Sweet Friends

     While we were visiting my parents we were able to go visit some of our friends in Tyler. This family  lived in Graham for a couple of years and we got to know them well while they were there. We met through mutual friends and found out that, not only were we both pregnant, but that we married on the exact same date.

     They are a sweet family and we hung out with them a lot while they lived here. Cooper and their son, Wyatt, are only a few months apart and were good friends. We were so sad when they moved!

 Last summer

Last week. They've grown up a lot in one year!

    So now, about a year later, we finally had the opportunity to go and visit. Unfortunately Cooper was a little under the weather (I felt so guilty, worried he might get their kids sick) and we debated whether we should go at all, but decided that we couldn't miss an opportunity to go visit, especially since Dalt had taken off that Friday to go.

      Despite Cooper's less than bright mood we had a great time! We visited at their house, which is super cute; Meredith is very creative and great at decorating. It took a little while for the boys to warm up to each other again but once they did they played great together. Ace and their little girl, Ella, got along pretty well too.

We stayed for a delicious homemade dinner and then all went for ice cream together. After that we headed home. What a great visit.

 Playing at our house over a year ago

Cooper wasn't looking his best!

   
 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Righteous Jealousy

     Intriguing title, I know. First, let me just ask, is there such a thing as righteous jealousy, or is all jealousy sin? Not sure on that one, so in blissful ignorance I'm going to discuss my feelings of righteous jealousy lately.
     I have an amazing life. I'm truly blessed on all fronts: family, needs being met, wants being met, dreams being met, friendships, church family, etc. I could drone on and on about how much that I have to be thankful for, but this is July, not November, and my post is about jealousy, not thankfulness. So what does someone who's as blessed as I am have to be jealous of. Well, I'll tell you.
     Our church supports several missionaries around the world, and one particular family is actually from GBC. It's a family with three kids (two of whom are around my boys' ages). They were heading out of the church to go train for missions as we were really getting plugged in, so I didn't get the chance to know them very well. However, I follow them on facebook. It's been a blessing to hear about their adventures, struggles and daily life as Christian missionaries in a Muslim country. Anytime I feel discontent about my situation here all I have to do is go to their page and realize how blessed I am....and that's what got me to thinking. Am I the blessed one, or are they? They have to totally rely on God for their safety, needs, emotional and spiritual well-being, and mission success.  They have no other options, so when things get tough they get more intimate with God and His Word to find hope, answers and guidance. And that's what I'm jealous of...the total dependence on God and nothing else.

"So do not worry, saying, 'what shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or 'What shall we wear?' for the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." 

Matthew 6: 31-33

     Here's where it's tempting to say that we are no different than them, we just live in a different country. But, in reality, there is a huge difference! If we don't feel safe we buy an alarm system, carry a gun, call the police. If we have unmet needs we take out a loan and meet those needs....wait a minute....we have unmet needs? In my case, and in the case of most of the people that I know, I have absolutely everything I need, even at the end of the month when funds are diminished and the pantry is not full (I'd love to say empty, but I'm ashamed to admit it always has more in it than most of the people's around the world). I'm so careless with my use of 'need.' I need new clothes, I need a better car, I need that new phone, I need a tortilla press (random I know). But really those are just wants, and pathetic wants at that. I don't need anything, which hurts my dependence on God. Back to the original point, if we feel emotionally alone or upset we have friends, TV shows (warning...not a good source), doctors, medicine. If we want success we just take another class, work extra hours, etc. In our culture we have so many distractions that it's hard for us to truly and wholly depend on God without really meditating on Him daily and actively living differently. And when we are living in God's provision it looks weird to the world around us. *Principle to live by: If you look normal to the world and fit in just fine, then you probably aren't sold out to Christ like you should be. We're made to look different than the world.

      Recently some people from our church went to visit the missionaries in Indonesia. When they got back they talked about how blessed they were to be able to go visit, and how they want to go back. What a blessing. And again, I'm jealous. Jealous in the sense that I want to go somewhere and see what the world is really like, and what Christians who are risking their lives for their beliefs are like. I've never spoken to anyone who's gone on a mission trip that didn't feel more blessed by the experience than those they ministered to. When we are doing God's work, we feel the spiritual reward. And I want that rush...the rush of doing and being where God's purposes are the primary concern.

