Max Lucado tells the tale of the man whose horse ran away and his neighbors loudly bemoaned his loss. The worn farmer merely says, “We’ll see.”
When the horse surprisingly returns the next day, leading with him three wild horses, the neighbors extol such bountiful blessing. To which the wrinkled sage merely says, “We’ll see.”
Not so many days later, the son of the farmer was laid up with a broken leg, the result of trying to break in one of the undomesticated horses. Neighbors offer their condolences on such a bad turn of events. The farmer responds characteristically, “We’ll see.”
Shortly thereafter, all the young men in the district were drafted into the state army. Except for the farmer’s son. He was still limping about with a broken leg.
I read this on another blog that was discussing God's goodness and grace in our lives. I love stories that cause our perspective to shift. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13: 12
Eamon had a tremendous day. He was stronger than usual during therapy and full of joy. He simply spent the day smiling, chatting, and letting out his little laugh. He responded to everyone who spoke to him. God showed his goodness, clearly, today.
But the truth is God's goodness is always present, even when I can not see. It is his character to be loving and good to us. Therefore, regardless of the day Eamon is having God remains the same. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8
As for tomorrow, we will see.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Imitators
Myles just loves his dad. This love is evidenced by how often he tries to imitate David. This week, in particular, I have so enjoyed watching Myles.
Early each morning Myles tells me he has to do his "work out" - so, out the back door he goes (in pj's and crocs) to perform some interesting moves on the swing set. Myles knows his daddy, he works out early each morning.
David is quite the fan of Formula 1 racing. To hear Myles report the results of qualifying and tell me who is "on pole" (?), just to pronounce the names of the drivers - shows me that Myles is a keen observer wanting to have dialogue with his dad.
Myles proudly wears his Keen sandals - just like his dad's. David is totally impressed with the many wonderful features of said sandals. And, Myles has embraced theses ideas just because he trusts his dad's opinions.
I was looking out the window tonight as David mowed the lawn and who should I see following right behind - Myles, with his own mower. I tried desperately to capture on camera the touching scene. Father and son, working alongside each other, basking in the evening sun's glow - truly a feast for my eyes! But alas, I am the worst photographer known to man. So use your imagination here - Myles following after his daddy, glad to be in his presence and willing to go where he leads.
All this, reminded me that if I claim to love God, my Father in Heaven, then shouldn't I be doing as Myles: loving, knowing, dialoguing, trusting and following after.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love... Ephesians 5:1
So, my Gift List continues - pressing on to 1,000 listed for my eyes to see and my heart to feel:
101. My David, a daddy worthy of being imitated.
Early each morning Myles tells me he has to do his "work out" - so, out the back door he goes (in pj's and crocs) to perform some interesting moves on the swing set. Myles knows his daddy, he works out early each morning.
David is quite the fan of Formula 1 racing. To hear Myles report the results of qualifying and tell me who is "on pole" (?), just to pronounce the names of the drivers - shows me that Myles is a keen observer wanting to have dialogue with his dad.
Myles proudly wears his Keen sandals - just like his dad's. David is totally impressed with the many wonderful features of said sandals. And, Myles has embraced theses ideas just because he trusts his dad's opinions.
I was looking out the window tonight as David mowed the lawn and who should I see following right behind - Myles, with his own mower. I tried desperately to capture on camera the touching scene. Father and son, working alongside each other, basking in the evening sun's glow - truly a feast for my eyes! But alas, I am the worst photographer known to man. So use your imagination here - Myles following after his daddy, glad to be in his presence and willing to go where he leads.
All this, reminded me that if I claim to love God, my Father in Heaven, then shouldn't I be doing as Myles: loving, knowing, dialoguing, trusting and following after.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love... Ephesians 5:1
So, my Gift List continues - pressing on to 1,000 listed for my eyes to see and my heart to feel:
101. My David, a daddy worthy of being imitated.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Lessons I'm Learning Along the Road
As I go through my days, God seems to illuminate certain ideas. Life, a least mine, is like running in a great race. Long distance vs. sprinting. And so, there are many lessons presented, few are mastered, most are a work-in-progress.
