The Intentional Life

It was one conversation, told to me over 15 years ago.  Words meant to point me in the right direction. But obviously, it meant something to me, since I can still remember it, scene and all. "You don't want to do that.  That would be a waste of your intelligence.  You would be wasting your life." This is what was said to me after I told someone I didn't want to go to college.  All I really wanted to do was work with underprivileged people and someday, hopefully, be a mom. But a high school senior sitting with a near perfect grade-point average (curses Physics and your B+!) stating that that was as far as she was going with her education....well, that didn't set well with this person. So, I did what any easily-influenced teenager would do....I went to college. I found a degree that allowed me to work with and help people and get my schooling done in less than two years.  And then worked that field for 8 years. 7 years later I'm not anywhere clo

One year later. If I had any idea what was going to happen just 48 hours after I posted my lowest-point-in-the-journey post , I, well, I would have just cried harder. January 28th, 2014, this is what our house looked like: Thank you, Polar Vortex. And here we are 1 year later (almost, by a couple hours).  I still get a visceral feeling when I look at the above pictures. But I don't want these after pictures to be all about 'look at this great place we have.'  Because it's not about that. Sure, I am so very thankful for where we are at in this moment. But I recognize that not a single bit of this is because of anything I have done. This is just another shout-out, giving recognition where it is due. After a valley that lasted close to two years, the Lord has brought me through it. He didn't pick me up right out of the middle of it.  I had to walk right on through to the other side. There were no lessons to be learned in getting plucked out

This past Christmas season was extra special for a young man in Ukraine. A 19-year-old young man named Roman. Unfortunately, at a very young age, Roman lost both of his parents. He was sent to an orphanage and later met local Christians who minister to children and young adults within the orphanage walls and after they age out. Roman is a very curious kid by nature. He has asked many questions about life, about people, and about God. Another characteristic about Roman anyone would quickly notice is that he would rarely smile, displaying a tight-lipped frown on a somewhat gloomy face. Knowing the hardships of life he had faced, it didn't come as too much of a surprise. This past September, as he entered a tech school to become a builder, he was invited to attend a Bible Study at a Lifesong Transition Home. He gladly accepted and started to attend. Although, he wasn't quite as quick to accept the invitations that were offered to attend church.The Lifesong staff started to pra

I know it's been silent here on my blog as of late. It's not for lack of topics to write about. More like the lack of knowing just the right way to talk about them.  Until I get that figured out, I've got this. You know it's going to be a good day when you get props  on your fashion sense from the 6 year old. And that. I still can't say I am a huge fan of winter, but having a husband who can stay home  on 'snow days' has made it slightly more appealing...

December The season of lights. I find it ironic in this part of the globe that the longest, darkest day of the year is just 4 days before Christmas.  It's always darkest right before the dawn. I love the lights of December.  On trees, on gutters, lampposts, and candles. Like the whole month is trying to tell us something about the one Light we should all be anticipating. I've already posted all our Christmas celebration pics, so here is the rest of month, what we did in between. It was marvelous to experience a true Winter Break for the first time.  January 5th, and the start of school came way too soon. So we tied up one year and cranked back up for another one.  December, you left me thankful and content.  And now, prepare for the onslaught of pictures...  Maddie's preschool program.  Quite a production.  She was "a family member of Mary"  Decorating a gingerbread house  We has secret "elves" delivering us gifts fo