The Eve of New Beginnings

Tomorrow morning I will walk into a new school. I will again feel like a middle school kid, out of place, timid, wanting others approval. It's sad, but true, some things never change.

However, unlike that awkward, self concious girl of 14 this time I know that who I am will not be shaken by those around me. I am so very excited to meet these new little ones (I have never been in a 3rd grade classroom, this shall be interesting) and my lovely, all be it at times moody, middle schoolers. I am stoked to learn from some amazing teachers about how they motivate their kids to succeed accademically and personally. But most of all, my heart races with the future lessons that the Lord will choose to reveal to me about Love, Truth, Him.

Beauty from a Storm

So just last night Adam and I sat up, yet again, with a poor little baby who was breaking a fever from yet another double ear infection. Yet as I my little boy I could only think of one thing, how ridiculously lucky I was to have this time with him. I, once again, was reminded that God does nothing by accident and this time was ordained for me to see Him more clearly. Here are the greatest things I took away...

1) What a gift it is that one will "lay down their life for a friend." My Mom and Sis insisted on helping clean up puke (seeing as this pregnant Momma was doing her fair share after she had been thrown up on :). They insisted on gallivanting around to find the right pediolite and thermometer. They INSISTED on stopping their plans for us. What a blessing, and what a great reminder of what it truly means to love one another. In this family it is not lip service. (Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13)

2) What a gift it is to joyfully serve. Now DO NOT get me wrong, I was not happy about the puke, or the sleep deprivation, the entire time. Nope I am waaaaaaaay too imperfect and human for that. However, God continued to show me that when I JOYFULLY serve instead of grudgingly so, such great reward is found. I was able to sit in a rocking chair as my little boy wrapped his arms around me whimpered, then cooed, and cuddled next to me to find comfort. This, my friends, is a joy NOT a job. I immediately stopped and prayed that the Lord would except my apology for not seeing all of His trials as an opportunity to see the beauty of joyful servitude set before me. (Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:8-10)

3) My baby allowed himself to be served. He saw a gift being given, he knew his own strength was not enough and he surrendered to the help of his Father and Mother. I ask you, why do we not do this for our Lord and Savior? He has freely given us a gift; HIMSELF. Yet, we continually let our pride push His perfect protection aside in favor our our incompetent plans. He showed me through my son, what a gift surrendor is. (But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God. My times are in Your hand. Psalm 31:14)

4) The absolute amazing gift of marriage was once again made visible. I try to say this as much as possible, but it can never be said enough I have the best husband in the world (aside from the ultimate which was Christ to the Church). Last night I was reminded of how amazing God's ordained roles are for us and when we let them work we see such fruit. I was there holding our baby (as was Adam later), but do not be mistaken my husband was not off sleeping while I was up nursing our child back to health. Nope. Instead, he sat there with me to be the rock that I needed him to be. He was there letting me know that he would tend the flock as long as he needed to. He was there running around getting medicine. He was not only taking care of our baby he was there taking care of me. He prayed FOR us, and WITH us. Being a husband is a hard job, if done as it is intended (as is being a Godly wife). I was reminded last night that marriage is a beautiful covenant, one where both people MUST be willing to fill in where the other leaves off. (Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Ephesians 5:25)


I only hope that God allows more nights like this, so that I may again see Him more clearly. I long to know Him more. Thank you Lord, for continuing to put these opportunities before me.

Lindsey's Birthday Party: Monkey Joe FUN!!!!!!!

Can't get enough WATER!!!!!

Up North Fun

LOVE this girl, can't believe we could see this same pic at this exact location 20+ years ago! Thank God for awesome traditions!!!

The best part of any activity MILKY

Pretty sson this water will be the ocean, with these same two love birds :)

Pool fun (actually he wasn't really into it this time hmmm, think there was just too many kids splashing. Don't worry little one it will be you annoying the little guys soon enough ;)

Morning Walk

Roasting marshmallows with Daddy

We had so much fun up north here is Coleman desperately trying to give his new little friend some love :)

County Fair petting zoo fun

More summer pics!

Coleman Picked out this flower especially for me for Mother's day. Awwww

Fun in the pool

The view from our hotel pool

On our way to the ceremony

Proud Fiance

Proud Momma

I LOVE this pic! So typical Momma and Cole not caring what they look like to others and Daddy giving the, "Yep, this is my wife" look ;)

Family celebration at Bucas, Minneapolis MN

Ok don't judge. I said I would NEVER do this, but you know what it was an enjoyable meal out celebrating my sis's graduation. So there!!!!

Still loved the fishies this year

The misters were the hit of the day (Chris and I enjoyed some time under them also, we are not too proud:)

So much fun!

He's Loose!!!!!!!!!!

Chris and Marky

My Baby and I staring at the huge giraffes

Awwww Grandma Bower (Aunt Linda/Linda) and Marky

The train ride, Cole was ready to fall asleep at this point :)