when I grow up...

We were driving the other day, and Davis excitedly declared to us that he wants to be a doctor astronaut when he grows up.  I applauded his choice, asked him some questions, and encouraged him that he can do anything he wants when he grows up.

Next, he looked at Kevin, and asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  I love that he doesn't think we're grown up yet, because he asked me the same question.  I hope I continue to keep some sense of child-likeness, hopefully not in maturity but in my sense of wonder and dreams.  

When I was very little my mom picked me up from Sunday School one morning only to find me very upset.  I explained how I wanted to be a star when I grew up, but my teacher told me I couldn't.  Angry with the teacher, my mom began to assure me I could be a star; if I worked hard enough I could be anything I wanted to be.  When I elaborated on how I love that stars get to shine so brightly in the sky, mom realized her error.  

My mom's explanation brought me to terms with reality, and I found new dreams and new aspirations, but the desire to bring glory to God simply by being what I was created to be has never left me.  Seems as though Jesus keeps teaching me that there are other ways to shine.

a beautiful bride

One of my best friends, Jina got married on July 4th.  Ironically a day to celebrate independence is when she joined with Mr. Brian Cates in a union of two to become one.  She was absolutely beautiful, anyone there would agree.

songs hold memories

It's good to remember.

David chooses to remember in Psalm 77:11 "I will remember the deeds of the Lord, yes, I will remember Your wonders of old."  When he does, he realizes, "Your way O God is holy, what god is great like our God?  You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples" (vv.13-14).

It's amazing what things trigger memories.  Today, while the boys and I were running errands, the song Letters From Home by John Michael Montgomery played.  I cried.  I fought the tears through the first verse and chorus, but as he kept singing, I kept remembering:  

milestones in our boys lives passing in his absence, sleeping alone for months and months, being nurturer and disciplinarian, writing letters and emails as often as I could, explaining our decision to everyone who asked, answering the constant question of how he was doing, keeping his parents updated the moment I was, and truly the list could go on and on.

As the song faded into another, I found myself in a very similar place that David did: in awe and wonder at the grace, power, and provision of Jesus.  During every moment of every day, Jesus sustained me.  There's no better place to be than in wonder at who God is and what He does, and that's why it's good to remember.

what's a sno-cone?

"What?!"  was my response when Davis asked me this question.  He's had one but it was probably two or more years ago.  Colorado does not have many sno-cone stands, but Oklahoma has one on every corner.  We decided it was time for the boys to have their "first" sno-cone.