Micah 6:8

Below is commentary from one of my favorite Bible teachers, David Guzik, on the well known verse from Micah 6:8.  I have always loved this verse, but upon reading it got to wondering just what God meant by "do justly" and "love mercy." The verse says this is "what is good and what God requires of me." That means it is expected of me.  The dictionary defines required as,  "to claim or ask for by right and authority." So it isnt as though God is just suggesting this way of living, but He is claiming by His authority that this is how we ought to live.  If I have decided to follow Him and have given Him authority in my life, then it is God's right to ask this of me.

This made it personal and got me thinking... do I "do justly" and "love mercy" and do I "walk humbly with God?" I needed more information on just what was expected of me.  That's when I went to David Guzik's commentary to see what he might add after much study of the verse.  And what I found will hopefully encourage you as it has encouraged me.

 Micah 6:8

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

a. He has shown you: “You act as if it is some mystery what I require of you. In point of fact it is no mystery at all. I have shown you clearly what is good and what I require of you.”

b. To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God: The Lord answers the contentious witness in open court. “What I require of you isn’t complicated. Simply do three things.”

c. Do justly: “Act in a just, fair way towards others. Treat them they way you want to be treated.”

d. Love mercy: “Don’t just show mercy, but love to show it. Give others the same measure of mercy you want to receive from the Me.”

e. Walk humbly with your God: “Remember who I am - your God. If you keep that in mind, you will walk humbly before Me.”

i. “I would not advise any of you to try to be humble, but to be humble. As to acting humbly, when a man forces himself to it, that is poor stuff. When a man talks a great deal about his humility, when he is very humble to everybody, he is generally a canting hypocrite. Humility must be in the heart, and then it will come out spontaneously as the outflow of life in every act that a man performs.” (Spurgeon)

ii. Spurgeon’s sermon Micah’s Message for Today applied the idea of how to walk humbly with your God:

• Walk humbly when you are spiritually strong
• Walk humbly when you have much work to do
• Walk humbly in all your motives
• Walk humbly studying God’s word
• Walk humbly when under trials
• Walk humbly in your devotions
• Walk humbly between you and your brothers in Christ
• Walk humbly when dealing with sinners

iii. “True humility is thinking rightly of thyself, not meanly. When you have found out what you really are, you will be humble, for you are nothing to boast of. To be humble will make you safe. To be humble will make you happy. To be humble will make music in your heart when you go to bed. To be humble here will make you wake up in the likeness of your Master by-and-by.” (Spurgeon)

Against the Grain

"I want to be scarce," she said to me with eyes brimming with tears.  And in that moment I understood her better than I ever have before. 

My daughter Lux is a beautiful mix of Nate and I.  She has my temperament, deeply emotional and extremely perceptive, combined with Nate's depth of creativity and "tortured" artist's soul.  Always striving for perfection in their work but knowing it is virtually unattainable and so they both live for and abhor the process and outcome of creating. 

It's funny, you know your child better than anyone in this world, yet sometimes they are so hard to figure out.  And such has been the case with Lux.  She is like me in so many ways that I just assume she should want to do things my way, want to love the things I love and be happy with the choices I make for her.  But early on I began to learn she marches to the beat of her own drum.  And so she strives for ways to be different.

She pushes against the mold.  Tries to break from the box.  She doesnt want to be fenced in, she wants to draw outside the lines. She still feels the pressure of her peers, but she is often tortured by the desire to not conform and be her own girl.  She hasnt developed the self confidence yet to truly go for it, but I believe she will.  And that is the struggle.

I believe most of our "conflict" stems from me trying to keep her in the box.  It's a control issue that I am not looking forward to in the teenage years. :) So I am working really hard now to create a proper give and take between us.  She is full of ideas and is a great negotiator for her "rights" and "desires" :) And rather than become overwhelmed and create a dictatorship, I am learning to still maintain control but allow some wiggle room for her need to be free.  Of course Nate is wonderful in this regard because he is so much like her as well.  He understands the need to work late to finish the project she just had to start 30 minutes before bed.  He knows well the frustration of having a brilliant idea but no means of executing it because your mom didnt buy enough scotch tape and your markers have gone dry. He has felt that feeling of creating something completely unique and then having someone copy it and make it their own.

