SHALOM

{photo date should read 03/25/2011}

We spent last week at Shalom with John & Grace. We had great opportunity to reflect on life. Shalom really does live up to its name - peace. Not by coincidence, but because two faithful, prayerful, God-fearing people have dedicated their lives to Christ. They inspire me to be better...for that I'm grateful.

Good Times

My sister-in-law, niece, and nephews (one of which is brand new, born a couple weeks after Alivia) have come to visit. So exciting to see them.
Cousins who missed each other now playing & laughing together.
A beautiful friend's wedding!!
Zebras, Cows & Newborn twin goats.
Alivia was born 2 months ago today.
Sunday lunch w/ wonderful neighbors.
Shalom Ministries in Mound City, KS all next week for some good ol' family time.
Seeing my sister, niece & nephews while we're there & them meeting Alivia for the first time.

God has given me life and it is good.

     John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

Choices

     Relationships are an area that requires people to be intentional. Anything that involves another human being takes work. Too often we become lazy in our relationships with one another. Being a wife & mother are just a couple relationships in my life that require me to choose the other person over myself. Marriage isn't always an easy task. Much change has to take place within myself and I don't always find that kind of change too exciting. Being a mother tends to come naturally for me...most of the time. Sometimes I grow weary of taking care of people who need me everyday. My efforts and willingness to work at a relationship are challenged when things are not easy-when problems arise within one of these relationships and I see who I really am in the midst of conflict.
     I've recognized times where I can be more intentional with my wonderful husband and children. More and more I have understood why love is a choice, especially in marriage. When I've had an argument with my husband or I feel unappreciated, it's easier to be cold than to love. When it seems that every ounce of myself has been used up in a day and my children ask me to play a game or read a story, it takes some effort to spend time with them in that moment. I don't want to lose the opportunity to build these relationships. I can't say that I succeed each time because, lets face it - selfishness gets in the way. No one said relationships would be easy. At the end of the day when everyone is sleeping peacefully in their beds, I'm reminded of the calling I've been given as wife & mom. I become humbled and grateful at the vast responsibility I've been given and I strive to exchange my coldness for love & my selfishness for willingness the next time around.

Coming Together for a Common Goal

I wanted my first post on this blog to be an 'introduction' post, but I was inspired to go a different route.
This morning I was watching The Biggest Loser. There was a challenge where the entire blue team had to work together to pull a rope covered in dirt (not an easy task) across the finish line in order to receive a 5lb advantage or a 5lb disadvantage if they didn't make it in the allotted time. As I watched this group of people struggling together, I became overwhelmed with emotion. The very same people whom the week before were Black vs. Red and were very much separate teams came together in that moment. The fight and perseverance they had in them to press on together was inspiring. I was reminded of  the message from church last night, to be in covenant with one another-to just be there for each other and Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I was able to imagine and see what life could be like when we all come together for one common goal. What it looks like to be a holy people striving for the prize together with no concern for position, just a team. I realized that I'm not alone in this journey called life and I'm so grateful for that.