Dog days

The summer days have passed in a blur of goodbyes, hellos, camps and unexpected road trips. I don't know where the weeks went. Now that school has begun and we're settling into familiar routine, I'm so excited to get back into blogging.

Look for some great changes coming up in Sept and .....drum roll please....

New posts everyday!!!

That's right. New posts everyday all month long. I can't wait to see what God has in store.

Letting Go

Tomorrow is a day of bittersweet joy that will, I'm sure, be mixed with tears. I am driving my daughter, the former baby of the family, to the airport. For her, this is an exciting new journey. For me, it's another lesson in letting go.

I still remember her first day at kindergarten. She held my hand and wanted me to walk her in. I lingered in the hall so she could see me. But, the next day.


The very next day.

We walked to the sidewalk in front of the school. She turned to me and said...

"Mom, you're embarrassing me!". 

She let go of my hand and confidently, courageously walked in all by herself. Tears ran down my cheeks as I turned away smiling so proudly. Even then, she was teaching me to let go.


I raised her to be the brave, independent woman that she has become. I knew that one day she'd go her own way, choose her own path. I just secretly hoped it would be closer to home.

Tomorrow, I'll hug her tight. Try to squeeze in just a little more love. I'll smile through my tears and this time...
I won't care if I'm embarrassing her.

Doing Something Different

It's been nine days. Nine long, soda free days. 

Does God care about my Diet Dr Pepper habit? 

Probably not, but He does care about the things that separate us from Him. 

So this Lenten Season, we are doing something different at my house. Together, as a family, we are fasting from something that challenges us. 

Tempts us. 

Separates us. 

Several times a day, we are invited to remember that Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Invited to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for Him.  

That's the way of this disciple life after all. 

Deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. 

Lifting Up and Laying down

I've been carrying a heavy burden but tonight I was reminded...the carrying is not my job.

So I lift it up.

My heart speaks the words my lips cannot. He still hears.

I lay it all down.

Down at the feet of the One who long ago carried my burdens into a garden and up a hill. Burdens of a worn out wife, a worried mother, a broken disciple.

God's sweet grace fills my anxious heart and spills down my cheeks.

Peace replaces worry. Faith restores doubt. God's steadfast love remains.

One Thing

Disciple life call us into action. 

We can all do One Thing. 

Check out our new page to start the One Thing Challenge. 
Today's One Thing

Angels heard on high

Luke 2(KJV) ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.


This Christmas I actually heard them. 


The angels.  I actually heard them sing.


My heart burst with joy as I watched in wonder my oldest daughter giving birth to her second child, a son. I felt my soul travel across time 2000 years to a manger in Bethlehem and another young mother who held her newborn son, our Emanuel.


I held my grandson nuzzling his fuzzy little forehead, gazing into the dark pools of his eyes filled with hope and promise having just seen the face of God. Then, I heard them. 


Angels. Heavenly hosts.


Singing of God's glory. Bringing me good will and peace.


Praise God, the angels didn't come just once 2000 years ago.  They come again and again and again.


Do you hear them?

Benjamin Royal Backofen

born Christmas Day 2011
Congratulations! Taylor, Jason and
proud big sister Venessa

Unlearning

How do I learn the lessons God is trying-so patiently, time after time-to teach me?

Slow down, He says.

Be still.

I never learn it completely.

October was another example of lessons unlearned. Sure, I can tell you about three more trips to the hospital praying helplessly over children bearing burdens beyond their years. I can tell you about adjusting to a new job working hours long into the night watching over lost, troubled children. I can tell you of my own sweet teenager trying to find her way through junior high. You would nod your head with empathy and understanding. You've been there. You know.

How do I learn to live this disciple life? Walking Jesus' cross-carved path.

I stop.

I pray.

God forgives and pours out his redeeming grace upon my weary, unlearning soul.

And, I begin again.

Jesus Prayer by Jenny Youngman