David, on the other hand, thought he was quite cute.  (I think he was just doing it to spite me!)  David insisted that he was to go on the tree.  So, I found a spot where he could not be seen and placed him as deep inside our bottle-washer tree as possible! We finished decorating our first Christmas Tree and off to bed we went.  The next morning I got out of bed and headed to the kitchen, stopping first to turn on the lights gracing the branches or our little tree.  As I stood up to admire the tree, something immediately caught my eye.  You see, sometime in the middle of the night David had gotten out of bed and snuck into the living room.  He had then taken our little mouse elf "ornament" and placed him at the very top of the tree...in the front...right at the base of our star...so that he was well illuminated and seen by all!  So, I did the natural thing and put him right back where I had him in the first place...in the back...hidden from view. 

I wish I could tell you that this is the end of the story, but this same thing happened every day until Christmas!  David and I played this little game and over the years that little mouse elf "ornament" has become a treasured possession!  The only difference is...now, when he comes out of the ornament box he is placed at the top of the tree to begin with, and he stays there!  We have two trees at our house, one that I decorate with "pretty" ornaments that all match, and one with all the odd and end ornaments that we have collected over the years and cherish!  Of the ones we treasure, I would say that he is probably one of the most precious.  He is not valuable, or breakable, or even very attractive, but he is special to us.  Every year when I place him on the tree I am reminded that the most precious things in life really aren't extravagant. 

The most valuable things in life are the things that have memories surrounding them.  They usually don't come wrapped in lavish paper with big bows.  My relationship with Jesus is one thing I treasure most, then my husband, boys, and family!  I could write more about the things that mean so much to me that really didn't cost a dime, but they sure do require my time!  Right now, that ornament reminds me to take time to cherish the memories of the life God has given me thus far, being thankful for even the silly moments...like the moment when a tiny mouse elf "ornament" became a tradition in our home!  What are the things you treasure most? 

It reminded me that communication is so important!  And when communication breaks down in our relationships it really is like the oxygen has been sucked right out of us.  Sometimes we may not even notice that our relationship is being suffocated until it is too late.  The cord on our modem went bad over time, and then it died before I even knew there was a problem.  This can happen in our lives with the people we love the most.  When we fail to communicate with each other, things start to go "bad", and then without even realizing anything was wrong our relationship goes from one end of the spectrum to the other. There were probably warning signs that I failed to notice on our modem, like the red light right there in plain sight, but I didn't even take the opportunity to check on it every once in a while, and now it is too late.  What about your relationships?  Have you taken the time to ask the question..."Are we ok"?  If you haven't taken the time to take a diagnostic on your relationships, I hope this reminds you!  Take the time to check for hurts, for struggles, or even for positives.  Be sure to have an open mind and leave your ego behind.  Admit when you were wrong, and say "I'm sorry" if you need to.  Sometimes you never really know how much you will miss something until its gone! 

I am writing from Panera Bread tonight!  My internet is gone for a few day.  But, I can assure you, I will be checking up on our modem more often.  I have learned my lesson.  What about you?   

The last few days it has been really very evident that the boys have grown so accustomed to having David and I around everyday that they are beginning to take us for granted.  And, I found myself very frustrated and in need of a breather.  I love my boys and enjoy every single second with them.  The thing that kept ringing in my ears was that I am in danger of raising boys that might not know how to appreciate the people in their everyday lives.  I am being very real with you right now.  I hope you don't mind my candor. 

But, life must go on...so, last night I went to watch Caleb play basketball, made dinner, and then helped Jacob with a social studies project until bed time.  We laughed, cheered, ate, and made a beautiful poster on Ancient Egypt together.  Even though I had moments of frustration yesterday, those thoughts just didn't seem to matter at the end of the day.  I am still trying to make changes in our routine in order to help the boys understand the need to be appreciative.  I am still trying my best to figure out just what it looks like to live so far from family and yet still stay connected on a deep level.  I am still trying to find the balance of a busy schedule and teaching my boys how to be still.  It is a learning process for all of us...in the end I guess it is less about distance and more about perspective with a big helping of wisdom thrown in! 

