Welcoming Fall Donut-Style

It's not officially fall, but it may as well be. Came home from a walk today and David was asking if we could get in the car and get donuts. Welp, I gave in after about 30 seconds and picked up 4 of these beauties.

They bring back a memory of being so late to work one day back in '09 - that I stopped to pick up a dozen pumpkin donuts for the office. I had hoped the donuts would deter my my HR boss from obnoxiously looking at his watch as I walked into the office kitchen. I don't have a memory of his reaction. Which means there wasn't one - mission accomplished!

Navigating Education for us

Next year will mark the commencement of our educational journey. I'm feeling like this journey will be incredibly winding and confusing and possibly require multiple starts and stops. In anticipation of conversations to come with friends, family and fellow navigators, I'm going to record the process here.

I'm pretty sure in a few years, I will look back on these entries and want to delete them for sounding naively smart. Honestly, I'm more sure that I will look back on these entries and wish the mother that writes them today, with all the optimism and hope, were me now.

I am trying to trust in the Lord to lead us, and trust in His ancient wisdom to be our principal educator. It is very difficult to do this. It's difficult because I see my own childhood scenario and all it's security and protection and loudly recall my own failures and shortcomings. My scenario of education in a wealthy suburban city in a high school of about 3 thousand students walking the halls of a 17 million dollar school - will look much different from my sons. Yet even in that wonderful setting, I experienced pain that I can hardly bear to imagine plaguing my boys. Probably because they're babies, and no one should ever reject a baby :)

Today, my feeling is to follow the steps of the families with grown children whom I admire still living in the Rogers Park area. I would like to shadow them and their choice to home school through at least middle-school. A lot of them use Rod & Staff curriculum, though I'm seeing that bloggers recommend a blend of resources. This somewhat discourages me because I want a simple inclusive series. The one close family that I'd like to shadow has kept their studies simple due to budget, there are 8 kids to provide for. You can read their incredible story of adopting their two youngest from Ethiopia and also learn more about their approach to life & family in the Chicago Tribune.

I'm looking into Classical Conversations which is a home school community that meets at Moody once a week down town. The program includes a trained tutor who teaches them each subject of study on the day of 'class'. Essentially, I'm drawn this method of learning in an accountable community setting that includes someone else teaching my kids! There are fees involved which deter some families, but it may be a good middle ground to start us. I've heard, of course on a blog testimonial, of a family that started with CC and then left to continue in a smaller community with different curriculum. This just encourages me to know that CC could be experienced on a trial basis for us.

I am also looking into public schools in our area and will be vigilant to see what other parents are doing as they navigate education for their families. I'm largely motivated to try homeschooling by the time and experiences I will gain with my guys. I really adored my mom and probably would have loved a home school education as a child. My brother was the only one of us who asked to be taken out of public school because he did not click with many of his teachers or methods and preferred to take long afternoon naps - reportedly during math. Except he was actually really good at math!

This is how I am navigating education for us today. Tomorrow could be a different story. I recognize that what we do for our family will be somewhat or significantly different from even our best and closest friends. Believe me when I say, these differences really pull on my heart because I love shared experiences. I'll probably be always a bit (or hugely) insecure with the way I navigate our educational path, similar to the imperfect way I navigate training & discipline. Reconciling what's in my heart, our family scenario, and my desire to live in community with those around us will be a constant tension. I'm pretty sure there will be many 'I told you so' moments around this journey and I see an enormous need for grace. Hoping in return to be a conduit of grace to those who need to hear the same words, 'do what is best for your family.'

It's gonna be a long road.

Meal planning

So I'm going to give a serious go at meal-planning this week. Grocery shopping has been a challenge for most of my life. Student, single, living at home, living with roommates, married, living with a man and now kids... no season of life got easy enough for me to feel like meal planning just 'fit in' with ever thing else.

To top it off, I'm incredibly foolish when it comes to budgeting for food - I generally prefer to eat what I want, whenever I want. Unfortunately, not only is this philosophy not working for me, it's not working for my wardrobe. If I continue this way, I'll loose more money on food and clothing that a woman with a working brain and a degree should! 

So now instead of waiting for meal planning to 'fit', I'm just going to give it a try this week. Using this free printable below, I'm hunkering down and heading to the store in the morning. 

Any tips from you meal-planner buds of mine?!

