Parker

photo courtesy of Leah Turner

He’s here!!!! Yes, the waiting has ended and Parker has finally arrived. Thursday, January 26 at 2:52 PM, Parker Duane Jones entered the world. Parker after his daddy and Duane after his grandpa was 7lb 4oz and 20” long. He has his daddy’s eyes and brown hair and his mommy’s nose and mouth; a perfect combination. Parker also ended up with his grandpa’s big hands J Daddy brought mommy and Parker home from the hospital on Saturday and everyone is doing well.

I was honored to attend and assist David and Brenda in Parker’s birth. What an incredible experience! If I never have children of my own, the event will go down as the greatest in my life. How someone can experience such a thing and still deny the existence of our Creator, I will never know. They are so intricately made; both mother and child. Our bodies are designed so expertly to be able to withstand and perform in such a manner. Wow! That’s about all I can say… Amazing!

photos courtesy of my cell

Psalm 139:13-16
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Today’s Song… “He Gets That From Me” – Reba McIntire
“His curly hair and his knobby knees, the way the sun brings those freckles out. Talk and talk, never miss a beat, yeah, he gets that from me”

Katelyn's Fish

To Katelyn,

Once upon a time
In a land not so far away
There lived four friendly goldfish
They were very happy fish
Swimming and playing in their watery home
Then one day the wind turned cold
And the scent of winter was in the air
The fish’s friend Katelyn was worried
Would her pals freeze if left outside?
She kneeled one night and said a prayer
Asking God to provide for her friends
“Bring them a home to keep them warm,
And a nice person to feed them too.”
Then I came along with a great big pond
And a selection of fish flakes and pellets
Katelyn’s fish would even make new friends
And they’d live in a jungle of sorts
With a waterfall like home, and a fountain
So Katelyn’s fish took a ride to the city
They were excited to join their new friends
They’re now happy and healthy
And looking forward to summer again

Whatamessage!

Wow! Isn't it funny sometimes how a sermon can catch you just right?

Sunday, our pastor wrapped up our three week "Spiritual Retreat". His focus was on emptying our spiritual suitcase of all the things that weigh us down and he used a verse in Luke to challenge us to commit to dying to those things. It was simply incredible and touched on so many of the things I've been struggling with lately. Each of the 5 things he listed could be directly applied to my life and I found myself wanting to dispose of all that burdens me.

I continued to ponder his message as I went about the rest of my day and I found myself coming back to his Aslan Ethic, "He gave up so much to gain so little." I realized that I am in a position to do the same. I can give up my materialism, let go of my bitterness, walk away from my fixation on other people's approval, and I can certainly deny myself the things that bring brief pleasure. In doing so, I will gain the things that I cannot purchase or work hard enough for; contentment, fulfillment, joy.

It's so simple and yet I've fought so long to hang on to my "baggage". For what purpose though? All I can say is that I'm realizing it's time to let go... Pastor Chris, I am unloading my suitcase, thanks in part to your encouragement.

Luke 10:41
"Martha, Martha," He said, "thou art careful and troubled about many things"

Today’s Song… “Cares Chorus” - Kelly Willard“I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. And any time I don't know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You.”

Forever

A friend recently asked me what forever meant. Specifically, he was questioning whether it was a subjective term used by females. After much consideration, I gave him an answer. Because I spent so much time thinking about it, I thought I'd post an edited version of my response. To this friend (you know who you are), I hope that you find a satisfying answer to your question...

From my perspective, the use of the word forever does depend on the circumstance. While I don't believe that this is a gender specific issue, I have noticed that the softer sex is more open to using this type of word. However, when "forever" is used carelessly by either sex, it doesn't retain the same meaning as when it's used with careful consideration.

Ultimately, the only thing that is guaranteed forever is God. Humans are weak and sinful creatures and often our forever only stretches as far as our earthly concept of the word. Because of this, things that were intended to be 'forever' (i.e. life, love, patience, kindness, etc.) have deadlines caused by sin. When those things expire, pain is an unavoidable result.

Keep this thought in mind as you decide whether to focus the majority of your time in things that may not last forever...

Psalm 102:27
"You are always the same, your years never end.”

Today's song... "I am" - Mark Schultz
“The author and perfecter, beginning and the end, I am”

An Endless Wait

I've decided that friends and families of women who are induced or have C-section deliveries are oblivious to what a blessing a scheduled birth is. As I await the birth of my closest friend's first child, I find myself unreasonably irritated by the unpredictability of the event.

