Shooting the Wounded

I've been really burdened the last few weeks. God keeps bringing friends across my path who have been wounded. These are strong believers who have been betrayed by other believers. For really stupid reasons. (Is it okay for me to say that?)

Their stories aren't my story to tell. But my heart breaks as I watch them keep their heads high and grieve. Because the world is watching. And those whose faith may not be mature enough to understand are left wondering what in the world is going on.

Why is it that Christians seem to be the only ones who shoot their wounded? Why do churches sometimes seem to put so much emphasis on evangelism (a good and Godly thing) while those within the family are broken and left to their own grief?

I have no good answers. But I have to believe that God is crying right now along with us. Not only at the brokenness of my friends, but the way other believers have been the cause of that brokenness. (And the lack of repentance over the sin that caused all this pain in the first place.)

All I know is that I'm ready for the Lord's return. And in the meantime, I will try to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.

Cynthia

I've been praying about who God is putting in my life. What person needs a little bit of kindness in God's name? Who is the person I rub shoulders with on a regular basis, that with a little bit of effort, I could build a relationship?

The answer came in an unlikely place. Cynthia. The cookie lady. (You know...when you take a weekly trip through Wal-Mart with a two-year-old who may or may not cooperate...you can always bribe them with a free cookie at the bakery when they're good!)

Week after week, she smiles and greets Annie as she hands out a cookie and a brief conversation. Last week, the conversation suddenly became much more personal. I learned a lot about Cynthia and her family. A lot of areas for prayer and concern. And a chance for me to just love on her.

Just as I'm beginning to really feel a connection, and an excitement about where God is leading this, Cynthia shares that this week will be her last. She's moving home to Nashville at the end of this week.

So tomorrow will be my last Tuesday morning shopping trip to see sweet Cynthia. I know that she'll be spreading sunshine wherever she goes. And I know God has someone else waiting just around the corner.

In the meantime, Annie and I put together a little farewell gift for Cynthia as she goes back to her home in Tennessee. Annie put in her favorite Chinese cookies (it only seemed appropriate); a notepad that says "Don't Forget"; a planter with some forget-me-not seeds. I hope Cynthia knows that she and her family will continue to be in our prayers. Every time we get a cookie!

Oom-Pah

I give a lot of updates on the girls, and the occasional one about me...but what exactly has Dan been doing with his time? And why is there a sousaphone and a marching tuba in my already crowded house?

Dan was able to march with the Omaha Railmen the last year that particular drum corps was in existence. This year, they are marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Corps with an alumni performance in July. Since November, Dan has given up one weekend a month to brush up his tuba chops and prepare for the performance. Dayna got to go along on Sunday and took some great pictures.

Play Dough Night

On a random whim, Dayna and Dan decided to have a Play Dough competition after dinner last week. As someone who is artistically challenged, I'm truly impressed by what they can do.

Dayna's hen

Fruit Baskets (complete with wine bottle , sparkling grape juice and French bread )

The Safest Place?

I'm sure I've heard more than once in my life that the safest place to be is in God's hands. Another variation is that the safest place to be is in the middle of God's will.

Really?

Because sometimes, I think it's flat-out terrifying.

I know that God will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast. I know that He will raise us up on eagle's wings. I know that He is an eternal refuge. I know that He leaves peace with us - not as the world gives.

But when we're in the center of His will, we're vulnerable to attack - whether it's our own anxieties or attacks from Satan himself. The center of His will is where the storm will rage.

I'm not in the middle of a raging storm right now, but I'm certain I'm in His will - and I'm bracing myself for what may come. I sent a letter today. In it, I submitted my official resignation for the job I was offered 2 weeks before my wedding. The job I trained for since I was five years old. The job I loved.

But about 3 years ago, it was made clear that I needed to step back. I took two years' leave of absence. In those years, God has made it clear that I'm not supposed to return. And so today, I signed and sealed the letter (and made Dan put it in the mail - no turning back.)

It's scary. I had the opportunity to return - full salary and benefits. We'd be able to make ends meet again (and maybe even get ahead!) But at what cost to our family? God's provided for our family the last two years without that salary or those benefits. But I will never be able to replace this time with our family. And my emotional state when I'm with them is so much better than it has been in years. I know for a time I was called to work full-time outside the home. And those days (for now) are over.

The day may come again when I stand in front of "my" students in "my" classroom, teaching "my" plans - but for now, it's okay to borrow someone else's students, classroom and plans - to say goodbye at the end of the day - and to be able to give all of me to my family.

I'm scared. I've left behind "earthly" security. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt this is God's will.

Annie's First Trip to the Amanas

We took Annie on her longest road trip yet - about 5 1/2 hours to Cedar Rapids to see 2/3 of the Overmann family (Rebecca was at the Big XII Basketball tourney cheering on the victorious Iowa State Cyclones.) We think she'll be ready for a West Coast trip this summer!

Ready to go

Make that two of them

Ready for an Amana Breakfast

Let the food coma commence

Two of the best daddies in the world

The guys' favorite part - taking the little one back to the house to watch sports while the rest of the girls go shopping.

2014 Fine Arts Festival

Despite not feeling well, Dayna made a great showing at the auditions for Ashland's Fine Arts Festival again this year. She took Best of Show in the piano category and demonstrated such poise. Her hard work definitely paid off. This is her audition video: