Flow with me here...

Have you ever driven down the same street repeatedly, noticing your favorite houses, buildings, or landmarks each time, and then one day, you see something new? The fact is, the thing you see is not new, you know that full well, but somehow, day after day or year after year, you missed something that someone else, on their daily drive saw each time. And somehow, on their way down the street one day, they are finally aware of the landmark that has caught your eye for years. How could they have missed it, you think...



This scenario reminds me of many things, but especially God's word. There are many passages of scripture that I have read again and again, becoming almost casually familiar with them...simply expecting the same meaning out of any one particular passage each time I read it. And then it happens, one day I read a passage of scripture and God allows me to see something new or applicable for that season of my life. The thing is, if I hadn't been reading God's word, I wouldn't have noticed it at all...


My point is this: There have been seasons in my life when I read God's word almost robotically. Other times it's been something I could not read enough. There have been times when I really didn't feel like reading the Bible or studying it, but as a discipline, I did read it. As 'boring' as that may sound to some, it's what happened on those daily 'drives' that laid the foundation for me to recognize new 'landmarks' on the road, so to speak.

So, if this encourages anyone else, keep reading. You may not understand why God is leading you to read specific books in His word or meditate on certain verses, but, in His time, when you least expect it, but most definitely need it, it will penetrate your heart and you will know...you will just know.

Happy reading!

Barbecue, drugs and a sponge bath...

...every man's dream? Read on...you might change your mind.

Really, Sweetheart, on the eve of our 15 year anniversary, if you wanted barbecue and a sponge bath, you could have just said so...

I'm so in love with you, I would do anything for you, even eat cheap barbecue on our anniversary to make you happy...
You are, to me, and always will be, the hottest man in the whole wide world...
...even with my clean dish towel wrapped firmly on your dirty foot with the 2 and a half inch gouge in it...
...and waiting for stitches while reading sports mags...
Jason, you are by far, the hottest man in the whole wide world, and whether we are celebrating in an Urgent Care facility or some fancy restaurant with candlelight, I'm grateful to God we are celebrating, and it's with you.
(Next picture, not for the weak at heart...)

So, as we were doing some landscaping, Jason was using a 4 inch diamond blade to cut some flagstone in half...with his sandals on...when the saw hit a bump and jumped 2 feet, still rotating in the air as it shot across the ground into his foot.
We went to Urgent Care where we thought he'd just need a few stitches...
He got a few stitches, alright, but they are temporary surface stitches because when the doctor pulled open his wound, there was bone and muscle exposed, a little fat, some 'unknown chunks' and such. We have to call an orthopedic specialist in the morning. He got a tetanus shot, IV antibiotics, a Rx for antibiotics and Vicodin, barbecue on the way home (his favorite food) and, though I drew the bath, he's a big boy and can take care of the rest...
This is his fancy footwear for a while.

And so, I am grateful to God for sparing Jason any further or greater harm. I am grateful for the last 15 years of marriage to my very best friend, regardless of circumstances, we are in love, and for that I am thankful. I also am so thankful to Jason for granting me permission to blog his escapade, as, quite frankly, I've felt a little dry lately, and, well, this is just good material...I love you, Jason, forever. Me xoxox

Creator God

A 'little somethin' God whipped up one day, long ago...
Some trees He designed that He knew we would enjoy...
He was right. They are my favorite.
Can you make those? Or explain them with a scientific equation?

I do not worship creation. I cherish it. I admire it. I am usually speechless while gazing upon it. Or, I am stupid and repetitive while sharing it with another because there are not enough words in the dictionary to describe its beauty with adequacy. To me, though, what makes creation so phenomenal is that it was all, ALL, every bit of it, created by God. To me, enjoying the created things around me are much more appreciated through the filter of knowing they weren't an accident, but divinely designed by God. I love Him more each time I look around and see that He took time to show the world His creativity.

This past weekend Jason and I enjoyed a getaway in one of the most beautiful places in CO. We were in Snowmass, near Aspen, for our friend's wedding. And in true awe of God's display, the wedding and reception were outdoors, surrounded by mountains in every direction. As we sat and witnessed the beautiful beginning to a wonderful marriage, I could not help but be distracted by the display of God's splendor.

This isn't a post about whether God created the universe or not, since He did...but for me, it's that enjoying it is so much richer knowing He made it and it's not just a bunch of rocks, trees, waterfalls, and plants taking up space...just like us...He made us to show off His creativity. Enjoy being a part of His creation and know you were made with a purpose.

A little soap in the mouth

Did you ever get your mouth washed out with soap? I said something naughty when I was Em's age or younger and, though I do not remember what I said, I sure remember the taste of Irish Spring...Abusive? No! But most certainly effective!

