tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21838613150286814632024-03-13T08:56:29.584-07:00...75 and Sunny...The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. Psalm 16:6Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-49586588770190002792012-03-13T21:45:00.000-07:002012-03-31T08:13:11.574-07:00Road Trip, The Final Installment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite the sadness of saying goodbye to friends and family in Tennessee, we were thrilled to be heading to Birmingham to visit our most wonderful friends, the Henriques Family! We have been friends with Heather and Yurii for what feels like forever, and each of my three big kids considers their Henriques counterpart to be their best friend, despite having lived apart for six years now. Here's the whole gaggle of 'em!</div>
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Nathaniel and Nicholas - frighteningly more man-like...</div>
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Gretchen and Emily...sweet friends who use many, many stamps communicating with one another...</div>
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This is where I should put a great shot of Lillian and Hannah, but alas, I don't have one! Heather!? (Thank you, Heather!!! Here they are!!)</div>
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Here are Kathryn and Faith...
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We were able to spend a couple of days with our dear friends, playing and talking. We also visited The Church at Brook Hills and heard a really wonderful message given by David Platt. Such an encouragement! There were (A LOT!) of tears when it was time to leave. I know I can speak for my whole family when I say that we look forward to spending more precious time with them again.</div>
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We literally had miles to go before we could sleep, as it were. So, we pointed the trusty minivan southwest and traveled down to New Orleans. I had been to New Orleans on New Year's Day in 1994 when I played in the University of Miami's marching band at the Cotton Bowl. I knew it would not be as I remembered, given the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, but we were all eager to visit the city. Gustav insisted on beignets at Cafe Du Monde. So...we had beignets and cafe au laits despite the fact that it was a sultry 98 degrees outside!</div>
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Now, the beignets rocked. The cafe au laits were incredible. But,</div>
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if I EVER have to go to the restrooms at that establishment again, I may just do someone bodily harm.</div>
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Yes, they were THAT BAD!</div>
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Yeah, he didn't have to go to the restroom there. Hence the playful disposition. </div>
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We spent some time driving the streets of New Orleans and then headed up to Baton Rouge where we were to spend the night. What a cool drive! Much of the highway there is elevated, dangling over the immense swamps and bayous. We discussed alligators and crocodiles at length. </div>
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Once in Baton Rouge we had a super-fun dinner complete with fried alligator. Everyone loved it. Yep, you guessed it...it tasted like chicken.</div>
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Once in our hotel room, Kurt took his usual spot for the night - the closet. At each hotel we made him a "Kurt nest" in the closet. He thought that was pretty stinkin' cool.</div>
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The next day we drove down to the coast and put our feet into the unbelievably warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. Oh, it was lovely.</div>
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The landscape was so stunningly beautiful. And the shells! So many intact shells and sand dollars. It was positively magnificent! </div>
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As we got closer to the ferry which would carry us all over to Galveston, we discussed the horrific hurricane which nearly wiped the city off the map in 1900. We marveled at all the tall houses on stilts, and explained why they were necessary. That evening we made it to San Antonio. Let me just say: "Such a COOL city!!" If I had to pick one place that most surprised and impressed me, I would have to say San Antonio. I really, really loved it. Our first night there we went to The Cove - featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. It is a restaurant, laundromat, and a car wash. Right. I don't know who thought that was a worthwhile combination, but trust me, it is working for them. We had a delicious bison burger...so delicious! and sat outside by the playground and ping-pong table (?) While we were eating a group of guys started playing their guitars and drums and singing right there in front of us. They were really good. We were off to a very good start in San Antonio!</div>
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The next day we remembered the Alamo.</div>
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Kurt and I walked around and examined all the "canyons" (cannons) while Gustav took the big kids to the more academic portions of the museum. It was such a fun place - and FREE, which always makes it funner.</div>
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We walked the absolutely magnificent River Walk back to our hotel. Talk about beautiful. I felt like I was back in Europe. Check out how beautiful it is!</div>
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After leaving San Antonio, we drove through forgettable western Texas and eastern New Mexico. I don't even have pictures. Just know that it was about 520 miles and 9 hours of excruciatingly brown, flat land. The following day we made it to Tucson, AZ, for a little visit with grandma.</div>
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and a little swimming in her pool. We had all had a fantastic time on our road trip, but as we started to get nearer to home, we were anxious for our own beds and some kind of normal routine. </div>
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On the evening of August 19th, our weary band of travelers pulled into the driveway and raced in to greet the dogs. Twenty-one days, six thousand miles, and countless wonderful experiences under our belt, we anxiously crawled into our very own beds.</div>
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This was a trip that we will remember forever. It was one big, long opportunity for memory making, and boy did we! I cannot encourage those of you with children enough to plan a road trip with your children. Short, long, near, far. You will not be disappointed.</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-38866423361418843102012-01-07T21:49:00.000-08:002012-01-07T21:49:42.254-08:00Road Trip, Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I promised my most wonderful friend, <a href="http://joyinthejourneyhh.blogspot.com/">Heather</a>, that I would blog today in an effort to actually finish the road trip entries sometime before our next road trip. Thanks for the little push, my friend :-)<br />
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My last entry had us landing in Pigeon Forge, TN after 2200 miles logged in the minivan, which is about 33 hours for those who like the stats. The kids were really exceptional in the car and I think I speak for all of us when I say the time together was a blessing. Once we arrived in Pigeon Forge we checked into our lodge which was perched precariously on a mountainside. The views of the lush Tennessee forests were breathtaking and the sound of the cicadas in the trees magical. The home itself was a little more run down than I would have liked, but the views and the arrival of family made up for it. Soon there were eighteen of us sharing the 8-bedroom home. Cousins quickly ran off to quiet corners to giggle and share highlights of the last year, while the adults breathed a contented sigh that vacation had come.<br />
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One of our first endeavors was to head over to <a href="http://magiquest.com/locations/kingdoms/pigeon-forge/">MagiQuest </a>to have a little fun and, boy, did we! What a fun and enjoyable time. Gustav and the older kids ran off to fight dragons, puzzle out riddles, and cast magic spells. Kurt and I acted as a team and had a blast. After the quests were completed we spent some time in the hall of mirrors getting ridiculously lost and loving it.<br />
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We finished the day off with some local TN BBQ and some more catching up with family. Happy tummies and happy hearts. <br />
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The following days brought plenty of adventure. We spent a day in the Smoky Mountain National Park. What a beautiful, lush place. The greenery, rivers, rolling fields, and old churches and homes were just beautiful. A wonderful time to appreciate the handiwork of God! <br />
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Seeing as it was my 30-something-i-eth birthday, we stopped by a little riverside picnic area and enjoyed some sandwiches and cake (that was smuggled in by lots of adorable little girls!) I loved the way the bright sunshine streamed through the thick leafy canopy. It was breathtaking.<br />
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After filling our tummies (again) we continued on through the park and found a delicious little swimming hole tucked into the forest. What a time watching all of the children swim with abandon, jump off rocks, and just be kids. Like the good old days. Gabriel's expression here says it all:<br />
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The water was chilly, but no one seemed to care. Kurt had a blast crawling from rock to rock.<br />
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And Gretchen learned to walk on water.<br />
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It was really one of the most delightful days I can remember having as a family. Relaxing times in the beauty of God's lovely creation. So thankful.<br />
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Later in the week we experienced what was probably the highlight of the family reunion for many: a zipline course through the breathtaking Tennessee forest. Most of the cousins (all except Kurt, who, sadly, was too young) suited up and set off on a 2-hour zipline tour at <a href="http://www.foxfiremountain.com/zipline-tour">Foxfire Mountain</a>. Kids and grown-ups alike had a fantastic time riding the different lines through the course, including a 1500-foot zipline!<br />
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One of our final adventures that week was to hit the "upside-down house," a.k.a. Wonder Works. This was a brain-frying experience for those over 21. The lights, the sounds, the sheer number of people squealing, running, and crying. But, the kids, again, had a great time. Rock-climbing, hurricane chambers, puzzles, roller-coaster simulators, laser-tag, games, and a real, live bed of nails to lay down on. What's not to love?<br />
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We finished our week-long family reunion and sadly said goodbye to those we love. But the Hoyers were very excited to head down to Birmingham, AL to see their most wonderful friends, the Henriques Family!! And I'll tell you all about that, and our trip back to Cali next time :-)Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-55981336064156783312011-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:002011-10-20T13:55:26.817-07:00Road Trip - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a fast but enjoyable evening in Memphis, TN we jumped back on the I-40 east and came to Nashville where Gustav had a business lunch at The Hard Rock Cafe. The gracious man he was meeting didn't mind having the family tag along, so we all tucked into a cozy table for 8. Kurt loved the touch screen piano (below) and the rest of the kids enjoyed hearing about the people whose clothes, pictures, and instruments littered the walls...such greats as Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the Judds.</div>
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After our lunch and a quick glimpse of the city of Nashville we headed to visit our dear, dear friends, the Runkles. To say that Gustav and I were excited was an understatement as we had not seen them in a long time. We had trouble believing that Gabriel didn't remember them (which is understandable, since he was only 2 when we all lived in CT together!) Tom was Gustav's roomate through most of his time at the University of Hartford. They have known each other longer than I have known Gustav! We had a blast with them in Chattanooga. </div>