 Tonight we had to go to South Bend for soccer tryouts with Caleb.  So, this afternoon I took Jacob to the Video store to rent a couple of movies to make the trip a little more bearable for him.  After a long, rainy, cold tryout we headed home.  In the van David and I chatted about the days events and the fact that Pretzel, our dog, has an appointment with the vet tomorrow and we have to collect the dreaded stool sample for the appointment.  Then we discussed the tryout and how we thought things went.  Then out of nowhere from the back seat, laughter came bursting from both of the boys!  (I assumed they were laughing at the thought of David having to collect a stool sample from the dog, until I realized they both had headphones on!) They were watching the latest version of Ice Age...the animated movie...and something had struck their funny bone! 

Hearing them laugh together brought a smile to my face.  As I write this entry I want to make sure that this moment stays with me, becoming a memory I will cherish.  Not because that particular moment of simple laughter is very grand, or life-changing, but because it is...well, it is a sound that if I'm not careful I might forget.  When my children are grown and no longer sleeping across the hall from me, I pray that I can still remember the sound of their laughter.  I pray that I will not let the little things slip by unnoticed.  I pray that I will try my best to find something everyday that will remind me of just how much the Lord God loves me, and today it was in the laughter of my boys! 

(This is a picture of Seashell Island off the coast of Panama City Beach, Florida.  It is part of the national forrest there, and we took a ferry over and spent a whole day there on the beach!  Just one of the fun things we did on vacation this summer!)

Well, here it is...the first installment of many to come after a much needed break!  Summer and the first part of the Fall has been quite busy.  I am sure it has been busy for all of us!  Right now I am sitting in my living room looking out my back picture window.  The trees are turning a beautiful shade of yellow-orange, and the squirrels are busy gathering food for the winter.  I am wondering where the time has gone.  I feel like summer was just yesterday, except for the fact that I have an abundance of football games, soccer games, and school projects already under my belt!  Football ended last week, as did Jacob's soccer season.  Caleb has one more weekend of outdoor soccer and then we go indoor!  And, school projects are on my horizon for a very long time to come.  Finding time to rest has been a challenge in amongst the clutter.  I found myself wondering, after vacation, if a time of rest was coming again in the near future.  Then the Lord gently reminded me, as I memorized a scripture from Isaiah, that rest can be found wherever we are..."Here is a place of rest.  Let the tired people come and rest.  This is a place of peace."  Isaiah 28:12.  Inside relationship with the Lord we can find rest.  So, over the last few days I have found myself closing my eyes, taking a deep breathe, and quietly quoting this scripture.  Inside the chaos that is sometimes my life, in the arms of my Savior I find peace, my own little haven of rest.  A place I would gladly share with you all!  Take a minute, a few seconds in your day to breathe a soft prayer and find your own little island of refuge with Jesus!  Are you tired?  Come and rest!   

( This is the picture of the sunset I took that night on the beach!  Can you believe how beautiful it is?)

I still find myself so amazed at the beauty of the community and surrounding area that we live in, here in Southwest Michigan.  I know I am still a relative new-comer to the area, but I hope that I never lose the awestruck feelings I have every time I look at Lake Michigan!  I hope that I always feel so relaxed as I walk in our downtown area right before the sun goes down.  I would like to live here for the rest of my life and still feel like I am on vacation when my toes hit the sand of our beautiful beaches.  I just don't want to get to the point where I take all of this for granted and forget to enjoy sunset walks on the beach. 

I feel the same way about my God.  I hope that I never get to the point where I take Him for granted.  I hope that I find Him amazing everyday, that I find Him in every moment, and that I never fail to see Him at work in my life and in the lives of others around me.  I hope that I always have an awareness of Him.  I pray that every time I open the pages of my Bible that it speaks to me in a new and different way.  I just long for a constant attitude of awe for the Lord in my life.  So much so, that at every turn I can find the face of my God and worship Him because of it! 

My prayer is the same for you today.  Ask the Lord for a new awareness of His presence.  Look for Him today and you will find Him...my Bible says so!!!!