Morning quiet times

latte of my dreams

This morning, I woke early and enjoyed some time with the Lord over a steamy latte within the quiet of my cozy living room. And then I woke up from that dream and picked up a crying Judah baby.

I've had an interesting thought today as I did, praise Jesus, finally sit down for prayer and scripture memory review with lukewarm drip coffee. Is there something else I'm adding to the goal of morning quiet times that is not from the Lord? What upsets me more on a day that I haven't met with the Lord, lack of peace so I can feel better, or lack of time with Him?

People, I cannot even meet with the Lord without seeking to gratify my flesh. I cannot even open my bible with a pure heart that cries out to Jesus out of an untainted desire to just simply love him. It would be the same as making a coffee date with a dear friend with the ulterior motive of connecting so I can feel better about myself. And, that dear friend would know I did that.

Now, let's take a look at how good our Savior is. Here is the passage I'm committing to memory:

Psalm 90...

9 For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.10 The years of our life are seventy,    or even by reason of strength eighty;yet their span[c] is but toil and trouble;    they are soon gone, and we fly away.11 Who considers the power of your anger,    and your wrath according to the fear of you?

12 So teach us to number our days    that we may get a heart of wisdom.13 Return, O Lord! How long?    Have pity on your servants!14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,    and for as many years as we have seen evil.16 Let your work be shown to your servants,    and your glorious power to their children.17 Let the favor[d] of the Lord our God be upon us,    and establish the work of our hands upon us;    yes, establish the work of our hands!


The Lord knows of my need for gladness in the morning and all day. He knows, He forgives, and He POURS Himself out for me. Have pity on your servant today Jesus, satisfy my broken heart with your steadfast love. Meet me for coffee, know that I don't love you as you deserve, pay the bill and sing over me. Wretched woman that I am, you JESUS are gold.

I am a Woman

Wonderful weekend with Belmont University roommates concludes as my friend reads aloud this poem in the car and I am touched to tears:


"I am a Woman"
by Christiana Moss


My willingness to carry life is a revenge, an antidote to the great battle of every murder, every abortion, and every genocide. I sustain humanity. Deep inside of me life grows. I am death's opposition; I push back the hand of darkness today.

I have caused there to be a weakening tremor among the ranks of those set on earth’s destruction. Today a vibration that calls angels to attention echoed throughout time; laughter threatened hell today.

I have dined with the greats of God’s Army~~ I made their meals, I tied their shoes. Today I walked with greatness and when they were tired…I carried them. I poured myself out for the cause today. It’s finally quiet, but life stirs inside of me, gaining strength. The pulse of life sends a constant reminder to both good and evil that I yield myself to Heaven and now carry its dream

No angel has ever had such a privilege, nor any man. I am humbled by the honor. I am great with destiny. I birth the freedom fighters. In the great war I am the leader of the underground resistance. I smile at the disguise of my troops. Surrounded by a host of warriors, destiny swirling, invisible yet tangible and the anointing alters history.

Our footsteps make our land for conquest. We move undetected throughout the common places. Today I was a barrier between evil and innocence. I was the gatekeeper watching over the hope of mankind and no intruder trespassed. There is not an hour of the day or night when I turn from the Host—the fierceness of my love is unmatched upon the earth and because I smile instead of frown, the world will know the power of grace.

Hope has feet; it will run to the corners of the earth because I stood up against destruction. I am a woman, I am a mother, I am the keeper and sustainer of life here on earth, and Heaven stands in awe in honor of my mission. No one else can carry my call.

I am the daughter of Eve, and Eve has been redeemed. I am the opposition of death-I am woman.





Thanks for sharing dear friend.

2006

2008

2013

Working tricks

Let's learn from this highly effective gal

I've found a few tricks to getting more work done at home.

First, one must have a desk the size of a door. Then one must plan to work at their computer through meal times. The larger the desk, the more food and drinks you can fit, the less you have to get up and stop working.

Second, don't start a blog. Don't get a Facebook account or sign-up for Pinterest. Ah, and don't follow other blogs and certainly don't read articles on the Gospel Coalition website. If you don't start these things, then they won't compete with your working at home. If you have already started them... well sometimes they get you through the hard times while working from home.