Patience
Maeve serves as a fine example of this virtue. I've shared how she enjoys working with Eamon during therapy. I realized she has the ability to wait on her brother. She loves him so purely, making no demands or setting any type of time constraint. She simply allows him opportunity to respond. Stopping, waiting, being still. It is here that I can see with clarity and hear the voice of truth.
The theme of waiting and trusting keeps resurfacing - God's way of driving a point home for me. I have been reading from Streams in the Desert, the classic devotional, and so worth a read . It was originally written in 1925, but is relevant for today. It is amazingly contemporary, speaking directly into my current situation, only as God's word could. Proof that the word of God is "living and active".
The Language of Love
Loving Eamon transcends my knowledge of "love". The love I've known before was mostly a give and take. Eamon exudes love, and I marvel how easy it is for me to feel well-connected to our little man. He doesn't give back the "normal' hugs, kisses, coos or a consistent smile that intimate love for another. The miracle is that it is not required. We can communicate deeply through a gaze, touch, whisper, or grunt. Spirit to Spirit.
He is a magnet for children. They are drawn to his presence because God holds Eamon in a place of peace. Mary, the late daughter of Eamon's physical therapist, had many obvious needs and traveled with lots of bells and whistles - much like my Eamon. Mary was on a family outing at the Boardwalk. People seemed to be staring in a way that made her older brother uncomfortable. He asked their mother if it bothered her that people so rudely invaded their time with glares. Her response was telling. She kindly told her son not to worry, and to let Mary do her thing - teaching, offering love and acceptance, and sharing joy. Eamon needs little introduction. His little life beckons us to all that is good, pure and lovely. What a gift!
Perfection
Eamon's life challenges my ideas of perfection. Who determines what is the ideal, or whose life has the most merit. God holds the scale - and Eamon fits perfectly in his balance.
I tend to be a perfectionist, a goal completely impossible to attain. I like to control all aspects of life. Having Eamon has required that I give up, to some degree, control. Ultimately all to God, who can do a much better job than I, but it's a challenge for me. There is tremendous freedom in giving it all over to God - and so, I am working to do so more consistently.
I'm so thankful that God uses my children to teach me. May I be a quick study!
Patience
Maeve serves as a fine example of this virtue. I've shared how she enjoys working with Eamon during therapy. I realized she has the ability to wait on her brother. She loves him so purely, making no demands or setting any type of time constraint. She simply allows him opportunity to respond. Stopping, waiting, being still. It is here that I can see with clarity and hear the voice of truth.
The theme of waiting and trusting keeps resurfacing - God's way of driving a point home for me. I have been reading from Streams in the Desert, the classic devotional, and so worth a read . It was originally written in 1925, but is relevant for today. It is amazingly contemporary, speaking directly into my current situation, only as God's word could. Proof that the word of God is "living and active".
The Language of Love
Loving Eamon transcends my knowledge of "love". The love I've known before was mostly a give and take. Eamon exudes love, and I marvel how easy it is for me to feel well-connected to our little man. He doesn't give back the "normal' hugs, kisses, coos or a consistent smile that intimate love for another. The miracle is that it is not required. We can communicate deeply through a gaze, touch, whisper, or grunt. Spirit to Spirit.
He is a magnet for children. They are drawn to his presence because God holds Eamon in a place of peace. Mary, the late daughter of Eamon's physical therapist, had many obvious needs and traveled with lots of bells and whistles - much like my Eamon. Mary was on a family outing at the Boardwalk. People seemed to be staring in a way that made her older brother uncomfortable. He asked their mother if it bothered her that people so rudely invaded their time with glares. Her response was telling. She kindly told her son not to worry, and to let Mary do her thing - teaching, offering love and acceptance, and sharing joy. Eamon needs little introduction. His little life beckons us to all that is good, pure and lovely. What a gift!