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We did some swimming...</div>
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...ate some ice cream (you're welcome, Casie)...</div>
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...we went on a lovely river walk in downtown Chattanooga. We really loved this great city...</div>
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...we took some pictures...</div>
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...carried some adorable little people...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdGwMEmffCfIuKaYQj-WC6sWB3lemmPZDqxw0bJ_EtZUae9M2d-vriV6Y5ZHIBHhS8sF-5iB7KHOvE_Zu3yDgeAYgL4B0oEvDWLttJI2kbP8XKT6JHAyX2onh1rkiVzcgyUwmUwkCsb4/s1600/DSC07078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdGwMEmffCfIuKaYQj-WC6sWB3lemmPZDqxw0bJ_EtZUae9M2d-vriV6Y5ZHIBHhS8sF-5iB7KHOvE_Zu3yDgeAYgL4B0oEvDWLttJI2kbP8XKT6JHAyX2onh1rkiVzcgyUwmUwkCsb4/s400/DSC07078.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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...and had Five Guys for the first time after church (which was super-yummy!)</div>
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We were sad to say goodbye to the Runkles, but we were hopeful that we would see them again on this trip. Our next stop was Pigeon Forge, TN where we would spend the next week with the Hoyer family for our annual family reunion. Some of us were so tuckered out when we got there that beds were optional.</div>
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And others of us were so tired that we momentarily lost our minds.</div>
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More to come...</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-90551304108170265112011-10-11T20:51:00.000-07:002011-10-20T13:55:48.906-07:00Road Trip - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the rate I am documenting our 3-week summer road trip, I should have us back home in sunny L.A. just about the time we leave for summer vacation 2012! Slow and steady, right? Anyway, I want to send a big shout out to my Mom and Dad who can now read this on their new iPad! Welcome to the 21st century, dear parents! I hope you enjoy all the pictures of your grandchildren!</div>
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After we left the Grand Canyon we traveled down to Flagstaff, AZ to spend the night. Don't ask Gustav how the hotel was. He will break into hives and start uttering under his breath about excessive points and lackluster facilities. He is right. It was a dud. </div>
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However, after we cleaned out the dud hotel at free-breakfast-time (seven people can do that pretty easily) we were off on another fantastic adventure. We hopped back on I-40 heading east and exited onto Route 66 in Holbrook, AZ to head toward the Petrified Forest National Park. Along the main street we passed this gem...The Wigwam Hotel. Can you say 'inspiration for Cars??' We HAD to stop and takes some pics. It was so super-cool!</div>
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No, I haven't slept in a wigwam lately...or ever, for that matter. I highly doubt they sleep seven without the cozy factor becoming unbearable. The period cars were neat-o, though.</div>
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Ever Mater was there!!</div>
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After our little unplanned detour (one of the things we so love about road trips) we headed to Petrified Forest National Park which is located within the beautiful Painted Desert of Northern Arizona. This place was amazing - maybe because I had no expectations at all...but I REALLY loved it. Of course, there is no actual forest, as it is located in the middle of the desert (actually it is categorized as grassland, but it seemed super desert-y to me). But there are many, many trees and partial trunks that have, over time, become rock. Some of the colors are simply beautiful. Here is my budding geologist, Lillian, enjoying the sights:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKHKaIBL7TqiL79DXOOdJ8rTX89Sm7yhc7pe-KrHDPMuyrJEj4YaqRjpfp83wLt2lHvw-hGYK-tQOiFwGCMqx3P8aQwfGHjVqgk_mjs9oVvmRKhneq3sNAG0rstzGc0HkiwKV9gusXJ4/s1600/DSC06947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKHKaIBL7TqiL79DXOOdJ8rTX89Sm7yhc7pe-KrHDPMuyrJEj4YaqRjpfp83wLt2lHvw-hGYK-tQOiFwGCMqx3P8aQwfGHjVqgk_mjs9oVvmRKhneq3sNAG0rstzGc0HkiwKV9gusXJ4/s640/DSC06947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The day was perfect with a deep blue sky and beautiful puffy clouds. Just gorgeous.</div>
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The Painted Desert is simply breathtaking to drive through. Pictures do not do it justice. </div>
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After a bit more driving on scenic roads such as this one we made it to Albuquerque, NM. This time our hotel room was grand... a lovely little garden suite with a short walk to the pool and hot tub. The boys had endless fun with the luggage carts. I'm not sure which of my four boys enjoyed it most :-)</div>
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After much swimming, eating, and watching "hotel TV" (aka cable) we headed out the next morning for our longest driving day of the eastward trip - approximately 550 miles. As we sailed through the Texas panhandle we encountered some weather. The clouds were scary, but thankfully, they never started spinning around.<br />
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We spent a peaceful night in Oklahoma City and then moved on to Memphis the following day. Here's the gang getting ready to fill their faces with good 'ol Memphis BBQ at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_09IiON4oYw&noredirect=1">Marlowes Ribs & BBQ</a> on Elvis Presley Blvd. Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives came through with that recommendation. The food was amazing!</div>
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Fat and Happy, Baby. Fat and Happy.</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-6568656894636375232011-09-08T21:10:00.000-07:002011-09-08T21:10:20.605-07:00Road Trip!Most people break out in hives at the very thought of being trapped in the car with their spouse and five children for a 6,000 mile, three week road trip. I, nut that I am, adore such circumstances. What a blessing and privilege it was to spend such a wonderful time with my dear ones, to see so much of this country and partake of the interesting cultures, and to glory in the Creator as we marveled at His beautiful creation.<br />
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To begin the story properly, I must begin with the farewell of Bessie, our trusty 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. She was a great car, we had virtually no issues with her, but with 115,000 miles we decided a new van would give us a greater sense of security on our long trip. Enter Carmen, our 2011 Kia Sedona. How fun to start off on such a long journey in a brand new car. Definitely a blessing!<br />
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We started off on Sunday, July 31st, after collecting Nicholas from a 3-day stay at Camp Pendleton with the Young Marines. Heading east, we picked up the 40 (that's I-40 for you non-Californians!) in Barstow, CA and stayed on it until central TN! Crazy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh579hRTlngIEGxcBgC8izN6DUY9PZUc-tUtoBVjWY5JKAppoEiFC9gsh8pdpBed3KEgdIX2tq9gIJ1DqJvDr9wI43lu8MtaK2-RlgwYPcMJEK9PrY4RikIeHfH3eJDnGgo3qwMXbV9epE/s1600/DSC06857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh579hRTlngIEGxcBgC8izN6DUY9PZUc-tUtoBVjWY5JKAppoEiFC9gsh8pdpBed3KEgdIX2tq9gIJ1DqJvDr9wI43lu8MtaK2-RlgwYPcMJEK9PrY4RikIeHfH3eJDnGgo3qwMXbV9epE/s320/DSC06857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> One of the things that quickly caught my attention as we drove into open country was the beautiful clouds. You kind of forget what clouds look like in SoCal. I had forgotten how much I missed beautiful cloud formations in the sky.<br />
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We stayed in Kingston, AZ on our first night. I should say that we stayed in Marriott hotels all along the way, and because of Gustav's ridiculous number of points, all of our stays were free. YeeHaw! That means free lodging AND free breakfasts for seven. Jackpot, baby.<br />
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We were all very anxious to see the Grand Canyon the next morning. The kids and I had never been there. I have wanted to see it since we moved out here to Cali, but alas, had not been able to make it. So I was psyched to go. Here is the gang walking the path to the rim. Gustav had been telling the children endlessly that the Grand Canyon was "just a big hole in the ground" for months prior to our visit. It had become a bit of a joke, really. I must have heard that statement twenty times as we approached the rim.<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjZEOWRSfeQKBiBFTkYB5FI7N3IMBVVifSLMCH5IPJ8ZTr0ZevGMz_h0O01blalImp1UlOay2pTIuuet5M-fYfR9RgxZy29Bt-r9Z9Tb_m0n1mbsu2zm8B3QIo7QextJ6CHHkcncH8eg/s1600/DSC06864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjZEOWRSfeQKBiBFTkYB5FI7N3IMBVVifSLMCH5IPJ8ZTr0ZevGMz_h0O01blalImp1UlOay2pTIuuet5M-fYfR9RgxZy29Bt-r9Z9Tb_m0n1mbsu2zm8B3QIo7QextJ6CHHkcncH8eg/s320/DSC06864.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrj-E4rV58dk0tWImtpg_TUtfNlvUBdl7OYPJ34mmxicn9UYDcZpCx4s2cOZXKuRaRfC96eCGdhSpWChVYTsgMnxo3ESHnuZIfmiBWEmbQ9c_VoxROWq5ysHTgMj5icBNU8I-E3Ph6Zc/s1600/DSC06863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrj-E4rV58dk0tWImtpg_TUtfNlvUBdl7OYPJ34mmxicn9UYDcZpCx4s2cOZXKuRaRfC96eCGdhSpWChVYTsgMnxo3ESHnuZIfmiBWEmbQ9c_VoxROWq5ysHTgMj5icBNU8I-E3Ph6Zc/s400/DSC06863.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We chatted and giggled and skipped our way up the winding path. Then everyone fell silent. I had heard people telling stories of how quiet it is at the Grand Canyon. Everyone - young, old, foreign and domestic - stands in rapt awe as they come around the corner and see it for the first time. It is truly one of the most magnificent natural phenomena I have ever seen. Ever. Pictures cannot possibly do it justice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xzbn9e_sazyd6_hCEbYil_3NXHs97B1cK4INXi1zddrPEubgqYHkQJhx3zv6l4qtp3IPimlPFcI3F9chD15UyM1RGw4h_AthW0hv7AY_nQntdM7Ft0vmVIRBKVGHgL0yGiFe-cejHew/s1600/DSC06865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xzbn9e_sazyd6_hCEbYil_3NXHs97B1cK4INXi1zddrPEubgqYHkQJhx3zv6l4qtp3IPimlPFcI3F9chD15UyM1RGw4h_AthW0hv7AY_nQntdM7Ft0vmVIRBKVGHgL0yGiFe-cejHew/s640/DSC06865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Spectacular.<br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked the rim for a while, taking pictures, watching the squirrels and birds, and periodically standing, mouth agape, at the wonder of it all. As much as I loved the sights, I did feel a particular anxiousness as my family moved in and out near the edge. It is, after all, a "big hole in the ground" and I had periodic irrational fears of offspring plunging to their untimely ends. Case in point:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The happy ending of that part of the story is that nobody went over the edge. Whew!</div><br />
