Job 1:21

"The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away,
Praise the name of the LORD."

Almost 1!

I can't believe it! One month from today I will have a one year old (again)! This year has flown by. I am really in shock (and denial) that her birthday will be so soon. Somehow I understand more than before (though probably not fully yet) that they really do grow fast. The changes in the first year are just remarkable. Still, not for a minute do I wish it was last year! :)

Since this is the only baby book I have been faithful in keeping, here are a few milestones:

Not yet walking, but crawling "Chloe style" she moves from room to room and keeps me hopping! Everything is in the mouth and the Polly Pockets are gone for now. We even had a scare last week where I thought she swallowed one of Connor's hot wheels (OK, you can stop laughing now). Of course, she didn't...but I did need to call Shawn to be reassured that she wouldn't be happily playing if she had indeed swallowed the missing car.

She has a little vocabulary! "ma ma", "da da", "ba ba", "ra ra" (Summer) and "no no" (something she hears and repeats quite often!).

She waves and blows kisses...oh, some of my favorite things!

She has pulled herself up a couple times but that was pre-crawling. She actually prefers to sit and move around then stand currently. I am enjoying it...

Well, probably around this time next month there will be pictures up of a messy little girl diving into a cake. I guesss I should start planning...

Copeland

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Romans 12:12

My friend directed me to this blog yesterday and I have found it difficult to separate myself from it. My heart is heavy with prayers for this family. Shawn is feeling much of same. He calls home solely to ask me to check for an update.

I have debated for hours on whether to post this here...it is unbelievably hard to read and I don't want to bring heartache to anyone that was unprepared for it. Some of you may already be aware of this family but for those that are not...basically, this family gave birth a week ago to a precious little girl with Trisomy - 18. She has survived her first week but they don't know how much longer she will make it. If you do decide to read, read with caution and a Kleenex. And if you feel led, join me in praying...

Obviously, I finally decided to post it. Mainly because, through this precious little life, lessons I have learned recently in my head begin to take root in my heart. I don't want to forget what treasures I found hidden in the words of this sweet family. So I post this for me (as ironic as that may sound) with a prayer that I will remain changed...that I will not forget...

• that God doesn't fit in my box. He is so far beyond me and in the waters of His sovereignty, I will never touch the bottom. yet...
• He is okay with my honest questions.
• that I would attempt not to fear the unknown but trust even in the deepest despair God gives joy and He gives you what you need to make it through that day.
• to cherish my family each day and relish each breath given. and finally...
• that in searching for God, He can be found most clearly in the lives of the weak and humble.

So, guard you heart and if you chose to do so, read on...

http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html

Food Poisoning and Mercy

I began my day today as I ended my last...in the bathroom. Sorry if that is TMI, but our after-church lunch has left me two days of...unpleasantness, to spare you the details. One time when Shawn called to check on me yesterday he had these encouraging words for me, "You sound like you are going to die." I replied, "I feel like I am too." Of course, I was being dramatic, a trait I have learned from my 5 year-old (or is it the other way around?). But nevertheless, it is a day I would prefer to not ever relive.

So...as my day started out once again in the bathroom, all my hopes of being better today went down the toilet (pun intended). I cried as Shawn left for the day. I know he felt horrible leaving me but today of all days he HAD to be at work...and probably wouldn't be home until the kids were bed. How was I going to make it? I prayed for help - literal help. I prayed not for strength to make it through the day but someone to come help me...I needed physical help. Even if I could stop throwing up, I was so weak and my stomach felt as though it had been used as a punching bag.

So what in the world does all this have to do with mercy?

The phone rang...it was my Mom. I had already talked to her once this morning...or grunted at her anyway. Enough to convey I was sick again, but she was unable to help because they had a doctor appointment today. But her words this time brought a flood of relief. She had canceled the doctor appointment and my sweet Daddy was coming to get Connor for the day. It was nearly time for Chloe's nap and that meant I could go back to bed for a couple of hours. "Oh, thank you, Jesus!"

His mercy is new every morning. He gave me what I needed to get through yesterday on my own and He gave me who I needed to get through today. I am so grateful! And happy to report feeling much better.