Perfection
Eamon's life challenges my ideas of perfection. Who determines what is the ideal, or whose life has the most merit. God holds the scale - and Eamon fits perfectly in his balance.
I tend to be a perfectionist, a goal completely impossible to attain. I like to control all aspects of life. Having Eamon has required that I give up, to some degree, control. Ultimately all to God, who can do a much better job than I, but it's a challenge for me. There is tremendous freedom in giving it all over to God - and so, I am working to do so more consistently.
I'm so thankful that God uses my children to teach me. May I be a quick study!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Drum Roll, Please
It amazes me, my eyes seem more open to and aware of the greatness that surrounds me each day. The mundane elevated to the divine!
Ushering in #100 on my Gift List:
91. Sunday afternoon naps
92. Eamon holding his own toy for an extended period of time!
93. Birthday Fun - you can have your cake and eat it, too!
94. Swimming, all day, and never tiring.
95. Imagination - Oh, the places you'll go! Myles is a jellyfish, just in case you couldn't tell.
Ushering in #100 on my Gift List:
91. Sunday afternoon naps
92. Eamon holding his own toy for an extended period of time!
93. Birthday Fun - you can have your cake and eat it, too!
94. Swimming, all day, and never tiring.
94. Jumping, all day, and never tiring.
95. Imagination - Oh, the places you'll go! Myles is a jellyfish, just in case you couldn't tell.
96. Tan lines on little kids.
97. Concerts in the park on summer nights.
98. Good night prayers, kisses and hugs.
99. The smell of clean laundry.
100! Praise, in all its forms. How it can lift me, change me, ready me for what lies ahead.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
Praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
Praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
Praise him with the harp and lyre,
Praise him with tambourine and dancing,
Praise him with the strings and flute,
Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
Praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Psalm 150
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
It's Official!
Did you see the Seinfeld episode when Elaine is feverishly trying to get her hands on her medical file? Apparently some disparaging comments had been noted there unfairly, at least in her opinion. Well, Eamon's file has been noted, but with news we already knew about our little man, and might I add is true!
The week of Eamon's surgery, I had a phone consult with the anesthesia team. As we were talking about the details surrounding the operation, I mentioned the utter adorableness of my boy. To which, the women noted, "I know. It says so in his chart." We laughed and continued onto more pressing issues.
Recently at a follow-up visit with Eamon's G.I. people, the nurse greeted Eamon with a hearty, "Oh, there is the handsome fellow." Apparently, this was not just the banter as per normal. She informed me that it, his handsomeness, was officially in his medical file. How great! That boy certainly does not lack in the looks department!
I thought Eamon's loyal fan club would enjoy the news. Now, I wonder what they write about the handsome fellow's mother...
The week of Eamon's surgery, I had a phone consult with the anesthesia team. As we were talking about the details surrounding the operation, I mentioned the utter adorableness of my boy. To which, the women noted, "I know. It says so in his chart." We laughed and continued onto more pressing issues.
Recently at a follow-up visit with Eamon's G.I. people, the nurse greeted Eamon with a hearty, "Oh, there is the handsome fellow." Apparently, this was not just the banter as per normal. She informed me that it, his handsomeness, was officially in his medical file. How great! That boy certainly does not lack in the looks department!
I thought Eamon's loyal fan club would enjoy the news. Now, I wonder what they write about the handsome fellow's mother...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Slowing Done
One of the many reasons I love Eamon's therapy sessions is that I am forced to slow done and pay attention. I can see things otherwise hidden because my pace is usually too fast. The idea that God displays many miraculous moments throughout our days, if only we would take the time to look, is reason to give thanks. And so, with gratitude, I keep count of the many gifts lavished upon me each day.