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As we approached one of the on-site museums we could hear some ominous, not-so-far-off thunder, and realized that the sky was getting rather dark. We, along with what seemed like hundreds of others, took refuge in said museum while the skies opened up. The sudden and violent storm was just another awesome event for us. Remember, it never rains in California. (Well, ALMOST never.) The lightening was amazing, and the deluge was captivating for all.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked more of the rim after the storm passed over, enjoying the fresh, cool, post-storm air. We hopped a bus for the trip back to the car. The bus driver was rude and brusque and not particularly helpful. I was aghast at the way he was treating the foreigners who clearly could not understand him. Then he gave himself away by saying, "Main pah-king lot next stop." Ah, he was from Massachusetts. My people. I should have recognized the charm :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>After some more beautiful driving along the rim and into more canyons we made it to Flagstaff, checked into our hotel and had dinner. In the very wee hours of the morning Kurt began talking very loudly in his sleep. Both Gustav and I giggled in the dark as he shouted out, "it's a big hole in the ground!"Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-65367262504668154142011-01-28T16:22:00.000-08:002011-01-28T16:22:44.986-08:00The Greatest Place on Earth (a.k.a. How To Usher Seven People Through Disneyland Without Losing Your Marbles)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Monday we visited "The Greatest Place on Earth" to celebrate the birthday of our <s>king</s> youngest. As we were tramping countless miles through masses of humanity, overpriced culinary temptations, and more flashing lights than a normal human being can possibly handle without seizing I though, "This would make an amusing blog post." And here it is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #1: Plan Your Visit for the Most Random Weekday Possible</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have learned from experience that one has to be an insane psychopath to visit Disneyland in the summer or, heaven-forbid, at Christmastime. During that week between Christmas and New Years they will have somewhere in the vicinity of 70,000 people in the park per day. Yes, you read that correctly. Don't do it. Consider yourself warned. January 24th was a perfect day as all the kids (college included) were back in classes. Yay for homeschooling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #2: Never Pass Up an Opportunity to Have All of the Children Contained in an Enclosed Environment</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qGJ0lbG3whnrcncMfaIwxzXq34ml-56o47c1VT7OqJ_PXJ4htEfqK-YzkPA9VXApIzn4yrmfkDNbLdMTFaEXJ74lt1j0Nuyjt1aXrz6ZhNzj_S0C-qLAAvDwabygMF0sH7AZr4VpsqE/s1600/DSC06047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qGJ0lbG3whnrcncMfaIwxzXq34ml-56o47c1VT7OqJ_PXJ4htEfqK-YzkPA9VXApIzn4yrmfkDNbLdMTFaEXJ74lt1j0Nuyjt1aXrz6ZhNzj_S0C-qLAAvDwabygMF0sH7AZr4VpsqE/s400/DSC06047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Call it a photo op. Call it a chance to pretend you're in a movie. Call it whatever you want. But revel in the few moments of having them in an inescapable position.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #3: Let One Person Dictate What Happens Next</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seven people = seven completely different opinions. You will be quickly driven to insanity if you allow everyone to share their opinion about what to do next. "Pirates! Snow White! Haunted Mansion! Splash Mountain!" Since we usually are celebrating a birthday when we are at Disney, the birthday boy/girl chooses the itinerary. Even if they're 4 and don't know the difference between the Matterhorn and Space Mountain. I am happy to call the Matterhorn Space Mountain, if necessary. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYUfFp7I14MxJdGjsKL5ZABpfR1e2DMAlHw7S-n2ZX4_GwtytAZFfPP58ZVbmeo394vYNNGU7aqn76qSZoY4e7NziL3u6X2yIhYRzEqOGqo9JRFJyRWFUPnSFyKhU7GT9bgmBZo8PL7o/s1600/DSC06050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYUfFp7I14MxJdGjsKL5ZABpfR1e2DMAlHw7S-n2ZX4_GwtytAZFfPP58ZVbmeo394vYNNGU7aqn76qSZoY4e7NziL3u6X2yIhYRzEqOGqo9JRFJyRWFUPnSFyKhU7GT9bgmBZo8PL7o/s400/DSC06050.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #4: Definitely Get the Birthday Button</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because when you are the youngest of five you need all the help you can get in the attention department!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplMgewqEoMWhQYhpxoRW-goErKxG0LHCaRopJaDWkQCHU0JbDZ2xxAOJPixvAlrcTbqj_AqOp12kNza-oPQm4Z4nTfDlUah4EETd4NNfgJ0Y-t25TQtuzv2Qy_n0aEHUpeqH9uO0wavk/s1600/DSC06058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplMgewqEoMWhQYhpxoRW-goErKxG0LHCaRopJaDWkQCHU0JbDZ2xxAOJPixvAlrcTbqj_AqOp12kNza-oPQm4Z4nTfDlUah4EETd4NNfgJ0Y-t25TQtuzv2Qy_n0aEHUpeqH9uO0wavk/s400/DSC06058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Not that your inflated ego needs too much help.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #5: Do Not, Under Any Circumstances, Pass Up an Opportunity to Have Everyone Use the Bathroom</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously, my kids think that I have a problem, but if we pass a public restroom we use it...no matter what. Don't tell me you don't need to go, it will fall on deaf ears. Because Mommy will respond in a less-than-gracious way if you spring on her that you have to go potty when we are 3 people away from getting on the Dumbo ride. Trust me, it is NOT pretty!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMP3p9r8foncpNqZFba_8K2zW_FQ0-VEnbuLdNDwWsREMmJJ4VKRpClifSz1IU2c6Cmbj889_1uv1ekj_26dHZUt4sBZmAVHarJPTkAYtIukdW9QO-NXkT1mPp-fg8bDveHBRjbUEwdg/s1600/DSC06065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMP3p9r8foncpNqZFba_8K2zW_FQ0-VEnbuLdNDwWsREMmJJ4VKRpClifSz1IU2c6Cmbj889_1uv1ekj_26dHZUt4sBZmAVHarJPTkAYtIukdW9QO-NXkT1mPp-fg8bDveHBRjbUEwdg/s400/DSC06065.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #6: Bring Advil</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because you WILL need it and you WILL NOT want to walk all the way over to Magoo's Tattoo to buy 2 pills for $1.57. Trust me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #7: Pack Seven Water Bottles, the Camera, Sunscreen, Snacks, Ponchos, Sweatshirts, and Sunglasses into One Gigantic Backpack and Give it Your Teenage Male Offspring to Carry</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">It levels the playing field a bit and slows him down enough that you can keep up. Plus, you don't have to buy seven water bottles at $3 a piece.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #8: Definitely See The "World of Color" Show at California Adventure</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Despite the cost of getting "reserved viewing" status, waiting for one hour while sitting on the cold concrete, trying to come up with games to keep the slightly-less-than-enthused under 14 crowd occupied during said waiting period, answering all the questions of the "chatty Cathy" sitting next to you, it was well worth it. Ah-May-Zing!!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflRFX_gTHtiGqNlAjHBW9SLK0BhVVmjFh_HHrfYCgd_DTETc95DdkwBnSyCoZp56_RcB-eF_cAncASq_pL7S36VDTO3wr7Aw02yDbt6Z0dadrWVNPGgC0yd2jOkwHLV0xxjddg_yYPOI/s1600/DSC06095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #9: Let Your Strong, Manly Husband Carry the Conked-Out Birthday Boy the 247 Miles Back to the Car</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I offered to empty the stroller so that we could push him back and Gustav said, "No Way. I want to carry him." Yep. That's my man.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrYxtJUjAN78o_B4j0_iN7FDjKJcG0ofz-eCsnjIRu7yB7ixjRPZBW6hMlv_xvWlradQ0oNn31LB-J3WXce12aXrOQ6oWt5oAOEYvi2W-jL5405t5ji9-W7UoKMeMyvgcR9_IljUJzb8/s1600/DSC06095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrYxtJUjAN78o_B4j0_iN7FDjKJcG0ofz-eCsnjIRu7yB7ixjRPZBW6hMlv_xvWlradQ0oNn31LB-J3WXce12aXrOQ6oWt5oAOEYvi2W-jL5405t5ji9-W7UoKMeMyvgcR9_IljUJzb8/s320/DSC06095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tip #10: Be Thankful That the Lord Has Blessed You So Very Richly.</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because He most definitely has. And I most definitely do.</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-81701891367232080262011-01-19T22:56:00.000-08:002011-01-20T07:15:59.266-08:00Get Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dvSqw36yVoeZXp8v4ZaUSau_u7KT1xi52jnjbYiBVhy-ORoHi_Ye6POB6W_OIV_YUJaLlYz2D2v-4ggndeuqK3mO611Vo4D29-Kpv7XgYoXRdSUF-aWmefrUrVje-5JecMz8NPyzCu4/s1600/DSC03402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dvSqw36yVoeZXp8v4ZaUSau_u7KT1xi52jnjbYiBVhy-ORoHi_Ye6POB6W_OIV_YUJaLlYz2D2v-4ggndeuqK3mO611Vo4D29-Kpv7XgYoXRdSUF-aWmefrUrVje-5JecMz8NPyzCu4/s400/DSC03402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Not too long ago I had the opportunity to gather with eight women from our home Bible study. We were gathering on a Saturday evening to spend some time in the Word, to encourage one another, and to discuss how God uses trials in our lives to draw us to Himself, to refine us, and to make us more Christ-like. We all arrived together, shared some delicious dinner, oooh’d and aaah’d over the little babies who were present with us, and then sat down to have some informal conversation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> What happened next was fascinating. I shared with the ladies the trial that anemia has been in my life for the past eighteen months. I shared my propensity to become down (I even used the other ‘D’ word – depressed – as despised as any four-letter word in the church) because of my constant lack of energy, my weight gain, and my sadness at having little joy in the beautiful, blessed life God has given me. It was the first time I had shared this trial with these women – my sisters in Christ. I cried. I actually wept at one point and was unable to continue talking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> As we moved around the circle of women, the ladies shared the trials and difficulties they were experiencing at the time. One woman lamented her teenage son’s disobedience and turning from the faith of his parents. One woman shared her recent struggle with painful physical maladies which led to her being short-tempered with her husband and children. One longing to hold a baby and unable to conceive. One struggling with returning to work after the birth of her firstborn. One watching a strong, godly father slip into the darkness of Alzheimer's. All felt the painful sting of sin in their lives. All desired lives marked by obedience and contentment. All longed for a closer walk with their Savior. With our Savior.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I had no idea that these women were suffering, just as they were in the dark about my suffering. A new member of our group – new not only to the group, but also to our marvelous faith – spoke with me afterwards. She wanted me to know that she was so encouraged by our honest sharing, because she felt as though she was the only one struggling with sin in her life. We all looked like we had it “all together,” she said, and she was starting to wonder what was wrong with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b>Shame on us. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Shame on us, broken sinners saved by glorious grace, dead souls resuscitated by the life-giving blood of Christ, for having the audacity to act like we’ve got it all under control. How dare we put on airs among our brothers and sisters? Those who share the same Father? The same inheritance? The same miraculous rebirth from the ashes?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I have been crucified with</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christ</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and I no longer live, but</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christ</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lives</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">me</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">me</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and gave himself for</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">me</span>.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Galatians 2:20<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Sisters, let us not discourage those around us by putting on a holy show. Let us not demean the miraculous work Christ has done in us by refusing to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is STILL at work in us, purifying us and making us more and more like Christ, with each trial, each stumble, and each tear. It is the filthy sin of pride waging war within us that drives us to act as though we are above struggling, above difficulties.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Above sin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Let us love one another by being honest. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. And, dear sisters, allow others to weep with YOU and rejoice with YOU. It makes our walk along this sanctification path all the more rich, when we allow others to stroll with us occasionally.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be honest.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be humble.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be real.</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-20116674154084655052010-11-10T17:05:00.000-08:002010-11-10T17:05:13.428-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAgSNmKuy2a_Nf8hak6PtT-AAxCJ1WnNCu4U4B9zqZoR9-5gGfxeLE5OgSnSvyqg4XSG68DVF4vPeuVYMKIdI7Ok9zwOMOUkkRFQ45g2z7B9SKUSkrSLq5qAUEQESLH1kCexZQeYDQZY/s1600/DSC05389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAgSNmKuy2a_Nf8hak6PtT-AAxCJ1WnNCu4U4B9zqZoR9-5gGfxeLE5OgSnSvyqg4XSG68DVF4vPeuVYMKIdI7Ok9zwOMOUkkRFQ45g2z7B9SKUSkrSLq5qAUEQESLH1kCexZQeYDQZY/s640/DSC05389.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-37943710559344357772010-10-28T22:38:00.000-07:002010-10-28T22:38:28.911-07:00Stay the Course and Live Your DreamAs I mentioned in a previous post, this past year has been a difficult one for me. That's fantastic, really, because those of us who know Christ as Lord and Savior know that it's the valleys that create the Christ-likeness in us. We are all too quick to pat ourselves on the back when things are hunky-dory, when we are looking out on life from the mountain top; to congratulate ourselves on a job well done. When, in reality, it is the sustaining grace of the God of the Universe which has kept the road smooth and easy.<br />