Today, I'm really not sure who won, but it was alot of fun to watch.  The tackle element was the favorite part.  I watched the boys slow their running so the other could catch up, just so they could be tackled.  Then at one point it was a three-man pile up on the front lawn with alot of laughter thrown in for good measure.  It was fun to watch, nobody got mad (which is a great accomplishment with two boys playing against each other), and there were no injuries.  However, they were calling for substitutions about half way through!  Watching them role around, call for the pass, and fall dramatically to the ground as if to draw the attention of any fans that might be watching from other yards was probably one of the highlights of this Memorial Day together as a family.  These moments are so dear and yet they pass by all too quickly. 

As I watched them it brought to mind something that I think we all struggle with...the game of life.  What made this particular game of football more fun than others that have started in our yard was the FUN!  Nobody took the game too seriously. No one was wearing their masculinity on their shirt sleeve.  In the game of life, it can get so serious, so fast.  There will be moments to come in life that will tackle us and bring us to the ground, sometimes very literally.  Those moments must be handled with serious maturity.  But, the moments in between need to be enjoyed, while leaving our "serious-business only"  attitudes at the door. 

What I mean is this, I could have been worried about grass stains on the clothes, someone getting hurt, or the fact that everyone within ear-shot could hear the "smack-talk" or taunting going on in my front yard "football field"!  But, we chose to laugh together and make a memory that day.  Have you ever heard the song..."We have this moment to hold in our hands, and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand, yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come, but we have this moment today"?  I would like to think that I held on to that moment yesterday, but it is already gone, and now it is up to me to make the most of the moments I have today. 

It doesn't have to be football in the front yard, or anything really out of the ordinary.  It just means that today between school, baseball games, and soccer practice I must take the time to appreciate what God has given me. And, in the process let my family know that I treasure them...grass stain and all!  Maybe next time I will get off the sidelines and make a couple of tackles myself!!! (On a day when the neighborhood fans are on vacation!!!)  Today, why not leave the serious, I'm-so-tired from work face behind and enjoy the life that God has given you.  Laugh, take a walk, play in the rain (If and when it comes!), start up a game of football, have a tea party with the Barbie dolls (I guess this is what you do when you have girls in the house!), surprise your spouse with a night out, or take your favorite book and go to the coffee shop, and hold on to a few moments that God has given you today!!!   

Growing up in a Pastor's home, I have become used to the fact that I was born a living illustration and I guess I will be a living illustration source until the good Lord calls me home!  David and I love to laugh with and at each other.  We enjoy having a sense of humor and not taking ourselves so seriously that we cannot find humor in our not so perfect moments.  God has used many of these moments as teaching points in our ministry life, whether from the pulpit, in a class, or just in our relationships with others.  We find a great deal of pleasure looking for God in every situation in our lives!!! I feel like God put us together as a couple so that we could keep each other humble! 

All of us are living illustrations in some way. We illustrate everyday, how we were raised, the kind of person we are, the God we serve, or the lack of integrity we might have. Like it or not people watch us and walk away with a snapshot of us as a person.  Now, I can tell you that I have left impressions on people I would love to be able to go back and have a "do over" on!  I think we all could attest to the fact that we have had ugly moments a time or two in our lives.  But, what matters is the "trying"...the willingness to continue to strive to be a better "living illustration" than the day before. 

Have you ever heard the saying "that left a bad taste in my mouth" or "their attitude stinks"?  There are many ways we choose to describe an unpleasant encounter with someone.  The Bible puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."  This scripture reminds us that we do leave an impression...we are a living illustration...we have an aroma...an aroma of life or death.  We so often walk around giving testimony to the bitterness in our lives, the hopelessness we dwell in, the anger we hang on to in order to punish all those around us, the lack of self-control, or the sin that is holding us captive.  We are truly living illustrations of what life on earth has done to us.  But, God calls us to be a sweet aroma, a living illustration of the love of God that has set us free from our earthly chains! 

I guess I feel that when David uses me as an illustration maybe someone will be able to identify with a biblical principle in a way they have never connected before, and in the process draw a little closer to the God that gave His son for them.  So, I am happy to be a living illustration in this way, even if it is a little humiliating at times!  (Maybe someday I will get a chance to share with you about some of David's little moments!) At least you know we are normal, imperfect people like you, that God has chosen to use despite our quirkiness!  We are who we are because of God, and I pray that I will strive to always be a living illustration of the God that lives in me!  