Continuing to name them one by one:
81. Irish families - gatherings always filled with music, food, and lots of laughter.
82. Generations playing together. Children, lots of children, playing in our former spots.
83. Unexpected flowers - roses sent to bring color to my day.
84. Ice cream with your best friend.
Continuing to name them one by one:
81. Irish families - gatherings always filled with music, food, and lots of laughter.
82. Generations playing together. Children, lots of children, playing in our former spots.
83. Unexpected flowers - roses sent to bring color to my day.
84. Ice cream with your best friend.
85. Weekends that start with " Dad's Famous Pancakes" - quite the rage in our house!
86. Talking with Myles. I love the faces he makes, the sound of his little boy words, and the great enthusiasm he supplies.
87. Playing any sport with Maeve - she thinks I am so skilled.
88. Nieces - three of my beautiful girls will celebrate another year this week. Happy Birthday Brigit (8), Emma (5), and Miss Charlotte (2).
89. Planning vacation getaways - the excitement building is part of the fun!
90. Tutoring, one-on-one time, really seeing the progress. I get my fix of teaching without leaving my home.
Friday, July 11, 2008
First Steps!
This morning, Maeve chose to stay home to just "be" with Eamon and me. She is so attentive to her little fella. During spa time, Maeve washed Eamon's hair. I was so inspired by her example of serving another. "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart."(Psalm 24:4) Could there be anything more pure than a 6 year old loving her brother with a selfless act. This is something she can do for him - her part to play in our journey.
So much love to give.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Maeve helped dress Eamon, and she sat on my bed talking with him while I showered and dressed. Such devotion.
So much love to give.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Maeve helped dress Eamon, and she sat on my bed talking with him while I showered and dressed. Such devotion.
We went off to therapy. Fridays we see Miss Lisa ( a post solely about how God uses this beautiful woman to come), and she always encourages Maeve and Myles to participate. Today, Lisa was so pleased with how Eamon looked - good coloring, stronger movements, and medically stable. As Maeve got on the mat, right up close to Eamon, he vocalized. Lisa noted Eamon's obvious recognition of his big sister.
Later, Eamon was upright and Lisa asked Maeve to help her with the therapy. Eamon's head was facing one direction, Maeve was on the opposite side, and began tapping his arm and calling his name. First, we could see just his eyes go to her side and slowly his head followed. "Great job, now move around to the other side and repeat." Tapping, Tapping, name called, and waiting. The eyes first, looking for his girl, and wait, wait, wait...head follows.
This we repeat two more times and were met with the same success. It was so thrilling, this is a milestone for Eamon. Clearly it was not coincidence, Eamon was purposely responding to Maeve's voice - a first step of sorts, the beginning of communication that we can expand upon. God is good, a token for a mommy desperate for a milestone! And, music to Maeve's ears - "He really knows his big sister!" How couldn't he. Her love breaks through, grabs hold, and pulls him to the surface, much to our delight.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Mourning
Usually, our days progress quite normally. We don't focus on the deficiencies, but are on constant watch for the "good news" of the day. But, some days my eyes loose their focus, and I see a reality I never imagined would exist. I have been following the story of a family that lost their newborn. Their journey often reminds me of very difficult days during our own pregnancy. We both received a fatal report at our 20 week ultrasounds, but God purposed for Eamon to live. I often wonder why I connect with her present journey. She lost her precious baby. I have my sweet boy. She is going through a grieving process, and I realized - so am I.
Life has taken us on a different journey than we planned. I always wanted at least three children. I love being pregnant. I love giving birth. I love newborns. I love nursing. I love every stage I have experienced as a mom. Life with Eamon has not allowed me to relive all the joys of development or excitement of reaching new milestones. And I am grieving that loss. Especially today.
I was pulling out clothes for Eamon that Myles had worn. Real cute summer stuff, I had ever so carefully packed away in hopes of getting the chance to reuse them. I was remembering Myles in those outfits. He was 1, just like Eamon. Only I see Myles sitting, standing, attempting first steps. Smiling and laughing and playing. I can hear his little voice, but none of this is true for Eamon. And my heart breaks.
I found two jars of baby food in the back of a cabinet this evening. Eamon's food. This time last summer, I was nursing him and introducing cereal and fruit. But now, my ears ring with a pump that brings him all his nourishment, and I feel that loss.
