9 months and other things

What did we do this weekend?

Relax. :)

Yes, the sun was not out.  I was sunbathing in the shade.  It was 108 degrees, so I pretended I was getting a tan.

Chet and I spent our third anniversary early in Lubbock for the weekend.  It was a wonderful little break from the many things we have going on.  We even managed to not bring our laptop! 

We spent Holden's ninth month in heaven in Lubbock.  As always, time markers are bittersweet.  For our second anniversary, we talked about it being our last one as "just us".  It is still difficult for me to understand why the Lord made this our journey.  It can be very easy to get the in the mindset of, "We love kids so much and would make better parents than so-and-so..."  But I am quickly reminded that His plans are greater than our plans, a topic of discussion for us this weekend.  I am really working on being thankful for this journey.  Having joy restored and being thankful are two completely different things, I have learned.  Kelly's ministry is something I meditate on each day, "Because your love is better than life [even the life of our son on earth], my lips will glorify you." Psalm 63:3

Freedom is not free.  I was humbled to remember this yesterday.  As Chet and I woke up next to each other, late for a day off work, I was reminded of why we could do that.  I challenge anyone to google "fallen soldier".  Then google the images to go along with that.  I know that sounds morbid of me...but I believe we all need a [painful, stark and sadly real] reminder of what a BLESSING it is live in the United States of America.  A thank you is definitely not enough.  But it's a start.  Do something for a fellow soldier today; he or she may die for you tomorrow.

The upcoming Holden Uganda 5K Family Fun Run/Walk in Fayetteville, North Carolina is going to be amazing!!  Amy completely got me fired up about it, and I am SO glad we will have the registration page up on our website next week!!  After hearing the many stories Amy shared about how God is orchestrating every little detail, I couldn't help but smile the whole night thinking about it all.  I mean, there was a plan in Amy's life three years ago that was preparing her to lead this run!  Alpha and Omega and everything in between.

I haven't thanked our dear friends in a while.  I want to do that again and just tell you that love and support are priceless, and even more so when an earth shattering event happens.  You have walked alongside us, even when it is a really awful burden to carry most of the time.  We discussed the Church in Acts in our small group study this evening, and I kept thinking of you all.  Thank you.

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death.  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and will deliver us again.  On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.  Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.  2 Corinthians 1:9-11