Friday, February 13, 2009

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.*

GalatiansCameraStrap

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...

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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!

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raiger2

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.

morganandhen

"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

21 comments:

vanessa said...

I have memories of that same picnic shelter. The finished result of JM made me smile! He doesn't look amused.

Anonymous said...

You are awesome. Your children are precious! I hope I'm like you when I have kids.

erika said...

Amen sister! I have just saved JM as my desktop background. What a perfect ending to my workday. It's 4:59 and I'm exhausted and calling it a day. Thanks for the encouragement. I LOVE YOU!!!
Mommasis

Ashley said...

What a beautiful post, thanks for sharing it. Actually, I'm looking for a Bible study to do on my own, do you have a favorite? I've always been in group studies but we recently moved to a new town and we're still looking for a church (actually, we just moved from Louisville and we are SO missing Southeast!).

Robin said...

What a great post ! our children are growing and so precious.I love reading your blog daily...Wish I was as talented as you !

Lindsey said...

my friend sent me that same study. they are doing it now in her bible study. unfortunately, i have not gotten around to digging in yet (just skimmed thru and read the intro!). maybe your encouragement was just what i needed!

Dianne said...

This is just what I needed to read tonight. Humor from JM and wisdom of The Word.

Mommy Harris said...

Thats my all time favorite bible verse!!!

Carly Winborne said...

just two words for this post: "thank you".

Lisa said...

Might I once again thank you for your spot in my life!
Thanks for your faithfulness. You are a blessing...in so many ways!

Amanda Thrasher said...

Darby,
I love this post. My husband's family gave the land for this park many years ago. it is such a special place. They'd be embarrassed if I told you that, but I am just so proud to be related to one of the sweetest man to come out of Dothan, AL. Yall are soooo sweet and i'm so glad yall take each day to enjoy the simple things.

erin said...

beautiful. everything. the park, your children, your thoughts, your dreams and hopes for them and your life outside the city limits with hens! i love when i wake up, have a coffee and read your blog, you are an inspiration and a comfort to me, thank you darby! oh, and happy valentines day:-)

Erin said...

Thank you for this post!

Anonymous said...

I loved landmark and miss it! Looks like you guys had a gorgeous day! Oh, and yeah that is the cutest chicken I have seen and I would have taken it home as well!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

Beautifully written and great pictures!

alison giese Interiors said...

Your pictures and thoughts make me want to hurry up and have another baby! Your grace is infectious, thank you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking time to post. Expressing your faith is so uplifting. And your children are just adorable. Bless you all!

Tonja said...

I LOVED this post! Those pictures of the little man are too cute! They are really a treasure! Seeing him brings back such wonderful memories of my own boys when they were little. They grow up so fast, my dear. Enjoy these days!

I enjoy reading your blog and watching how involved you are with your family. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

Heather said...

Hey Darby,
We have never met, but I love your blog and have enjoyed learning from your creativity. I found you via Tegan Sachs Corrie (my sister in law) and Abby Maddox. I had to comment on the Tim Keller Galatians study....it is one of my most favorites in the world! I have just finished it for the second time and was even more blown away than the first. Thanks for sharing your heart and your family. You are all so beautiful!
Many Blessings
Heather Sachs

megan @ a life's design said...

That last photo of JM is priceless! The day at the park looked great!

Laura said...

Have they dressed JM up like a girl yet? Looks like he's a good sport. He'll have to look out or Raiger may steal your lipstick and put it on him.