Trying to keep this crazy summer schedule, running all over, asking for help from the grandmas stings. I want to take my children to their activities, but it sometimes seems impossible because I can't move around quickly or easily with Eamon. I miss the normal hassle of lugging the third child around with the older siblings. I mourn losing our normal family.
Maeve remarked that I am often busy with the baby. And I felt the pain of not being able to meet everyone's needs.
Usually, I do not allow too much time for lamenting. What real good could come from that. But, there are just some moments of some days when I do, and for a short time I allow myself to simply feel the loss and be sad.
Just getting some of these thoughts out, crying as I type, has helped lift my sorrow. And as usual, God's perfect timing has allowed my current bible study to shed some light of my situation. The author is discussing the difference between what is true and the truth. It is true that Eamon is different than other children. But God's word is the Truth I depend on.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"(Eamon) is fearfully and wonderfully made...All the days ordained for (him) were written in your book before one of them came to pass." Psalm 139: 13-16
"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow." Jeremiah 31:13
I know so many pray for Eamon, and he is a good and perfect gift from above. He is who God has willed for him to be. And, we are the family God planned for Eamon to join. God could have chosen differently, on many occasions, but God in his sovereignty has ordained that Eamon would be here for such a time as this!
I am thankful for this new journey.
Life has taken us on a different journey than we planned. I always wanted at least three children. I love being pregnant. I love giving birth. I love newborns. I love nursing. I love every stage I have experienced as a mom. Life with Eamon has not allowed me to relive all the joys of development or excitement of reaching new milestones. And I am grieving that loss. Especially today.
I was pulling out clothes for Eamon that Myles had worn. Real cute summer stuff, I had ever so carefully packed away in hopes of getting the chance to reuse them. I was remembering Myles in those outfits. He was 1, just like Eamon. Only I see Myles sitting, standing, attempting first steps. Smiling and laughing and playing. I can hear his little voice, but none of this is true for Eamon. And my heart breaks.
I found two jars of baby food in the back of a cabinet this evening. Eamon's food. This time last summer, I was nursing him and introducing cereal and fruit. But now, my ears ring with a pump that brings him all his nourishment, and I feel that loss.
Trying to keep this crazy summer schedule, running all over, asking for help from the grandmas stings. I want to take my children to their activities, but it sometimes seems impossible because I can't move around quickly or easily with Eamon. I miss the normal hassle of lugging the third child around with the older siblings. I mourn losing our normal family.
Maeve remarked that I am often busy with the baby. And I felt the pain of not being able to meet everyone's needs.
Usually, I do not allow too much time for lamenting. What real good could come from that. But, there are just some moments of some days when I do, and for a short time I allow myself to simply feel the loss and be sad.
Just getting some of these thoughts out, crying as I type, has helped lift my sorrow. And as usual, God's perfect timing has allowed my current bible study to shed some light of my situation. The author is discussing the difference between what is true and the truth. It is true that Eamon is different than other children. But God's word is the Truth I depend on.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"(Eamon) is fearfully and wonderfully made...All the days ordained for (him) were written in your book before one of them came to pass." Psalm 139: 13-16
"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow." Jeremiah 31:13
I know so many pray for Eamon, and he is a good and perfect gift from above. He is who God has willed for him to be. And, we are the family God planned for Eamon to join. God could have chosen differently, on many occasions, but God in his sovereignty has ordained that Eamon would be here for such a time as this!
I am thankful for this new journey.
Those Lazy Days of Summer
"Great session today", the first sentence on Eamon's therapy report. He spent most of the day off oxygen and has been in a charming mood! Lots of smiles and even some chatting. He is such sweet company. I will be meeting with a host of Eamon's Drs over the next three weeks. There are still some details concerning his feeding schedule to be worked out. We are planning on taking Eamon across several state borders next month, and I want to be sure all his ducks are in order!
