Vulnerable

A friend and I were having a conversation about a situation she encountered that reassured her of her physical self-concept. As the story unfolded I could absolutely see her point of view. After pondering her thoughts, I decided that transparency is such a beautiful way to encourage others. Even through her telling the story, my physical self was encouraged.

I'm so encouraged when I visit a friend and the house isn't perfect. I'm so encouraged when someone tells me they doubt important decisions. I'm so encouraged when I hear a sister in Christ admit she doesn't believe God could use her because of all the bad choices she's made. I'm so encouraged by transparency!

It encourages me because it's a vulnerability that says: "I'm made new" and that inspires me! I long to be made new. Everyday. I believe that along with the encouragement I'm blessed with when people are "real", I also feel freedom to become more and more transparent myself.

So, my peoples, bless someone by being transparent. But remember there's a fine line...don't go airin' all the laundry at once!

Below you will find a picture of what it means to have your husband put marshmallow guns in the car: A pit stop a your neighborhood Wal-Mart to buy marshmallows and have a marshmallow fight right then and there on the sidewalk.
In the picture you will notice how intently Bill is teaching a very valuable lesson to his "firstborn" on the art of pursing your lips to shoot as far and as hard as possible. Love it.






And Macy just enjoyed a snack,

a big circle...

Lyrics or melody?
Title or post?
Dinner or dessert?
Vacuum or dust?
Coffee or juice?

Random things pop into my head when I wrestle with what I'm suppose to be learning in stages/seasons of life. I guess that's how the 'star maker' (luv you for that one, sara) can get me to apply His works, best. Well, I'm being confronted with the "order" of things in every issue of life right now. You name it-it's being evaluated by me but first prompted by the Holy Spirit. For instance, I'm noticing that humbleness is the most godly characteristic I'm called to (for now). However, when I think of how to become humble, or even trying to humble myself in situations, I have to have so much more in my spirit to become lowly-forgiving, patient, kind, loving, -pretty much all the fruits here ok? So, I'm constantly pondering all these things that must come first before I become last. It's all a big circle, you see? Anyhow, so if you see me laying in my front yard face down, don't worry~I'm just workin' on my humbleness. :)

I hope you've all loved and been loved by your favorite people this weekend.
(random picture of macy in garrett's soccer shoes and shin pads)

A couple pictures of lil' B and her daddy :)

You can tell we've caught the 'spring-time buzz' by the look of my kitchen-it looks like a greenhouse! The kids have planted radishes, chives, basil and sunflowers in containers that are resting in the window sills and Bill and I each have our own 12x8 section seed starters full of flowers and veggie seeds sitting in chairs pushed up to the kitchen window. Oh my! However, it's wonderfully lovely to see new life sprout. I think I may need to start seeds indoors in the winter next year-it's all about good feelins'.

Tulsa aquarium

These are some of the pictures from the aquarium. It was so amazing to look at the little fishees faces and know that God's hand made all of our creatures! I'm being reminded through many situations in this particular season of life right now that His order is so perfect.

I love hotels! Now that we have kids, there's a few twists included when we visit hotels.

1. One bed gets pushed against the wall so Macy doesn't fall off during the night. (She refuses to sleep in the pack-n-play, more on this in the next post :)

2. The indoor pool gets used A LOT when we visit.

3. Our next door neighbors (or the whole hall for that matter) don't get naps-or they awake suddenly with someone laughing/screaming/crying

4. Breakfast goers don't get to read the paper quietly once we enter the restaurant

5. Lots of rides on the elevators for mom and dad

6. A photo opp for the kids-fun, fun for them!

6. Lots of fun memories

We went to the Tulsa aquarium this week and had lots of fun making it a "vacation" for the kids. I'll post some cool pics later that Bill took of the fish and sharks.

cracked heels

My husband took this photo while he was on a mission trip in Mexico last year. I fell in love with it. It's framed and hanging in my laundry room, where I see it often. I sometimes drift into thoughts such as, " I wonder what this lady is doing right now?... Washing clothes by hand while I have the awesome luxury of using a machine?" "Wishing her husband could have a day off to play with the kids?" "Wishing she could use a telephone?" Hmm, then I snap ever so abruptly out of my pity party I may be having for the moment/day/week and remember that my cup overflow-eth! Amen sisters~ What reminds you that your cup overflows?