 "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"

 Luke 9:23-25

     In addition to these friends traveling to Indonesia, there have recently been a few families that have decided to give their lives for the purposes of God in radical ways. One family is joining a medical floating hospital ship in order to use their skills to minister to people in Africa, both physically and spiritually. Another has decided to adopt from Honduras in order to show God's grace to an orphan. And another family is pursuing full-time ministry and is dedicating the next year in training. All three of these families have undertaken major life changes, financial burdens and Kingdom thinking for their future. Once again I find myself jealous. Jealous of that leap, that whole-hearted, caution to the wind, living for the next life instead of this one kind of attitude. Jealous that they are doing exactly what the Bible says to do.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

     So what do I do with my jealousy? I think instead of sitting around brooding about wishing I was on a mission trip, or wishing it was time to adopt, I need to look around me at the local opportunities to pour out myself in love for those around me. This fall I plan to make a habit of serving and volunteering in my community. I'm also going to keep working in my personal mission field...my family. I have two little boys that I want to grow up with the attitudes and goals I've described above and it's my job to influence them to live like Christ. But don't worry, I'm not giving up on big changes. One day I pray that God will allow me to join a mission trip around the world. And with God's guidance and grace, maybe we can change the life of an orphan too and show God's grace by giving him/her a family one day.
     For now though I'm going to focus on knowing Him, the only one who counts and the only one who can change my jealousy to contentment...while serving Him in everything I do. And I'll probably read Radical one more time...what an inspiration to live the Biblically radical life Christ calls us to. The more I study and get to know Him, the more I want to study and get to know Him. It's not a vicious circle, but a victorious circle. I pray that I never get off this ride with Christ!

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12

I have some pretty wonderful 'mission' work to do here at home. : ) 

"The kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21 

Going Home

     Love staying at Papa and GG's house!

     Last week I went to visit my parents. It's such a weird phenomenon for me to go there and stay for a while. As I sat in my old room one day during my visit I kept thinking "How can be so comfortable and at home here, and then go home and feel so comfortable and at home there?" I guess that is a blessing in itself, that I had the kind of home growing up that makes me want to go back. The only thing missing during our visit was Dalton, so it wasn't perfect. But, it was so nice! I'm posting some pictures from the week; enjoy!

 I couldn't resist matching outfits, even though they aren't twins. 

 Waiting at the restaurant. Eating out with kids is always like a ticking time bomb. You never know how long they'll last before they have an outburst. We were blessed to make it through the meal...though it helped to have two extra adults to entertain the boys.

 Love the pool! He's a little water bug.

 Caught a little crab

 Ace likes his swing.

Cooper was always ready to help Papa with chores as long as he knew he'd get to swim afterward. 

 Papa brought home a surprise for Cooper..a kite!

 First, he tried to throw it and let Cooper hold the string. 

 Then I helped and once it was up they manned the kite together. Papa kept telling Cooper to hold onto the string, but inevitably he let it go and Papa chased it a little ways before catching it again.

 Papa would fly the kite low enough for Cooper to chase it. 

Happy boy didn't get to fly any kites. But he did get to watch us make dinner.

 The Franks came over and I decided to make homemade pizza dough. At the same time Dad made salsa. It was quite a busy kitchen but it all turned out quite delicious. 

 Paige making Ace smile. 

 Cooper showing off his Elmo flashlight. He had to compete with Ace to get attention somehow!

 Ace got his feet wet on the steps.

 Smiling for the crowd. Notice the firstborn in the back watching carefully. 

 The kitchen after cooking, eating and swimming. It took me a while to clean up!

After a couple hours of swimming they were ready for some Bubble Guppies. 

Even Papa John watched with them. 

 We got to see Gma and PawPaw. What a joy!

 Grandpa came to visit too. He and Ace are checking each other out.

Ready for the ride home. Wish you could have seen a better view. 

     When Dalton came to pick us up he brought Gus Gus. We really like Gus Gus and he is a super sweet dog, but he was a bit destructive. I talked to Dalton several times while the boys and I were on 'vacation' and every time he told me about something else that Gus Gus had destroyed. So I finally agreed that we should see about finding him another home and Mom and Dad agreed to take him back. So, Dalton hauled him in the trailer to the house. He loves it there. Mom and Dad aren't so sure about him, but they agree he's sweet. Apparently he likes to get in the pool and sunbathe...uh oh. 

     Because he had a trailer (filled with hay on the ride home) we all had to ride in the truck back home. It's a Dodge cab and 1/2 and the backseat is pretty tight. Because I knew Ace would need some attention on the ride home I decided he should ride up front. Then, because Dalton had to shift gears, we had to put him in the passenger seat. So where did that leave me? Riding in the middle. 

     We looked like a couple of high school lovebirds cruising down the highway. (And I'm not the type to ride in the middle.) Especially because no one could see the carseat without looking really close. I have to admit though it was cozy. And really the trip went very smooth, thank the Lord. 

    Can't wait until we get to see Papa John and GG again. Although I'm ok with them visiting us next time around. 

"This is the refreshing." Isaiah 28:12

4th Festivities

   
     Yesterday was the 4th of July, but we've been celebrating America's independence for about a week already. Last weekend we headed to the lake to swim, boat, watch fireworks and visit with family.  