The soap incident only happened once, Praise the Lord, but I have allowed other things to escape my lips of which I am not proud. I used to think cussing was cool in Junior and Senior High. It wasn't my primary mode of communication, but little bombs here and there. One genre I always steered clear of was the "G.D.'s" and "J.C.'s". I had it pretty well in my head from a loose but present church upbringing that those were taboo. I would cringe when those were spewed on TV, a movie, or at athletic events. I even used to suggest alternatives to the person because it made me uncomfortable. I only partially understood why...

More recently, like within the last 10 years, when I have heard "the name of the Lord taken in vain" I've said to the stranger, "Wow! You must have a very close relationship with God to call on His name so: frequently, loudly, publicly, etc." or "Is Jesus Christ your best friend? You sure call Him a lot!" It's pretty effective...well, at least it flusters the person, so that's kind of fun. Oh the facial expressions!

But, let me throw this out there...in Exodus chapter 20, verse 7, God is sharing the 10 Commandments with Moses. This particular commandment, the third specifically, follows God saying, 1 "You shall have no other gods before me", and 2 "You shall not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth below. You shall not bow down to them and worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." (emphasis mine) (BTW, that verse is another post someday...) The 3rd commandment reads, "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." The translation a lot of people have grown familiar with is, "Do not take the name of the LORD your God in vain." Interpreted by many with the understanding that cussing or swearing using "G.D." or "J.C." is what God meant in the text. I urge ALL to go way deeper, but also to take the commandment at face value...If we call ourselves followers of God, thus using His name, then aspire to live life accordingly...as a name bearer.

I personally don't love it when the guy or girl next to me at the sporting event is shouting my Lord's name. It's obviously not fitting. Seriously, what does Jesus Christ have to do with that person's anger over his or her favorite player choking on a lay up? Nothing! You just aren't supposed to miss lay ups! My heart is more grieved that the person doesn't know God's character, His unconditional love, His grace and forgiveness. He or she thinks the name that is above all other names is a cuss word or flippant saying, not realizing its power.

Using the Lord's name in vain is using it for our own selfish ambition, it's having other gods before Him and worshipping false idols, but at the same time trying to secure Heaven safety not having a clue what a relationship with Him actually looks like. Misusing His name is talking His words but walking opposite of their commands and meanings. It's living for our own purpose, not His will. Misusing the name the Lord is misrepresentation of His name. It's like being a parent but neglecting your children. Calling yourself a pilot but not having a license. Claiming to be a tiger when you don't have stripes. It's lying. It's not a call to perfection, but boy, if you or I are going to call ourselves followers of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the Lamb that was slain on a cross for the sins of the entire world, we probably should have pure intentions...

"God, please help me damn my selfishness."

"Jesus Christ, I thank You for the grace to do it."

Father's Day

Daddy's girl, early on
Good daddy's read to their kids if they are able...
Her lips could be there all day
My favorite pic of these two.
This year's Father's Day lunch, with Em's very first Barbie
Walking with Daddy on our trip to FL after Noah died
Em's usual position atop Daddy's shoulders
Em, at 2, with Daddy in OR

This Father's Day was memorable to Emily for several reasons; one being her Dad is amazing; two, she made her Daddy garden stones with hers and Noah's name on them; and three, which is what she's talked about for two days now...with her 'Bible Bucks' from church, she 'bought' her very first Barbie doll at the Kids' Church 'store'. We held out until she was 'older'. I used to play with Barbie and have turned out somewhat normal. I realize the doll's measurements are not true to life, but I figure if I don't dwell on it, Em won't either. Jason is teaching her, as am I, about modesty, so she calls her Barbie modest. Anyway, we haven't made a big deal about the doll up until this point, but alas, she's got one, and I didn't have to buy it. That's what she'll remember. Here's what I'll remember...

On the way to church I asked Emily, "Em, what does it feel like to have the very best Daddy in the whole world as your very own Daddy?" She said, "I really can't explain it!"

I can explain it, but apparently I don't need to since she's living it...

Please note: Jason is the best Daddy to Em and Noah. The reason I say, "Best Daddy in the whole world" or "Best Husband in the whole world" or "Hottest Man in the whole world" is not to make others feel like they don't have that, but to teach my daughter that "BEST" does not equal "PERFECTION".

*Amazing read: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meeker

Read whether you have a daughter or not, because if you are a woman, you are a daughter. Not to be read to dig up the past between you and your dad, though if that is appropriate and healing, go there...But really, it's eye opening to why you may do the things you do, and hopefully inspires you to be the woman (or dad) God has chosen you to be...Not to be read to tell your husband how to be a good dad to the kids...He can read it on his own, and should...Jason recommended it to me. It's eye opening, and is not only good for raising daughters but has pertinent information for raising children in general, especially teaching sons how to honor women...SO RICH! Must read!