!!!!

   

HAPPY FATHER's DAY!!!!!!!

Sometimes....

Love Hurts!!

We just love each other so much...

I think I'll squeeze his face to let him know...

 

I bet he would really love me to jam my fingers in his mouth. 

 

 

 

 

Ouch!!!

I'm outta here!!















No! Don't even think about it! Talk to the hand!













Oh, come on Luke!  I can't resist.  Let me just squeeze you a little.
Mom, seriuosly.  Can you do something?












Okay, let's just wrestle and make up.  I'm sure I'll bite you back shortly.

Speaking From the Heart

Have any of you read the book Kisses From Katie?  It’s one I had been meaning to read for several months and picked it up off the shelf at the bookstore the other day.  It’s an amazing story (still unfolding) about Katie Davis, a young girl from Nashville who has moved full time to Uganda, adopted 13 young girls, and started a non profit organization that serves hundreds of other children. She left for Uganda right out of high school.  As I sat down and opened this book, I didn’t get as far as the dedication page before my eyes were welling up with tears.  For Jesus. Every word, every breath is for you.   Those words hit me right between the eyes and like an arrow in my heart.  Yes Jesus, you ARE worth it!  You are.  I’ve gotten so lost in all the details.  I’ve gotten lost in the lies being offered on a daily basis by the enemy of my soul.   Those nine words were exactly what my heart needed right then.  They filled a dry and weary soul with a burst of living water, and I am thankful for God’s faithfulness in meeting me at the right place at the right time.   The lover of my soul captured my heart.  Once I got past the dedication page and dove in, the rest of the story was really powerful and encouraging to read as well.  It’s an amazing testimony of choosing to let God be the author of our destiny and trusting in His goodness.

 A few months back Tyson and I had a conversation about the significance of us going to Mozambique.  As I was thinking out loud my question went something like, “What does it matter that our little family is packing up to go serve on a tiny blip on the map in a remote area to a few people on the other side of the world?  What difference does it make?”  In my spirit, I heard the words, “It makes all the difference.  It makes a difference because I care, and because I am writing a story that is far greater than you.  Greater than just your family alone. “  My heart filled with joy as I was reminded that we have the opportunity to be a part of His story and be His hands and feet to the people of Mozambique that He crosses our path with.  We matter. They matter.  It matters!

In the forward in Kisses from Katie, Betty Clark wrote:
 “I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters.  They get excited over one smile.  They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound.  They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes.  Over time, though, the small changes add up.  Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.” 

 As I have had the temptation to lose heart on this journey and give in to my doubts, fears, and discouragements, I have been reawakened to the beautiful fact that,  better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere (Psalm 84:10), that Jesus is my all in all, and that He’s called us for such a time as this!