Recent reads

"Raising Happy Kids" by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer
A quick and easy read with lots of common sense tips and reminders (at least they were common sense to me, but maybe that is only because I have had such great models of what it is to be a good parent). It was re-assuring to hear that I am on the right track (not that I was worried about that). Included some great "action plans" for the taking care of the kids and taking care of yourself.

"Theirs is the Kingdom: Celebrating the Gospel in Urban America" by Robert D. Lupton
A moving compilation of one man's reflections/observations/experiences as he operates community services in a high crime area of Atlanta. I love this one & would recommend it to anyone. I'll even share a few excerpts...

"I pray that one day God will bring in a new order in which human beings will rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Perhaps on that day we will refuse the gains made at the expense of others and our success will be measured by the quality of our servanthood to humanity."

"I cannot fully care for one who is suffering without entering into his pain...Care is the bigger part of cure."

"I tire of being hooked, deceived, taken from. But when I consider the safer ways of giving, the impersonal media appeals, the professional mailings that would free me from contagion and protect me from seeing the whole picture, I know I must continue touching and being touched. At least I am touched by persons with names and familiar faces...I will opt to be manipulated in person."

Okay, I have to stop. There are many, many more. And my favorite ones are longer...Just go read the book. It's only 121 pages & it's broken into easily digestible pieces!

My current favorite jam out song

"My Savior, My God" by Aaron Shust from the album titled "Anything Worth Saying"

It is totally awesome! I shout. I cry. I'm moved.
Check it out for yourself!

Ethan decided he wanted to take some pictures. I let him try several times. This is the only one with a (somewhat) successful result.
(It's him & me taking a picture of ourselves - nice, huh?)

My little helper

Here's a typical example of how helpful the boys are with everything. It is so sweet that they want to "help".

John

We got together in 1998. So, the fluttering feeling isn't there all the time like it used to be. I can look at and think about other things now....
But, honestly, I am more in love with him today than ever before. I am amazed that I am so blessed. I realize he is not perfect (but I don't deserve perfect anyway!), but this man that I share a name with is more giving and tender and funny and forgiving and gifted and strong than I ever realized then. He still makes me laugh so hard I cry. I find myself listening to him breath beside me in bed and just praying a cry of gratitude to God for giving me this life.
John is so dedicated to our God. He is so loyal to our family. I catch myself watching him in complete awe on a regular basis. I may not be a wealthy woman by the standards of this world. But I know (& am so grateful for) the riches I have in John.

SLEEPLESS IN LUBBCOK

The thunder & lightning are keeping me up...I love the sound, but it makes it hard to sleep.
Oh & now I just heard pitter-pattering in the hallway. Ethan can't sleep either. He says "It's scary noises, Momma." So I guess there will be three in our bed tonight. Off we go.
Hope sleep has already welcomed you tonight!

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