I know some of you might be getting concerned about my blog addiction, (see “Right on Brother!”) since I continue to reference some of the interesting stories that I come across. But, I will have you know that these stories (more so the ways in which these people handle and deal with their circumstances) are touching my heart deeply and challenging me spiritually more than anything else in my life these days.
All this to say – I need to share another story with you. You may have noticed Bring the Rain in my blogroll. If you have not checked out this site, I highly recommend it. The story of Audrey Caroline Smith is changing how I trust in God. Cross Point Church in Nashville put together a teaching video using Audrey’s story for a series they are going through right now called “Plan B – what to do when your dreams are shattered.” It’s long, (like 22 minutes, I think) so if you don’t have time now, come back and watch it instead of the late night news. You’ll be glad you did. ~Jen
I recently read this quote on a blog I follow and just had to share…
The many contradictions in our lives – such as being home while feeling homeless, being busy while feeling bored, being popular while feeling lonely, being believers while feeling many doubts – can frustrate, irritate, and even discourage us. They make us feel that we are never fully present. Every door that opens for us makes us see how many more doors are closed.
But there is another response. These same contradictions can bring us into touch with a deeper longing, for the fulfillment of a desire that lives beneath all desires and that only God can satisfy. Contradictions, thus understood, create the friction that can help us move toward God. ~Henri Nouwen
It certainly echoes the deeper longings of my heart. ~Jen
No really, we weren’t bad at all – just silly! A few of my girlfriends and I spent Saturday night at Carefree Resort & Villas. (They are going to be so happy I posted these pictures on the world-wide web.) We began the day with pedicures then headed up to Carefree/Cave Creek. We ate yummy food, sat by the pool and soaked in the hot tub. We went for a walk Sunday morning and sat by the pool some more (needless to say, I’m sunburned despite my attempts with the sunscreen.) Kim and I had the best chocolate shakes ever on our way out of town at Big Earl’s Greasy Eats. It was super fun and so nice to be able to relax and giggle. (disclaimer: please ignore picture quality - I left my camera at home and had to use my phone)
Ethan had a ‘Picnic with Parents’ program at school this morning. The Kindergarten classes learned 10 super cute songs and performed them for us parents, then we all headed out to the playground for a picnic lunch. FUN! Here’s a glimpse of just 3 of the songs…
“You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes.”
~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.
since I continue to reference some of the interesting stories that I come across. But, I will have you know that these stories (more so the ways in which these people handle and deal with their circumstances) are touching my heart deeply and challenging me spiritually more than anything else in my life these days.