on birthdays

Our family tradition is to wrap the birthday girl/boy's door in streamers early in the morning and wait outside with camera ready for their birthday burst through. This morning, that joy was mine. My precious kids stood outside the door with eyes aglow waiting for mommy to burst through the door and begin her 43rd year.

43. I feel both young and old. I am both learner and teacher, daughter and mommy, mentee and mentor. This "in-between-ness" is rich--so full of potential.

Bear had asked if I wanted a party. Hmmn. Nope. Quiet and simple is my preference. So today I took Keona into Gloria Deo (she goes on M/W and we homeschool the other days) and spent several hours wandering around in anonymity at the mall in a careful endeavor to spend birthday money on a sweatsuit. Yes, I felt loved when I stumbled upon an earthy set at 70% off with only one of each piece left--of course my size. Amazing how even with all the turmoil in the world Father intentionally reveals his care for each of us in such personal ways.

Then I took an extended birthday nap followed by an amazing meal of my favorites (Alaskan King crab legs, 7 layer salad, and Dutch apple pie) courtesy of my incredible mom. The kids made me cards and art. I gave them all baths and then dear Keona and I had special time while she "braided" my hair and then danced together to worship music.

Tonight at my computer, a dear friend sent me a link to Elaine Olsen's blog. She just finished leading her bible study group through Anonymous: the bible study and I was very touched by their closing blog/video (http://peaceforthejourney.blogspot.com/).

"Jesus, I'm alive because you live. Thank you for the gift of time on earth and the promise of true life beyond my last breath."

odds and ends

odds:

My eldest son said, "Mommy, what's this?" as he pointed to the flying squirrel skin under my 42 year old arm. "That's mommy's skin," I replied with a forced lilt in my voice. Jona gently squeezed my arm and said, "I like it! It's slushy."

Though she is continuing to ask Jesus for twin sisters, our dear miss Keona has now decided that she wants 6 boys and 6 girls when she grows up. Furthermore, she will live in a house we help her build right next to us and have horses we can ride to help her take care of her children. Count me in!

Precious Louie has learned how to kiss--those fabulous, sloppy, kisses. He gives them whenever we ask for them. Glorious.

ends:

My computer saga has closed a chapter on an old faithful computer that lasted 5 years before it's demise via virus. Today--as in ALL day--I uploaded and reloaded programs and files onto my new laptop.

I wrestled between a Dell and a Mac. But in the end chose the Dell...because almost everywhere I speak still uses PCs, a wise friend (who has both) reminded me that this is not the season for me to learn a new operating system, and Dells are just prettier. I'm serious. Mine is a "red swirl".

Jonathan is certain that I should have gone with a Mac. He's been whispering in my ear, "Mom, Macs don't get viruses...Macs don't crash...Macs are better with graphics..." Now WHERE does he pick up this propaganda??? I think it's subliminal: somewhere within the Mac there's this message of Mac-superiority emanating through the pixels. I truly would have liked to comply with his wishes. Maybe next time...

on being a baby brother

While we were putting tile down in the prayer room/nursery, Louie moved in with precious Keona. Our two extroverts LOVE sharing a room together. Their relationship has really blossomed.

Keona regularly asks to go play with Louie when he wakes up (or never falls asleep) from his nap. Her gift of "direction" and imagination go into high gear with such a willing follower.

Yesterday mom came over and could barely contain her laughter when she walked in on the two of them. Keona had dressed 22 month old all-boy (as in trucks and anything that makes noise) Louie in her velvet PINK and PURPLE flowered dance leotard and pink sparkly shoes.

Yes, we took a picture.

Yes, both Louie and Keona were beaming.

(And yes, Keona has been praying for a baby sister.)

Northland Cathedral and the Minister's Renewal

"the corn is as high as an elephant's eye-e-e-e..." I hear my husband's strong voice outside as he takes a walk with our kids and remember Jonathan's first original sentence: "Daddy is amazing." True then. True still.

Amy and I arrived home from the Kansas-Missouri speaking trip around midnight Tuesday. A dear man (thank-you John) from Northland Cathedral drove to El Dorado to pick up our repaired car and brought it back to Kansas City. Today I learned that the van they used to pick us up when the car broke down on Saturday actual blew it's head gasket on the rescue mission. Even then, they were just so thankful that it lasted long enough to bring us safely to their church.

Our time at Northland Cathedral was wonderful. Theirs is a multi-generational church--strong, healthy, looking forward. They received us with such warmth. On Sunday evening I had the joy of spending a few hours at IHOP with old and new friends--refreshing. Then on Monday and Tuesday I shared four sessions on Anonymous with the ministers of Northern Missouri. They are led by a true servant-leader and it was a delight to spend a day with them.

I came home to hugs and kisses and cuddles--holy ground. I took my shoes off at the door.

NY, Kansas, and leaving a car in El Dorado

Last weekend was spent with the powerful women of New York--they know how to pray! I so enjoyed my time with Linda and the women of her state. Thank you all for receiving Alia and me so whole-heartedly.

Thursday through today was spent with another wonderful group of women in the heartland of Kansas. Their director, Misty, is bursting with love for and commitment to the lost!

Then....around 30 miles outside of Wichita on our way to Kansas City, our car broke down. Unfortunate. AAA towed us back to El Dorado. The INCREDIBLE church we will be with tomorrow drove 2.5 HOURS to pick us up (because there were literally no rental cars to be found in the entire city) and bring us to the church for a 10:30pm sound check. So here we are here, car-less but not friend-less. Amy and I have been laughing all the way. There's just no replacement for partners in ministry. How smart of Jesus to send his disciples out two by two.