Just to give you the inside track on our household...anytime you are asked to the living room for a meeting it is usually not a good thing.  You see, we have a family room, which has the big TV, the video games, the comfy chairs, and all the fun stuff.  Then there is the living room.  The living room has the more formal furniture, the bookcase, and NO distractions.  I have a collection of crosses that hang on our living room wall, and I think they help to remind David and I of the grace God has given us...soooo we need to be careful to take a deep breath when disciplining the boys to extend grace when necessary! Anyway, on this day both of the boys had been given a firm invitation to the living room and I had no idea why.  As I very quietly tip toed to the hallway so that I could hear what was going DOWN!  I could sense the tension in the air as David, with his very deep "your in so much trouble" voice on, tell the boys how embarrassed he was of their behavior in the driveway.  As the story unfolded it came out that they had gotten into a bit of an argument in the driveway.  And, because it was a beautiful day here in Michigan, all the neighbors were out working in their lawns.  Are you getting the picture?  Not only had they gotten into an argument, but they had done so in full view of every one of our neighbors.  That game of catch had quickly turned into a game of "see who can be the loudest with their problem with the other brother".

I'm not really sure at what part of the whole thing David was more upset with, the volume of the whole thing or the argument in general.  Anyway, the discussion was short, apologies were made, and the game of catch resumed even though the boys really didn't want to play any more!  (I think that was part of the punishment and a needed part of the learning process!)  The time came for the game and we left for the ball park.  The tension was soon forgotten and life went on as if it had never happened. 

Isn't it amazing how quickly tension rises in our lives.  Whether it is just tension brought on by circumstances beyond our control or the tension that comes from a relationship in turmoil.  That afternoon, as I was sneaking to listen in the hallway, I was reminded what the Bible says in James 3:13-18, "Who is wise and understanding  among you?  Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."  (James 4:1-10 is also a good "read" on this subject!)

As parents we are constantly striving to teach our children.  Everything that happens, every experience, every day is full of teaching moments, and today was no exception.  The boys were sternly reminded by their earthly father of the principles that he has learned from the heavenly Father.  Caleb and Jacob, being brothers, will probably always have a spirit of competition between them, but they have to be taught that at the end of the day they must love each other, and they must love peace! 

It is not just children that need these reminders.  Frequently I see adults that need a visit to "the living room of life" to be scolded into recognition of the bitterness that is screaming from within them with every word they speak.  My prayer in this moment is that I would be a peacemaker with pure motives, consideration for others, full of mercy, submissive, impartial, sincere, and one who bears good fruit.  Sometimes I think that life comes at us in one volume...LOUD!  Having the ability to react with our mute button engaged is not always easy, but I hope that when those moments of tension come I can allow God Almighty to take over!  My children, my neighbors, and perfect strangers will learn more from the way I live my life than the verbal reprimands given in times of stress. 

The boys will play catch again in the driveway, they will most definitely over the years to come argue again and again! But I hope and pray that the life David and I live in front of them will be a constant reminder that tension will come, but peace must reign supreme!

Caleb decided he wanted to see how cold the water was.  He found a spot where he could get to the water, but the banks were a little slick because the rain had turned the soft dirt and sand into a gritty mud!  He got the bright idea that David could hold one end of a stick and then he could hold on to the other end and lean over to touch the water!  I'm sure you can tell what is coming next!  About half way between standing and bending over to touch the water...Caleb's stick cracked loudly and then broke sending him chest deep into the creek!  I thought David was going to "bust a gut"  he was laughing so hard!  After the initial shock of the cold water Caleb started laughing then we all laughed until we finally got him up the bank and on to dry land!  What a moment!  This is one of those times that you wish you could bottle the laughter and the feeling you have as you stand with your family wishing that this moment could last forever! 

As we walked back toward home and a warm towel for Caleb we passed huge trees growing along the bank of the creek and my heart was reminded of a scripture that is one of my favorites!  In Psalm 1: 1-3 it says:  "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers."  What a beautiful picture the word of God paints for us.  Every time I pass a tree planted by a body of water this picture comes to mind, and reminds me that I must continue to be rooted in the word of God, meditate on it, and delight in it! 

