Project 365, Week 4

Last January went by so slowly, in contrast this one has flown by! Work has definitely ramped up, but we're pacing ourselves and counting our many blessings.

January 18

Worked out, showered, house picked up, breakfast made, toddler fed and bathed and his laundry done, packed up and ready for work, out the door at 730am to drive 30 minutes to meet his mom. After waiting in the empty parking lot for as long as I could it became clear she'd overslept, so we headed back. I was a little irritated, but honestly, I had such a sweet time talking with both Jesus and Dakota that I was glad for the ride. (Thankfully, the kids were off of school, so I dropped him at home after waking up Avery and was able to get to work.)

On this MLK Day, I was reminded of a quote by Dr King's daughter: Love puts in work. Action is required beyond voting, beyond posting a quote. Jesus' way is one of justice and love, faith and works. And sometimes its messy...first and foremost within me...as I die to my own selfish instincts and desire for comfort, as I work to become more just and loving. And second, without us, as we try, as a society to slowly but surely put things how they were first intended to be.

Thank you, God for grace on this day and for the things you use to make me more like you.

January 19

If it hadn't been the DMV, I would've thought for sure it was the set of a comedy show. Just wow. But...my license is good for many years now!

January 20

Such an enchanting morning with a light dusting of snow.

January 21

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a 

long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being.

 Romans 1:19-20

The day Amanda has been waiting a very long time for...her room getting painted in the color she picked out. It was not as peaceful as this photo makes it look, but it is done.

January 22

The sky was so pretty as I was leaving work.

Youth group was streamed as they held a special send-off/welcome service for the youth pastors. For six years Kendra and Sterling have lead the youth.  We're so very grateful for the influence and impact they have had on our kids and so many others. They love big and wide.

What stuck out to me is how quick they were to give others credit. Thy were genuinely humble, even when it was their moment to shine they jumped to point out where others had supported them, worked with them, helped them. 

We're excited about the new roles they'll have in the church and excited for the new ideas and energy the new youth pastor brings. What a beautiful thing it is to see a life yielded to God, one that says God, steal my show...make of my life more than I could ever do in my own striving. Take my life so that what I do now will hold an eternal weight.

January 23

Its that time of year...weekly ironing. I don't know what Shaun's favorite color it, but based on this collection I have a guess.

The last Saturday for a while that we're all just hanging out. It was lovely to get the time together. I saw the beautiful light coming in (January does a really nice job with that) and snapped an everyday-life photo.

This husband/wife duo, both beloved pastors at our church and amazing humans in life, have moved on to a new church. This weekend they came back as guest speakers for our mission emphasis month. It was SO good to see them again!

January 24

Time at the office with my guys. Aiden came to clean and earn money and Shaun got a few projects done. Just a few more months in this tiny space before we move.

The girls were cleaning/organizing their rooms and got sidetracked with a makeup session using new products they'd gotten for Christmas. It was so heart-warming to watch them enjoying each other's company and a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Reminded me of another makeup kit they got years ago for Christmas. Please tell me how the days add up to years, suddenly getting us from there to here. I'm blown away that I get to be their mom. What a gift!

Walks with my little guy. We have the most interesting, thought-provoking, meaningful-to-life conversations.

And with my big guy, drawing up floor plans for the new office, making decisions that will be in place for many years to come.