And such was the case the other day.  She sat in her room on her bed and shared her hearts desire to be her own person.  To be different.  To be scarce. And I loved her for it.  Because to me that is one of the bravest things I'd ever heard.  In this world with so much criticism and critiquing I tend to want to blend in.  I dont like to upset the apple cart or draw unwanted attention my way.  But she is not me. She is her own individual and I need to give her room for that.  On the important issues I will always put my foot down, to be sure.  But now I understand that my desire to fit into the mold is not hers, and I will let her spread her wings and be the uniquely gifted girl God created her to be.  I will let her break the mold.  I will let her climb the fence. I will let her glorify God with own passions and desires, not my own.  And I will watch her soar.

Motherhood as a Mission Field

I came across this post on another blog and found it very inspiring.  Although I do not feel "called" to be a missionary, I love the point she is making regarding Motherhood.  Hope you enjoy.

 

by Rachel Jankovic | June 16, 2011

There is a good old saying, perhaps only said by my Grandfather, that distance adds intrigue. It is certainly true — just think back to anything that has ever been distant from you that is now near. Your driver’s license. Marriage. Children. Things that used to seem so fascinating, but as they draw near become less mystical and more, well, real.
This same principle certainly applies to mission fields too. The closer you get to home, the less intriguing the work of sacrifice seems. As someone once said, “Everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to help Mom with the dishes.” When you are a mother at home with your children, the church is not clamoring for monthly ministry updates. When you talk to other believers, there is not any kind of awe about what you are sacrificing for the gospel. People are not pressing you for needs you might have, how they can pray for you. It does not feel intriguing, or glamorous. Your work is normal, because it is as close to home as you can possibly be. You have actually gone so far as to become home.

Home: The Headwaters of Mission

If you are a Christian woman who loves the Lord, the gospel is important to you. It is easy to become discouraged, thinking that the work you are doing does not matter much. If you were really doing something for Christ you would be out there, somewhere else, doing it. Even if you have a great perspective on your role in the kingdom, it is easy to lose sight of it in the mismatched socks, in the morning sickness, in the dirty dishes. It is easy to confuse intrigue with value, and begin viewing yourself as the least valuable part of the Church.
There are a number of ways in which mothers need to study their own roles, and begin to see them, not as boring and inconsequential, but as home, the headwaters of missions.
At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel. Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Motherhood provides you with an opportunity to lay down the things that you cannot keep on behalf of the people that you cannot lose. They are eternal souls, they are your children, they are your mission field.

Faith Makes the Small Offering Great

If you are like me, then you may be thinking “What did I ever give up for them? A desk job? Time at the gym? Extra spending money? My twenty- year- old figure? Some sleep?” Doesn’t seem like much when you put it next to the work of some of the great missionaries, people who gave their lives for the gospel.
Think about the feeding of the five thousand when the disciples went out and rounded up the food that was available. It wasn’t much. Some loaves. Some fish. Think of some woman pulling her fish out and handing it to one of the disciples. That had to have felt like a small offering. But the important thing about those loaves and those fishes was not how big they were when they were given, it was about whose hands they were given into. In the hands of the Lord, that offering was sufficient. It was more than sufficient. There were leftovers. Given in faith, even a small offering becomes great.
Look at your children in faith, and see how many people will be ministered to by your ministering to them. How many people will your children know in their lives? How many grandchildren are represented in the faces around your table now?

Gain What You Cannot Lose in Them

So, if mothers are strategically situated to impact missions so greatly, why do we see so little coming from it?  I think the answer to this is quite simple: sin. Discontent, pettiness, selfishness, resentment. Christians often feel like the right thing to do is to be ashamed about what we have. We hear that quote of Jim Elliot’s and think that we ought to sell our homes and move to some place where they need the gospel.
But I’d like to challenge you to look at it differently. Giving up what you cannot keep does not mean giving up your home, or your job so you can go serve somewhere else. It is giving up yourself. Lay yourself down. Sacrifice yourself here, now. Cheerfully wipe the nose for the fiftieth time today. Make dinner again for the people who don’t like the green beans. Laugh when your plans are thwarted by a vomiting child. Lay yourself down for the people here with you, the people who annoy you, the people who get in your way, the people who take up so much of your time that you can’t read anymore. Rejoice in them. Sacrifice for them. Gain that which you cannot lose in them.
It is easy to think you have a heart for orphans on the other side of the world, but if you spend your time at home resenting the imposition your children are on you, you do not. You cannot have a heart for the gospel and a fussiness about your life at the same time. You will never make any difference there if you cannot be at peace here. You cannot have a heart for missions, but not for the people around you. A true love of the gospel overflows and overpowers. It will be in everything you do, however drab, however simple, however repetitive.
God loves the little offerings. Given in faith, that plate of PB&J’s will feed thousands. Given in faith, those presents on Christmas morning will bring delight to more children than you can count. Offered with thankfulness, your work at home is only the beginning. Your laundry pile, selflessly tackled daily, will be used in the hands of God to clothe many. Do not think that your work does not matter. In God’s hands, it will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers.

