Brotherly Love

Does it get any better than this?!?

Cookie Exchange

Miles and I attended our last Kindermusik class today. The instructor had organized a cookie exchange for the three moms in the class. Guess what . . . we all brought the same kind of cookies! How does that happen?!? Oh well, at least we all like what we got!

Tis the Season?

Is it just me or does the cold, harsh winter turn children against their parents? Lately, my boys are just not showing me the love. Yesterday, I went into Miles' room to get him up from his nap. I flung my arms wide and said "Give mama a hug!" Well, my little momma's boy just wasn't in the mood. His response, "No." He plopped himself down in the crib and just shook his head. After some begging and pleading, Miles did offer me some knuckles (you know, where you hit your fists together). Never did get that hug.

A few hours later, Owen decided to get in on the action. I don't even remember what he did or what I said. I do, however, clearly remember his crossed arms, pouty face and sassy comment . . . "I'm going to throw you into the lion's den!" Whoa! Although I am thrilled that Owen is learning some biblical truth, I was not expecting it to be used in quite this fashion.

Winter can be a cold and dreary time here in the Midwest. It is so easy to become depressed and lethargic during this season. We have to endure some cold, hard winters spiritually speaking as well. You know those times when you just feel stuck in your relationship with God and you just don't feel the love? Maybe you feel like God has abandoned you or that He isn't really on your side. Could it be that you just don't have the energy to reach out to Him?

So, how do you survive a cold, hard winter? You begin walking in the hope that spring is right around the corner. The bible tells us that in this world we will have trouble, but that we can take heart as we face the winters in our lives because Christ has overcome the world. Just as surely as I know that the snow will one day melt and the sun will shine again, I know that Jesus Christ is living and active in my life today and that one day, just around the corner, I will be with Him in a garden paradise where night (and hopefully winter) will not come.

Go Fish!

We had a blast at the "Go Fish" concert at church today. Owen wiggled and danced to some great songs and heard a great message about Jesus--the real reason for the season. The "Go Fish" guys bill themselves as "Great music for kids that won't drive parents bonkers!" Well guys, mission accomplished!

Bathroom Conversations

[Owen sitting on potty, Mom sitting on edge of tub]

Owen: Where does God live?

Mom: In heaven . . . well, actually He lives everywhere. He even lives in my heart.

Owen: He lives in my heart too!

Mom: He does! When did you ask God to live in your heart?

Owen: Just now.

Mom: That's so awesome! Do you know what it means to have Jesus in your heart?

At this point, Owen was off on another topic. Only God truly knows the condition of this little guy's heart, but what a joy to sit in the bathroom and talk about Jesus with my son. I know the toilet is often affectionately called "the throne", but yesterday it looked a lot more like an altar.

The Girls

Once a month, I gather together with 5 friends to share a meal and study God's word. All of us work with the youth at our church (so we're all a tinge crazy) and each of us brings a unique perspective to whatever topic we discuss. I love these girls!!! Let me take a moment to share who they are with you:

Tona-Thoughtful and full of brilliant questions. Tona knows how to cut through the small talk and get to the real point of any discussion. Most people with this ability are loud and pushy. Tona somehow speaks her mighty words in a gentle, caring voice. Tona is such a dear friend and true partner in ministry. She is always teaching me with her life!

Beth-A no nonsense sorta girl, with a truly tender heart. A newlywed and a nurse, she cares for others with great skill and compassion. Although I haven't known Beth very long, I can see that she loves others deep and hard. She lives to please the Lord and longs to serve Him with her whole life. Oh, and she loves the rodeo too!

Erin-Passionate and giving. Erin loves with everything she's got. I've watched as she pours her life into family, friends and youth. She is an all-in kinda girl. This kind of intense passion can sometimes lead to deep pain and disappointment. Erin has faced trials with grit and grace. Her perseverance is building a genuine faith and character in her life. She is a joy to me!

Rose-Authentic to the bone! This Itailian knows who she is. Striving to live a life of integrity, Rose openly shares her struggles and victories in a way that gives God all the glory. Rose is funny, strong, opinionated and gives the best hugs! Rose has a heart for missions and is a prayer warrior in the making. I can't wait to see how God will continue working in her life!

Laura-A wonderful mix of . . . everything! There are so many things I love about Laura, but the most striking is her love for the church and her passion for the lost. She cares for people and loves them where they are at. She utilizes her planning and organizational skills to bring people together in hopes that relationships with one another might lead to a relationship with God. I am strengthened and encouraged through her example.

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Ecc 4:10

October in Review . . .

• Visited the Pumpkin Patch with the fam


• Went to High School Musical 3 with a crowd full of giggly girls


• Attended the Gifted to Lead conference through Willow Creek Association


• Saw Hairspray at the Coronado with my mom and some friends


• Got 2 new stoves (long story)


• Had a Mommy and Miles lunch date at Chipotle


• Added 3 new students to my caseload at school


• Had a blast with my sister-in-law Nikki at the EWomen conference


• Ordered a picture of Owen's Mom's Day Out class, he is the one hugging the kid next to him!


• Attended a Circle meeting with some of the older women from my church


• Raced around Rockford for a scavenger hunt with my Jr High d-group


• Changed approximately 140 diapers


• Went on a date with my husband


• Visited the Belvidere Oasis with the fam (several times)


• Ate chili with cinammon in it (thanks Erin!)


• Watched 3 of my Jr High girls perform their hearts out in the musical Annie


• Took Miles to his 15 month check-up


• Finished a Bible study on the Psalms of Ascent and began a study on Paul


• Led a wild and crazy retreat meeting

To sum it up, October was super busy, but super exciting! I am looking forward to November when by little buddy will turn 4 and I get to eat GG's stuffing and some broccoli souffle for Thanksgiving!