Our summer schedule has been anything but relaxing and refreshing. Trying to juggle 3 different itineraries has been quite a challenge. Myles recently reminded me that I am falling short when he said, "You keep saying 'after'. After this we can read, or after that we can go." Ah, the guilty sting. Truth is my children require so little - just some love and "cozy time" (Myles calls our afternoons reading and cuddling together). I will be sure to schedule some in for tomorrow!
Gifts that keep piling up! (continued from previous post)
71. Little boy truth spoken - thanks for keeping me on track Prince #1!
72. Cozy time - really, could life be any sweeter than snuggling with your children while reading.
73. Eamon doing his thing - that smile is addicting!
74. Healthy bodies that can enjoy lots of summer activity.
75. Maeve catching fireflies tonight.
76. Clean windows - those wonderful men came today. And now, my windows sparkle - really!
77. Maeve is clearly my child. She wanted to stay home from camp this morning to watch said men clean our windows! I love that girl!
78. Tiger Lilies that flood our yard.
79. Forget lemonade stands, my girl set up a Sea Shell Sale Stand -try saying that 5 times!
Which yielded an $8 profit that she used to treat the family to Van Dykes' homemade ice cream!
80. Magazines - I get such a sense of accomplishment because I can actually finish what I started reading.
Our summer schedule has been anything but relaxing and refreshing. Trying to juggle 3 different itineraries has been quite a challenge. Myles recently reminded me that I am falling short when he said, "You keep saying 'after'. After this we can read, or after that we can go." Ah, the guilty sting. Truth is my children require so little - just some love and "cozy time" (Myles calls our afternoons reading and cuddling together). I will be sure to schedule some in for tomorrow!
Gifts that keep piling up! (continued from previous post)
71. Little boy truth spoken - thanks for keeping me on track Prince #1!
72. Cozy time - really, could life be any sweeter than snuggling with your children while reading.
73. Eamon doing his thing - that smile is addicting!
74. Healthy bodies that can enjoy lots of summer activity.
75. Maeve catching fireflies tonight.
76. Clean windows - those wonderful men came today. And now, my windows sparkle - really!
77. Maeve is clearly my child. She wanted to stay home from camp this morning to watch said men clean our windows! I love that girl!
78. Tiger Lilies that flood our yard.
79. Forget lemonade stands, my girl set up a Sea Shell Sale Stand -try saying that 5 times!
Which yielded an $8 profit that she used to treat the family to Van Dykes' homemade ice cream!
80. Magazines - I get such a sense of accomplishment because I can actually finish what I started reading.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Ours
(Our Eamon, with Aunt Colleen)My sister-in-law, Lisa, left a comment earlier in the week referring to the blog as "our blog", and Eamon as "our little man". I was so struck by the power of that little word - our.
"Our" shows possession. "Our" involves community. "Our" speaks of belonging. "Our" affirms that David and I do not walk alone. "Our" spreads responsibility. "Our" embraces. "Our" protects. "Our" is strength rising as we wait. "Our" is welcoming.
I love that so many feel the "our" of Eamon. From family to friends to strangers, Eamon is our gift, our good and perfect gift from above. And, this journey is for our benefit as we watch for His glory.
"Our" shows possession. "Our" involves community. "Our" speaks of belonging. "Our" affirms that David and I do not walk alone. "Our" spreads responsibility. "Our" embraces. "Our" protects. "Our" is strength rising as we wait. "Our" is welcoming.
I love that so many feel the "our" of Eamon. From family to friends to strangers, Eamon is our gift, our good and perfect gift from above. And, this journey is for our benefit as we watch for His glory.
4th of July Love!
Myles is yelling "Happy 4th of July!"
We just love to be with Grandma.
Watching.
Too Loud!
The Mister enjoying the sights.
Here it comes!
All decked out in red, white, and blue!
We just love to be with Grandma.
Watching.
Too Loud!
The Mister enjoying the sights.
Here it comes!
All decked out in red, white, and blue!