Don't Always "Just Say No"

 A recent blog post by Jon Acuff began with this:


A friend of mine once taught me a brilliant trick for brainstorming.


She runs a team that puts on elaborate theater performances. And each season, she gathers them together to plan the next year’s shows. But do you know who she doesn’t invite to these brainstorming sessions?
The people who build the sets.
Why?
Because they can’t stop saying “no.”


When someone says, “What if we made it snow inside?” their answer is “no.”
When someone says, “What if we found a way to transform the stage into water?” their answer is “no.”
When someone says, “What if all the seats were on the stage and the audience became the performers?” their answer is “no.”


Why do they respond that way? Are they creative or talented or artistic? Of course they are, but they’re focused on executing the idea. Years of building the actual sets have made it difficult for them to step outside of the logistics and details and practicalities of making the sets.


Try as they might, they can’t suspend that part of themselves to allow a free flowing, anything goes brainstorming session.
So my friend doesn’t invite them to the early idea sessions because she knows they can’t help saying, “That will never work.”
And today, I propose that you and I struggle with that same problem.

Now you may read that and think of a number of things that it could apply to.  But all I could hear throughout the entire story was my own voice...my Mom voice...saying "no."

I am the set builder in this story.  I am the one who cannot stop saying "no." But instead of a set builder I am an experienced kid builder.  And "years of building certain systems and standards have made it difficult for me to step outside of the logistics and details and practicalities of building/raising kids."

Try as I might, I can't suspend that part of myself to allow a "free flowing, anything goes brainstorming session." I often shut down my kids' ideas for the day, or desires to build something, or hopes of making a masterpiece because just the thought of what they are dreaming about creating is so unpractical! (And it will never work... and it is not logistical...and it throws off the schedule.) 

Wow. I don't want to be a dream killer (is that dramatic enough?) I want to use my "no's" wisely.  I want to, whenever possible, be a dream encourager, (or at least say "yes" more than "no" when it comes to my kids' ideas.)  I want to pause and think a little more before answering based on my own focus for the day.  I'm going to make some changes.

"Shifting Shadows" Priscilla Shirer

Priscilla Shirer is one of my favorite Bible teachers and she has a great blog with some interesting insights over at Going Beyond Ministries. One of her more recent entries caught my attention because she, like me, is getting ready to turn 40.  I related to every point she made and loved the questions she posed at the end of her post titled "Shifting Shadows...and other things that move."

(p.s. Im looking forward to reading her newest book, The Resolution for Women which is a companion to the recently released film, Courageous.)

"Proud Zainey"

My daughter Zaine has a performance coming up March 5th and she is so excited. And I cannot wait.  Not only because my girl loves to sing and dance, but because her class is going to be singing "Proud Mary." And not just any version of it, but this version I have posted for you below.  Now, before you get to watching it keep in mind that Kindergarteners-6 yr olds- are going to be singing this version of "Proud Mary" with the opening dialogue and the dance moves.  Yes, they will be dancing too! (instead of the booty shaking they do this running in place while rotating their arms at their sides like a train on the tracks...absolutely adorable.)  And their amazingly creative teacher has been teaching them all kinds of classic hits throughout the year.  And she dances on the desks sometimes. And she has them sing responses to her. And she wears a crown and a queen's robe at times and on those days is referred to as Queen Miller. And Zaine is learning--a lot! And I love her.

So as you watch the video below picture my darling daughter Zaine and her brood of 6 yr old friends singing and dancing along. Because Zaine is all about performing. And hopefully you will smile.

