The Intentional Life

This week I spent a few days walking down memory lane. Only, it wasn't my memories that I was reminiscing. Hannah and I had the privilege of helping my mom and her twin sister sort through over 80 years of lives well lived.  Back in December, my grandparents made the difficult move from the place they called home for the last 15 years to a small room big enough to hold two twin beds, two comfortable chairs, and a couple dressers.  The most important parts of their life came with them when they moved. Each other. My grandpa and grandma have been together for over 60 years and have been an awesome example of love to their kids (6 of them), grand kids (22? of them), and great grand kids (way too many to count). I loved helping my mom and aunt sort through clothes (found Grandma's wedding dress!) and several different drawers and closets that contained many memories from so many years (both for me and my mom and aunt).  For me, my greatest memories involve cups with wic

15 years ago today a slightly awkward 9th grade boy asked a VERY awkward 9th grade girl if she would go out with him. The girl said "yes!" There were some ups and downs, and some people doubted we would make it but... Here we are 15 years later - working on 10 years of marriage, raising 3 rambunctious children, doing this crazy work of house-parenting teenagers. Living life together.  Trying our best to glorify God through it all. If I could do it all over again..... Paul, I would still pick you.

Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be free Bring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain Mercy Me "Bring the Rain" About 3 1/2 years ago I was driving home and singing this song along with the radio.  As I was singing it I thought a little deeper about the words I was singing and asked myself, "am I really asking God to bring the rain? Bring some tough times into my life so that I have a reason to praise him through the difficulty?  Am I really willing to take on something hard so that I can find God's glory in it? " I decided right then and there that, yes, I was ready for that, and even said it out loud. OK, sometimes it seems God takes awhile to answer prayers and other times, well, the answer comes right away. Five minutes later I walked into our house where Paul told me he lost his job that day. That began o

OK, I really just want to go back in time for just a moment and smell that sweet newborn smell and snuggle that soft skin.  Sigh.  Then I'll be back, I promise.  Two.  Years.  Old.  Seems like she was just born and here we are two years later.  The Grandma's came over and treated us with their presence (and lunch!)  Thank you, Mom(s)!  I made red velvet cupcakes and we sang 'Happy Birthday.'  Maddie managed to wait until we were done singing before blowing out her candles.  Madeline, we love you, and are so glad you are a part of our party of 5.  You are in continuous motion, running everywhere, and love to explore every little part of your world.  You are always ready to give hugs and kisses and are sensitive to your siblings when they are sad.  You have quite the vocabulary for your age and make us laugh daily (and shake our heads sometimes, too) with the antics that your pull.  You already have a memory verse that you recite with glee: "Ceasing!" (Pray