Yesterday on that walk I delighted in many things...my boys, my husband, the creation, the Creator, and the word of God.  And, I was humbled at the way God speaks to His beloved children in the simplest of moments!  I am sure that my heavenly Father delighted, as we did, in our Sunday evening walk!  I could almost hear his footsteps ahead of us as we made our way through Hickory Creek ravine, stopping for just an instant to laugh with us as Caleb plunged into the water of the creek He created so many thousands of years before! 

Our walk ended with Jacob and Caleb both in Hickory Creek!  (What boy can walk along a creek bank and not end up in the creek?)  They decided that swimming home might be more fun!  I am looking forward to many more walks, laughs, and opportunities to see God's hand in the creation!  But, most of all I am looking forward to the reminders the Lord grants as I meditate on His word allowing Him to walk with me throughout my ordinary, or should I say extraordinary, moments of life!

In response to this scripture the authors of this book wrote this:  "Holiness is another way of God.  His presence defines what is holy.  Anywhere God puts His presence is sacred, set apart, holy, and completely dedicated to His use.  As we go about our daily work, we find our workplaces to be very secular.  Yet, if God is in us, the workplace is made sacred by His presence there.  God's presence lives in each of His people, and everywhere God puts His presence is sacred!" 

We are living in such uncertain times.  The world in general has become a very stressful place to dwell.  Everything around us is screaming out with secular reasoning, and volatility.  But, the Lord reminded me in the stillness of my morning that if we belong to Him...His presence is wherever we go!  Be encouraged that God is in control, and give Him praise for the truth of His word, the reality of His presence, and the sweet gift of His mercy! 

What is God doing in your life?  Comment below and share the encouragement that God is giving you in these days of uncertainty.  Sometimes hearing the stories of others helps us all "Hang In"! 

Our oldest son, Caleb, has a condition in his knees called Osgood-Schlatter disease.  This usually affects children ages 9-16, that compete in highly competitive youth sports, and is very uncomfortable during growth spurts.  It is found in the growth plates of the knees and heels.  I will not go into all of the details of this disease, but instead tell you that the result is very painful.  The pain is akin to the pain of arthritis.  It does not damage the affected areas permanently, but it is a constant struggle to manage the pain while they are growing.  Caleb has had a little bit of a break from the symptoms as he has not had a "flare up" for several months.  Probably because his growing has slowed up a little.  But, on Friday night "Osgood" showed up with a vengeance.  Both of his knees were filled with fluid and Caleb's face spoke volumes about the amount of pain he was in.  As I wrapped his knees in ice bags, elevated them, and handed him some Ibuprophen I felt so sad for him.  As the evening progressed I was reminded that on the other side of the pain there was probably significant growth on the way.  I told Caleb that he could look at the pain as a necessary thing to grow that extra inch that he would like to have for basketball season next year!  He smiled a crooked smile and nodded his head as if to say..."Easy for you to say!".  

Even though Caleb is having a hard time seeing the positive in the pain, as a Mother I know that we will get to the other side of this and he will be stronger.  The perseverance he has developed dealing with this affliction has made him into the competitive soccer player he is.  And, even though he has good and bad days I know that he will soon grow beyond this. 

Isn't that just like us sometimes?  We go through pain, but fail to see the growth on the other side.  But, just as Caleb will no doubt shoot up one day and the pain will subside, we too will see growth on the other side of the painful trials we may be walking through at this moment.  Trials bring perseverance, and perseverance produces maturity...consider it all joy! Maybe the title of this entry should have been KNOW PAIN?  KNOW GAIN!

Have you ever heard that song by Michael W. Smith..."Let It Rain"?  As I sat looking over the lake my mind was drawn to that song.  ( I really don't want more rain in the literal sense of things!I am definitely NOT doing a rain dance at this point...but, a little rain in my spirit would be nice!) The lyrics are simple..."Let it rain, let it rain, open the floodgates of heaven, let it rain."  In the middle of that song Psalm 97:1-6 is read..."The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.  Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.  Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.  The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.  The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory." 

As I sat looking over the water I saw His glory.  And, I had an overwhelming desire for His glory and presence to rain on me!  Just as the heavens proclaim his righteousness...I have such a longing to do the same with my life.  In the depths of my heart...I really just want to worship the Lord God Almighty with everything I am!  Looking at the beauty in His creation yesterday morning, reminded me that I serve an AWESOME GOD!  I don't ever want to be guilty of forgetting just how mighty He is! Appreciate the beauty around you...and worship the Creator!

