Together

Today we celebrate
Twenty-eight years
Together

Paths traveled
Unknown destinations
Together

For better, for worse
For richer, for poorer
Together

Joys, sorrows
Mercy, forgiveness
Together

Rend Your Heart

I can't think of a proper superlative to describe how much I marvel at the Bible.

Today I read two different scriptures, which I had probably never before read on the same day. The contrast between the two was striking, and reminded me once again, of the immensity and depth of God's Word.

I've been reading about the various kings during the divided kingdom and read today about Athaliah. She was the widow of Jehoram (king of Judah)and the daughter of wicked Ahab and Jezebel of Israel. Athaliah takes over the throne of Judah when her son is killed. An evil, evil woman, she has all of the royal family (or so she thinks) killed. Unbeknownst to her, her baby grandson, Joash, is secreted away to the temple, until he is presented as the rightful king at age seven.

When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people,...she looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, "Treason! Treason!"
2 Kings 11:13-14

Then, during the early years of Joash's reign, the prophet Joel speaks to the nation of Judah. He is telling the people to return to the Lord.

"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.
Joel 2:12-13

I suppose ripping your clothes would help get some of your frustration out. But, think how much harder it is to rend your heart. God is always asking us to go beyond "simple" outward tasks and change our hearts. What a tall order that takes an entire lifetime to attempt!

The Men in My Life

On this Father's Day, I have been thinking of the men in my life.

One great grandfather taught me left from right.

Another great grandfather bought his bride-to-be a beautiful watch for Christmas in 1901, which I now have and cherish.

My maternal grandfather opened up the world of flowers to me.

My paternal grandfather taught me that bigger is not always better when it comes to gifts.

My dad taught me to appreciate music, art, history, conversation, and the Western sky.

My husband made me his bride twenty-eight years ago, and now travels the road of parenting with me.

Our son daily shows me true examples of patience and forgiveness.

My heavenly Father perfectly loves imperfect me, and patiently guides my stumblings and gropings.

I would not be me without the men in my life. Happy Father's Day to you all!

(note: The old men in the photo are not related to me in any way and are not to be confused with the men mentioned in my post!)

Do Hard Things

Last week, our local newspaper had its weekly column where respondents are selected arbitrarily and asked a question. "What do you most look forward to after graduating?" was asked of a local high school's seniors. Three of the six respondents answered, in some fashion, "Getting out of my house." The other three answered with a variation of, "Going to college."

Our son is nearly 14, and entering high school (at home) in the fall. I know he may very well be singing a different tune four years from now. But this past weekend, he spent time helping at the Rebelution conference in Denver. He was setting up, tearing down, checking bathrooms after the breaks, etc. He enjoyed the 90 minute sermon by Mr. Harris. He took notes during part of the twins' talks. He started reading their book, Do Hard Things, on the way home in the car.

It is my fervent prayer that our son continues to grow in his faith. That when he graduates from high school, he will be eager for the next step in his life. But it is also my prayer that he will have good memories associated with his home and won't feel the need to tell anyone that he can't wait to move out.

(photo is of our son, in the middle, with Brett and Alex Harris)