Turning 7

Hi friends,

Nick turned 7 today and for some reason it really struck me. Maybe because 7 sounds so much "bigger" to me than 6. Maybe because he is so much bigger than the 4 lbs. 8 oz. he was when I first met him face to face. Maybe it's because he's has freckles across his nose just like I did when I was 7. Maybe it's because I worried so much when he was baby and now he's slowly making his way in the world. Maybe it's because I struggled so much in my relationship with him and now we've reached a beautiful place. Maybe it's simply because it's going so fast. I know everyone warned me that this would happen but in the craziness of three little boys and the chaos of life I don't think I really believed them. In fact, I couldn't wait for this day! My kids are all potty-trained, sleeping through the night and eating on their own - glorious day! And it is - I'm in a new season, not longing for the old one but wanting more desperately not to miss this one. I long to thrive and not just survive.

My boys spent most of their day running around the house with water guns, making mud and riding bikes. To be totally honest, I sat on my porch and shed tears. It was one of those days when you get a glimpse of how absolutely blessed you are and you are undone by the thought. Motherhood is so messy but it is glorious because God is here. He loved me first, I am His child. And now that I have my own children He is present in the mess, the exhaustion, the laundry, the plugged toilets, the birthdays, the laughter and the children's arms around my neck. Over the past 7 years I have felt close to Him and I have felt far but the truth is that He is always right here, filling my home and my life.

I am blessed beyond measure, overflowing.

(A song that I have been starting my day with - love it!! 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman)

What Is Going On?: The Beauty of God's Story

So my life has been a little crazy lately.

In most ways it's been the usual craziness but there's been added elements that have had me looking at the sky going, "God, what are You doing?" And I can just picture Him in heaven shaking His head and chuckling at me.

"Oh Christine, if you only knew it would knock your socks off. I am intricately working all of these stories together into my perfect big story. I know from your perspective it looks like a mess but from up here, it's beautiful!"

And I wonder, if I tried to figure it out or tried to manipulate it all to the outcome I think would be best, would it be? Or what if I thought I knew what was coming and then missed what actually came?

Because I do that. I'm just like Jesus' disciples. Walking into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday thinking that Jesus is going to kick Roman butt and I'm going to rule beside Him only to find myself running and hiding on Friday as my King is crucified and I am totally confused.

They had their own ideas about God's plans and at times I do too. And it can blind me to what He is actually doing. The disciples witnessed the pinnacle of human history, the centerpiece of the Story and most of them missed it out of fear and confusion.

I have to ask myself, am I listening? Am I living open handed, ready to do as He wills or am I clinging tightly to my plan, trying to make it work?

He's right. I don't always see it. From down here it looks like a huge mess at times. And it leaves me shaking my head and chuckling. "Oh Lord, what are You up to now?" I really have no other choice but to trust Him and keep walking and wait for the surprise. He is the great Story Writer after all.

Great Kids Books

Every Christmas Andy and I try to get each of our kids a book. But not just any book. We really want to find one that has meaning and longevity, something that our kids will remember and we can someday pass down to our grandchildren. This usually proves to be quite a difficult task. My mom has already given my kids all the great Robert McCloskey books and we haven't quite reached the Chronicles of Narnia level.

But this past Christmas I hit the jackpot. I found these:








They are well written stories that teach awesome doctrinal truths. Each book has stimulated great conversation in our house with our three sons (ages 7, 5, 3) who love the stories and illustrations. Check them out! (R.C. Sproul has other kids books as well and more on the way....yay! I'm all set for Christmas this year too!)

If you click on the books it should link you to Amazon. I ordered my from the Westminster Seminary bookstore (wtsbooks.com) which is another great resource for good books.