I am very aware how minor the "manna" or the mercy I received today compares to the mercy so many need to get through their days. A husband who isn't coming home tonight, a daughter who might not live to see tomorrow... Trials my heart can not fathom facing. Trials I am afraid my heart couldn't bear. Trials that just plain scare me.

But beyond my understanding lies a Truth my heart clings to more than to life...His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:19-24). Just as He was faithful to give manna to the Israelites every morning they were in the wilderness, He is faithful to give me (and all who will gather it) His mercy a new. And just as the manna was measured and given according to need - never a surplus and never a shortage (Exodus 16:18) so is His mercy.

Dear God, I pray for those hurting...the ones I am aware of and the ones I am not. I am far from understanding or being able to make sense of any of the pain. Because it just doesn't make sense! I have questions. I just don't understand. But I know You are good. All that I don't know I lay aside and cling to what I do. Help me trust in Your faithfulness, trust that You will come through. Help me surrender to Your will...whatever that may be. Take away my fear and give me faith. Faith that just as You give Your mercy new every morning, You also give the strength to gather it. Thank you for the stories of those that have been there. For their testimony that amid all the pain, You are hope.

Joshua's Pond

Last weekend Grandma and Grandpa invited us over for dinner...we dragged ourselves out of there 6 hours later! The kids (and parents...OK especially the parents) were exhausted! But there is always so much fun to be had...golf cart rides, playground, dirt, dirt and more dirt. After dinner and baths we accompanied Grandpa down to "Joshua's Pond" to feed the fish (HUGE fish!) It had been awhile since Shawn and I had been down there and we couldn't believe the size of them! Next time, the kids are taking their fishing poles!

I thought my Northern family might enjoy seeing some pictures of "Joshua's Pond" named after our very own Josh himself!

The jumping fish...

The kids had to watch the fish strapped in, since they were clean and in their PJs..

"What Time Is It?"

"Summertime!"

Summer has jumped on the band wagon of "High school Musical" fans. She loves to sing and dance along with Troy and Gabriella. Here she is trying to keep up with some of their moves...

Angela's Blog

I am again shamelessly promoting my friend Angela's photography business. I am so super excited for her! She just started her own blog...like an online portfolio. You can check it out at angelasphotography721.blogspot.com . Her pictures are amazing!! And I know she would appreciate any feedback!

OK...go look!!! :)

Our Daily Bread

“He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your fathers had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Deuteronomy 8:3


Still sleepy, she stretches and yawns slowly rising. The cool morning air immediately fills her nostrils as she rises from her bed on the ground. She quickly grabs a basket as she pulls back the door of her tent to begin her most important task for the day. She stops short upon seeing the white covered ground and stands there in wonder. She first awoke to this site over 4,000 days ago yet the thrill of God’s daily provision never ceases to amaze her. She bends down and begins to gather enough manna to feed her and her family. As she holds the food of the angels in her palm she contemplates this “what” as they call it, this “manna.” Nothing special about these white flakes, nothing in its appearance to make it desirable, yet it nourishes...it saves. It provides all that is needed to sustain for that day…yet, so much more. As she continues to collect the manna she quiets her soul and listens. She knows they laugh at her for her reverence in this duty that has become mundane for many. But if she really listens with her heart she hears more than the gossip and chattering around her. It is as though each morning through this mysterious bread, God speaks.

“What” is it saying?

Deuteronomy 32:2 says, “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words settle like dew.” Every morning the manna spoke volumes of God’s faithfulness. His promises were declared gloriously every morning. He would provide...He would provide…He would provide…And not only bread to meet our physical needs but a Savior to meet our spiritual needs. The manna not only told of the “what” it told of the “Who”. Its physical state foretold of the Messiah…the bread of Life. The white manna fell from Heaven. Jesus, pure and spotless descended to earth.

They ate manna in the wilderness yet died, but those that eat of the true bread from Heaven will never die (John 6:32-35). Just as God provided the manna for the Israelites to eat, He gave His only Son as living bread. “And He [Jesus] took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘This is My body, which is given for you.’”(Luke 22:19). God provided manna, they gathered it. God provides His Son, we accept Him. The rest is blessed grace!

