Miracle

I know I posted a link to Sarah and Joel's blog a few weeks ago, but I'm doing it again today: http://joelandsarahsjourney.wordpress.com.

You see, these aren't just people in my hometown. These are dear friends of ours, and to see them have to continually battle for health not only breaks my heart but it stirs up a righteous anger. This is not how it should be.

I cannot say enough about Sarah. Her blog is just a glimpse of the resilient, tender, determined, fierce, faithful woman that she is. She stands for her husband in a way that many people don't dare to do - and why shouldn't she? Our God is the God of miracles. As her recent post says, He is the God who parted the Red Sea, and He's the God who a month ago saved Joel's life once again. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And day by day, He's giving this family the grace and strength to battle another day, and another day, and another day.

I ask you to pray for Joel. I ask you to dare to stand in full faith that this man will be healed, fully, completely. Come boldly before the throne of our merciful God and ask for restoration for this family. Be part of the army that has arisen to surround this family in prayer. And then, in the end, when he returns home, you'll know you had a part in one of the most powerful stories you've ever witnessed unfold.

Birthdays... belated!

Is it... July?

I realized it had been a "while" since my last post, but apparently it's been quite a while. A LOT has happened in the last few months, and we've had a fun time celebrating a season of family birthdays. Here we go, with throwback photos from the glory days of 2008, simply because I stumbled onto them today:

My sister-in-law, KRP, had a March birthday. She, by her very nature, is an encourager. Kimberly Renee, I am thankful for you!

This hottie celebrated the big 3-2 on the very day we left the country for the Middle East. Mr. Park, this is going to be one fantastic year for you, I just know it. You are unbelievably kind, generous, full of vision and passion, and your family adores you.

His father, Papa to our boys, celebrated his birthday while we were overseas. Here's the to man who taught me, among many great things, the pleasure of a breakfast cookie.

And my momma, ooooh where do I even start? Sainthood, I tell you. Sainthood. (And, she's buff.)

And me? I am no longer 30, but am now "in my 30s." Haha!

Also in there, my youngest little sweetie turned six months old, and my eldest is just days from turning two-and-a-half. But those two will have posts of their own, maybe tomorrow? Maybe before August?!

Happy birthday all!

The here and now

So much has happened in the last few weeks, and I plan to write a nice update. But our hearts, thoughts, prayers, tears, and rejoicing in the here and now can be found at: 

http://joelandsarahsjourney.wordpress.com/

God is still the God of miracles, and He's good. If you aren't familiar with their story, please take a moment to invest your heart. 

Out of the mouths of babes

Cue to bedtime tonight.

Me: "Levi, who loves you?"

Levi: "Mama."

Me: "Who else?"

Levi: "Dada."

Me: Who else?"

Levi: "God. Tells heart, right here. (Points to chest.) Says, I love you, Levi."

May that truth be the anchor of his life. 

Big day

My eldest little dude had a big day today! I sent him off to gymnastics with his daddy, and he came home excited to show me:

1. His "tattoos."

2. His ability to do a front roll all by himself.
3. And that he can spell his name. "e.v.i." Pretty close, my little smarty pants!

Way to go, Levi! And, what a great teacher, dad!

Four months!

My little morning glory!
Morning glory is exactly what you are. You wake up, and before doing anything else, you grin. It's like infant-speak for, "Good morning, world!" And that state of mind lasts for the entire day, unless that day contains vaccinations, which are the only days I've seen you upset to date. Sure, you have moments of crying, but even in the middle of tears, you'll stop and smile before remembering you are not happy.

You are so close to rolling over. You arch that back and throw your shoulder, and I've seen you make it all the way over except for the leg, which just can't quite hoist itself over yet. But that day is coming soon, baby dude. Sooner than I'm ready for!

You are a grabber - mama's hair, your paci, your blanket, your outfit, etc. When you are really tired, you want nothing more than to grab my hand as it rests on your chest. It soothes you immediately and you fall asleep. You've started sitting in your bumbo chair, and you love that perspective of the world around you. I know I've commented on your physical strength, and that factor hasn't changed. Even the doctor commented on it during your four-month well-baby visit!

In addition to smiling, you laugh. A lot. And you are a talker. You love to be around people, and you'd much rather fall asleep in the middle of a room with people than by yourself in the quiet. That works out quite well because your brother is not a quiet boy. He is also a talker, and currently a drummer and singer and clapper, so the noise level around here is fairly constant. You are fascinated by him, and if Levi is in the room, your eyes are on him. When I take a shower, I always put him in his crib to read some books, and lately I've started putting you in the same room in a bouncer. I think you both love it - he likes the company, and you love to watch him play. And me? I love to watch you both while remaining out of sight, just savoring these moments.

The older you get, the less you look like your brother at the same age. You still very much resemble each other, and it's clear that you are related, but the identical features are becoming less and less. I love how different you both are in terms of personality already, and I think the physical differences will be fun to observe, too.

Four months. That's one-third of a year. Time is a-flyin'!

Love you so, so, so much little man!
Mama

Wedding

Today, as I watched our friend Jordyn marry the love of her life, who happens to be another friend of ours, I couldn't stop smiling. I've been to a lot of weddings in my day - a lot of beautiful weddings involving people I love dearly. But there was just something different about today that makes it one of my favorite weddings of all time.

After thinking about it, I think the distinguishing factor about this wedding, this union, is the inclusion of the bride's and groom's community and that the personality of today was so them.

The size of the house and wedding parties is obvious evidence that this couple is well-loved and that they love people. Anyone who knows Jordyn and Andrew would say that. But beyond the official support roles of those individuals standing on stage with them, I recognized that there was a less visible army of friends and family who love them so deeply that they would jump in to help and support the couple in any way they could. You could literally feel the spirit of love in that place today. I'm not exaggerating.

I love that there was an air of carefree attitude and celebration today. I love that the wedding was outside, in the wind, in a park with everyday life happening around it. I love that there was no center aisle or dramatic pause at the bride's entrance. I love that one of the groomsmen hit his head on a wire while trying to duck and just kept going. I love that the bridesmaids' dresses were a reflection of their personalities. I love that Jordyn looked blissfully happy as she came down the steps. I love that her parents had to do a little dance to maneuver around her on their way to the stage. I love that the couple publicly honored their parents. I love that Andrew laughed the entire time Jordyn made her way to him because he was so happy and full of joy, and because there were some fun moments. I love that military helicopters flying overhead mid-ceremony didn't throw anyone off. I love that no one took themselves too seriously. I love that Jordyn and Andrew incorporated people who had played an influential role in their relationship into the ceremony. I love that her veil flew off and she didn't skip a beat. I love that the audience ranged from fancy heels and suits to jeans and chacos. I love that there were entire families there, kiddos and all.

I love that today felt meaningful. Many of us in attendance watched them fall in love, and today felt like a day of completion, yet at the same time a new beginning.

Jordyn, you were a stunning bride. We couldn't be happier for you both. Congratulations, Franklins!