The Intentional Life

When Hannah's teeth just started growing in, we found it kind of amusing, and more than a little cute, her gap between her front teeth. And over time it just became a part of who Hannah was. But now, a corner has been turned. To say that I am a bit melancholy over the change would be putting it mildly. Just another reminder of how fleeting the years are. They may be crazy, frustrating, exhausting, but those years are only here for a limited time. Guess we'll see how this second set grows in...

Rejoice with those who rejoice;  weep with those who weep.  Romans 12:15 If you have followed along with these Romans 12 posts this past year, you may recall how each month, despite the fact that these verses were designated for each month way back on January 1st, seem to always have a correlation with something going on in that month for me. So, you can imagine my anxiety as November neared closer, knowing that the verse was "weep with those that weep." What did this mean?  What was going to be the tragedy that led to weeping?   Notice how I jumped right to the pessimistic side?  I didn't wonder with whom I was going to rejoice...hmmmm. Well, November 3rd my dear Grandpa Herb passed away. There was much weeping. But so much more rejoicing.  We have hope that we will see him again someday! What is our initial reactions when we hear of some tragedy in another family? "Whew.  It's not me." "That must be hard....mo...

Well, I've already sung the praises of October.  And, while I could elaborate some more on how much I enjoy this glorious month of Autumn, I'll spare your the redundancy. Instead, I'll show a sting of pictures to help highlight our month. Wrapping up the Fall Ball season Celebrating Birthdays A trip to see my sis and her adorable children Running for those who can't Lots of raking, and lots more jumping, in the leaves A celebration of Grandparents And just relishing in all the wonderful things that comes with fall. Once again, October did not disappoint. Dancing in the morning sunbeams  A suprise: Grandpa showing up for the final game of the season!  Cannot believe how grown up he is!  Maddie wanted a picture with the 'winners'  Birthdays!  I don't need to say how many years....  Seriously just want to snuggle these two Could just snuggle this one too, if she would let me!  S...

I've hesitated on what to write here, because I don't want to reduce my grandpa to just a few heart felt words on a page. He was so much more than that. But I feel like something needs to be said. Grandpa Herb taught me the importance of all things dairy the value of hard work the treasure of knowing your heritage  and the value of your faith. Husband, Dad, Foster dad, Adoptive dad, Grandpa, Spiritual Leader, Prayer Warrior, Dairy Farmer, Brother, Son.. the list goes on. But most important, he is no longer constrained by the shackles of his human body. His marriage to my grandma was something to be admired.  Many years ago when I learned they had fallen in love way back in the highschool and that they had been together in this life more than they had been apart, I hoped I could have something as wonderful as that. They would have been married 65 years on Thursday. I loved to follow his around on the dairy farm, see him work.  He sacrificed...

I've said it before , and this year has been no different:   I love Autumn. Especially October Autumn. The perfect blue of the sky. The crisp smell and feel of the air. The sound of rustling leaves. Sweet taste of apple cider and everything pumpkin. It gets me in all 5 senses and I LOVE IT. Since I don't follow the Halloween crowd, there is no holiday to get all up in a frenzy about.  Kinda the last month before that all begins.  Just beautiful, pure, fall. One of my most anticipated, and favorite projects in our new house was this chalkboard wall.  This month I've decked it out in all the words that describe our favorite parts of fall. Can you guess who's is who's? Print from Lindsey's Letters And our maple tree has been putting on quite a show, so I had to bring a bit of it inside. Seriously, if there was a part of the world that had this year round?  May need to consider moving there. ...

I have been hesitant on what to write for this month's Romans 12 study. You see, Romans 12:14 was up. Bless those who persecute you.   Pray for them, do not curse them. It's not because it isn't a great verse, because it really is. No, I just don't feel like I am an expert on the subject. Middle class American.  Hardly been off U.S. soil. Certainly have not felt the pain of persecution. Who am I to tell you about praying for those that persecute you like it's no big deal? No, I just am afraid anything I will say will belittle the true pain, suffering, perseverance that is going on right now . My fellow brothers and sisters, beat, jailed, ridiculed, killed.  All because they love Jesus.  It's hard for me to wrap my mind around since I have had no experience in it.  I can have conversations in open public, can freely go to church, drive with a fish emblem on my back bumper. Without a second thought of any repercussion fr...

We're getting packed up, eating up some carbs, heading out in the morning for Columbus! There is still time to donate to our pages, all proceeds go to help the little ones (and their families) still fighting their battles at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Here's the links again: Nichole's page Paul's page This year we are both feeling fatigue like we haven't felt in years before.  Not sure why that is, but the one thing that keeps us going is knowing we aren't running this one for ourselves .  This race has turned into something more than that. We are running in memory of Bryer , and his short, powerful life. We are running in support of his parents, Justin and Carey, a testament of faith and courage in difficult times. We are running for all those little legs that want to run and can't. And we are running for all those little ones who have beat us to the finish line, who are already receiving their racing medal, hun...