Third, and final trick, strategically ration all children's movie and tv watching to the exact times that you sense you'll need to honker down and crank some work out. Make sure they're among the 'favorites' if you're anticipating a client call.

Those Who Wait

There is a Beth Moore video session from her study on Esther that gave light to the verse Isaiah 40:31:


but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

She was asking the Lord for a closing thought to tie up sesson 5 on Esther Chapter 5 where Queen Esther is waiting for the right time to ask the King to spare her people, the Jews, from a horrible decree he issued to have them all killed.

The lesson brought us here...

Wait on the Lord. Wait on Him. He is at work in your waiting. DO NOT WAIT ON THE EVENT. Our strength WILL be depleted if we wait on the event, but waiting on the Lord WILL renew our strength. 

Glory to God our Most High!     


"To Those Who Wait"


I am waiting on You,
I am waiting on You.
You say You’re good to those who wait.

My heart’s discouraged,
So I come to You expectant.
You say You’re good to those who wait.

Lord, today You know what I need to do,
But You can do more in my waiting than in my doing I could do.
So I won’t run anymore.
I’m waiting on You.

Oh, wretched man that I am!
Free me from my distractions.
You say You’re good to those who wait.

Then confession and repentance
Find me in the quiet.
You say You’re good to those who wait.
Now I know You’re good to those who wait.

Lord, today You know what I need to do,
But You can do more in my waiting than in my doing I could do.
So I won’t run anymore.
I’m waiting on You.

Oh, my soul,
Wait upon the Lord.
Keep your lamp filled with oil.
Oh, my soul,
Be not deceived!
Wait for Him.
Don’t be quick to leave.

Lord, today You know what I need to do,
But You can do more in my waiting than in my doing I could do.
So I won’t run anymore.
I’m waiting on You.

Mega Mess

Today I stayed in with the kids and in order to re-group, organize and cook dinner for a friend in recovery. After the meal was packaged up I had to take this picture of my kitchen mega mess! Just last night the counters were pretty clear and our wonderful friend Eli had left us clean dishes after babysitting for bible study. It literally takes minutes to create this beauty. Yep, this mega mess is our real life.

I have been wanting to also photograph and share the opposite wall of our kitchen. Forgot to, so imagine 2 diaper boxes of recycling, a flat screen box (early Xmas!), a baby carrier, baby bouncer, diaper bag, purse and food containers being used as 'drums' all in front of a fully loaded red bookshelf. Ooooh yeah.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord

I received an email this morning, which I've included below if you'd like more details. This morning I am touched by a precious memory of Cathy Ng in our first days at Rogers Park Community Church. She passed away last night after being in a coma from the worsening condition of her brain tumor. She's rejoicing in the presence of the Lord, but I also remember a time of much rejoicing...

Tripp and I had been attending RPCC for just a few months. We were so enamored by the friends and quirky acquaintances we were finding among our christian brothers and sisters there. I believe Tripp knew of Cathy's brain tumor after walking by or being a part of a prayer meeting asking God for her healing. I knew Cathy as the woman who stood in front of me during worship with one hand wrapped around her little baby girl and the other lifted high in praise. For multiple Sundays we happened to sit behind them. And for multiple Sundays I could hardly sing because that woman just brought tears to my eyes. I think I even told Tripp that if we sat behind them again, I just wasn't going to sing.

My heart was broken by Cathy's unabashed praise because I knew her days may be numbered with that beautiful baby girl and she praised Jesus regardless. I was so humbled standing behind a woman in trial singing 'Forever You are faithful, forever you are strong, forever you are with us, forever...' Oh goodness, things haven't changed. That woman still makes me tear up.

I wanted to write this post just a day after her death and new life with God in eternity because as a mother, I don't know how she did it. I do know she did it with lots of tears, I saw those too. I guess I could also determine that she did it with LOTS of PRAISE! In the fiery trials of life, even in those that lead to death, blessed be the name of the Lord. He was my beginning, He WILL be my end.

Job 1:21 (KJV)

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

 

" Dear Brothers and Sisters of RPCC,

Tonight I received a phone call from our dear brother, Jason Ng.  Earlier today because the condition of his wife and our dear sister, Cathy, had become even worse as she remained in a coma, he and her parents decided that she needed to be taken off the life support.  Before doing so, her mother dressed her up very nicely!  Shortly after she had been taken off life support, praise the Lord that she looked beautiful and peaceful as she went to be with our wonderful Lord Jesus!  Consequently, Jason and her parents were really comforted to see her leave this world in that way!  Glory to God that she is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord forever!  

