Tough Decision

We have now had Gracie for a little over 3 weeks. While she has been a great dog in many ways, this weekend she began to exhibit a new behavior that is not going to work in our family. Gracie has never been anything but gentle with Abby, Bryan, and me, but she has started to become more and more aggressive and territorial with visitors and our neighbors. Hoping we can work it out, we have agreed to let the Animal Rescue Foundation send a pet behavioral specialist out to examine Gracie and see what we can do differently to modify her behavior. However, my parents are doubtful that we can "untrain" her from this sort of thing. It looks like we may be saying goodbye to Gracie and wishing her the best in finding a family that has less of a social life than ours. While we appreciate having a dog that is protective of our family, we also need a dog that is friendly and part of our ministry team too. So sad... If you need a good watchdog, I have the perfect one for you.

When God Seems Silent...

The past 24+ hours have been very emotional in our family. Bryan and I have some big decisions to make and are trying to patiently wait on the LORD as we seek His will in them. We have come to a crossroads of sorts and only God knows the best way. After seeking God very intentionally and very transparently, we still are waiting for an answer. I've heard many people mock and say, "God will provide." However, I believe it to be true with all of my heart. I have seen God provide in the past few years of ministry in a way that I have never seen before. Right now, as I am emotionally vacant- emptied before God, I know He will fill my cup. As I stare at a situation too big for us, I remember that I am engraved in the palm of my Creator's hand. As far off as God "feels," He is closer than I can comprehend. I will wait on the LORD, yes, I will wait on Him. Until He intervenes (I know He will), I will remind my soul to rest in Scripture- to bask in His glory and be made whole.

After all, life isn't about me. It's about Jesus.

Lamentations 3:17-24
"My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord.” Remember my affliction and my wanderings,the wormwood and the gall. My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“therefore I will hope in Him.”

Abby's 1st Birthday Invitation!

I know most of you have already seen this, but I just wanted to post this for those of you who haven't. I love how it turned out! Abby had a blast destroying this cupcake. Too fun!

By the way, I cannot believe she is almost a year old. Where did the time go?

Gracie- Abby's New Friend

Since Abby LOVES animals, especially dogs, we have been looking for the right one for a birthday/Christmas gift for her. I have scrutinized many, many dogs and puppies in the past few weeks, and there have been several great animals out there. However, when we met Gracie, we decided to give her a 2 week trial in our home (the usual process with this animal rescue organization). At the end of the 2 weeks, we can choose to complete the adoption process.

After only a couple of days, we are pretty sure that Gracie is perfect for our home. She has a very quiet, gentle demeanor and is incredibly patient with Abby. Gracie is already housebroken and crate trained. She responds well to several simple commands and walks well on a leash. We have enjoyed her company.

Here you go, introducing the newest member of our family.... Gracie, the friendly collie/beagle mix.

P.S. Gracie even gets along well with Mr. Peeperz. Quite a plus in our home!

Heavy-Weight Stuff

Abby and I spent time with the only childhood friend I have kept in touch with over the years. She has a terminal illness, and the doctors anticipate she has less than a year to live. Spending time with her today reminds me how short life is (for all of us) and how much we mismanage our priorities. Walking along this journey with her has been tough. What 24 year old thinks about death and wonders if she will make it to Christmas? I'm young, but she is even younger than me. She'll never get married or have kids. Days like this I wonder how people make it without Jesus... sure is tough enough for me with Him. I am thankful for His presence and constant reassurance. I can rest in His Word. In Jesus alone- I find peace.

Jesus, come soon.
This world needs your restoration.
So many sick, so many hurting.
Only You can bring order to this madness.
Redeem us.
We are a fallen people.
Desperate. Defiled. Lonely.
Helpless.
As we are, we come.
As I am, I come.
You are all I need.
Hold me.

Baby Boba Giveaway

I loved my Sleepy Wrap- the most amazing baby carrier to date in my book. Since my chunky monkey has outgrown its usefulness, I am very interested in the next step up- the Baby Boba. It's a soft structured carrier designed just for toddlers. The pricetag is pretty hefty in my book, but a mommy blog is hosting a giveaway. Check out the link below. I sure would love to win one!

http://www.justmommies.com/blog/2009/10/a-review-of-the-boba-baby-carrier-and-a-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-2079

Ancient Words... Timeless to Me

For the past two weeks, our church has been reading 10 chapters a day in the New Testament. By the end of this month, we'll have read it in its entirety- pretty cool. That's our way of celebrating the Bible and Reformation Day, October 31st.

Some things I have noticed from keeping up with our reading assignments:

• It started off really slow and difficult. The first 5 days were the toughest, but now, I am really enjoying my time in God's Word... not that I don't usually read but the quantity has definitely been greater.
  
• My mind really is being transformed according to the Word- it is living and active.
• I have been a better wife & mom because of the Word's effect on me.
• Joy has been pouring out of my soul like a fountain- you know the way it does when all you can do is sing one song after another like you're living in a musical.
  
• I am listening to God again... more often... more clearly.
• I am really burdened for our church and for how "different" things are in the present from what things were like in the early church when they were doing things correctly. We need to be more Jesus-saturated.
• Self- I am more aware of when I am getting in the way and how I need to be less and He needs to be more.

Seriously, take this Scripture reading challenge for a month. Drop the hours on the internet, phone, games, tv, or whatever your vice may be. Spend more time in the Word, and be transformed by the renewing power of His might. You'll get more than what you bargained for.