Grace

Yesterday morning in the hours before dawn we were awakened to the news of my sister in laws sudden passing.  She had been in the hospital for 48 days after a horrific car accident that had left her body broken and her brain damaged.  She had spent most of her life running.  Running from God's love, running from true relationship, running from truth.  For the last two years her running had led her away from her family, her husband, her children. Nate and I had not spoken to her in almost a year, our last conversations with her were hard.  I could not see how God was going to mend all that was broken, but he did.  In the way that only God can bring healing, he did.  Even though I grieve for what might have been, and for all the hurt, I am still so thankful for all that he has accomplished in our lives.  Three weeks ago when her baby bundle was brought to our door and our hearts were melted, I saw the final string woven through the story.  I can honestly proclaim that all is well, all is good, all is grace.

Open Hands

I buckled the baby in the car and watched him ride away and wondered how I would spend my day, what would fill the hours day and night. Tears came to my eyes but did not spill over because I was not the worried, anxious, controlling person I once was, I had no answers as to what was best for this situation, and for once in my life I opened my heart and hands and said yes without stipulations and I saw God. I saw him in my kids, my husband, the kindness of strangers and in one delightful, squishy bundle. I have much to be thankful for, love bestowed, thanks given, and a pair of little socks that got left behind underneath the camera case.



‘I doubt that there is such a thing as a measure of spirituality —but if there is, gratitude would be it.

Only the grateful are paying attention.

They are grateful because they pay attention, and they pay attention because they are so grateful.”

(~Barnes, The Pastor as Minor Poet, quoted by Douglas Wilson). (borrowed from Ann)

Fall, Football and The Governor

Almost all the photos are courtesy of Nate, he has been a photo fiend.

Somehow Luke managed to anger the lizard so badly that he held on for several minutes until he could pry him lose.  I feel like doing this to Luke often, so I know how the lizard feels.

Hanging out at the game

Watching the action on the field.  Every Saturday for the past two months we sat on the 50 yard line and cheered on the INDIANS! I actually loved every minute, this is no soccer mom, football all the way.

See what I mean about the Lizard? This kid is always pestering someone.

Dania decorates his hat to make it more beautiful.

The boys call him "Governor" with a british accent and it has stuck.  I often hear such statements as "Ello Governor", "did you sleep well Governor?" "Let the Governor sit with me."

He is the happiest, sweetest baby I ever had.

Home Sweet Home!

These cute chairs were the find of the summer.  Four chairs, two end tables and a coffee table for $200