Please pray for the Lord to continue to abundantly comfort and strengthen Jason and her parents due to their heavy loss! Thank you very much! 

Love in Christ,
Pastor Scott "

Young Love

Young Love, a set on Flickr.

After clicking through my photo library yesterday, I nostalgically lingered on old photos of Tripp and I when we were dating. Praise the Lord we have wonderful memories of our time together before becoming 'The Grants.' Following the last photo of us graduating from Belmont University would be wedding photos.

If you have a minute, here's how it began...

Tripp and I met in July of 2002 at freshman orientation, we were in the same orientation group. Our first date was in late August, just after getting settled into the dorms and college life. Tripp asked me to go to his sister's soccer game and on that date I met his mom, dad, two sisters, and granny. Granny's response to meeting was saying in a sweet old lady way, ' Tripp told me he met a nice girl.' Oh boy, Tripp was wearing his heart on his sleeve and I thought I was hot stuff.

You see, I had the idea that I was supposed to be with an impressive christian guy, specifically 'Raymond' (names changed to protect my dignity cuz the guy didn't care for me one bit). I made the mistake of telling Tripp on another date that I didn't think we should keep going out because I had my hopes set on Raymond. Tripp stayed near as a friend and even watched me go on 'dates' with a few other guys. (There was nothing romantic about these dates except that I was asked to go somewhere by a male).

Tripp didn't give up, he bought me a big bouquet of daisies and asked me to go on a date. I was a stinker and suggested a group date. He and a whole bunch of Belmont folks went.

Come April, I noticed a few signs that Tripp may be moving on from his devoted crush to myself. At the same time, he had vulnerably shared with me that his mom was in hospice. After much discussion with the gal pals and mom, I turned from my hot stuff ways and realized I may be passing up one of the best men I'd ever known. And hey, it wasn't like we were getting engaged!

Tripp was distributing 'Jump In The Bush Club' DVDs in my dorm and had stopped by my room to say hi. Not having the guts to reveal my feelings to him then, I chased him down on the front porch of my dorm. In the pouring rain, I brought him a friend's umbrella (supplied by a supportive gal pal) and told him that I liked him. He looked goofy and relieved and sweetly hugged me. I can't remember if I voiced this, but we call this our 'rain moment' (see Sweet Home Alabama).

And the rest is history.

37 weeks and bigger than a beach ball

I asked Tripp to take a photo of me tonight to capture the 37th week belly. I really need to do this next time with a real camera... And maybe during the day? So black and white it is. Ha, here we go people!

35 weeks, woohoo!

Today marks the 35th week of Judah's pregnancy and I'm feeling much more at peace with a possible 4-6 weeks ahead. Discussing a 39 week induction with my OB this Monday, which would seal the deal at 4 weeks. In the final days before David was born, I rang in a total weight gain of 37 lbs. for Judah, we've surpassed that and I'm still going strong!

To capture life before 2 children, I wanted to record the routine events of this morning. Waking up at 6:30, it was the 'summer' sun that stirred all 3 of us today. I heard a soft 'hi' come from David's room and responded with an winded hop up from the bed and to the freezer to heat up blueberry pancakes. Our fridge is almost empty due to end of week meal completion. Thank God for Dad buying tons of blueberries two weeks ago that contributed to plentiful packs of blueberry pancakes to freeze!

Tripp woke up while I prepped breakfast (not for him of coarse, he despises blueberries!) and came in for morning hugs. To which I said, "you know what would make me feel loved right now... If you got David up and changed his diaper." Opening David's door, he was greeted with a smile and the proclamation, "poopoo! I down!" I carried on in the kitchen and made coffee.

Before Tripp left and gave big hugs to David, I asked him to take a belly photo for my Auntie Cheryle. That's the photo here that I brightened and desaturated on my photoshop app so as to not look like a pink morning monster. I sent it on to my aunt with an explanation for the black and white appearance, knowing she'd prefer to see myself as I naturally, beautifully am. Oh family. In these last mega days, I'll do just about anything to retain some glamor!