Gift List (continued from previous post)
62. Small town parades.
63. Sleep-overs at the grandparents - memories in the making.
64. Overhearing Maeve and Myles making their plans.
65. Girl time with Maeve - we just love to get our nails done!
66. Summer sales.
67. Unexpected date night!
68. Big adventures for little kids
69. Cousin love.
70. Sunday brunch at mom and dad's.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Summertime Fun!
Gifts Continued
59. Goggled - eyes!
60. Acting like kids. My brother Tim and I in the pool, doing jumps off the diving board, splashing around, and general silliness! Play time is always refreshing!
61. Generosity - the offer of a pool to frolic in while the owner had to work, how gracious!
59. Goggled - eyes!
60. Acting like kids. My brother Tim and I in the pool, doing jumps off the diving board, splashing around, and general silliness! Play time is always refreshing!
61. Generosity - the offer of a pool to frolic in while the owner had to work, how gracious!
Deeper Still
From the beginning of the Eamon journey, God has been working to refine my understanding of who He is.
Immediately after news of trouble with our pregnancy (and I do mean immediately, right there in the room) David and I prayed for God's miraculous intervention. We asked everyone we knew to pray. The raging question for me was did I have the faith to believe that God could heal Eamon. I believed it for everyone else, I believed God could answer any other prayer; but now, I was praying the most personal of prayers - one for my baby. It just so happened, well just so divinely happened, that the day of my ultrasound I had begun a new bible study. We were studying the Old Testament, and for the first time in my life God's word was alive to me -literally it was life to my spirit. It was here that God birthed a deep desire to really know Him, unlike the way I had known Him before.
Now, fast forward to the present. That theme, or call, to know Him is overwhelmingly getting my attention. The songs I hear - "I won't be satisfied...'till I find, who You are", the names of events I read of - "Deeper Still", my current bible study, others writing about pressing in and digging deep, Sunday's sermon, I could go on.
My pastor challenged us to watch that the distractions of life don't shift our focus. The quest to know God, to lock our eyes on Him, for He is our reward. That revelation knowledge of who God is, is the point to all of life. And, I am learning that to seek only the answer to my prayers, and not the One who answers them, would be to miss the full purpose of Eamon.
I believe part of the beauty of our Eamon journey, is being drawn closer to God. As parents, our greatest desire for our children is that their lives would honor God and bring glory to the One who created them. Eamon does this. He compels others to think about God - to talk to Him, read about Him, and even question Him.
"Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ..." (Phil. 3:7,8)
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil.3:13,14)
Immediately after news of trouble with our pregnancy (and I do mean immediately, right there in the room) David and I prayed for God's miraculous intervention. We asked everyone we knew to pray. The raging question for me was did I have the faith to believe that God could heal Eamon. I believed it for everyone else, I believed God could answer any other prayer; but now, I was praying the most personal of prayers - one for my baby. It just so happened, well just so divinely happened, that the day of my ultrasound I had begun a new bible study. We were studying the Old Testament, and for the first time in my life God's word was alive to me -literally it was life to my spirit. It was here that God birthed a deep desire to really know Him, unlike the way I had known Him before.
Now, fast forward to the present. That theme, or call, to know Him is overwhelmingly getting my attention. The songs I hear - "I won't be satisfied...'till I find, who You are", the names of events I read of - "Deeper Still", my current bible study, others writing about pressing in and digging deep, Sunday's sermon, I could go on.
My pastor challenged us to watch that the distractions of life don't shift our focus. The quest to know God, to lock our eyes on Him, for He is our reward. That revelation knowledge of who God is, is the point to all of life. And, I am learning that to seek only the answer to my prayers, and not the One who answers them, would be to miss the full purpose of Eamon.
I believe part of the beauty of our Eamon journey, is being drawn closer to God. As parents, our greatest desire for our children is that their lives would honor God and bring glory to the One who created them. Eamon does this. He compels others to think about God - to talk to Him, read about Him, and even question Him.
"Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ..." (Phil. 3:7,8)
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil.3:13,14)
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