family

Listening to: A Day Late -Anberlin
Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-25 

 Oh...the conversations we have at the dinner table at my grandparents' house. Not blog appropriate in the least! But...entertaining. Every Friday night for the last several years we all go over to my granparents' house for dinner. And I love it! I love sitting on the counter while Meme cooks. I love listening to Lisa and Danae howl (because "laugh" doesn't even begin to cover it) uncontrollably. I love that no matter what it is my grandpa hears me say his response is always, "What? You have a boyfriend?" And as much as I HATE admitting this...I love that Brian always has something to say. It makes life interesting.

 Yesterday, on the way home I was thinking about how life is changing and I'm growing up...about how I can't wait to lug my own family over to Meme and Papa's for dinner on Friday nights. I get excited when I think about how Lisa, Danae and I are going to have our own families and bring them back to the place where our lives started and our hearts were nourished. I can just see us all grown up sitting around the table and listening to our own kids howl uncontrollably or see them sit on the same counter where we sat while someone cooks dinner. (Meme, I hope for your sake that we have enough decency not to make you cook for the rest of your life ;)

 So in short I love my family...my loud, obnoxious, passionate, creative, loving, unique family. We get on each other's nerves and hurt each other's feelings. But I don't think any group of people love each other more than we do. I can't wait for the things God has in store for my family...for the people He'll add to it and the love we'll give them. Being a part of this crazy family of mine is an experience indeed...They've taught me how to love. And how not to do some things too. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Because of them I know how to love and be loved. And I can't wait to pass on that legacy to my own someday soon.

miley

Listening to: Umbrella (Christ Mix) -Coffey Anderson
Pondering: going on medical missions in the future with my bestie!

He sits at his table, drinks coffee and reads the newspaper everyday...and we talk. Most of the time about the weather, how well he played pool the night before or how our days are going. But one day, the conversation became theological.

Human depravity.

I explained to him that we were created in the image of God but that through sin, that image has been marred. Miley seemed disturbed and shared with me that he really didn't think there was a God...So I've been praying for him and have continued talking to him about it.

For Christmas I bought him a set of pool-ball ornaments. When I gave him the bag on Christmas Eve, he was surprised and told me he felt guilty because he hadn't gotten me a present...I told him that I wasn't mad at him, but that he could make it up to me by coming to Christmas Eve Service at my church. Sly ;)

He didn't come, but that's ok. I believe that one day, he's going to see the truth whether he goes to church or not.

I told my mom and sister over lunch on Wednesday that he hadn't been coming in lately and that I really hoped he was ok. And then...as we were walking out of the store later, I saw him!

We talked for awhile and he got to meet my mom and sister.  I had the opportunity to tell him that I was not only praying for him - but that my family was too. What a beautiful thing to be able to tell someone! That people he hadn't met before, knew his name and were praying for him. He seemed pleased that we were and even told me that maybe one day I'd hear him knocking on the church window. I'm so honored and humbled that God would use me to bring truth into Miley's life...What an opportunity!

So until Miley opens his heart to God, I'll be praying...and watching for an old man peeking through the church window.

watching for snow!

Listening to: What Have I Done -Adie Camp
Outstanding Quote: A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success. -Doug Larson



 This is how I found my little sister yesterday morning...how adorable is that?!? I asked her what she was doing and she replied, "Watching for snow Kimberly!!!" She was all bundled up ready to frolic at the first sight of it...too cute.