Glory to God for His gracious outpour of mercy on our Grant family. I'm quietly sitting in our playroom writing while David watches his morning movie that happens to be Wallace & Grommet. These quiet predictable mornings are numbered. Pretty soon I'll be waking winded by exhaustion, recovery from birth and the burden of constant breastfeeding. Oh times are changing!

Big Cake, Big Mama

The title of this entry is funny because it could almost be an A=B illustration. Anyhow! Made a cake for Tripp after a very positive review at work on Wednesday. Tripp came home and after I enthusiastically showed him the bunt in the oven he said to me, 'Sounds like someone just really wanted to eat a cake.' Well I never! Anyhow, successful recipe and one worth sharing.

Vanilla Cake

Ingredients
4 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2.5 cups cake flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 heaping tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Preheat oven to 350

This recipe is adapted from a very fancy fluffy vanilla cake recipe which had way too many steps. If you're okay with your cake coming out a little dense and with a texture similar to cornbread then begin by taking all the ingredients and mixing them together until well blended. If you'd like to fuss, go to this blog and give it a go!

Pour into your desired greased cake pan and bake between 25 and 45 minutes depending on the pan.

Vanilla Frosting

1 stick of room temperature butter
1.5 c powder sugar
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp vanilla

Whip together and whalla! The fancy blog called to triple this recipe, however I just doubled it and found it was more than enough to cover a bunt. 


Also, it's about that time to post a photo of my enormously large 'oven' for the Judah bun. If we opt for the 39 week induction as our doctors are talking, that would make for only 5 weeks to go!

The Bienniel Treat

This past weekend was the Rogers Park Community Church Annual Women's Retreat and I couldn't be more grateful for the Lord's mercy on our women. We were back at Dickson Valley Retreat Center, one day and one night. After 4 years of retreating with some of the most down to earth and Godly ladies I've ever met, I should anticipate the humbling challenge of returning to my day to day without them. A weekend with sisters in Christ, worship and spirit filled teaching and discussion feeds my soul - and being on the leadership team that makes the event happen can make for a very sleepy Monday.

However, this time around, I was not heading back to an office on Monday. I was hanging with my kiddo, David - who was so well behaved after a weekend with Dad, I couldn't believe it. I did however fail to maintain obedience to the Lord in my spirit, and quick reverted to 'my house is a mess and I've got way too much to do' Laura. Right on time, my friend Kelly offered to take David that following Tuesday morning. I thought of a million things I wanted to do with those few personal hours - get work done, clean, sleep... and landed on the suggestion Kelly actually made herself - Pedicure.

If there's one place that an expectant mother can waddle into and feel like a princess it's 'Treat' in Evanston. And funny enough, last time I was there I was pregnant with David, not right off of Retreat 2010 - but celebrating my 26th birthday. Thanks to beloved inspiring friend Anne, Tripp had picked up a gift certificate as my birthday present.

Two years ago, I was in the same shoes — in the third trimester of pregnancy waiting on David. This year, I'm waiting on Judah.

In reflection of this day that felt so special to me, I'm reminded of women I love dearly who are waiting... waiting on marriage... waiting on babies... waiting on a answers to big or small prayers. This weekend Beth Moore taught in her study on 'Esther' that those who wait on the event will grow weary. Glory to God that he knew our weakness and tells us...

but they who wait for 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 40:30-31

I was also reminded this weekend that though so many of us ladies long for marriage and family, both of those desires WILL be met in our heavenly marriage to the Lamb of God. He will be the best Husband and Father that any of us will ever know. Glory to God that He hears our longings and plans to meet them perfectly in Himself.

Round 2 - ding, ding!

We call this the 'gummy bear stage'

Baby #2 is measuring to arrive July 20th of this year, however my calculations say just a bit earlier. David is excited about this photo shoot and let's hope he's just as excited when a new buddy enters the picture. According to my nurse practitioner, "He's not going to know what hit him"!