(A picture of one of our birdhouses, from last spring!)

We have a little thief in our yard.  He only comes out at night!  And, he particulary loves the sweet nectar that we really intended for the humming birds.  He also enjoys reeking havoc on our bird houses.  Our little thief is a young racoon!  He is very cute, and we know this because we caught him in the act when he hung around a little too long early one morning!  About 6:30 a.m. on Monday morning David came in the bedroom to get me up to look out the back window!  And, there he was...in all his cuteness!  He was roaming around on our deck sniffing everything in search of one little morsel of food (We had grilled Salmon on Sunday night!).  Not having any luck, he then turned his attention to our bird houses!  After watching him for several minutes David decided enough was enough and he opened the window to scare him away from the bird houses!  We realized that we had put the larger bird houses way too close to the ground and it was just more temptation than our little friend could take!  So, later that day I removed the temptation and placed the bird houses out of his reach! 

Just like our little thief succumbed to temptation of the seeds dangling way too close to the ground, we too, at times give in to temptation when it is way too accessible.  It would be great if we had someone to remove the temptation for us, like an accountability partner, or a trusted friend.  But, sometimes we have to be disciplined enough to remove the temptation ourselves or remove ourselves from a volatile situation so we are not tempted.  Whatever the case, it takes wisdom, discipline, and a sensitive spirit to continually live a pure life.  Especially in the world we live in today. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."  Jesus does not just leave us alone.  He provides strength, when we dwell in Him, to live life free from sin.  Not free from temptation, but free from giving into the temptation, when we claim His promises and turn away from our old self and live in the newness of Christ in us! 

When removing the temptation of the birdhouse for our little thief, I was challenged to take stock of my life.  Is there anything I am tempted by that I need to remove.  Is there anything in my life that is keeping me from realizing my full potential in the Lord?  It seems this Spring that God is really reminding me not get lazy where my walk with Him is concerned!  I find that lately every word from Him is another reminder to "STEP IT UP"!  I am wondering what God has in store as He directs me to pick up the pace in my relationship with Him? 

Keep an eye on your birdhouses...and watch out for thieves that come in the night.  Not just in your back yard, but also in your life!!!  Maybe it's time to take some measures to protect yourself from unwanted intruders!     

(This is a picture from last year of the peonies in our yard!) 

Some of you may pick up "The Word For You Today" from First Church, which is a daily devotional book that is provided by First church for you to use!  It is usually made available in three month booklets.  Right after we moved to Michigan I was "commissioned" by my husband to write the introduction in this booklet for each issue.  I thought I would share with you my thoughts that were included in the Spring addition! 

"Spring seems to come all too slowly, but when it comes our spirits seem to lighten.  Doug Larson once said, "Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush."  Why is it that this happens?  Maybe it is because we see the end of the cold, gray, winter weather!  Our minds begin to wander to the moments we will spend in our yards, at the beach, or out on the boat!  It seems we were made for the spring and summer!  Winter seems like such and unwelcome counterpart.  Yet, if there were no winter would we truly appreciate the spring or the summer?  Maybe not.  The seasons really do bring beauty and necessity to each other!

The same could be said about the seasons of life.  Were we perpetually young we would never know the wisdom that comes from age.  We dread the gray hair, the dimming eyes, and our memories slipping from our grasp.  We wish for the good ole' days, but would they be considered good without the bad?  In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says:  "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:".  The good, the bad, and the ugly...everything has a reason!

Just as we should appreciate the winter because it gives birth to the spring and the spring to the summer, we appreciate the moments that cause sweet growth, wisdom, and beauty in our lives.  Take some time this spring to allow the Lord, through His word, to bring a time of growth to you!  Enjoy each moment that you hold His precious truth in your hands, and give Him the glory for the seeds that are taking root in your life!"

HAPPY SPRING!!!

Crystal

Finding these soccer fields are sometimes like finding a needle in a haystack.  I usually begin by finding the address and then from there I check several different sources for directions and try to give the ones that are agreed upon by at least two sources, if not more.  Yesterday we had our first game of the season and it happened to be an away game.  I find myself very nervous until every player and their family show up at the field.  Everybody made it fine, the boys played great, and we won our game. 