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One of my many faults is that when things get tough for me, I tend to think too much. I try to intellectualize myself out of my trial. If only I think hard enough I might find the loophole, you know. During my recent trial I became disillusioned with my job of wife and mother. I was tired, drained, and down. I felt unproductive and unloved. I saw other women "doing it all": skinny homeschooling fashionistas with brilliant kids and three jobs on the side with husbands who adore the ground they walk on and who use only organic produce while baking their own bread from scratch. You know the ones. I began to think, "What can I add to my life so that I, too, can be like them?"<br />
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Oh, Sisters, nothing.<br />
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I have wanted to be many things over the course of my life. Everything from an aeronautical engineer to a teacher to a professional quilter. But do you know what? One thing that I have ALWAYS wanted to be, regardless of what else I thought I could be on top of everything, was a wife and mother. I have always dreamed of being a loving wife and mother. And, here is the best part, it is enough. It <i>IS</i> my dream. I do not need to seek fulfillment outside of this. It is challenging. It is rewarding. It is difficult, fun, joyful, mentally and physically demanding, gratifying, productive, worthwhile, and satisfying. And, ultimately, it's effects are longer-lasting and more beneficial to society than any other role I could possibly undertake.<br />
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So here is my encouragement to all of you out there: Live your dream.<br />
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Don't let anyone tell you that you have to seek fulfillment outside of this role. The job of wife and mother, if well done, will be a lasting crown through this life and into eternity. And as you trek the path of your life through mountain-tops and valleys alike, you will closer resemble you Savior.<br />
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Now that's a dream come true.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-33760138885762186442010-10-13T10:59:00.001-07:002010-10-13T10:59:46.532-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5v3N5UTyknMzHZbqINE0wJWm3dHfnwDRyJIFbwbE_Q_z5zNPRyHrUJkZi4uu4Bfx_1AydulTof7daLsHf7_U7WWPOh0qaTp_wBWTizZlRa4we22eaw78BUpTrfSTL2efBVQ2QSjwwxrI/s1600/DSC05268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5v3N5UTyknMzHZbqINE0wJWm3dHfnwDRyJIFbwbE_Q_z5zNPRyHrUJkZi4uu4Bfx_1AydulTof7daLsHf7_U7WWPOh0qaTp_wBWTizZlRa4we22eaw78BUpTrfSTL2efBVQ2QSjwwxrI/s640/DSC05268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-15459247438622357022010-10-12T18:35:00.000-07:002010-10-12T18:35:20.970-07:00Dusting off the Cobwebs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj753Y9quirlyXWreQBcQkgH8ido5e2yXX9zHO7af0atZ1_PXUGDwo_jnk0resfkF26Ev_79vk9ma8P6cCNPOmOeMo4lvaD_JYNLf2kRs-EFLg0tPtoZ5QoUidtbZqzVh4NA6z4ejCLLOc/s1600/DSC05247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj753Y9quirlyXWreQBcQkgH8ido5e2yXX9zHO7af0atZ1_PXUGDwo_jnk0resfkF26Ev_79vk9ma8P6cCNPOmOeMo4lvaD_JYNLf2kRs-EFLg0tPtoZ5QoUidtbZqzVh4NA6z4ejCLLOc/s400/DSC05247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">To say that it has been quiet around here lately is a monumental understatement. As a matter of fact, the dust is an inch thick and I’ve had to shake out the rugs and battle the cobwebs. At least a couple of you have noticed the prolonged silence and emailed with a thoughtful, “What’s up.” I am profoundly grateful for those communications. It prevents me, at times, from slipping too deeply into my own issues and trials. Thanks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The past year has been tough for me. A diagnosis of anemia, followed by months of declining instead of improving, has taken its toll. I do not care to relive the specifics, but suffice it to say, it has affected me profoundly. A dear friend who has gone through the same struggle recently confessed, “It’s a dark, dark time.” Yep. That about sums it up. Waking up every day for a year feeling exhausted and run down, and yet having a plethora of never-ending responsibilities on the to-do list drains the fun out of things a just a bit. After months of fighting for joy it becomes easier to throw your hands up in defeat and accept a joy-less existence. My faith has been tested and I am ashamed to say, I have failed multiple times. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But I have learned a few things. God is so gracious to meet us in our trials and gently lead us to a greater knowledge of Him. God is so gracious to allow us trials that we might see Him with our own eyes, instead of relying on our perceived super-human selves. I am not a super-human, multitasking, got-it-together girl. Not at all. But thankfully I do serve a super-powerful, omnipresent, loving, universe-creating God who cares about me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So while I try a new doctor and plan to do something more drastic than change my diet and drink metallic-tasting iron supplements twice a day, I will rest in my loving God. I will rest in the fact that He has ordained all these days for His glory and my good. I will rest in the God “who always leads us in triumph in Christ,” even when the path lies through dark times.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i>Praise the Lord.</i></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-3284319510812918502010-04-19T09:48:00.000-07:002010-04-19T09:49:31.250-07:00Multitude Monday<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img ="" alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="body">Everything we do should be a result of our gratitude for what God has done for us.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="body">Lauryn Hill </span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">God has done <span style="font-size: large;">so much</span> for me. I pray that I may </span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">DO</span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> more out of<span style="font-size: large;"> Gratitude.</span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> (144) New names to add to the address book</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(145) Late afternoon sun and children's laughter wafting through open back door </span></span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_4DF-nXzDir3cntvqLhzcBrkgHp2bM6pnAiFhaH3u8fVAmhYIWTO8L9D8sUea8Cdj813Z_vjCk4cs-YvRoSZZLaTf6a99RO7-ySVzN9Pq5_CpfTfFDsdkvrAxTJC_5_oRS_z9dQzg6E/s1600/DSC03644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_4DF-nXzDir3cntvqLhzcBrkgHp2bM6pnAiFhaH3u8fVAmhYIWTO8L9D8sUea8Cdj813Z_vjCk4cs-YvRoSZZLaTf6a99RO7-ySVzN9Pq5_CpfTfFDsdkvrAxTJC_5_oRS_z9dQzg6E/s320/DSC03644.JPG" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
</span></i> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="bodybold"> (146) Righty tighty, lefty loosey</span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
<span class="bodybold"> </span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
<span class="bodybold"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><i>(147) Blooms against blue sky</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="bodybold"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdmhQx5C8tcViuSP2QvBLVPO1EYH0h-2UPGXSoSgYXn_BgBTpFx2-VANY-Z1IrqBWRGo9UPbGF8qqqTQ3O5knUMl0hRbCr2eHiW_CcfgYd0ihqrtg4OF_IRY7g-Zt-lXDsCGtLuBlvtA/s1600/DSC03551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdmhQx5C8tcViuSP2QvBLVPO1EYH0h-2UPGXSoSgYXn_BgBTpFx2-VANY-Z1IrqBWRGo9UPbGF8qqqTQ3O5knUMl0hRbCr2eHiW_CcfgYd0ihqrtg4OF_IRY7g-Zt-lXDsCGtLuBlvtA/s320/DSC03551.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span class="bodybold"> </span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i>(148) Planning</i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><br />
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<span class="bodybold"> </span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i>(149) New school books bringing excited responses</i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><br />
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<span class="bodybold"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(150) Upside down masks on deceased storm troopers</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="bodybold"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CUoOHlWtQ_HC5R7qDkq3k1K5HBU3nGq-y6VxMj5k5iTh3X861QsHKmP2JfQzLzGuo-tsJSlybBLnyc8W-98uDvVGiMREwPfIbyd3a-puFIKVBBlMPG_BS9iNwrHxykAuc8Os_lZuNAU/s1600/DSC03638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CUoOHlWtQ_HC5R7qDkq3k1K5HBU3nGq-y6VxMj5k5iTh3X861QsHKmP2JfQzLzGuo-tsJSlybBLnyc8W-98uDvVGiMREwPfIbyd3a-puFIKVBBlMPG_BS9iNwrHxykAuc8Os_lZuNAU/s320/DSC03638.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span class="bodybold"> <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/laurynhill328378.html"><br />
</a> </span></i> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span class="bodybold"> <br />
(151) Thoughtful older siblings</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span class="bodybold">(152) "I love you kisses." (Kurt's new way to describe how much he loves others)</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span class="bodybold"> (153) Role-playing</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOqzUAdmPVXaIo_ogTdKmNFHSSNItkviwDLLAxAe5qcBzPvabib4EgpQ_hXX4PwifvgYnzaxrsdzIvdeAHz1eH2tZhAugO4-HMZXK9U7bo2xuGAEwb1st-Br75YgOyNaYhGK4-X43QB4/s1600/DSC03641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOqzUAdmPVXaIo_ogTdKmNFHSSNItkviwDLLAxAe5qcBzPvabib4EgpQ_hXX4PwifvgYnzaxrsdzIvdeAHz1eH2tZhAugO4-HMZXK9U7bo2xuGAEwb1st-Br75YgOyNaYhGK4-X43QB4/s320/DSC03641.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span class="bodybold">(154) Well-done chores</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13IHF-pjZgcHth1PBFIUi75e5Sqj4bBL1IBsZk_d_L4IepnGz6i9hgSphTmaLOhCLRZjJQ23WPVorMiTGurkyX_w9sc7TSrt7zM2uuM683d24CwRpZnNir8Ks8SadU8FkmuIW6zta8y8/s1600/DSC03657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13IHF-pjZgcHth1PBFIUi75e5Sqj4bBL1IBsZk_d_L4IepnGz6i9hgSphTmaLOhCLRZjJQ23WPVorMiTGurkyX_w9sc7TSrt7zM2uuM683d24CwRpZnNir8Ks8SadU8FkmuIW6zta8y8/s320/DSC03657.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span class="bodybold"> </span></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="bodybold"> <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/laurynhill328378.html"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>(155) The clear trumpet rising above a thousand praising voices</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="bodybold"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>(156) Apples on our tree </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="bodybold"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>(157) Notes from little brothers</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jrs7uNHWO7LLb41hhr40vHCBnxd5-FJ0LFw5pa0SaRvjWkVtkXzGCN_gEoDMIKCLN99KK2IC_CQFlk4CtpTgtdBDFw8Ey6cTqgjpVSOmbBnj6fTAaMi7KAr9w5uz8AUCc4BC6j1neD0/s1600/DSC03655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jrs7uNHWO7LLb41hhr40vHCBnxd5-FJ0LFw5pa0SaRvjWkVtkXzGCN_gEoDMIKCLN99KK2IC_CQFlk4CtpTgtdBDFw8Ey6cTqgjpVSOmbBnj6fTAaMi7KAr9w5uz8AUCc4BC6j1neD0/s320/DSC03655.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="bodybold"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>(158) Big birthdays that end in "teen"</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMSYrJBA7eqnScIV9G3C6zgLwgO7rGMbi-B6h1rQevHRv69jCqZ-8jVvoeU4DliOvZEjNZ5RPa3UGYXrbkMBDqkjjPcGjULp4FhBLNVFqmiVb1uoMvOXbzL6FU3RJ8ZRV7B2UUfrhCNQ/s1600/DSC03654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMSYrJBA7eqnScIV9G3C6zgLwgO7rGMbi-B6h1rQevHRv69jCqZ-8jVvoeU4DliOvZEjNZ5RPa3UGYXrbkMBDqkjjPcGjULp4FhBLNVFqmiVb1uoMvOXbzL6FU3RJ8ZRV7B2UUfrhCNQ/s320/DSC03654.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="bodybold"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span> </span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span class="bodybold"> <br />
(159) "Our faith - or the lack thereof - should never be the object of our faith. </span></i><b><span class="bodybold">Christ alone</span></b><i><span class="bodybold"> should be the object of our faith." </span></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="bodybold"> <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/laurynhill328378.html"><br />