Embracing Orphans

My cousin, Carl Robanske, has been such an inspiration to me.  He is a PE teacher at Garrison Middle School in Walla Walla, Wa. (my Jr high :) who decided to take a short term missions trip to Jamaica in December of 2007. Now he heads up Embracing Orphans, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for the orphaned, abused, neglected, and also trafficked children of Jamaica.  I am incredibly encouraged and inspired by his willingness to go for it, to take a step of faith and really make a difference in the lives of others.  I hope you are encouraged too.

My cousin, Carl Robanske of Embracing Orphans

The following is an excerpt from the first Embracing Orphans Newsletter in January of 2008.

"It was only days after my return from my first trip to Blossom Gardens when this letter was sent to my friends and family. This short story embodies the essence of Embracing Orphans - to show them they are loved, so that they may experience and understand the Father's love.

January 2008 Carl Robanske Embracing Orphans Newsletter

It was Friday, the last day before our schools winter break. I'd been looking for options to put my faith into action during this break. It didn't come together with a lot of time for planning, but God will take what you give Him and use it for His glory. And He did.

Blossom Gardens is an orphanage for children months old to age seven. In addition there are also children up to age ten who have mental disabilities. There are sixty five children at Blossom Gardens with the most attention being needed in the toddler room. Thirty five toddlers live in this room. Our attention was spent embracing, making faces, bottle and spoon feeding, and lightening the load of the care givers. The majority of the time two staff members tended to the needs of the thirty five toddlers including the five with Cerebral Palsy and five with Autism.

I'd like to share one story with you from my time spent at the orphanage. Nap time came at about eleven o'clock. Children were falling asleep on their colorful mattresses, but one looked uncomfortable, confused, and heart broken. Her eyebrows dipped and her lower lip stuck out as she looked at the kids around her. Then a single tear rolled down her cheek. I asked a staff member how long she had been at the orphanage. She responded, "Two weeks, she never talks". I could read the hurt on Monesia's face. Throughout the time I spent at Blossom Gardens she barely made a noise, until the last day. I took Monesia to the classroom upstairs. I got out picture books and read to her. I took out the stuffed animals and pretended they were talking to her and kissing her. I picked her up high in the air over and over again. She started to laugh. Much to my surprise as I embraced her she began to sing. In a still small voice she sang.

How often we forget that we are loved."

(story continued...)
Since then, Carl Robanske has used every school break and summer vacation to travel to Jamaica. He founded the nonprofit Embracing Orphans organization and has racked up a lengthy list of projects for Blossom Gardens and other orphanages. Those include building and furnishing a playroom and library; facility maintenance work such as drywall, painting and electrical work; starting a preschool program that includes teacher training and supplies; funding dental check-ups; installing hands-on toddler toys and two commercial-style playgrounds; replacement of all toddler cribs and paying overdue utility bills. Embracing Orphans has also funded training on issues such as autism and abuse and neglect, and provided appreciation dinners for the facility staff.

More than 100 volunteers from a dozen states have joined him in eight trips to embrace orphans, he said. "Which is, in my opinion, incredibly amazing. We have a ripple effect from that, one relationship builds another relationship, building a whole other community of people. "

His life is probably not exactly what his parents pictured when they were raising him in Dayton, Robanske speculated with good humor. "I think my parents think it's odd. I think all of us in my family are odd, so it works out all right."

He continues to love teaching and has no immediate plans to leave the field, he said.

"I try not to do too much long-range planning. Then you take the guess work out of what God really wants to do."
(excerpt taken from Union Bulletin article on Carl Robanske)

To learn more about Embracing Orphans and how you can be a part of their work in Jamaica, visit their website by clicking here or contact them at embracingorphans@gmail.com.

My Brother From Another Mother

I have yet another inspiring family member I shall introduce you to today, my brother-in-law Von.  Nate's younger brother is an artist doing everything from traditional studio work to street art, like this piece he recently made for his sweet mom (my mother-in-law) Gussy.

Von, his sister Andrea, and her husband Ward are not just Nate's family, but they are my siblings too.  I count them as my own and celebrate the amazing talents and creativity God has blessed them with. They are each an inspiration to me in their own right. Some of my favorite work from Von has been for Mars Ill. (Nate produces music and has been half of the hip-hop crew Mars Ill since the late 90's.) Von created the group's logo (shown above) as well as the Polar Bear mark that Nate became known for. Check out more of Von's work at his website.