The game was in Muskegon so I had about and hour and forty-five minutes to think as we made our way home.  And, as I thought about our next away game I began to think about the enormous responsibility of people following me.  If one turn is off, if one highway written down incorrectly, if one mile-marker off even by one, someone could get lost.  Then I got to thinking about the same responsibility that we have as Christians. Jesus Christ said in Mark 8:34 (Which Chris Spitters preached on this morning at First Church) "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me."  And in Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus commissions us to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  The connection between these two verses becomes clear when you read what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ."  So, if we put the "whole" of the word of God together the lesson we see here is that following Christ means that we are now to make disciples in essence asking them to follow us as we follow Christ. 

Now, you have to be careful with this whole line of thinking because at the end of the day we are all fallible human beings that need a Savior.  WE ARE NOT THE SAVIOR...CHRIST IS!  When we live our lives in front of others we are giving them good directions or bad directions.  We are giving them a correct picture of what it means to follow Christ or we are "getting them lost" even further.  We really do have a great responsibility as Christ followers to lead by example, to make sure we are giving good directions, to double check the way we are living our lives everyday. 

After we left that soccer game and I really got to thinking about this...I did a quick gut check to see if I am giving good directions to the Lord.  And, I can honestly say I need some work!  I think we could all say that we make mistakes, that we say things we shouldn't say, that we still have some growing to do.  I guess I just want to do my best to make corrections in the directions I am sharing so that I never get anyone so lost they cannot find their way back.  We must love like Christ, think like Christ, speak like Christ....just BE like Christ. 

As this week begins take an honest look at the "directions" you are giving to others as a Christ follower.  Make some adjustments if you need to.  And, if you think you are off and you need some help with your directions...ask for help.  Go to His word (The best roadmap to life there is!), Go to a friend that you respect, and/or get on your knees and go straight to the throne room in prayer.  Whatever the case I pray that you will become a confident "direction-giver" as you follow the One who never gets lost...JESUS!    

I know that I talk about my boys alot, but being a mother is what I do!  It is my life at this point, so I hope you will indulge my constant use of my children as illustrations.  ( And, I am trusting that you will not let on that I talk about them so much when you see them!)  Anyway!  Caleb is fast approaching 14 and I see so many things coming to the surface that totally shock and surprise me.  I never thought my sweet child would ever not want me to hug and kiss him.  I never thought he would ever talk back to me.  I never thought that he would not find as much joy in our conversations as I do.  I never thought that he would rather talk to his friends than me.  But, it turns out that these things are all true in his life right now.  These are the "groundhogs" that live just below the surface in his life and now they are showing themselves.  The only difference is our little groundhog next door is cute, and these "groundhogs" are ugly to say the very least. 

I feel like the teenage years have been written about, blogged about, talked about, and psychoanalyzed to death.  And yet, there are still no REAL answers.  When you are the first time parent to a teenager you are basically just taking it one day at a time, and hoping that you nor your teenager end up permanently scarred by the whole experience! I mean you can read all the Dobson books on the shelf, but when you are living it...it is a whole different ball game.  Aside from carrying around my iPod with the words "Stay Calm" recorded and playing in my ears at all times, I really don't know how to manage the feelings that well up inside of me when these things appear unannounced...coming out of our teenager in a manner that is somewhat akin to poltergeist.  You can count to ten, take away their cell phones, cry, plead, and pull your hair until it comes clean off your head, but at the end of the day you never really know exactly if what you did was the right thing. 

Prayer has become my constant friend.  Prayer is the only thing that seems to get me through these frustrating times.  Prayer takes me to a place where I can claim the passage..."Train them up in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it".  I am just wondering who is being trained?  Me or him?  Maybe a little of both.  By the time Jacob hits 13 maybe I will finally have a handle on this thing.  Poor Caleb, at the end of the day he is just a guinea pig in the test lab we like to call "Parenting".  Except, if I am the scientist in this whole experiment, why is it that I feel as if I am the one running through the maze trying to find my way out, while dragging my child along with me? 