In the quiet of the morning the faithfulness of the manna falling proclaimed loudly the faithfulness of God to give us what we need to live today…and to give us what we need to live eternally. Only Jesus, The Word made flesh, can satisfy our hungry souls.

Sleepily she awoke and walked to the kitchen window and opened the blinds. As the sun was rising and dew shining, she opened her Bible. As she did each morning, she prayed, “Lord, speak…” She knew this was the most important part of her day. She needed to hear from Him before she could accomplish all she needed to do for her family. And just as every other morning, God was faithful. He gave her words to nourish her soul. He gave her what she needed for that day…and so much more. She stood and gazed down at the words He had provided…nothing so grand that she heard angels sing as she read them, yet she stood in wonder. The thrill of God’s Word never ceased to amaze her. No matter how often you eat of it, you never reach the bottom. His provision is perfect every day and continues for eternity. “Your words were found, and I ate them.” (Jeremiah 15:16).

Next door, a neighbor she barely knows kneels in her bedroom watching the same sun rise. “Oh, if only today would be different.” She hasn’t been asleep yet…what a night. She thought she was over it…over him, but than again he calls and then again she stumbles. She feels the shame over her more intensely than the clothes she is wearing. Through blurred vision she spots a Bible on her nightstand she hasn't opened in years. Someone calls to her from within it but she is afraid…afraid of what He will say. Desperate for change she grabs it anyway…and the manna falls…and His mercy is new…

Here I sit, my Bible open and my soul yearning. “I am so hungry, Lord!” And He speaks, “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” (Psalm 81:10). On my knees, head tilted up and mouth wide open, I wait…I wait for the Word of God to fall like rain. I know it will come because He is faithful.


“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.” Isaiah 40:8

God With Us

I am studying the tabernacle through a couple different sources and I am thoroughly captivated. I stand in utter amazement that the holy God of the universe went to such great lengths to dwell among us. And I am not just speaking of the tabernacle, but His continued persistence to go after us. From going after Adam in the garden of Eden, to making a way to dwell with the Israelites in the wilderness, to sending His Son into the world to live among us and then giving us the Holy Spirit to reside in us. Is His story not amazing?

I have been left speechless by the depth of each detail of the tabernacle. I would love to record all my thoughts on here if I can ever get them all together. It is just so way beyond me, what little I grasp I stand with my mouth gaped open. Everything means something and every word points to One. It truly is all about Jesus. The entire construction foretells of the Messiah. He is seen in the wooden altar. He is seen in the sacrifice. In the candlestick, in the veil, in the Ark of the Covenant and inside the ark in the manna – all pictures of Him. I know there is so much more… My fingers can’t keep up to my thoughts and my thoughts can’t keep up to God’s remarkable Word.

I am going to work on putting some of my thoughts on paper…or computer rather. I will have to do it a little at a time or I am afraid my finite mind will explode. Please forgive my obsession with this particular subject. And please feel free to talk back. I would love to hear any information you have to add to my ramblings.

“The Word became flesh and took up residence* among us.” John 1:14
*literally translated "and tabernacled"

Daddy's Girl # 2

We have recently discovered Chloe's love for football. I don't know if it is all the colors or the movement that attracts her but she is glued to the TV whenever it is on. Last weekend, while eating at Moe's, they had a football game on and she would hardly eat (which is saying alot for Chloe!) because she couldn't take her eyes off the game. This was Daddy and Chloe yesterday as they enjoyed some football together...

She stays mesmerized like that until a commercial and then she continues to play until the game comes on again. For mommy, she is way more fun to watch than the football. And Daddy and her have already found something they like to do together!

AHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Look where I am going...

http://www.lifeway.com/ev/ev_occ_details/0,2223,O%3D751,00.html

I am SO excited...SOOOOOOO excited...SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited!!!!!