Reflection on 1 Kings

King of the playroom, visor and all

Beloved King David's death gives birth to Solomon's reign at the beginning of 1 Kings. King Solomon's wisdom and wealth is unmatched through biblical history. The Temple he built, in my mind, rivals the fragrance and glory of a cedar and pine sparkling mansion. Before reading 1 Kings, I related the look of the Lord's temple to Roman ruins I saw on a trip to Italy - not so. Following a prayer of dedication for the Temple, the Lord speaks to Solomon in what is known as one of the key verses in 1 Kings:

"As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel' "

(1 King 9:4,5)

David was not perfect, but the Lord notes his integrity of heart and uprightness. He did not serve other Gods... unfortunately all the other kings to follow couldn't help themselves. Among Solomon's plentiful supply of resources were a plethora of wives. 1 Kings 11:3 says he had 700 wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives lead him astray. v.4 Says his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

From here, the book of 1st Kings falls head first into a tug of war between idolatry and repentance. There were schemes to kill prophets and the building of golden calf shrines. Yet, there were glimpses of succeeding kings who wept and tore their clothes in regret before the word of the Lord. The Lord had made clear that Israel's security and unity rested in their relationship with Him. Still, the Kings of Israel and Judah fall to idolatry and self sufficiency and STILL you'll see in the book of 1st Kings, God persistently forgives.

I reflect on 1 Kings with great gratitude for God's mercy through history and in my life now. I can see myself in those wild and wicked kings. Idols galore. Yet in that olden day before Jesus's ultimate sacrifice and fulfillment of the law, God still forgave. For some reason I thought he was more wrathful and angry then. Nope, same forgiving Lord. From the moment I received the gospel, the Lord made clear that my security and unity with Him rests in my relationship with Him through the blood of Jesus. Yes, we're in new testament covenant now so I don't have to give sacrifice at Solomon's glorious Temple. Glory to God for the blood of Jesus that cleansed us once and for all!

One final thought, the Lord was continuously speaking to each King about what he wanted to do with their life. God's voice was so present and the events of each King's life was precisely knit to God's movement. I'd like to end my reflection with Acts 17:26-28

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that  men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being."

Home

Truly, isn't this home just beautiful?! I took the photo to try to
remember that brown and red can go together and still
be timeless and classic.

Look at our new house in Wilmette! Just kidding! That would be a dream come true, but as of now I'm completely grateful for our Bosworth treehouse and will be until my children look me in the eye and say, 'we can't take this anymore.'

Last Friday, David and I walked to the Linden EL station in Wilmette from having breakfast with Tripp at Walker Bro.'s Original Pancake House. That morning brought the first sight of snowflakes of the season and a whole lot of reflection. As I passed one gorgeous Wilmette home after another I thought of all the families and their stories behind those doors. Beyond the street where we were walking, I saw the Bahai temple dome towering above the trees. Such beautiful homes, such a beautiful temple - neither holding any eternal worth. As a matter of fact, that brilliantly white dome may as well be the gates of Hades. Such earthly beauty, which I praise the Lord that he's given us to enjoy, yet when the refining fire comes, it will all pass away. Thinking on time, things passing, I look down and see what could be an eternal gem in my phil and ted's stroller. My son, D. I could build a house for him that would be only more dust in the end. Or, I could get down on my knees and pray for his salvation daily. I could pray that his salvation would lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Lord have mercy on us all.

I meant for this entry to be a light-hearted thought about the change of season. Somehow, when I sit down to write though - I feel there's really one conclusion worth making. I can't lay claim on any of the goodness in our life, still I am so grateful that His mercies are new every morning - and that includes pancakes!

He has made me glad

'For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.'
Psalm 92:4

A friend of mine recently brought me a bouquet of mums that literally touch my heart everyday. I've had to transfer the mums to a new vase so that the big bundle could reach water and they're still just gorgeous. Last Sunday, as Tripp and I prayed with the worship team, I had a lump in my throat as I tried to recount my gratitude for the Lord's work in my life. I was struck with the thought that if I went down that road, thanking God for all that I could think of, I would fall to pieces. This week, I continued to feel this way as I met with God in prayer. I just wanted to share in this post that I am thankful for all the gracious things the LORD has done in our life. We deserve damnation, but God in his unthinkable grace gave us life. His work, His hands, His blood and we stand near and sing for joy.

If you're in a place today where you're not sure what to do in your life, reorient yourself to see He is working. If you can't see it, recount your gratitude to the Lord. Consider your salvation... go down that road and just see where it leads.

Seattle

Seattle, a set on Flickr.

I'm giving Flickr a try so that I can share the mass amounts of David photography here instead of facebook. SO! Giving it a try first with our trip to Seattle back at the end of August.