The Making of a Man {& more}

Today has been one of those days where I physically and emotionally feel the grace and mercy of God. It is a day that I think "can't every day be like today" {clearly the day is not over so I may change my mind before bed} but right now I am feeling filled to the brim and my cup is running over.

I know it has to do with His grace and mercy. Today those have been manifested through several "good things". One being sleep which results in being able to wake early, which means time alone with the rising sun, husband, & Galatians. In recent weeks I find myself marveling in the morning sun. I'm certain it's because for months I've experienced sleepless nights the morning sun was somewhat painful after a restless night. Now I see it and find such warmth and comfort in it.

I also believe you can never have too much Galatians. I did a Tim Keller study 2 years ago and our Monday night small group is going through Galatians inductively. It is an awesome reminder of the power of the Gospel.*

My children. They are a LOT of work. They also are a HUGE blessing. They are rowdy, strong-willed, energized, full of life, and full of love for each other {usually, but not always}. This makes me happy. I think the hardest things we face in life are the most rewarding. This is one tough job, the pay is non-existent but at the end of every day I say, "thank you, Lord". They are a gift. The more kids I have the more I realize it... the more coffee I drink too... but that's another story. I am striving to not take one moment for granted with them. If only raising them into fine young men and women were this easy...

Bless his heart. He was so patient... I'm sure the paci helped. And one day I'm sure he'll get her back.

We also spent several hours at the park today. We have a fabulous agricultural museum with a great park, trails, and animals!

Every time I go I drool over the covered picnic shelter. {See it behind Raiger.} Big beams, fabulous lights... DaddyBoy {my dad} would go nuts over it. I have SO MANY memories of him photographing park shelters... this one is a REALLY NICE one! He'd love it... I should have taken more pictures of it.

"Little hen... can I hide you under my shirt? My Mommy and I sure would like to take you home with us."

Just one more reason to live outside of "city limits"... hens!

* speaking of the power of the Gospel: "... the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God's grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God's grace and acecptance in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin. This also creates a new dynamic for discipline and obedience. First, the knowledge of our acceptance in Christ makes it easier to admit we are flawed because we know we won't be cast off if we confess the true depths of our sinfulness. Second, it makes the law of God a thing of beauty instead of burden. We can use it to delight and imitate the one who has saved us rather than to get his attention or procure his favor. We now run the race "for the joy that is set before us" rather than "for fear that comes behind us." " Tim Keller in Introduction to Galatians