Love Letter From God

I received just that yesterday in the form of several emails from dear friends and family. After spending much of the evening nervously preparing for my Bible study I was to lead, I went to check my email. I had an email from the leader of our women's ministry at church. It was full of words of encouragement, thanks and a reminder that she is praying for me. My heart swelled with joy...I felt so blessed. I clicked out of the email and back into my inbox. Another new email was waiting. This time it was from my previous Bible study leader. She too was emailing me to let me know she was praying, reminding me God was with me and everything would go great. Tears filled my eyes as I read her sweet words. I thanked God for these people that have only recently come into my life but have left permanent imprints. Clicking out of that email and back into my inbox one more time, my mouth dropped open at yet another email. This one was from my mother-in-law. Trust me when I say, she has seen me at my absolute worst. Hormones raging, crying and whining and she still loves me! Her loving words left me speechless and the tears that had pooled in my eyes moments before now ran freely down my cheeks. I can't remember feeling so loved...so prayed for. The timing of those emails was such a God-thing. A peace filled me as I felt as if each of those emails had come straight from my Lord. I left this morning to go facilitate my Bible study with little bitty butterflies in my belly and huge, jahonkin peace. I felt so lifted up and God was with me... I know that I am going to get way more out of it this than I will give. I feel so ill equipped to serve these women. I struggle ridiculously with insecurities and self-worth issues on a daily basis. Praise God, He works in spite of that!

Could Use Some Prayer...

I don't mean to whine on here, but I really could use your prayers! I have been dealing with sinus junk for over a week now and it has progressed into horribly annoying coughing fits whenever I try to talk. To top it off my voice is almost gone, making me not so fun to talk to. I would not be asking for prayers over this if that was the end of the story. But tomorrow begins a 7 week Bible study that I am facilitating at my church. That alone brings enough nerves but now with my "talking/coughing problem" I am almost in tears thinking about tomorrow morning. I am headed to the store to try to find something that works... so far cough medicine, cough drops and water are not working. Any suggestions and certainly your prayers would be so appreciated! Thank you!!

29 Candles

Mom and Dad came over yesterday and we had dinner together to celebrate Shawn's birthday. Mom knows Shawn's love of cake (or lack there of) so she brought him a homemade pumpkin pie complete with 29 candles. The kids were amazed at all the candles and marveled at how "big" Daddy was.

To top it all off, Mom stayed and put the kids to bed while Shawn and I went out with friends from church. We arrived home later that night to three sleeping kids...what more can you ask for?!

Happy Birthday to You...

Happy Birthday to you!!

Happy Birthday, dear Daddy!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

You live in a zoo...(in case you were unaware)

You look like a monkey...

And smell like one too...(or maybe that is Chloe's diaper?)

Love you, Daddy

Your three little monkeys

"Chloe Has Spots!"

Connor has been neglected in "the blog" lately. Not because he hasn't been cracking us up or any less mischievous...just much of it hasn't been "blog appropriate." What happened this morning, however, I am going to share...

I was filling out a forwarded survey from my mil, something I never do (maybe for obvious reasons...). Chloe was in the kitchen drinking her bottle and I thought Connor was entertaining himself...well, he was... I could hear him giggling (giggling is better than screaming, right?) and so I kept typing, finished my email and then realized that his giggles were coming from the kitchen, where I had left Chloe. Maybe I need to go see what is so funny?? This is what I find...

"Look, Mommy," he stammers through giggles, "Chloe has spots!" Yep, spots alright...of milk...all over her! Although Chloe didn't look thrilled with her new look, she never complained either. Maybe she was just quietly planning the day when she could take revenge? Both girls owe him one...or two...or more!

Two Front Teeth

O Praise Him!

One of my very most favorite things to do...

O Praise Him

by David Crowder

Turn your ear

To Heaven and hear

The noise inside

The sound of angels

The sound of angel's songs

And all this for a King

We could join and sing

"All to Christ the King!"

How constant

How divine

This song of ours will rise

Oh, how constant

How divine

This song of ours will rise

Will rise...

O Praise Him!

O Praise Him!

He is Holy!

He is Holy!

Turn your gaze

To Heaven and raise

A joyous noise

Oh, the sound of salvation come

The song of rescued ones

And all this for a King

Angels join to sing

"All for Christ the King!"

O Praise Him!

O Praise Him!

He is Holy!

He is Holy!

How infinite and sweet

This love so rescuing

Oh, how infinitely sweet

This great love that has redeemed

As one, we sing...

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

He is Holy!

He is Holy!

O Praise Him!

O Praise Him!

I absolutely can not wait to join with the angels and sing to the King!