Judgment

As a typical female, I am quick to analyze and judge. I know, it's a sinful habit. It's amazing how much I am not privy to,and how little of the "whole picture" I really see. I love it when I am reminded of this, though. I am often offered a new perspective, and I hope that each of these new "perspectives" remind and enable me to be less and less judgmental. Besides, it's most often not my job (though it can be a great occupier of time)!

Newest situation from which to draw "perspective"...

Child screaming in a store

Child sticking entire arm in a bulk foods flour barrel

...My initial judgment is a child out of control and a horrible parent!

Enlightened thought...

It could be a brand new foster Mom who is only just finding out about this behavior and will immediately deal with it...even while she knows that everyone is looking at her with disgust and judgment (as I would have, had I not been aware of the situation...on second thought, just as she would have had she not just been enlightened as well)!

She, of all people, deserves and needs some understanding!

John 7:24

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

Friendship

Praise the Lord for friendship!

What would I do without my friends...old and new? Today I was finally able to speak with a friend I haven't been in contact with for a couple of years. It was so refreshing and encouraging. It seems I have so little time to talk with friends, let alone get together with them. I know it is a priority I have to make, I'm just not sure where the time will come from. Each time I have the opportunity, I come away refreshed and encouraged...I hope they do too! Thankfully, a few of my closest friends don't allow me to remain in my own world for too long...you know who you are!

So, to all my friends out there...I love you and thank the Lord for you!

May He be glorified through our friendships!

Praise the Lord!!!

Yesterday we heard the news...

The school manager called to inform me that a spot had opened up in the second grade class. Scott and I, as well as extended family, had been praying for this for months! Our youngest had been accepted and there was even a place for our middle child. We were fifth on the waiting list for our oldest. Humanly speaking, it was almost certain that she would not get a spot. When families get into this school, very few leave. However, we knew that we served a powerful, sovereign God. We prayed and prayed, asking for God's hand in this matter if this is where He wanted her. While His answer to our prayers doesn't always align with our plans or desires, in this matter it did!

We are so thankful and rejoice in this answered prayer! Our prayer now is that each of the girls will find friends who know and love Jesus too! We also pray that they will be a light in their school!

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

How Time Flies..............

Lately, weddings are a time to feel old. Although much has happened in the past ten years, in my mind I am still barely a young adult. Feeling this, at the age of 27! While I'm not officially OLD, neither am I officially a YOUNG lady. I'm just a plain lady...oh to be as sophisticated as that sounds.

Anyway...one of my cousins got married last weekend. His older brother was married the year before. The problem is that I can remember them as toddlers! It's hard to imagine that our times of playing "dead cow" and homemade "lunchables" is long past. I remember when I was a teenager and they looked up to me. Everything I said and did was "cool" to them. Oh to have them so easily impressed now :) ! They especially liked it when I came home from a summer at Camp Tadmor and taught them a few new catch phrases such as "Hoser" and "Whoa, to the..."! We had many great times...tons of game nights peeking out of bed to get licorice, letting Rory drive Grandpa and Grandma's Blazer and blaring the music of a crazy song that I can't even recall at the moment, playing Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega in the basement...tons of memories I will cherish.

That seems like a decade ago, oh it was actually longer ago than that. They are all grown up now and beginning lives on their own. While they no longer see me as a cool teenage cousin, I know that when I think about them, I will always see them as my adorable little cousins. My prayer is that the Lord will bless their marriages and future families as they seek Him!

Welcome to the family Dani!