i am (i hope) learning to love...

Christians stink at grieving.

I have seen quite clearly over the past few years while watching friends (and even myself) grieve, that Christians' stink at grieving! We have witnessed the grieving of death of children, parents, sisters, brothers, friends, loss of jobs, etc.

For some reason, we like to quickly throw out Romans 8:28 as comfort (which it is), but never truly get down in the "nitty gritty of grief". We use platitudes as comfort, and miss out on incredible opportunities to truly "love people where they are" and not try to fix them with "perfect answers". Why do we not say "this really stinks and I love you"? why do we have to say "God is soveriegn"? As Christians, I beleive we do a disservice to our brothers and sisters in Christ by giving them platitudes. I want nothing more than to hear from my friends in times of grief that "They love me. This stinks. Praying for you. What can I DO for you?"
What does it look like to TRULY love someone in their grief? Is saying: "I am praying and Jesus Loves you" really enough? What if it cost us more to love one another? I think it should. I want to stop my lip service and LIVE OUT the Gospel by DOING LOVE...not just SAYING LOVE.

I have been so convicted of this lately...I want to truly love people as Jesus loved people. He did not only point them to truth, He also gave them water, food, etc. He met their felt needs. The times I have felt the most loved is when people met my felt needs. In those times of love...it always pointed me to the TRUE LOVE: Jesus!

it's about time...

Sorry for being a blog-slacker. I completely forget to update this thing...
Here are some pictures of our sweet kiddos. It is truly a joy to be their Mama.
Colton and I are so blessed by these 2 little human beings. The pictures kind of speak for themselves.
Coleman is 2 years, 4 months and Callie will be 6 months on the 7th of July.
Coleman still loves his "seester". The Lord has been gracious to give us a laid back daughter (I could just eat up her chunky little cheeks) and sweet little boy (I pray it continues!!!) :)
Coleman likes playing the guitar ("bitar") and Callie likes smiling at Coleman (and pretty much anyone.)
We spend most early evenings in our front yard playing in the sprinkler and sitting in our chairs, talking to neighbors and friends.
Colton is busy with work, softball and promoting the clean-up of the Mississippi River.
I have just started playing tennis again...super fun for me!!!
Enjoy the pictures...sorry again for being such a slacker :)
(Yes, that is a scratched up nose on Coleman. He had a little tumble down the stairs).

playing outside with boo boo and bug...

Callie Bug (14 weeks)



My Boo Boo loves the water...

only 2 words needed....CHUNKY MONKEY

play day with my Boo Boo

I got a babysitter for Callie this past Friday. Coleman and I had a Mama and Son play day...it was so much fun! We went to Sesame Street Live with The Clowers and
played outside all day...
The first pictures were outside with Daddy and Callie...eating Cheez-It's!
The others were our Friday play day.

Boo Boo and Chunky Bug...

Big Boy is ready for church...

Playing outside...

9-week old bundle of joy...content as can be!

little chunky bug...

Callie had her 8-week appointment Friday.
She is GROWING! At 2 weeks old, she was in the 9th% for weight. Now, she is in the 87th%.
She weighs a whopping 11lbs, 10ounces. She was a premie!?!?!