~~~ While we rejoice that Sebastian has a committed family, I have been told of another young man who also has MERE DAYS to find a family. He turns 16 next week and MUST have a committed family by then. Would you please share JOSEPH’S STORY on your social networks? Breaks my heart. Surely we can find him a family too?
~~~ Our hearts are aching for the families who lost precious loved ones in Boston this past week. There just are no words. Longing for the day when Jesus will come and make all things right! Come, Lord Jesus! But until that day comes, we have much work to do on the earth…being His hands and feet.
~~~ We’ve been preparing to leave for Summit in just a few days! Getting schedules, food, medications and everything else ready at home for those who will care for our blessings while we’re away is a fine art, I tell you. Making a list and checking it fifty times. Leaving is hard for me. I keep having to remind myself that when God opens a door, we must walk through it. This is one of those times for me–an open door and the obedience to say yes–even though being away from my kids is one of the hardest things for me. “Yes, Lord!”
~~~ We decided to add a little traveler to our journey to Nashville. With her precarious health and midnight dashes to the ER, we feel so much better having her with us. Know who? I hope many of you will be able to join us there. There is still time to register.
~~~ Our water well broke! No running water for two days–crazy! Ah, the joys of country life. We survived and could not wait to have warm baths and showers last night. Such a reminder of the things we take for granted. The gift of being able to turn on a tap and voila–water! We really cannot complain. We are blessed beyond what we ever deserve.
~~~ It’s still snowing here…and more to come. Learning contentment when spring feels like it will never come.
~~~ Words spoken from the heart of the beautiful Ann Voskamp this week resonated so deeply in my own heart as we journey a road learning what it truly means to lavish grace upon one another. “We can shame a woman for getting pregnant and we can shame her for aborting that baby, but it’s shame for sin that bullies into further sin and what if instead of shaming, we weren’t ashamed of the Gospel of extravagant Grace?” Indeed, extravagant grace. Just as it has been given to us. It’s required!
~~~ I read this. Oh my goodness gracious! I think I will have to share my thoughts soon. I guess nothing should really surprise me anymore.
~~~ Hasya has a belly! For real.
~~~ So, so thankful for the gifts you have all sown for the Twietmeyer and the Hovda families.
~~~ We got super blessed with a one-week vacation this summer. I cannot remember the last time we went on vacation. It’s been years. My God is so good. He knows just what we need in each and every season we are in. We are so excited about getting away for a few days in June. Truly a gift from heaven.
~~~ Loving the music of Selah, Jesus Culture, and All Sons and Daughters.
~~~ I will answer all the questions you asked on this post soon. One thing many wrote to me asking is why they cannot see their comments. Sorry about that. It’s an ongoing problem with Disqus (the commenting system I use). If you leave a comment from any mobile device it will not show up in the comments. I do see your comments, but they don’t publish.
~~~ Missing my family and friends overseas something ridiculous.
~~~ Connor is going here this summer. It’s an incredible opportunity for any teenager who loves the outdoors and wants to get closer to the LORD. We love the guys who run these trips–awesome men of character and integrity, and who serve God passionately. They’re men who long to see this generation of youth rise up and be world changers. I love that! If you have a teen who would enjoy a huge adventure this summer, my Connor would love to have them join him. Just go to the website for more information. Financial aid is available too.
~~~ David Platt’s new book, Follow Me, is totally awesome! So worth getting–you will not be sorry!
~~~ Itching to paint my kids’ bedrooms. Now to find the time.
~~~ Trying to get back to my pre-baby weight. Yikes! Why does it have to be so hard to lose?
~~~ Yesterday I ran into the store to replenish my make-up which is running out. While chatting to the lady about getting another foundation, she politely asked me, “Please don’t be offended, but would you like some line filler to go with that?” I almost died laughing. It was not quite (but almost!) as bad as last summer when an older lady was watching us in the swimming pool and asked me, “So, are these all your grandkids?” Not Anthony, who is fourteen years older than me. ME! Ha! Too funny. Dang, I’m getting old.
There you have it. A little bit of random. Time to run and prepare to celebrate the gift of a precious new life being added to our clan of loved ones. A sweet baby to love and cherish…nothing sweeter.
Have a super blessed weekend, everyone. May Jesus be your more than enough this weekend.
Only by His extravagant grace can we stand.