She has asked me to be present when her little guy arrives and I am truly honored to take part, however, the waiting is frustrating. Technically she's not due until January 30 so there's really no rush, but she's showing signs that give us reason to believe he'll come sooner than that. Hence, my impatience.

I find myself with a cell phone as a constant companion. Whether I'm showering or sleeping, at work or church, my LG is ever present. Typically, I'm very considerate with my cell phone as it relates to those around me, but I'm finding that being available at all times is trumping my usual consideration.

As I contemplate the source of my frustration, I have to admit to myself that it is not related to my cell phone or even being able to control the situation. The heart of the issue is that I'm struggling to watch someone I care about suffer. For 9 months she's struggled with an unusually difficult pregnancy. Knowing that "the end is near" is great consolation but not knowing how much longer she will have to continue in pain may prove to be my undoing. Of course I'm excited to lay eyes on a child that was created as a result of the love between this husband and wife, but I'm truly looking forward to the end of my friend’s discomfort.

So I continue my vigilance and maintain my relationship with my cell phone. Until I get that call, I will continue to pray that little Parker arrives quickly and puts an end to our waiting.

1 Samuel 12:16
"Now stand still and see the great thing the LORD will do before your eyes.”

Today's Song... "He's My Son" - Mark Schultz
"I'm down on my knees again tonight; I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right"

A special little boy

Nine years ago today Ryan Owen Kennedy took his first breath! While my family didn’t meet him until nearly two years later, this little guy would forever alter our lives.

Surprisingly, I remember the exact day that I was first introduced. It was the day of my senior prom and my sister’s new boyfriend had brought his son along for a visit. What a cutie! He was a chubby, waddling, toe-head and I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on him. Despite the excitement of my date’s arrival, I distinctly remember taking a moment to watch Ryan play in a puddle in the driveway, oblivious to the chaos around him.

Long story short, my sister ended up marrying that boyfriend and the smiling blonde baby became my first nephew, and only thus far. (No pressure Matt & Rae J) Over the last 9 years, he’s grown to be a bright, sensitive, and fun-loving child. A little rough around the edges at times, as all boys were designed to be, but a joy to be around. He’s a wonderful big brother to his sisters and I’m proud to call him my nephew. He’s an irreplaceable part of our family.

So anyway, Happy Birthday Ryan! I’ve got a present all wrapped up with your name on it. I’ll see you this weekend.

Psalm 127:3
“Truly children are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.”

Today’s song… “Godspeed” – The Dixie Chicks
“The rocket racer’s all tuckered out, Superman’s in pajamas on the couch. Goodnight moon, we’ll find the mouse, and I love you”

Epiphany

I have this issue... At times I think it's a rather wonderful characteristic but occasionally I find it frustrating. "What?" you say. I over think things; yes I'll even admit it. For instance, the other day I was contemplating friendships. I have a friend who has basically been abandoned by those who should be looking out for him. Being the type of person who jumps into relationships heart first, I have never understood those who enter relationships only in an attempt to appease their own selfish nature. (I could go off on a serious bunny trail here).

Yesterday, as I considered the situation that this friend has found himself in, I had this amazing epiphany. I'm a firm believer that in healthy loving relationships, your love is reflected when your main concern becomes meeting the needs of the other person. You don't have to worry about meeting your own needs because real love means that they will be striving to meet your needs as well. This becomes quite evident in marriage relationships but can also be seen in friendships. (Allow me a minute to stress the fact that humans are incapable of meeting all of each other's emotional needs and this is where a relationship with Christ comes in to play. Now that being said, please continue.)

So the really amazing thing that finally clicked with me is this; if earthly love is even a dim reflection of Christ's love for the church, I don't have to worry about me. My physical needs; but also my dreams, goals, and my hearts deepest longings; Christ knows those things and he is concerned and focused on me to the point of meeting those needs. Alternately, my only concern should be living a life that glorifies him. A life that worships him and reflects my love for him.

As my mind tried to consider all of the far reaching affects of this, I was overcome with a sense of peace. My focus lately has been how to heal and bring my life to a point where I'm satisfied with my status. I've struggled to find that place and my intimate connection with Christ, at times, has seemed non-existent. What I'm realizing is that taking care of my self emotionally has never been my responsibility and my focus on it has kept me from truly loving Christ. I can allow Someone else to step in and take care of it for me but even more so, I can find purpose in falling deeply in love with my Savior.

As I try to allow this thought to change my life, may it also challenge you to discontinue putting your needs above the longings of our Savior's heart.

John 15:7
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask what you desire, and it will be granted!

Today’s song… “You Make Me Come Alive” – Rebecca St. James