</a> </span> </div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-21119430276012886082010-04-16T10:33:00.000-07:002010-04-16T10:36:11.220-07:00thirteen<span style="font-size: large;">Thirteen years ago today two people were born - a baby and a mother. A young 22 year old mother who did not know what she was doing, but trusted the Lord did. You were a wonderful addition to our family. You were wanted and loved. And you grew into a precocious, humorous, special boy.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUNAUjuU0Z-zf4DD5sBiUrusON68MjuOvItJa4yP6H7SxEQVpMR4sC4njk281ZGFydD0W0HVJq28ArUjjMRwT-xkRyPPaNmicLIuBBSEvYY5C2YjtiL8m7oE3UpJ3wMwVD7UW-Iey-E0/s1600/20022003+pics+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUNAUjuU0Z-zf4DD5sBiUrusON68MjuOvItJa4yP6H7SxEQVpMR4sC4njk281ZGFydD0W0HVJq28ArUjjMRwT-xkRyPPaNmicLIuBBSEvYY5C2YjtiL8m7oE3UpJ3wMwVD7UW-Iey-E0/s320/20022003+pics+107.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">We gave you nicknames - Earnest (because you had a serious, earnest face) and Nicholas Pickolas Pumpernicholas (because it was fun). You loved playing outside and maps and memorizing little seemingly useless tidbits of information...just like your daddy. Your ability to know an Ankylosaurus from an Archaeopteryx and a Utahraptor from a Velociraptor at the age of four was stunning. And your ability to draw for hours on end amazed this new, green mama.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time went by and you were suddenly the oldest of three. And we expected you to do more than you could. We were new at this, and a little overwhelmed, and you were our guinea pig. We've apologized for that before, and probably will again.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlga-_lU0BCM6NhOiUcdxdTbNI9qgG2Gb0oggoeveWEbM7IPY3DmKNmg_LyS8LJJCyZCLP4JcCy2OwSFftOw8M0jelnkY9zxdhhNENWUMdaUyChvUhoB_eV-0u04euYDG5fhiiCZ1wd8M/s1600/20022003+pics+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlga-_lU0BCM6NhOiUcdxdTbNI9qgG2Gb0oggoeveWEbM7IPY3DmKNmg_LyS8LJJCyZCLP4JcCy2OwSFftOw8M0jelnkY9zxdhhNENWUMdaUyChvUhoB_eV-0u04euYDG5fhiiCZ1wd8M/s320/20022003+pics+088.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">But you handled it well, maturing and growing into a strong and helpful boy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And a funny boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A very funny boy.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvl7blxYin4jG__OrSo6NKYMLCxj69Q9rZc-0hgY_LsSOomZBx0TruRq1u7XhgJn91RA6EWm0_vtsafYkT3iVSH4ej2du7fOo_508TwBS-UhyYk2Mgmn_orNb5XgMIrTGuEmwK6pU8lE/s1600/20022003+pics+358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvl7blxYin4jG__OrSo6NKYMLCxj69Q9rZc-0hgY_LsSOomZBx0TruRq1u7XhgJn91RA6EWm0_vtsafYkT3iVSH4ej2du7fOo_508TwBS-UhyYk2Mgmn_orNb5XgMIrTGuEmwK6pU8lE/s320/20022003+pics+358.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We hit milestones - diapers came off, teeth fell out, stitches went in. And you took it all in stride. The stalwart first-born. You were a neat freak (still are) and a stickler for being on time (still are) and a sweet, deep-thinking little guy (yep, that too).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz58naGQkBaqjWckrLBUlyOCJaeyGvIq5y2fU7nCTjOOAxjxCvKVlrSlb4HfqsLLNUaEqdQfx__RqVfzAkXprjJXO4kLmX7gap-4zA4W7i2s8ZvFU6gfA7cYB1Se6NIOVpvCubE2p4Uw/s1600/20022003+pics+427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz58naGQkBaqjWckrLBUlyOCJaeyGvIq5y2fU7nCTjOOAxjxCvKVlrSlb4HfqsLLNUaEqdQfx__RqVfzAkXprjJXO4kLmX7gap-4zA4W7i2s8ZvFU6gfA7cYB1Se6NIOVpvCubE2p4Uw/s320/20022003+pics+427.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> We moved often and you were a flexible helper. Really. A big helper in a little body. You loved donuts, peanut butter and jelly and making up stories.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjompRbj7z13g7YTjfAICOvHCs8cDKG5BeCojJdYoEmEF5ZIvrOsNXTsuVyBz-wmVHc0rC6dNG6MB25u13VqbO5a6cNH2X5-wvGsjbrbi8WfSDCi7MOL2X886WemaqE7pnh9grL9a-Lklw/s1600/20022003+pics+502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjompRbj7z13g7YTjfAICOvHCs8cDKG5BeCojJdYoEmEF5ZIvrOsNXTsuVyBz-wmVHc0rC6dNG6MB25u13VqbO5a6cNH2X5-wvGsjbrbi8WfSDCi7MOL2X886WemaqE7pnh9grL9a-Lklw/s320/20022003+pics+502.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">You became good friends with your little sisters and seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with them, playing in our big back yard. You would work so hard raking the endless, crisp fall leaves into piles so that you could all jump in them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NIpgHXPHIKKlq0A7otNXALaLTkGARE3KrNaEqHSyWt987x0vs6PXONGjF4XWgq-J1SdurzEHfkhkkwqG6dyeUUzF1eJ9nmlPZ2c8jHqJNWjecwO8Uef3ju58AKmlGcrZwuCBPEkMgV0/s1600/DSC04013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NIpgHXPHIKKlq0A7otNXALaLTkGARE3KrNaEqHSyWt987x0vs6PXONGjF4XWgq-J1SdurzEHfkhkkwqG6dyeUUzF1eJ9nmlPZ2c8jHqJNWjecwO8Uef3ju58AKmlGcrZwuCBPEkMgV0/s320/DSC04013.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Now that we have moved far away from your lifelong friends</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">you keep in touch with letters and phone calls. What a special thing.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">What a special boy. But you're not really a boy any more. You're a boy-man, on the cusp of something new and different. One foot in the child's life, one looking forward to what the Lord would have for you. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBxsozqUSLsEUS7rTMumrL7RiRGCX8StuFVL9FkbshANXem8qT5ZCqCuwoeCExhQPC1SRyULjbAp8aX19xYa_XdZ-0T2HzVrqmIs3PsUrZgJTg1bUew-cW3-YtEDovv9AlIzF3kcjDbU/s1600/Christmas+2008+from+Emma+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBxsozqUSLsEUS7rTMumrL7RiRGCX8StuFVL9FkbshANXem8qT5ZCqCuwoeCExhQPC1SRyULjbAp8aX19xYa_XdZ-0T2HzVrqmIs3PsUrZgJTg1bUew-cW3-YtEDovv9AlIzF3kcjDbU/s640/Christmas+2008+from+Emma+020.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">We love you, Nicholas. You have been a light in our lives, shining the love of God on us. Our prayer for you as you enter this pre-man state, is that God would grow you into a Truth-loving, God-exalting, servant-hearted man. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to thirteen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Love you most.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mom</span><br />
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</span><br />
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</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-28337285946302044092010-04-11T23:07:00.000-07:002010-04-11T23:19:08.149-07:00Multitude Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img ="" alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">{</span>I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton<span style="font-size: x-large;">}</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Onto the page spills my happiness doubled by wonder...</span></span></b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(126) A bench-full</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIZLwZoHaE4KhyfuYYp4bYaKZfCHp7CblbiKR29W9IHYT8oTMdF2QZLKvbD9B7StNamNuyddjbsODLaRtPYPr8nyYRoYwupMVhZ4pvkSYIFhRlnXeHMDA3AtdiSkqFVfVjgtyLMWS8NQ/s1600/DSC03609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIZLwZoHaE4KhyfuYYp4bYaKZfCHp7CblbiKR29W9IHYT8oTMdF2QZLKvbD9B7StNamNuyddjbsODLaRtPYPr8nyYRoYwupMVhZ4pvkSYIFhRlnXeHMDA3AtdiSkqFVfVjgtyLMWS8NQ/s400/DSC03609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(127) Luscious scents</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-k64hu-zlmnnbfX3kb-uZWCNptbGExUdSzLWyObOXSmYtkQfAiTQO_9hC_f5L5EAw2B_UAqKMBfPOTSXM8BJVJN7VRzeMt3VGlu-w8cegIP5x7f8Q2PbpzYGxNAIsYHZ9pAxsXn-lFI/s1600/DSC03605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-k64hu-zlmnnbfX3kb-uZWCNptbGExUdSzLWyObOXSmYtkQfAiTQO_9hC_f5L5EAw2B_UAqKMBfPOTSXM8BJVJN7VRzeMt3VGlu-w8cegIP5x7f8Q2PbpzYGxNAIsYHZ9pAxsXn-lFI/s400/DSC03605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(128) A pretty view</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLT90HfuVgZNtcJRO063Rujlwz42RnUCuqlfXk2uMW9WnC9UyMRkieUjRUyI8uCPYT4VwydlRqTMsnmbhsU77GYfmSAGzMlXLM7uzUaUH-HS6jRVvUJOPaPIf57Vtm3Y7DtpPWj8eyM/s1600/DSC03597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLT90HfuVgZNtcJRO063Rujlwz42RnUCuqlfXk2uMW9WnC9UyMRkieUjRUyI8uCPYT4VwydlRqTMsnmbhsU77GYfmSAGzMlXLM7uzUaUH-HS6jRVvUJOPaPIf57Vtm3Y7DtpPWj8eyM/s400/DSC03597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(129) Toblerone</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxHPWmaa8h8_gkXLmfZQPpkNO2zbZsQ6IFqKg-_44WdTqmjpuf_ahMP-2_YvGvbB4O76DmPhtZMUgZtOOuVM1OibCiuIZlCp5EzBHegQKmT0-sLapkKiG0wjava3MyCI66zRT3QuJig0/s1600/DSC03594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxHPWmaa8h8_gkXLmfZQPpkNO2zbZsQ6IFqKg-_44WdTqmjpuf_ahMP-2_YvGvbB4O76DmPhtZMUgZtOOuVM1OibCiuIZlCp5EzBHegQKmT0-sLapkKiG0wjava3MyCI66zRT3QuJig0/s400/DSC03594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(130) The visit of a faraway friend - a glimpse of home</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FbSBJRD5ljkMXV5Z-A45MnBB4B3Eozluz_DYLXX70E7LkS7uiBYO4qCUlOSoXz2WlTKKnGO-SX_avyFAPTkh15WqdC6tY0Kx-N1uy9ca3vOKWjt_mLy_dvzPbPhR1fhCUp4qSIiNMGc/s1600/DSC03590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FbSBJRD5ljkMXV5Z-A45MnBB4B3Eozluz_DYLXX70E7LkS7uiBYO4qCUlOSoXz2WlTKKnGO-SX_avyFAPTkh15WqdC6tY0Kx-N1uy9ca3vOKWjt_mLy_dvzPbPhR1fhCUp4qSIiNMGc/s400/DSC03590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(131) Toddlers in t-shirts and ties (he wore this all afternoon)</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vIionFhWhZ2N7HONFNDxDybh_oq3fV5w_6HBpaHGW-UrQpFHgxTC0OQR_ULk6cihmSVSjFk8o1YCPcu-_FqW6dIcMW2AMt2OYFV2aGGVSQCU1Z5RoPYoq498DqHVw060a9Nw5CvS9aM/s1600/DSC03613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vIionFhWhZ2N7HONFNDxDybh_oq3fV5w_6HBpaHGW-UrQpFHgxTC0OQR_ULk6cihmSVSjFk8o1YCPcu-_FqW6dIcMW2AMt2OYFV2aGGVSQCU1Z5RoPYoq498DqHVw060a9Nw5CvS9aM/s640/DSC03613.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(132) Girl time</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb2oYNVkwxnMDs3rZBJ3Rp7mb-CbdcmwEPmoqKq86fdGAB0WOIAGcqSDH95L9mBLdh7b3rxbpmC24WPDEl5OqjvlrcX8C1C39oMX04NMHUTIaGHfasT549XmGhXW1i0O25Uj6MRsE-IQ/s1600/DSC03618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb2oYNVkwxnMDs3rZBJ3Rp7mb-CbdcmwEPmoqKq86fdGAB0WOIAGcqSDH95L9mBLdh7b3rxbpmC24WPDEl5OqjvlrcX8C1C39oMX04NMHUTIaGHfasT549XmGhXW1i0O25Uj6MRsE-IQ/s400/DSC03618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(133) Nose pressed against window</span></span></i><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(134) The chatter of crows</span></span></i><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(135) Artichokes in my garden (I have now officially grown lettuce AND artichokes!)</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCeboB8DWstT-uZ3aBi4dTVIGIolctlsVUyoa6RaPDpzPm2nhYTnpUL7uUns5TBzKpmtzeWFvgCRpLxvaJUedH1OOZ5saDkJdlMGVfUO8NSJq3bvkJaTNxEf-CDB7xjPw9LmyGCsfCXw/s1600/DSC03623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCeboB8DWstT-uZ3aBi4dTVIGIolctlsVUyoa6RaPDpzPm2nhYTnpUL7uUns5TBzKpmtzeWFvgCRpLxvaJUedH1OOZ5saDkJdlMGVfUO8NSJq3bvkJaTNxEf-CDB7xjPw9LmyGCsfCXw/s400/DSC03623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(136) The reward of a job well done. (Gabriel received a Bible with his name on it - just like his <a href="http://75andsunny.blogspot.com/2007/02/what-reward.html">sister</a>.)</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fv-4eVcH6n0OCS1ed4lTOYOnmPhED0yDBP0DrHhEGMBD6uKfj6UDinpgfUUZyhihY7Jpt_j3hCWi-KHqOJ1d8sA9hi4BcunYbm32ia_yiqaUEJn3IbfqKGqEwHa3ATO8WUgb4HNB79g/s1600/DSC03637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fv-4eVcH6n0OCS1ed4lTOYOnmPhED0yDBP0DrHhEGMBD6uKfj6UDinpgfUUZyhihY7Jpt_j3hCWi-KHqOJ1d8sA9hi4BcunYbm32ia_yiqaUEJn3IbfqKGqEwHa3ATO8WUgb4HNB79g/s400/DSC03637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(137) flower heads dancing in the rain</span></span></i><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(138) the smell of frying bacon</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(139) Promise</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M-hEzpg80cFbarBrVcaXR3d5EXlLvood9hE57SZ1vhTNaoUg-djg3K0eb0mE6GolVQ1juN9JjubJQcA-S3bGXI00iOqfKHARMBodaFAyA46dZkxTrFZ4ylZBMYgVIcupgVMq6k1n__g/s1600/DSC03629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M-hEzpg80cFbarBrVcaXR3d5EXlLvood9hE57SZ1vhTNaoUg-djg3K0eb0mE6GolVQ1juN9JjubJQcA-S3bGXI00iOqfKHARMBodaFAyA46dZkxTrFZ4ylZBMYgVIcupgVMq6k1n__g/s400/DSC03629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(140) The slanted light of morning</span></span></i><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(141) Pizza with neighbors</span></span></i><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> (142) "Happy-Hap" in my morning coffee. (This is what Kurt calls half and half)</span></span></i><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(143) Time with sisters in Christ </span></span></i></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-24873876916892719802010-04-04T10:46:00.000-07:002010-04-04T10:46:31.522-07:00Thoughts on the Arm of the LordI am home from church this morning with a toddler with an offensive nose, meditating on Scripture while he watches endless episodes of Blues Clues.<br />
