The Intentional Life

"I know in my head what I am supposed to do.  The only thing is that in my heart I still want to do what I have always done." ( Cypress House resident, Oct 2013 ) She summed it all up in a nutshell.  Her words echoed what Apostle Paul said to the Romans all those years ago:  For I do not do the good I want to do,  but the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing.   Romans 7:19 We are faced with this reality daily with the teenagers we work with.  We see them gain knowledge and learn to make the right choices.  But often, when returning home to the former environment...well, Romans 7:19 I heard a sermon on the radio the other week from Erwin Lutzer.  There was a portion of his message that I was just nodding my head to, saying "yes" over and over again (good thing I was in the car by myself).  He didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know, but it was good to hear it from someone else. A few of the high points (my summary, e

Orphan Sunday. From many sources, one voice. On November 3rd, 2013, thousands of events will echo across America and around the globe, all sharing a single goal: that God's great love for the orphan will find echo in our lives as well.  (from OrphanSunday.org ) One Day. One Voice. One Purpose. // Orphan Sunday Does your family, small group or church have plans for Orphan Sunday ? There are so many ways that we can honor orphans collectively as the Body of Christ on Orphan Sunday. Here are just a few: Advent for Orphans Calendar -- see explanation below Orphan's Table -- share a meal eaten by orphans around the world. Gather with family, small group or church for the meal, discussion and prayer. Partnership Packages -- easy-to-follow Orphan Sunday event plan, enabling you to partner with an organization to create a simple event! Other Resources -- videos, prayer guides, sermon notes, t-shirts & more! To learn more about Orphan Sunday or find an event ne

A couple posts back I mentioned how I was learning more and more about the importance of  prayer and how we humans underestimate it all. the. time. And how thankful I am for praying friends and family. I have been privileged to be a part of a prayer group for a missionary family.  And to be part of a small prayer group of women from church. Since joining these two groups in the last year my prayer life has increased.  I've found how much I love to spend time just bringing others before the Father.  Laying their concerns at His feet, and all the while He is working in my heart. I have seen the testament of prayers being answered: sometimes yes , sometimes no , sometimes wait . But always answered. I have heard others saying that they looked back at a very difficult time and have no idea how they made it through.  But knowing that they only way they did was because they were being carried by prayer. The loss of a mother. The loss of a child. Moving across t

Well, we are just a few days out from the BIG DAY. Despite our injuries, we are going to run this thing. Because of this little guy. In years past we have run for the fun of it (yeah, I know), to get us back in shape, and even just because it gets us back to Columbus, a city we think very fondly of. But this year, we run for Bryer.  We run for all the littles that never will get a chance to stretch those legs and run umpteen miles just because. At least not on this side of heaven. So on Sunday, we would appreciate prayers. Prayers for Bryer's family as they stand at Mile 21 and courageously cheer on runners, even as their heart is sure to be breaking over the fact that their little guy is not with them. Pray that despite the injuries, that Paul can complete the 26.2 miles successfully and well, upright. Columbus Marathon 2009 Sunday we run in memory of Bryer.   A short life that brought much joy and love to those who knew him. Sunday we run f

We were rushing down the backroads, our speedometer telling us we were very much over the speed limit.  But at the state I was in, I just wanted to get there. He was breech.  They rushed me into surgery.  Within 10 minutes of being at the hospital Owen was born. And here we are 7 years later. You bring so much good to our lives, Owen.  Your inquisitive mind.  Your desire to do the right thing.  But we know you were not given to us to keep. We know you were placed in our care so that you could grow up to love God.  And serve Him.  And bring His name glory. You've done so much growing in your first 7 years and we are so excited to see you continue to grow into the man God desires you to be. I could get all weepy and talk about how I want you to stay my little boy forever. But you aren't, so I won't.  You are God's, and I just get to keep you for a little while. So keep growing.  Keep learning.  Keep striving toward the Higher Goal. We love y

Well, September, you flew right on by.  I realized today that it is October the 4th.  4 days into the next month.  Yikes.  Sorry, I didn't even say goodbye... We had some ups.  We had some downs.  But every month gives us that.  I won't hold that against you.  You gave us some last hurrah's of summer.  A few record breaking 90 degree days. You gave us gorgeous sun rises.  And some beautiful moonscapes. I appreciate the learning moments.  Like how incredibly important prayer is.  And how we humans underestimate it all.  the. time.  Thankful for praying friends and family. And most of all, thankful for my God.  Because, well, even you, September, wouldn't be possible without Him.  Grabill Days:  Pie eating contests and sack races.  I've been coming to this fair since I was Hannah's age.  And each year I think I love it more.   Despite the looks on their faces, they enjoyed the pie...I think.  Maddie took 3rd place in the 3+4 year old divis