Monday, February 27, 2012

Romance


I could try and deny it but so far at 34 years of age, 
I've found the desire for romance doesn't go away....

I told Mr. Incredible several days before Valentine's I wanted a little more romance...

Then on VDay I found this...




Well it was actually the 15th before I found it, 
he had strategically placed it for a surprise in our cup cabinet. 

I wasn't quite sure what it meant. Or what he meant by it. 
I fought the trend to over analyze it all and just enjoyed it...

A gift,
From a guy who's still crazy 'bout me,
Pretty colors,
That'll be filled with good sips,
Around people I love and are learning to love.

And as for romance...this is what it means to me...






The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied

For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love

A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied

by Phil Wickham


Lord know's I've tried to met the desire with everything under the sun, but it's the SON that satisfies- everytime...

"a man" that not only laid his life down for me, 
but shows his love for me in a thousand little ways everyday

the satisfaction he brings

frees

 me to really love those around me


Learning to be loved,
totegirl 


Sunday, February 19, 2012

The Music Man and the Face of the Loved

So proud.... (Doug Finley, student, on the far right)




Cody and I went to opening night of The Music Man in Duncan Friday.


I had never seen the show before and loved the storyline. The heroine is played by a friend, Sarah Adkins, (on right) (my friend Leigh McEntire is on the left, she played Sarah's mother with a cute Irish accent :)



I couldn't help but notice the obvious costume change between acts...
 but also Sarah's countenance during the show as she falls in love with her suitor the conman/salesman Prof. Harold Hill. 
She gave a fantastic performance.

She's in blue, left front.


Love changes everything. 


Especially our countenance. 


Ephesians 5:25-28
Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness.  









Friday, February 17, 2012

Part of the Journey


Many moons ago I bought this tshirt. 
It's been one of my favorites. 
I wear it often. 




This crazy couple were selling them. 
They heard God speak about something he wanted them to do.
To open their hearts to another child. 
One not of their blood. 
One not of their country. 





I have prayed for them.
Followed their posts.
And smiled when I finally saw this one...

We are coming home!!! All THREE of us!!!  Cant wait to see all your smiling faces at 

the airport--it's going to be a great celebration!!! Only God could do this!!

They have a story to tell. 
Of obeying despite the cost.
Of counting it all JOY (James 1:2)
Of finding wisdom (James 1:5)
Of a life worth fighting for.
Of blessings you didn't know where even there.


I can't wait to hear it, I am so glad I didn't miss my part in their journey. 

Home is such a nice word.






Thursday, February 16, 2012

Raising Tweens

I surrender. 


(picture taken at our friend Leona's murder mystery party)

I am now parenting tweens. 

I have been for a year depending on who's definition you use for tween but I am just now embracing it. 

I took this picture at Cady's slumber party and it made me tear up at what it represents...



Innocent play days being taken over by adolescence. 

What I have learned so far....

1. They still love tradition. (valentine's breakfast in bed)
Tradition is security to them. Everything is changing in their worlds, from bodies to friends- it's all shakey.
 Keep the traditions going.


2. They are creative. Use it! 



From legos to homemade valentines put those minds to work!


3. They love a party. Invite the friends over and often.




4. They are extremely interested in spiritual things.
 DON'T WASTE THIS TIME!!
 It's not too late, they are forming world views that will last a lifetime. They need good information. I am a Christ follower. We read the Bible with them, give them good information, talk about spiritual questions in the car, at the table and in bed- anywhere they want to talk about it. We don't shy away from the hard questions and let them know we don't have all the answers. 


(saved Nov. 29, 2011, baptized Christmas day 2011)

5. They love and need responsibility. 
Figure out what you can let them do and then let them do it. 
Faith is active, they love serving along side us on mission trips, in the nursery, at the food bank....




6. They are extremely goofy. 
Enjoy it, I have a feeling it doesn't last forever :)




7. They love hanging out with their parents. Go figure...


Enjoy this too, it won't last long. 
These days of hugs and talks and "I wanta go with you"s don't last long. Say yes to them on this.



Hug 'em, Hold 'em, Love 'em!



8. They like alone time with mom and dad, separately. 
If you are looking for that perfect tween birthday gift. Look no further than a homemade coupon book with  "stay home from school", "daddy date", "day out with mom" "shopping trip" stuff...


(I took this as a sign Cady wanted to get away and have a little one on one time) 

9. The clothes. 
Oh my. 
Don't get me started. 


These pictures are cute,
but I have seen some crazy stuff walk out of the bedroom in the mornings. Flip flops and summer dresses in winter, colors that are clearly wrong, yoga pants and uggs, sanuks and windpants? And the fact that they have favorite clothes now that they try to wear 4 out of 5 days.  



These are good years.