    I have a confession...in the past I haven't been much of a 'weekend at the lake' person, especially when it came to staying the night. I like boat rides and getting in the water for a little while, but I'm not that great with down time and relaxing with nothing to do but float and hang out (I'm the person that invites people over for dinner and has a game ready for entertainment after we eat), and when my house is 15 min away I've always thought 'why stay here when I can go home.'  What a fuddy-duddy attitude I know. Dalton, on the other hand, could live down there all summer if it was possible and it irritates him sometimes when I don't jump at the chance to spend the evening at the lake.  FYI, he did know that I lacked the lake gene when we married, but for some reason he married me anyway, and vice versa. (We're an example of opposites attracting at so many levels.)

    So this year I decided to give my all at the lake, because I wanted my husband and kids to have a good time.  And you know what happened? I had a GREAT time.  I'm officially growing to really like spending time at the lake...even night time. It makes such a difference when you have a really enthusiastic 2 year old that loves the lake (guess the gene made it to Cooper). Instead of having 'down time' to fill, my time was spent taking care of Ace and watching Cooper have a great time in the water. We'd already spent a couple of evenings at the lake, but last weekend we spent Friday afternoon/evening, all day Saturday and most of the day Sunday down there.

     Cooper loves swimming with Popsey and Mere Mere (and Dada), and Ace has done wonderfully. He's been so content to hang out on the dock while everyone swims (as long as someone is up there with him) and has only fussed when hungry or tired..what more can you ask for.

     Friday evening we went on a boat ride with Mere Mere and Popsey. It was Ace's first ride and he did great. He didn't complain about the lifejacket and he napped pretty much the whole time. Cooper loved it too, of course, and stayed at the front most of the time.

Cooper likes the boat 

 Pizza for dinner...yumm

     We spent the night Friday night and it went pretty well. It helped that we were all exhausted. We intended for Cooper to sleep in his own twin bed, but I was paranoid that he'd fall down the stairs so he slept with us. We also intended for Ace to sleep in the pack and play, but when he woke up to eat he wound up staying in bed with us too. So it was a family bed with all 4 of us snoozing away. I don't know what we'll do when we have a 3rd! (Don't worry Dalt, I'm not thinking of one anytime soon)

 Ready to tube

 Coop was excited to spend the 4th with Mere Mere and Auntie M

      Saturday we did a lot of swimming and Cooper and I rode on the tube behind the boat. We thought he'd really like it but he wasn't too sure..maybe next year. That afternoon we took another boat ride so the kids could nap. Worked like a charm.

 Good napping!

      Saturday night we watched fireworks on the dock. The lake house has great neighbors who spend lots of money on fireworks so we get to see a great show every year for free. Ace really liked the fireworks and watched them intently. Cooper would've liked them better if he hadn't been a zombie from swimming all day. He watched a little and then crashed. We were planning to stay the night, but the AC wasn't working properly so we headed home...can't handle the family bed with iffy AC!

 Cooper's first sparkler

 We had to be careful because there were 

several kids with sparklers in close range

Watching the fireworks

      This summer Cooper started out sliding off the back of the boat to get into the water. Then he progressed to letting Dalton run off the dock holding him. By the end of the weekend he was hanging off the rope swing and dropping in and jumping off the dock. I hope this progression doesn't continue at such a rapid pace...there's only so much you can do before getting dangerous!

 Little Fishy

Splash! He just dropped from the rope!

     We went back to the lake Monday evening and then spent most of yesterday afternoon down there too. Ace even stayed on the dock 3 hours! He did awesome. We splashed some water on his legs and arms to make sure he stayed comfortable and he liked it I think. Yesterday Cooper watched other kiddos jumping off the dock and rope and so he decided to jump off. Once he got started he just kept climbing out of the water, jumping off, and doing it again. He was one tired boy at the end of the day. The dock got pretty full as the afternoon went on...lots of kids and adults all enjoying the summer afternoon and refreshing water.

 Dalton pulling Cooper and Popsey on the tube

     That evening we ate dinner with a big group at the cabin and watched the kiddos play. Cooper was more alert and awake that evening, so when people started shooting fireworks around the cove he was super excited. He kept pointing and saying 'fireworks Mama!' Then he would say 'boom' and Mere Mere taught him to say 'Oooohhh Aaahhhh.' It was more entertaining watching him that the fireworks.

 Nana and Cooper 

 Ace keeping cool inside

The men visiting while burgers were cooking

    Finally we got both boys in bed and made it home today to rest. We're blessed to have the lake nearby to use and enjoy, and even more blessed to have family to enjoy it with. Next week we get to play in another water source, Mom and Dad's pool. I'm so excited to get to spend time with them.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6