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As I have matured in my Christian walk and grown in my faith and knowledge of Christ I have simultaneously been more disgusted by my own sin and more sensitive to its constancy and frequency. Which, in turn, makes Holy Week all the more beautiful to me. I recently read a Scripture reference on <a href="http://highcallingblogs.com/7237/dead-man-walking/">High Calling Blogs</a> which has me yet again contemplating the<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> awesomeness </span>of the Lord Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Isaiah 59:1 says, <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, </span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> nor his ear too dull to hear.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">What a lovely passage. What a touching insight into the good and loving character of our God. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span> </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Despite my unwillingness to repent of my sin, my hatred toward God (for all who do not love God with a redeemed love hate Him), my distinct love of my own sin, He, in His infinite power and love gave me a repentant heart, gave me a love for Him, gave me a hatred toward sin in my life. His arm was not too short to save this pregnant-out-of-wedlock-full-of-pride-blasphemer-and-all-around-sinner, and it's not to short to save you. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Praise God.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i> </div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-51446732839907207232010-03-22T08:11:00.000-07:002010-03-22T08:41:49.689-07:00Multitude Monday<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It has been too long, and this heart has been dry and brittle.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Lord</span>, ignite within my heart<br />the ability to be <span style="font-style: italic;">awed</span> by Your creation,<br />to be <span style="font-style: italic;">astonished</span> by Your mercy,<br />to be <span style="font-style: italic;">dazzled</span> by your patience,<br />to be <span style="font-style: italic;">enamored</span> with your lovingkindness,<br />to be <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">overflowing with praise</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(115) a gift from the garden</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VUVQUJ2WMQV-9dYn3jyRea07zEKC-mlaxSP89pv-mVYT2YdG95tPeknAinBU7gkGoWdvUqMSxN0hmuWgqK1iOfGbq8DLk3_yJtdyy5Zu48fCbj_dcRiQnNPYzWUglw2u6kMppPR744A/s1600-h/DSC03464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VUVQUJ2WMQV-9dYn3jyRea07zEKC-mlaxSP89pv-mVYT2YdG95tPeknAinBU7gkGoWdvUqMSxN0hmuWgqK1iOfGbq8DLk3_yJtdyy5Zu48fCbj_dcRiQnNPYzWUglw2u6kMppPR744A/s400/DSC03464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451481701741912562" border="0" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />(116) the psychedelic color of poppies, Gabriel's favorite flower.</span><br /></div><br /><span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharqMcWBU5F0x-0ezzjqhXimfp-tF0jMJareZxLGfbGg7h7XOOgLYJ_hjEtST8n-QW_QQ3yzCOzusQ1znnuBHXdbxMMSCqlJp3YTZ4_HeZObisrghu8wnjcUTVctFbHSQfk8Rk5gFHYyo/s1600-h/DSC03556.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharqMcWBU5F0x-0ezzjqhXimfp-tF0jMJareZxLGfbGg7h7XOOgLYJ_hjEtST8n-QW_QQ3yzCOzusQ1znnuBHXdbxMMSCqlJp3YTZ4_HeZObisrghu8wnjcUTVctFbHSQfk8Rk5gFHYyo/s400/DSC03556.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451479336422261330" border="0" /></a></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />(117) hillside covered in color</span></span><br /></div><span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWG7ZcagUrdb8_tP2ql8OsLtRBxULFHsaCk7d5k3kiyJeojEUFQvO0xy1xJjQw701lUJG49YZ9hfbLQkoQw0OOU1zO-TCVusywSHG04f5TxeEzXvAmZZS52OaXFEjkgHBRX4zcmOVkew/s1600-h/DSC03574.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWG7ZcagUrdb8_tP2ql8OsLtRBxULFHsaCk7d5k3kiyJeojEUFQvO0xy1xJjQw701lUJG49YZ9hfbLQkoQw0OOU1zO-TCVusywSHG04f5TxeEzXvAmZZS52OaXFEjkgHBRX4zcmOVkew/s400/DSC03574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451479304835598834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />(118) Corned beef and cabbage</span><br /></div><br /><span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR04LaSpZGNHvQAKDtwS1zCN8R-w2IfRsBIfym_Fy6bm7O9L8nhSfqfQ62Eko-p9Z4Ez-2u8yIj7FPBI8cjrpkQLT49EWU6YuNRTm3rGkWAho43vV8JlhkQ5T4T0oLKsL8vOuKZPi3HU/s1600-h/DSC03563.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR04LaSpZGNHvQAKDtwS1zCN8R-w2IfRsBIfym_Fy6bm7O9L8nhSfqfQ62Eko-p9Z4Ez-2u8yIj7FPBI8cjrpkQLT49EWU6YuNRTm3rGkWAho43vV8JlhkQ5T4T0oLKsL8vOuKZPi3HU/s400/DSC03563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451479323183405202" border="0" /></a></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />(119) Grumpy, Dorito-dust-covered toddlers looking cute</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MbkEeJoCt8aHVMe1cCX2f-VPvvo6SFc8V-aURNK762FpBdNHItHd_1C3_Qz1QBhUilSEiztLlkKwTeP84B2sXBCt8QJdsmsoHrRpz2sBtzGdfkYSC8XpxQNyM1DyqkcMcaPTi5m1d7A/s1600-h/DSC03579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MbkEeJoCt8aHVMe1cCX2f-VPvvo6SFc8V-aURNK762FpBdNHItHd_1C3_Qz1QBhUilSEiztLlkKwTeP84B2sXBCt8QJdsmsoHrRpz2sBtzGdfkYSC8XpxQNyM1DyqkcMcaPTi5m1d7A/s400/DSC03579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451479292169835986" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />(120) "A clue! A clue!" (and the ability to see the humor in a crayon clue on my wall)</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDca8QurjwVQwebjzpt_PtbXoFvZ18eKcb1UpCVmTo_2ygoeWQN8pCeeI1uAWwUyjyRjJJmDiwfKUlXz8_0yvFlkJn26YNMOcKeu5AP8xuIDNuxB06YOlhvpP_nMvDw68kl0t8_TYHgW0/s1600-h/DSC03583.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDca8QurjwVQwebjzpt_PtbXoFvZ18eKcb1UpCVmTo_2ygoeWQN8pCeeI1uAWwUyjyRjJJmDiwfKUlXz8_0yvFlkJn26YNMOcKeu5AP8xuIDNuxB06YOlhvpP_nMvDw68kl0t8_TYHgW0/s400/DSC03583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451479283031363874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">(121) Industrious hands.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeFTLAfmQZnY8QzelOn2thj_SsUsJleQppMDuTqSiIJ8ymkFbI6C_iGKjWQzcQaV5nyh_f1FAlIT7UhDjYeVKFyGU434HsQAwA5SF9760Lq2yEMGrvJxXkXAE-9Xy7LRWKzZ9QlYUNr8/s1600-h/DSC03528.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeFTLAfmQZnY8QzelOn2thj_SsUsJleQppMDuTqSiIJ8ymkFbI6C_iGKjWQzcQaV5nyh_f1FAlIT7UhDjYeVKFyGU434HsQAwA5SF9760Lq2yEMGrvJxXkXAE-9Xy7LRWKzZ9QlYUNr8/s400/DSC03528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451481726834089666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">(121) Salad from the garden (I did it!!)<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeFTLAfmQZnY8QzelOn2thj_SsUsJleQppMDuTqSiIJ8ymkFbI6C_iGKjWQzcQaV5nyh_f1FAlIT7UhDjYeVKFyGU434HsQAwA5SF9760Lq2yEMGrvJxXkXAE-9Xy7LRWKzZ9QlYUNr8/s1600-h/DSC03528.JPG"><span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ></span></span></a><span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfwiYV49YO1ZL7z4v7N1kKqLi25xpCxnScjxd5xft6yKGxCbuAdj5NV-x4F3-CXDWkhs0Kp3L2xI8OlxWGX3WTwd9MJ_FB-aHMeUMoQBjr1LRM8iKwZv-0znFFRQPdTaSfMGjLcGhJrw/s1600-h/DSC03540.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfwiYV49YO1ZL7z4v7N1kKqLi25xpCxnScjxd5xft6yKGxCbuAdj5NV-x4F3-CXDWkhs0Kp3L2xI8OlxWGX3WTwd9MJ_FB-aHMeUMoQBjr1LRM8iKwZv-0znFFRQPdTaSfMGjLcGhJrw/s400/DSC03540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451481737958777218" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(122) New friends to love and be loved.</span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtLtN7Ds4yd7_DeLEoRQ-aD3hCU9J8E7w-YKGYis_8CSN-3ROmnyuozQMvhzn7TFQjh_6TjfAWelMVg2ndHcjJaydu5gmAhIgj8FxYXW4Oynia6v08IqwDj89_sa3Fx-n2itNWrL_qFQ/s1600-h/DSC03542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtLtN7Ds4yd7_DeLEoRQ-aD3hCU9J8E7w-YKGYis_8CSN-3ROmnyuozQMvhzn7TFQjh_6TjfAWelMVg2ndHcjJaydu5gmAhIgj8FxYXW4Oynia6v08IqwDj89_sa3Fx-n2itNWrL_qFQ/s400/DSC03542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451481720297067442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">(123) Scy-scrapers (this term comes from Gabriel.)<br /><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAkHf80_FZuECL4qcvpx4mX4jIICuA7Y6eGVQUfF7gmP9BcGnBYATqmX6FRxsoVjQlZlcMNRQjdmk-uoHTO7fhlds7z0KnpdYC6qYLKCznaZagFKvDHVi9YxAuV6lt7TEFcJrZqaQqGQ/s1600-h/DSC03555.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAkHf80_FZuECL4qcvpx4mX4jIICuA7Y6eGVQUfF7gmP9BcGnBYATqmX6FRxsoVjQlZlcMNRQjdmk-uoHTO7fhlds7z0KnpdYC6qYLKCznaZagFKvDHVi9YxAuV6lt7TEFcJrZqaQqGQ/s400/DSC03555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451481711340734562" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">(124) The poetry of John Donne:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"As the first Adam's sweat surrounds my face,<br />May the last Adam's blood my soul embrace."<br /><br /></span>(125) A hard working, talented, and passionate husband - doing what he loves.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-88837204626618587312010-03-03T21:12:00.000-08:002010-03-03T21:17:32.908-08:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx_t2pWqlX4rzemcyL9Z_1ixgOCKx7QGvZmwWUV2umMC8UQp456uL9Jm3ai02aahrFAVuD_u7o2ey7NBLQThjs2iONmNDrFlcBzW1xjDgaPJrUyLsr2WKuYxqxkJp5KfnOxB3xNhHr-I/s1600-h/DSC02921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx_t2pWqlX4rzemcyL9Z_1ixgOCKx7QGvZmwWUV2umMC8UQp456uL9Jm3ai02aahrFAVuD_u7o2ey7NBLQThjs2iONmNDrFlcBzW1xjDgaPJrUyLsr2WKuYxqxkJp5KfnOxB3xNhHr-I/s400/DSC02921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444643472806477858" border="0" /></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-2037262754426270002010-02-15T13:28:00.000-08:002010-02-16T15:20:24.507-08:00Multitude Monday<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a><br /><br /><br /></center><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Wonderful are Your works,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And my soul knows it very well.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> My frame was not hidden from You,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> When I was made in secret,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And in Your book were all written</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> The days that were ordained for me,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> When as yet there was not one of them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Psalm 139:14-16</span><br /><br /><br />A hard week made sweeter by the graces of God...<br /><br />(97) P B & J's for the masses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NxsK69U4lPMQPlQTq-TcflsOqwA5LLnnNPVX34H2q1VeEOBgBfydJc0OnEh4MISsuxtJYgGsKsCXGqI0LT30093ytrSFZeLYIe6cKPdjIdW680qktG3S64OoKL7QKur1Gl3KZsINItI/s1600-h/DSC03450.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NxsK69U4lPMQPlQTq-TcflsOqwA5LLnnNPVX34H2q1VeEOBgBfydJc0OnEh4MISsuxtJYgGsKsCXGqI0LT30093ytrSFZeLYIe6cKPdjIdW680qktG3S64OoKL7QKur1Gl3KZsINItI/s400/DSC03450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438589809291860610" border="0" /></a><br />(98) Sticky, post-lollipop fingers.<br /><br />(99) Sweater that has been worn by all the Hoyers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Awf-HDVU24vMdaHuEU5Y0B48VUhXS-RkDpBk0YBcERVBVaQO93301Cm7jKRiGSFGiML9pG87KSkW2a1jyUvuk8b-cuoCRUBd15KM1E_NGJ9J5w19bjF-wzUe3mnfGvHdeGPw8ctLVuo/s1600-h/DSC03443.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Awf-HDVU24vMdaHuEU5Y0B48VUhXS-RkDpBk0YBcERVBVaQO93301Cm7jKRiGSFGiML9pG87KSkW2a1jyUvuk8b-cuoCRUBd15KM1E_NGJ9J5w19bjF-wzUe3mnfGvHdeGPw8ctLVuo/s400/DSC03443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438589834589092322" border="0" /></a><br />(100) Apple blossoms on my tree! Ahhh, the smell! It's sweet summer days from childhood all wrapped up in a smell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53Uj-KAHevzDJozxM-zyYvRmCw2dFeeW76x_tykzcfiwXR2gApZtCuDEC-YGEYUxBWgjMt9_uOD_4Q3z0-9JLZ9uPd50S_X-D2e_6WooqgXKJJFaHabKzX0CchE0qUkF-lE24EvTzwpE/s1600-h/DSC03440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53Uj-KAHevzDJozxM-zyYvRmCw2dFeeW76x_tykzcfiwXR2gApZtCuDEC-YGEYUxBWgjMt9_uOD_4Q3z0-9JLZ9uPd50S_X-D2e_6WooqgXKJJFaHabKzX0CchE0qUkF-lE24EvTzwpE/s400/DSC03440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438589845197430930" border="0" /></a><br />(101) Twelve year old eager for a sleepover with 6 and 3 year old brothers.<br /><br />(102) New flowers in my garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgktm9vqaQ1v_Z5NT91LqjFbIQtXXr9cSG3kZgnrAMDTR5zMx7peab5ezqAbv-HHHQxOE_yDb9_K01iUn-I4K6vBh8VSr8Z945JkfaWPlg4N8YvTvfya2KoKQb8LFDlWbMZNEllZDyJQ/s1600-h/DSC03446.