More Blessed

MORE BLESSED

For the years that have patiently and persistently taught us how to live and love.

For these months that have provided a greenhouse of relational growth where love vigorously covered a multitude of mark-missing and where hope led the way so faith could see us through. 

For today, the arrival to this page in your story that stands ready to be turned. A conclusion followed by a beginning. 

For your daddy. Such a worthy first recipient of your full affection, and yet his aim all along was to steward you and your tender heart straight toward Jesus. In sweet and confident surrender, he will walk you, once again, to the altar where sacrifice offers freedom. Every blessing.

For our tribe. Fun/loving helpful folks who provide a firm foundation and a forgiving place to fall.

For friends who need no invitation to begin showering you with love and support. Their enthusiasm and grace are true gifts.

For the one you've been waiting for. "A man among men." He sets the bar of integrity and kindness incredibly high. His devotion to you is a precious gift.

For you, my darling girl. I was nervous that we might not be able to safely navigate these jungles of engagement. But look at us! A lovely celebration reflecting a thousand decisions is here at last. I admire your sensitivity and sentimentality, and I appreciate your honest flexibility. God really did it. You are a gift.

And for your merry insitance on wearing my wedding slippers of old with your brand new gown . . . one more example of the way you notice, affirm, and extend beauty in the world.

For all of this and more, I am thankful. 

And ever more blessed.

The Game Called Life

This is not dodge ball.

This is egg toss. The posture is open, relaxed, gentle and ready. 

When we dart around defensive and scared, the things coming our way bounce away. We've reduced the risk of being smacked in the face, but at the cost of never catching the ball. 

When we stand intentionally, with ready hands open, attentive and brave to receive even the most fragile of gifts, we are also poised to hold things loosely, in safety, until the time comes to let them go.

Opportunities

Conversations

Parenting

Dating

Life

Relax and be ready.

Underscore

The enemy puffs, "That's right! You've got this! No one could juggle all this as well as you do. God must REALLY trust you to put all this on you at once. You are unbelievably strong and self-reliant!"

She gives it all a listen and gives it a thought, but it feels bilious and misaligned.

The prowl pivots with a hiss, "You're right. You canNOT do this. It is all so much. Why would God allow all this at once. You are incredibly weak and very alone."

This soundtrack lands warped and incongruent as well.

She drowns the noise with streams of truth. She silences the roar with whispers of praise. Yet still the subtle, weighty paw of doubt upon her chest . . .

She knows she is not alone. Feelings lie. The Father is closeby. Brought close by the presence of His sons and daughters. 

She musters brave humility to reach out and sure enough . . .

Assurance,

Prayers,

Partnership,

Hope,

Friends interceding with Jesus for her protection and strength,

Common Unity,

Community and peace.

Right here. We have what it takes. God is wise and kind and it will take His strength to accomplish the tremendous good He has designed. Treasure this weakness and trust Him.

He is near and He is able.

It's a promise.

Potty Talk

“YAY!!!”  Cheerful applause echoes from the hall bathroom.  Privacy is overrated.  The toddler had triumphed yet again at the toilet, and we had cause to celebrate!  Asa was the 7th child - and possibly/hopefully the last - to potty train under my watch care.

In response to the many questions I receive: Yes, it does seem to get easier.

I'm not sure if girls are easier than boys. 

Yes, every child is different . . . every potty training experience is different.

I trained Landen by myself.  The onset was effortless in an instant. He was in the bath. Supper had settled, and he had a need. I opted to set him on the potty instead of strapping a diaper on. He delivered. He purposed in his heart that this newfound method was preferable. And so it was: Landen's #2 training.