Spring!!! And the big payoff

Spring is just exhilarating to me, simply put. And here are some of the reasons why... in picture form ...from our property.

I know right!

So in honor of the first day of Spring we threw a little shin dig at our place, ate some good food, planted some seeds with the kids, watched the Duke vs Michigan State game, and the kids graced us with an amazing puppet show after which we attempted to get a group photo.

The blue-haired whale (aka Greyson)

Response to the Blue Haired Whale

"Did my kid just say that?"

So the real big payoff is the amazing community of people we are blessed to journey with right now BUT I wanted to show you the fruits of our lawn redo labor. If you remember, last spring we put some serious sweat and tears into redoing our front lawn. Here is the big payoff...glorious isn't it? We've had fun running around barefoot in it and rolling around too. Good stuff.

Spring 2010

Spring 2011

The Man behind the Green

A Stirring

I'm not sure when it began. Probably years ago the initial "seeds were sown" as they say. Then a little experience here, something I read there, a conversation. But it feels like it is all coming to a head, the pot has reached its boiling point.


What is it going to look like? I honestly don't know. 
What changes will need to be made? Again, not completely clear. 
Is this a "calling" of sorts? At this point that is hard to doubt. 
Too many coincidences. Too much restlessness.


Those of you who do believe in God know what this feels like (or I hope you do). That nagging, tugging, whisper in your soul. That sense of urgency, of purpose.


In an attempt at transparency I will try to explain in the most non-cryptic way I can. But bear with me because these things are still being worked out in the deepest parts of me.

Things I know:
1. I have not been content in a very long time with my faith and living it out genuinely
2. I have been disillusioned with "the church" as an institution for many years
3. I have struggled with our way of life, comfortable in the suburbs
4. I have been frustrated with seeming lack of time, energy, resources I have to devote to anything other than my day to day stuff
5. I have been living in the universe as it pertains to me
6. I haven't done anything truly uncomfortable in a long time
7. I love people
8. I believe God has called me to love people
9. I believe that part of loving them is helping to meet their needs
10. I believe we are meant to live in community


Things I don't know:
1. What does living in true community mean for me and my family?
2. How much should we give up?
3. Where do we need to be more uncomfortable?
4. Where can we serve together as a family?
5. Where do we start?


In the last post I shared about our Lent fast and said I'd keep you posted. Well, this is where it has brought me in just seven days. Questioning our entire way of living. Does it scare me? Oh Yeah. Does it excite me? Yes, in a way. (But more scares me at this point.) I can't imagine what will be revealed or asked of me by day 46.


I shared a song with a friend before Lent began and it speaks so loudly to me now


"If I saw You on the street

And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams

Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me

If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering"

-Sidewalk Prophets

I want to be moved, I want to be consumed. But if the price is everything? Am I ready for that? I'd like to think so. 

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner"

Ash Wednesday

Last night we feasted at Copeland's: crawfish etouffee, crab and corn bisque, cheesecake, and lots of beads were involved.
Today we reflect. We've decided for Lent this year to do a family "spending fast". Yep, Monday through Saturday absolutely no spending money, until Easter. (unless the car runs out of gas, or eggs are needed for cooking =) Then we're going to find a special use for the money that we save in the next 46 days. Hopefully we won't go wild every Sunday when we break our fast for the Sabbath day.
It has been great the last few years incorporating some of the liturgical holidays into our evangelical system. I think this year will teach us a lot.
I read a blog post today that quoted St Augustine and I think is going to be my meditation this lenten season.
"May I know You, who know me."
The rain is falling, thundering crashing outside, I'm cozy on the sofa. It's a perfect day for reflection and meditation. Will keep you posted as we get ready for Easter.

The hope of spring

Life from death. That is the hope of spring and that is what I have been clinging to this whole month. And I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last posted. February was just as challenging as January but there is still light.
We had many celebrations between Valentine's Day, Winter Break, and Tim's 33rd Birthday. I would like to share it all but as usual there is not enough time.Valentine's Day is best served in pictures.

.

Winter Break we were able to have a get away to Callaway Gardens. There we were able to have some much needed family time, get in some successful geocaching, and be inspired by the amazing plant and animal life. Definitely began our spring fever.

Cache #1

Cache #2

Cache #3

Cache #4

So Beautiful!!!

Tim's birthday was a multiple day event. He and I were able to have a wonderful date night, fancy dinner, really hip exhibits (Dialogue in the Dark and Bodies at Atlantic Station). Then the kids and I treated him to free pancake day at IHOP and made him the traditional sports inspired "cake".
I love these pictures from the last 3 years taken in the same place in our house.

31st...Basketball Cake...Jadyn 2y

32nd...baseball cupcakes...Jadyn 3y

33rd...soccer ball cookies...Jadyn 4y, Isaiah 1y

Lots to come, hopefully I can keep up. Until then.