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgktm9vqaQ1v_Z5NT91LqjFbIQtXXr9cSG3kZgnrAMDTR5zMx7peab5ezqAbv-HHHQxOE_yDb9_K01iUn-I4K6vBh8VSr8Z945JkfaWPlg4N8YvTvfya2KoKQb8LFDlWbMZNEllZDyJQ/s400/DSC03446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438589826950415490" border="0" /></a><br />(103) An intensely blue sky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KXids1IpKB8ZaRPf5QXZLO2eeR1oyLlnPIoEDsfr6Aj-xFY8_LEU4luE005g62s9wvEBOpcVdo9y2zZ3ZBTpXRsKJGheWVcgGTqgHMx5C6Bg8UX_x8DadDbnoFGQwV6Sabf4u_LLf3I/s1600-h/DSC03447.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KXids1IpKB8ZaRPf5QXZLO2eeR1oyLlnPIoEDsfr6Aj-xFY8_LEU4luE005g62s9wvEBOpcVdo9y2zZ3ZBTpXRsKJGheWVcgGTqgHMx5C6Bg8UX_x8DadDbnoFGQwV6Sabf4u_LLf3I/s400/DSC03447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438589817310291394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(104) Lettuce in my garden! (OK, I know this has been on my list before. But I have to add it again because I haven't managed to kill it yet!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy_YOaPi6WtXv6TAdCQglkKfL2xoU70zCxIBcFvxGMnhl8ior9li74Hp55Bxwz3RdmGmfBAEC0hF080hpupeo0WY2gtWmLM5GLK3U2lrRB3ql2mCaAvGYnTX4EuWNLqppwCnXmoVQmNE/s1600-h/DSC03433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy_YOaPi6WtXv6TAdCQglkKfL2xoU70zCxIBcFvxGMnhl8ior9li74Hp55Bxwz3RdmGmfBAEC0hF080hpupeo0WY2gtWmLM5GLK3U2lrRB3ql2mCaAvGYnTX4EuWNLqppwCnXmoVQmNE/s400/DSC03433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438588257618588562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(105) Airplane rides.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ1wKKJEWnPRalGWhOTOUNr3oxotXosB92410b8_8m2yQ31XFJ2saQCOdiYQ3BUxSZZs3sp78O6NVLSu7DanmUvCFqAPOjyYCv2Qgo6QAj9SsYyoVEaKNjg8cJxhc__48rE4SQ440CIQ/s1600-h/DSC03458.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ1wKKJEWnPRalGWhOTOUNr3oxotXosB92410b8_8m2yQ31XFJ2saQCOdiYQ3BUxSZZs3sp78O6NVLSu7DanmUvCFqAPOjyYCv2Qgo6QAj9SsYyoVEaKNjg8cJxhc__48rE4SQ440CIQ/s400/DSC03458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438588283673274226" border="0" /></a><br />(106) The Whirley Pop.<br /><br />(107) Craft projects that are completely free - used items I already owned. For a tutorial go <a href="http://www.livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html">here</a>. (HT to <a href="http://daily-portion.blogspot.com/">Daily Portion</a>)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8_ZdpP2naffur7NNqw19tGyIZFAtKuK3MM8CyKNzGAEuJb2wkQUichAzXjYl40vkumibtk4bPJAaC6y6sdW8EKtOz7YXolOHSHmk-_HInLdS5ZkR7GeO-Sb2QONNn82btLH8FUrmxRA/s1600-h/DSC03460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8_ZdpP2naffur7NNqw19tGyIZFAtKuK3MM8CyKNzGAEuJb2wkQUichAzXjYl40vkumibtk4bPJAaC6y6sdW8EKtOz7YXolOHSHmk-_HInLdS5ZkR7GeO-Sb2QONNn82btLH8FUrmxRA/s400/DSC03460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438588264375643842" border="0" /></a><br />(108) "Look, Mom. My face is happy!"<br /><br />(109) Lettuce in the shape of a rose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzfy07RfeupRfxD4RbhA6Hj7bzwshaW9v1Ne7BeewUIrk18slqx0WWedzNL0tVvnDO1mtwvXa6VVCYOum_xapXhsU3ScwcF5h0-tWIbt1BsiWEebBZEi16a7sNxTBg2vMm70DSh-FpTI/s1600-h/DSC03457.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzfy07RfeupRfxD4RbhA6Hj7bzwshaW9v1Ne7BeewUIrk18slqx0WWedzNL0tVvnDO1mtwvXa6VVCYOum_xapXhsU3ScwcF5h0-tWIbt1BsiWEebBZEi16a7sNxTBg2vMm70DSh-FpTI/s400/DSC03457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438588278848208978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(110) A large basket of sweetness from a sweet neighbor. (Our 93 year old neighbor, Mary, had her daughter drop this by for the children. She is in hospice dying. And she thought of my kids! What a beautiful woman. Pray that her passing would be comfortable and she would enter heaven. She will be very much missed.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC53EFWtwGXtlso_ZHRSaRxPR9iZeLLntIVk6_RtriXvoHmaMTNFXYBGn49-T8w0aCNQ29hzI4G2QO8995WUYh2yS7f8JwSlqFjkQz8VIj3oVGvaB8gvjGLjaAmWl2bD55vZMyiI5MOQ/s1600-h/DSC03453.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC53EFWtwGXtlso_ZHRSaRxPR9iZeLLntIVk6_RtriXvoHmaMTNFXYBGn49-T8w0aCNQ29hzI4G2QO8995WUYh2yS7f8JwSlqFjkQz8VIj3oVGvaB8gvjGLjaAmWl2bD55vZMyiI5MOQ/s400/DSC03453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438588291586523698" border="0" /></a><br />(111) These lovely words:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let my days be wholly given<br />Jesus’ blood to glorify,<br />Calm to rest beneath his shadow,<br />At his feet to live and die,<br />Love the cross, and bear it daily,<br />(’Tis the cross my Husband bore,)<br />Gaze with joy upon his Person,<br />And unceasingly adore.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">~Anne Griffiths</span><br />(HT: <a href="http://becomingt2w.wordpress.com/">Kim</a>)<br /><br />(112) John MacArthur back in the pulpit with his powerful preaching.<br /><br />(113) Marianne's spelt cornbread. Serious goodness.<br /><br />(114) The amazing sovereignty of God displayed through adoption.<br /></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-36823898982701324902010-02-08T13:12:00.001-08:002010-02-08T14:08:10.857-08:00Multitude Monday<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!</span><br /><div id="TixyyLink" color="transparent" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Henry Ward Beecher</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(79) "I need to whisper in your ear, Mama."<br /><br /><br />(80) New big girl haircuts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlKVRmJoxM9PdINKkGVoOrEvVAMC2mU82LwWwId59iniY_eFE4ShMeM9OogZs1PIM5XKnx9mzledReVJXHbn9bgospPnV6-5ZChVsjnek7CagB9Kd8ZIjwTHnPyRuCfDdCcng1bFAZo4/s1600-h/DSC03405.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlKVRmJoxM9PdINKkGVoOrEvVAMC2mU82LwWwId59iniY_eFE4ShMeM9OogZs1PIM5XKnx9mzledReVJXHbn9bgospPnV6-5ZChVsjnek7CagB9Kd8ZIjwTHnPyRuCfDdCcng1bFAZo4/s400/DSC03405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435985990096379490" border="0" /></a><br />(81) Blooms from my Beloved.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hQLIOGbgx0F5LCBHwo54n222TgKyreP5vVguIw-HhBQrBcdDWcPXJ4uf8FclDjDNr1Lb2QCZPxA7DuqjEA8THUH0k0Gu0jtRv5fY0xrKxcP1jHaY0FKPPg_OBvYj2MFfHbgSNStPF2c/s1600-h/DSC03408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hQLIOGbgx0F5LCBHwo54n222TgKyreP5vVguIw-HhBQrBcdDWcPXJ4uf8FclDjDNr1Lb2QCZPxA7DuqjEA8THUH0k0Gu0jtRv5fY0xrKxcP1jHaY0FKPPg_OBvYj2MFfHbgSNStPF2c/s400/DSC03408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435985995378158674" border="0" /></a><br />(82) Kraft goodness in the blue box.<br /><br /><br />(83) A gracious and very kind flight attendant.<br /><br /><br />(84) Toddlers playing nicely together!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx36ei0c2iYkZJvPicZzMQ_HILkZLLahMEOA0A0ZGmnfJ7BAQHhwxJF5W6jgiJQFdPGRPL0egxRv5Qvhmd8Q8i4he7YIPAorpamoP3EVxQxIlYlCXkebH0eCkcPW3r1Vac9k5NMQzYkQ/s1600-h/DSC03419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx36ei0c2iYkZJvPicZzMQ_HILkZLLahMEOA0A0ZGmnfJ7BAQHhwxJF5W6jgiJQFdPGRPL0egxRv5Qvhmd8Q8i4he7YIPAorpamoP3EVxQxIlYlCXkebH0eCkcPW3r1Vac9k5NMQzYkQ/s400/DSC03419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435986031383022882" border="0" /></a><br />(85) The kindness of the Noble family - dear, dear friends.<br /><br /><br />(86) The opportunity to worship with old family.<br /><br /><br />(87) God's faithfulness in sustaining, and growing, <a href="http://www.gracechurchministry.org/">Grace Church West Hartford</a>. There really are no words to adequately describe our joy to return and celebrate with these amazing people.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bBHKo8HX06g_ql6unj-1F_ejM8FZR0mZryCUInGmUeUZfFmyFdbVaQaMAPeIwUt2tib-vaps208JGFzELvJxWOsLwOJ2lV-Pv_KyoOTnsdPtVaMcxTywK6bJV0ouR7RzUDPEWVi0fKI/s1600-h/DSC03410.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bBHKo8HX06g_ql6unj-1F_ejM8FZR0mZryCUInGmUeUZfFmyFdbVaQaMAPeIwUt2tib-vaps208JGFzELvJxWOsLwOJ2lV-Pv_KyoOTnsdPtVaMcxTywK6bJV0ouR7RzUDPEWVi0fKI/s400/DSC03410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435986006317325602" border="0" /></a><br />(88) New friends.<br /><br /><br />(89) Fire pit - for big men and little men alike.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPyZFrbSFd4fAJ0g71RmpEYqpJEXfSLKc486khpulXtfAU9HSqXUHy-aQnZJ9vcZ4YBp6u8OYbc81iH2km58nrWK7qFYuMECVDkcdnFAZtA3jCPmORGu4kGbAk7plzQwhdg5VWRvUSME/s1600-h/DSC03414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPyZFrbSFd4fAJ0g71RmpEYqpJEXfSLKc486khpulXtfAU9HSqXUHy-aQnZJ9vcZ4YBp6u8OYbc81iH2km58nrWK7qFYuMECVDkcdnFAZtA3jCPmORGu4kGbAk7plzQwhdg5VWRvUSME/s400/DSC03414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435986016643136674" border="0" /></a><br />(90) Reuniting with old friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz58RnMv5Ex_T-4muRdhrHnH5jWQcgtsSF-9ppDpFSGvIYKq_LAAbGVrko9gBI_8EMHFSSDbjNXRhbYN71xn6QpLEoHYUQiCEKpeuQFuhbZk4hkX6_rEqYafRBRJR2TBvFstJGUSOdc3A/s1600-h/DSC03423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz58RnMv5Ex_T-4muRdhrHnH5jWQcgtsSF-9ppDpFSGvIYKq_LAAbGVrko9gBI_8EMHFSSDbjNXRhbYN71xn6QpLEoHYUQiCEKpeuQFuhbZk4hkX6_rEqYafRBRJR2TBvFstJGUSOdc3A/s400/DSC03423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435990276483828370" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKMwLrlv5DNI5MMVC6h7F4LkDLhwv0SuNP6Q6PW5fDtRVlPCzxX0UAhGIb55UWsh-bsU1C6rIJcpjz2fr583NUxQNc74t5-FXvuzI_kecmdkCaVF7290MoYQFpNX2IqHPfsKI7ghtQHE/s1600-h/DSC03427.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKMwLrlv5DNI5MMVC6h7F4LkDLhwv0SuNP6Q6PW5fDtRVlPCzxX0UAhGIb55UWsh-bsU1C6rIJcpjz2fr583NUxQNc74t5-FXvuzI_kecmdkCaVF7290MoYQFpNX2IqHPfsKI7ghtQHE/s400/DSC03427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435990281717266354" border="0" /></a><br />(91) The refreshing cold of New England (it was 9 degrees when we landed!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix63f4yLoPH3ZXI3RRu8nwVatus-S6WcuD2JZySPekrWqDA9-pYAmFqcb1Hz7cF2K1ZTS1IFgIokpNdzeL5YhdaiuB4Um6va8fppsEcEvkmNRca7eQqABa3bDbMt5Rs5lZ8MCCgkImOgM/s1600-h/DSC03430.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix63f4yLoPH3ZXI3RRu8nwVatus-S6WcuD2JZySPekrWqDA9-pYAmFqcb1Hz7cF2K1ZTS1IFgIokpNdzeL5YhdaiuB4Um6va8fppsEcEvkmNRca7eQqABa3bDbMt5Rs5lZ8MCCgkImOgM/s400/DSC03430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435990286897829314" border="0" /></a><br />(92) Ginza.<br /><br /><br />(93) Special times with Nana.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFceSU5qkeJuxVaxcwO3SVLjgmwBuyhK9OnrBqiXrCHO-hLEaj0-bR68iV16TuWrgtcxmZ9ID2VZwPUlYI8A0j-Um3u4NXNge1bvYKSQUzCHV0I7I7PS2wnTwbhzRsj8akGO00q0dyzSY/s1600-h/DSC03431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFceSU5qkeJuxVaxcwO3SVLjgmwBuyhK9OnrBqiXrCHO-hLEaj0-bR68iV16TuWrgtcxmZ9ID2VZwPUlYI8A0j-Um3u4NXNge1bvYKSQUzCHV0I7I7PS2wnTwbhzRsj8akGO00q0dyzSY/s400/DSC03431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435990306245857842" border="0" /></a><br />(94) Getting together with great high school friends - and feeling like we were 18 again.<br /><br /><br />(95) My bed.<br /><br /><br />(96) Kim's home-made doughnuts.<br /><br /><br /></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-2232340793884574092010-01-27T13:59:00.000-08:002010-01-27T14:10:15.586-08:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAwxiVhsryREzbmFMgyAB2CGvZsHh3WuUonxMBVkwnZLBgxV4H-Y3OIS-gjBBTDwZ68kBZBQcAHiSIu0iAh8wCkXzqBz3DTaxB5CkBR82TDSBoGOxUGsTi-CoVLOpw3yjS6CthSiwx-A/s1600-h/20022003+pics+055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAwxiVhsryREzbmFMgyAB2CGvZsHh3WuUonxMBVkwnZLBgxV4H-Y3OIS-gjBBTDwZ68kBZBQcAHiSIu0iAh8wCkXzqBz3DTaxB5CkBR82TDSBoGOxUGsTi-CoVLOpw3yjS6CthSiwx-A/s400/20022003+pics+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431545173902627058" border="0" /></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-23789665775790002942010-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:002010-01-25T14:55:07.608-08:00Multitude Monday<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >"O that my every breath might be ecstatic pra</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >ise,</span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >my every step </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >buoyant with delight..."</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">from The Valley of Vision</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I am learning how differently the world looks through eyes of praise. The Father of lights gives such good gifts, O that I would always have the eyes to see...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(66) That first break of light after the rain - dazzling!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0327kcXQZWdqvAAX1zH8vy3jXyjM097SB5rIwxIrn_eLTQsa1lbmvX2m0jedvPVdQrgqxBfvnYTdlpSpqU6DkLeWbrahnxplIi8rvtQ9I_b9eGEoCCRrvMmWD5Qq1UGtYpEhqmbh5JA/s1600-h/DSC03361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0327kcXQZWdqvAAX1zH8vy3jXyjM097SB5rIwxIrn_eLTQsa1lbmvX2m0jedvPVdQrgqxBfvnYTdlpSpqU6DkLeWbrahnxplIi8rvtQ9I_b9eGEoCCRrvMmWD5Qq1UGtYpEhqmbh5JA/s400/DSC03361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430813275999891634" border="0" /></a><br />(67) a silver wisp of moon<br /><br /><br />(68) "A rainbow! A rainbow!