(Just a note:  I did read this to Caleb and he gave me permission to share this!  Maybe it was good for him to hear my heart!)  

I have truly enjoyed the visit with my family!  We have laughed and cried together this trip, but we are already looking forward to time together over the summer.  We are planning canoe trips for us in Missouri and beach trips for them in Michigan!  So, tomorrow will not be the last time I travel these roads!  I will probably wear a path in highway 57 straight to Poplar Bluff, Missouri--Marion, Illinois and a few places in between! 

I am writing this just after midnight, while still at my parent's house in Missouri.  There is a storm brewing in the distance.  I hear the constant rumble of the thunder, flashes of bright light continually pierce the darkness of the night.  And, I wonder if this is what it was like when Jesus finally cried..."It is finished"? I wonder what it must have been like when the earth started to shake, people began to scatter, and the reality of the day's events set in?  Hope was gone.  Death had come, and no one knew what to do next.  Fear was the only companion they had now, and despair took the place of the purpose they had found in following Jesus. 

As you read today, don't just focus on the story itself.  Try to read between the lines and get a sense of what the followers of Jesus must have been going through.  We know the end of the story, but they did not.  In order to really experience what will come on Easter Sunday, we must first dive deep into the grief of Good Friday.  How can grief be Good?  When LIFE is the sequel!

Read:  Jesus' arrest and trial (if you did not read it on Thursday)-Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16; Jesus' crucifixion and death- Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30; The burial of Jesus-Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42. 

Sometimes we do the same basic thing.  We observe Maundy Thursday, but do we really understand why?  It is traditionally called Maundy Thursday, from the Latin "mandatum" or mandate.  This is speaking of the new covenant or the new commandment given to Jesus' disciples during the last supper.  This new covenant was found in the blood of Jesus Christ.  We would no longer have to go through a priest, we would no longer have to give sacrifice at the temple.  Jesus would pay the price, and in observance of this He instructed His disciples to take communion together. Some churches including our's, also observe foot-washing on the Thursday before Easter! 

Today take a few minutes and walk through the day with Christ.  Not only did He share in the Passover meal with His disciples, He also comforted His disciples, prayed at Gethsemane, was arrested, and His trial began.  The trial lasted from late night into the early morning hours of Friday.  Christ began His journey toward the cross with you on His mind.  Try to wrap your mind around the profound meaning of the day "Maundy Thursday".

Reading for today:  The Last Supper--Luke 22:7-20; Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-25; John 13:1-38; Jesus Comforts His Disciples--John 14:1-16:33; Gethsemane--Matthew 6:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46; Jesus' Arrest and Trial--Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15::15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16. 

The beginning of Memommie's story is one that reminds her family to cherish every moment together.  You see, Memommie was orphaned as a small child.  Both of her parents died when she was young, her Mom when she was three and her Dad when she was four. She then spent the rest of her life living with cousins and friends.  She was never really in one place for very long.  When she met and married my granddaddy she set out on a journey to make family a priority.  And she accomplished that!  Granddaddy was a business man in later years, and they always made sure to have a home big enough for the entire family to invade on a regular basis.  The dining room table would have given the "Walton's" table a run for its money.  ( For those of you too young to know who the Walton's are ask your parents! ) She always made enough food for an army, and Granddaddy stocked his pockets with juicy fruit chewing gum for all the kids!  I grew up understanding the importance of family because these two started teaching that lesson to their children and it spilled over to every generation that followed. 

I remember as a child, I was in the hospital with pneumonia.  Memommie and Granddaddy drove to the hospital everyday and came bearing goodies.  Granddaddy always brought me a Banana Milk Shake from Sonic, and Memommie always brought me something to eat! (Because that hospital food was probably not very good for me, and besides that it didn't taste at all like Memommie's cooking!)  There were moments like these all throughout my life that I could tell you about. As I look back now these are moments that have shaped the way I view family and the way I view life in general. 

Memommie may not be with us much longer, but the legacy she will  leave behind is one of love, the Lord, family, and  togetherness.  Looking into her face today reminded me to hold these moments as precious treasures.  Looking into her face today reminded me of the story of my family, and it is one that I intend to pass on for generations to come.     

Scripture texts for today: The plot against Jesus--Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; and Luke 22:3-6.