Joyful Moments

A sweet friend and I talked about David last night. In talking together, I was reminded that in the midst of these very hard things there was lots of joy to be found. You can see it on the precious faces in these pictures.

Sibling Love

Finally Some Pictures

I know it has taken me a long time to get David's birth pictures up. They are beautiful. Our precious birth photographer captured every moment and I am so thankful for the hundreds of photos that help us remember each detail. Looking at them brings every emotion we felt that day back. And that's a good thing, but it is hard. Here are a few pictures from the end of David's labor and the very first pictures of his sweet face.

All Tribes and Peoples and Languages

The Gent and I were in New York City for a long weekend this summer. As we do whenever we get the chance, we worshiped at a local church that Sunday morning. It is always so encouraging for me to remember that all over the world, Christians are gathering together in the name of Jesus. Even in the darkest places, His light finds a way to break through and darkness has to flee. In the presence of light, the darkness cannot exist. I enjoy worshiping in a tradition different from my own, a reminder of these verses below that heaven will be filled with people from all tribes and peoples and languages. What a beautiful sight that will be!

As we've continued to walk this path of grief and joy with David, we've been blessed by many churches who've prayed over us and filled our mailboxes with cards and precious handmade blankets and prayer shawls. The prayers of the saints being lifted up on our behalf is beautiful to behold. My heart is encouraged by my Catholic friends who requested masses said in David's memory. I love that when my Orthodox neighbor sits in the Divine Liturgy, the stained glass before her is of King David, and it reminds her to pray for our family each week. For all who love and believe in Jesus our Savior, He calls us His children.

Revelation 7:9-10
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

And yet, as my Bible Study Fellowship teacher wisely said, "All roads lead to God. But not all roads lead to heaven." When Jesus returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, every knee will bow and acknowledge Him. But only those who have trusted in Him for salvation will enter into His heavenly kingdom. May you rest in the assurance of His great love for you today. "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:18

Words for Today

Been processing a lot lately, and reading, traveling, cleaning, prepping for school. I'll be back to writing soon, I promise. In the meantime, reminders for today:

Colossians 3:1-2
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Lately

I'll get back to my regular posting schedule (usually Tuesdays and Fridays) soon. We've just had a lot going on lately. May was family time, June was easing into summer, and July was full-on summer. We have done several short trips and spent lots of time with friends and had many summer adventures. But now that August is here we are slowing down just a bit and getting ourselves back in order before we start school. Nora and I are going to finish her potty-training (she's been mostly potty-trained since May, we just haven't been home more than two days in a row to finish it) and all four children and Mama are working together on a return to instant obedience and cheerful hearts. Time to turn Jacob's response of "oh man" to "yes ma'am." ;)

I sat down last week and made a list of what's working and what's not. Where do we need more structure, where do we need a better system, where do we need to say no to a few things to make our lives more enjoyable and less hectic. I have some ideas for the fall so we will see how it goes as I set about implementing them. One thing the kids and I have already started (and they love) is afternoon tea-time. After rest time, we sit around the table and have a little snack together and I read a few poems aloud. Friday we had iced herbal tea and a chocolate chip cookie, today we are having banana "milkshakes" (banana, spinach, plain Greek yogurt, and milk with a few ice cubes). Usually our snack is fruit or nuts, but I'm trying to get out of the rut a little while still keeping it (mostly) healthy.

We framed and hung pictures of David last week and marked his three month day. I am glad to have the pictures up, even though it was difficult to look through them and decide what to have printed. I am thankful we have so many beautiful images. I'll share some here . . . eventually. Little bits at a time.

Yesterday, I sang with our church worship team for the first time since we got David's diagnosis. We sang Your Grace is Enough, It is Well with My Soul, and Sovereign Over Us. Beautiful songs. Hard to sing because those are the truths I am living now. But it was good to do. More healing, more moving forward. Thankful for family and friends who continue to pray us through.