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZrL-zeI1uiR81Ihft83ZCWn_TCJZyA8ViLJzvwBhvWzW0fqLKznJS5dLpXvsOUf_8PtpjajY2QxZFJHIFPTZs9LSodHBH2UwGjrNdZZVJORFDZJ9v2fDuVF0qy3OhtHUxJT6O7Nxh2o/s1600-h/DSC03371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZrL-zeI1uiR81Ihft83ZCWn_TCJZyA8ViLJzvwBhvWzW0fqLKznJS5dLpXvsOUf_8PtpjajY2QxZFJHIFPTZs9LSodHBH2UwGjrNdZZVJORFDZJ9v2fDuVF0qy3OhtHUxJT6O7Nxh2o/s400/DSC03371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430813266920776130" border="0" /></a><br />(69) mist in the mountains<br /><br /><br />(70) little boys and puddles and the necessary convergence of the two<br /><br /><br />(71) early morning phone calls from friends in different time zones :-)<br /><br /><br />(72) loving away the tears<br /><br /><br />(73) snow capped peaks<br /><br /><br />(74) tender toddler caresses<br /><br /><br />(75) "derfday" parties<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_orIvLTBFApHCgd7Lj6v8_IcDn2JEDkgjhCUse_B15K6aETTPgFkP51xQoH4VEE8gqPo6tnvmLwIWqLZFvfnwg9ajGMISNGLVcPC93rOVV-D0b7zL0NdClAY5A7XnhQqZzIY8z595BvU/s1600-h/DSC03400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_orIvLTBFApHCgd7Lj6v8_IcDn2JEDkgjhCUse_B15K6aETTPgFkP51xQoH4VEE8gqPo6tnvmLwIWqLZFvfnwg9ajGMISNGLVcPC93rOVV-D0b7zL0NdClAY5A7XnhQqZzIY8z595BvU/s400/DSC03400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430813243210458482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(76) afternoon light through the shades<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKAeH27HAe9isFBmx1plNP7sJcJhPtRV1nXe6idkZHFMPqKgHdfJI73WkFLuBp0SosXECwZrgrdMe-GuVe3eF8MzZ9mCYiKFnv3wmclop6W3TCrl90WXd3g6BVKO5Rt13iTbXuPYftV0/s1600-h/DSC03389.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKAeH27HAe9isFBmx1plNP7sJcJhPtRV1nXe6idkZHFMPqKgHdfJI73WkFLuBp0SosXECwZrgrdMe-GuVe3eF8MzZ9mCYiKFnv3wmclop6W3TCrl90WXd3g6BVKO5Rt13iTbXuPYftV0/s400/DSC03389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430813257081109666" border="0" /></a><br />(77) 13 years of one flesh<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIjRPnP6-7tDyXe4bEFVTIxtFxD30Djqy3cel1vRmkoxu-qHnyH_lFYu_8Xd2VrQ64IMieX-6J7VCse8PC2JnG6J-TZ1qA-TPZv14z49JWD046k2Myd6yCGBEFA4_w0nBD8Nq5FceV_I/s1600-h/DSC01738.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIjRPnP6-7tDyXe4bEFVTIxtFxD30Djqy3cel1vRmkoxu-qHnyH_lFYu_8Xd2VrQ64IMieX-6J7VCse8PC2JnG6J-TZ1qA-TPZv14z49JWD046k2Myd6yCGBEFA4_w0nBD8Nq5FceV_I/s400/DSC01738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430814421098634626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(78) the creativity of the Creator<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d7oJQ69DAfCcPWRHeW80i99L-nqmQPxBTQEiDSqlEPSfKi_ueldkHhix10aJlCyDPsEpMT8BTcssRGEGG9xYFcKiDFLfmTgVjuGXWVCgALGrQJd1liVtOMpGmyg3L-YVqVc05EhRH-s/s1600-h/DSC03402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d7oJQ69DAfCcPWRHeW80i99L-nqmQPxBTQEiDSqlEPSfKi_ueldkHhix10aJlCyDPsEpMT8BTcssRGEGG9xYFcKiDFLfmTgVjuGXWVCgALGrQJd1liVtOMpGmyg3L-YVqVc05EhRH-s/s400/DSC03402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430813249630406962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div></div></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-88992604385397485492010-01-24T18:43:00.000-08:002010-01-24T19:50:39.351-08:00ThreeI distinctly remember the day I found out you were coming, amid packed boxes, closing documents, and moving trucks. The dichotomy of emotions - sorrow to leave, joy that you were coming. That summer was difficult as we traveled across the country, like hermits, and we lived without your daddy for weeks at a time. I was tired and sick and anxious about our future.<br /><br />When fall came we settled in Los Angeles. I slowly unpacked the boxes and smiled when I came across the things for you: crib bumpers, mobiles, and tiny little onesies. I set them aside lovingly to wait for your arrival.<br /><br />And then, before we knew it, it was time for you to join us. We arrived at the hospital and nine hours later you were born. You came in screaming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjXwHQ7ckEPfNGBxcmI5Xtp8vLm7RG2Arfjfp7tbciwWsxRdpl-jzOVGFhpeShzvvJZyBTWdHWoEWEevEZ2m-0HdKB56OMZxSiSQXNeJYrksLIpVehtXWN6AfdKXBZJZcQeaBzszrikI/s1600-h/DSC04331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjXwHQ7ckEPfNGBxcmI5Xtp8vLm7RG2Arfjfp7tbciwWsxRdpl-jzOVGFhpeShzvvJZyBTWdHWoEWEevEZ2m-0HdKB56OMZxSiSQXNeJYrksLIpVehtXWN6AfdKXBZJZcQeaBzszrikI/s400/DSC04331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430508940499630514" border="0" /></a><br />We took you home and you became the prince-ling of the Hoyer home. Four older sibling to love you, hold you, kiss you, smile at you. Life was good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sdccVtIQPG7qwVWnrvq6HGtROwXElMa_WW28LRoW7hEld1GFKau0ado6DgavfFV5ohaOKe8VIgIDY3m_iRpG7EGLPY6IiIlR4zQiwfH9P2HlWYSrdYNi2BUFPy0D4_dtZdoY8km69Ro/s1600-h/DSC04590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sdccVtIQPG7qwVWnrvq6HGtROwXElMa_WW28LRoW7hEld1GFKau0ado6DgavfFV5ohaOKe8VIgIDY3m_iRpG7EGLPY6IiIlR4zQiwfH9P2HlWYSrdYNi2BUFPy0D4_dtZdoY8km69Ro/s400/DSC04590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430508941240950178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not that you were always happy. Sometimes all that attention was downright annoying.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOoqR9_da5k8OnAoRu_FPOHMJo8wE8rRhpG-jrZJbpFbiSOrxvdUsModBhtVUSjiQOZn5K9AfCETYj1bRwCr1J-DcWji6cHuCMzw5iRTR1p01uEKeLNFu9T7Cis1uuo35pkOD7dsOI1Q/s1600-h/DSC05135.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOoqR9_da5k8OnAoRu_FPOHMJo8wE8rRhpG-jrZJbpFbiSOrxvdUsModBhtVUSjiQOZn5K9AfCETYj1bRwCr1J-DcWji6cHuCMzw5iRTR1p01uEKeLNFu9T7Cis1uuo35pkOD7dsOI1Q/s400/DSC05135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430508953723467186" border="0" /></a><br />But for the most part you handled it well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uGKBvKD3A4UgJVLicG3MMfHZmOqXKYP7iyx16JKAvWLy5b94T7LvrXt4nAuzbl4Lh59CpSxql1-4_24xGO9-JtmS-2IbgXoSQivuPUwnyzFKifz5qVUDhP2lF8DsJlCTJYbPdsdEgqw/s1600-h/DSC05722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uGKBvKD3A4UgJVLicG3MMfHZmOqXKYP7iyx16JKAvWLy5b94T7LvrXt4nAuzbl4Lh59CpSxql1-4_24xGO9-JtmS-2IbgXoSQivuPUwnyzFKifz5qVUDhP2lF8DsJlCTJYbPdsdEgqw/s400/DSC05722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430508950468365090" border="0" /></a><br />We learned of your penchant for escaping, and acted accordingly, from purchasing a crib tent to burying you at the beach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDIjH0OWpFL0w3SmNyS-K5oFugQFLfgVjQjqF1xGHTH6S-zw-zfgPmeSKixQx9VNI8ZCKKn-og6RumswAnRq2UZBEf3pXCZTrn1Erz7K7kKhz6qK5jHw3FlMAtl7PBQpbf5TNToJiQ_k/s1600-h/DSC06887.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDIjH0OWpFL0w3SmNyS-K5oFugQFLfgVjQjqF1xGHTH6S-zw-zfgPmeSKixQx9VNI8ZCKKn-og6RumswAnRq2UZBEf3pXCZTrn1Erz7K7kKhz6qK5jHw3FlMAtl7PBQpbf5TNToJiQ_k/s400/DSC06887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430508964441245570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_W4qObF_hsFil8f5cH0irPNm_ZBJyhUlkdaC_Ig4H3JvyeKbfwKAvNLNDLWjQ7Gml_cxMDxSQdV9i4Go4C3DdX2FbfKxLKQ6SAbAeYsKHrNSZwnoIMbYzMnHMo3CmOtjTtLWBu9TIv0/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+from+Emma+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_W4qObF_hsFil8f5cH0irPNm_ZBJyhUlkdaC_Ig4H3JvyeKbfwKAvNLNDLWjQ7Gml_cxMDxSQdV9i4Go4C3DdX2FbfKxLKQ6SAbAeYsKHrNSZwnoIMbYzMnHMo3CmOtjTtLWBu9TIv0/s400/Christmas+2008+from+Emma+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430513855595403794" border="0" /></a><br />You grew into a boy defined by his curly, surfer-dude hair. I cried the day it was cut. It was just so...you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9xf2LADdNYEEt_81DK-sc11AbA8FfL4QqWGUkcohAWOjnOcQIe2hRg_b44CpF1kPVrOPEt2C5-5g2mlZkdeAZTiLlSqzpLM3iIt1F0mUoA7T2p6mxAjveOb9J3HbQYYh95dBVGQVnjw/s1600-h/DSC01781.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9xf2LADdNYEEt_81DK-sc11AbA8FfL4QqWGUkcohAWOjnOcQIe2hRg_b44CpF1kPVrOPEt2C5-5g2mlZkdeAZTiLlSqzpLM3iIt1F0mUoA7T2p6mxAjveOb9J3HbQYYh95dBVGQVnjw/s400/DSC01781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430513845566876002" border="0" /></a>So now you are a talking three year old, lover of Thomas the Tank Engine, painting, Play-Doh, lollipops, and sausage. I adore you. I can't imagine life without you. I am so thankful that God knit you together in me. What a blessing, little boy. Happy birthday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T28i0HS9W0mVgA19uDTl6jkjAJ9RPRSqu-6Tv4zYCdyaxXv_cOsZd_alVE6A4ZtkPdyIntZ_YD5SeNW7NJ8Cd-87CXIg_nxSKWoHOGBNXOhWObsk80LZ4bdRIOKf63N8yAofypJ650k/s1600-h/DSC03395.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T28i0HS9W0mVgA19uDTl6jkjAJ9RPRSqu-6Tv4zYCdyaxXv_cOsZd_alVE6A4ZtkPdyIntZ_YD5SeNW7NJ8Cd-87CXIg_nxSKWoHOGBNXOhWObsk80LZ4bdRIOKf63N8yAofypJ650k/s400/DSC03395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430519570903487602" border="0" /></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-11528924669124922062010-01-20T16:48:00.000-08:002010-01-20T16:55:04.187-08:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIBzBwAaXqNuO5_WCcCFtKeOW72YWuo8-GrZ1xBfZj_vazVAcPywNbpJcOS-d5jUZ71ptC8V-8q-VYWqtZqZDvTT_WPZ2WzR6EzuvsGBIlZJ-j9YW9WvBzds3z_npVZRvkF0zOfhLNOA/s1600-h/DSC03371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIBzBwAaXqNuO5_WCcCFtKeOW72YWuo8-GrZ1xBfZj_vazVAcPywNbpJcOS-d5jUZ71ptC8V-8q-VYWqtZqZDvTT_WPZ2WzR6EzuvsGBIlZJ-j9YW9WvBzds3z_npVZRvkF0zOfhLNOA/s400/DSC03371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428990174698403234" /></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-60869379474155743392010-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:002010-01-19T14:12:55.848-08:00Why Poetry Matters Today<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta 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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Glynn over at </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://faithfictionfriends.blogspot.com/2010/01/poetry-and-wine-giveaway.html">Faith, Fiction, Friends</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> is sponsoring a wee little contest. As a closet poet, I thought I'd take a crack at giving answer to "Why poetry matters today."</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Rooted in our shared human experience </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">In this created space, articulated into being</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">By holy Words, </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Are the empty arms of childless Mothers,</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Falling buildings, rising suns,</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Hummingbirds and hammered nails,</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Corpses lying under rubble,</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Dreams realized </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">and dashed,</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Sunsets and mine fields and eyelashes,</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Despair, elation , hope, cowardice.</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">And when human emotions stretch within these fleshy skins</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">And surge past the walls that we, in our fragility, cobbled together to enclose them,</p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">The animal which escapes its cage is Poetry.</p> Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183861315028681463.post-51567491389777030652010-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:002010-01-18T15:02:30.300-08:00Multitude Monday<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><br /><br />My list continues...<br /><br />(55) Little boys tucked in at the piano, without even having to pull out the bench.<br /><br />(56) The musky smell of the garden rosemary after a rain.<br /><br />(57) Eleven heads of lettuce in my garden (the dog didn't eat everything!)<br /><br />(58) Sweet toddler voice singing himself to sleep.<br /><br />(59) "When I grown up I want to live next to Kurt so I can visit him all the time." <span style="font-style: italic;">Gabriel (6)</span><br /><br />(60) "I'm a yittle boy and Gabe's a yittle boy and you're a big boy." <span style="font-style: italic;">Kurt (2) to me</span><br /><br />(61) A little mistake in copying that made this Mama smile: "O, give tanks to the Lord, for He is good." <span style="font-style: italic;">Gabriel (6)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>(62) Again Gabriel, "My carcass hurts." O, I laughed so hard my sides nearly split. We came to the conclusion that he meant his ribcage.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />(63) The Word of God which directs, soothes, and rights the course.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>(64) Desperately needed rain.<br /><br />(65) The sweet, heartfelt prayers of children for those who need them in Haiti.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012786683738746095noreply@blogger.com3