Breathe Slow, it's Wednesday

Mars Ill's Backbreakanomics album, artwork by Ward Jenkins

So I know you all have just been dying to see Nate on the ole 1's and 2's, well, have I got a video for you! The song "Breathe Slow" was one of Mars Ill's greatest hits in their glory days (circa 2004), getting lots of play on college radio, and the video was nominated for a Gospel Music Award.  So here you have it, Manchild (the rapper, Greg Owens) and Dust (the DJ/producer, Nate Corrona) with their biggest hit, "Breathe Slow."

I Climbed a Tree

This weekend was beautiful! We spent a whole lotta time outside enjoying the weather, the girls on the trampoline, Nate keeping them busy with jumping games, and me surveying the land.  Yes, I love to check the flower beds for growth in this crazy warm, Spring-like, January weather. I love to push back the jungle of foliage that attacks us from the woods behind and beside our home.  I love to manicure the trees and bushes watching for signs of new blooms.  I love being outside *(in nice weather.)

So as we were enjoying our time outdoors this weekend I got busy breaking off old, dead branches and carting them off to the woods.  But some of those old branches were higher than I could reach, and, let's face it, my "jump and grab" isnt what it used to be. So I climbed into the tree.

I say this like it's big news because truthfully, it is! I used to do this kind of thing all of the time. I was known for my agility.  But running and jumping and climbing and cartwheeling have become a sort of thing of the past.  It doesnt feel like it used to.  I pull muscles. My neck hurts. I feel less steady. I dont want to. Im almost 40.

And there you have it.  The thought that provoked me to go for it. Yes, I am almost 40, and what am I going to do about it? Im going to climb while I still can! I stood on the rail of the deck and reached out for the closest (strongest:) limb in front of me.  And I climbed into that tree using muscles I obviously, from the feel of it, hadnt used in years. I pulled down all the broken down, useless limbs that were hindering the growth of new buds on that tree and I felt alive! Like I was shaking off the normalcy of life and going for something new! It felt good! I enjoyed the hard work of it! And Im sure the neighbors got a good laugh out of it too!

To capture the moment I found a good spot to lean back and take a photo. I wanted to be sure to remember the event and the feeling I had climbing that tree. And to remember the joy of breaking off the things hindering new growth.  I want to keep growing.

Me, Beth Moore, and being real

Meeting Beth Moore at the Passion 2012 Conference

 One of the highlights of the Passion 2012 Conference in Atlanta, Ga was getting to hang out backstage with my husband as he filmed the various sessions. And the biggest highlight of all was meeting the wonderfully kind Beth Moore.  I was able to listen in on her session, which took place right after this photo was taken, and also watch from a distance as she interacted with various people behind the scenes.  She is the real deal. If you have ever done a Beth Moore Bible study you should know that the woman revealed in those pages is the woman she really is.  I was so inspired by our meeting that I determined to pay more attention to how I live my life, and what people see of me "behind the scenes." I want to be the example of Christ to others that she was to me and our crew that day.  You know someone is special when you only meet for a moment but they leave a wonderful lasting impression of a life lived sincerely for our Lord.

Beth has a very encouraging blog at her Living Proof Ministries website that I hope you will check out. Recently she shared 2 postings from her sister, Gay, that I think you would be both fascinated and encouraged by.  What a testimony and what a God! 


Meet My Sister part 1  ~Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries

My Sister Gay part 2  ~Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries

What We Hear

A few days ago Jon Acuff posted some great videos over at Stuff Christians Like.  I had seen the videos floating around on facebook before and had absolutely loved them.  Coupled with his post they meant even more.  Please take a few moments and celebrate the gift of hearing.

More On the Family

My brother-in-law, Ward Jenkins, has also been quite an inspirations when it comes to creativity.  Not only is he married to Nate's sister Andrea ("hula seventy" whom I mentioned in a previous post) he is also an artist. He has a terrific blog, The Ward-O-Matic that highlights the projects he has worked on as well as drawings and illustrations by other artists that he has found interesting.  And he has a website that showcases the work he has done personally and professionally, including the two children's books he has drawn for: Olympic Gold Medal winner Michael Phelps' "How to Train With a T.Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals," and the super fun take on bedtime "Chicks Run Wild" (both can be viewed here.) Hope you take a look and enjoy!

On a Rainy Day

This is one of my favorite versions of Chicago by Sufjan Stevens.  Perfect for a rainy day.

The Problem With Tooting Your Own Horn

Nate and I will have been married 15 years in May.  FIFTEEN YEARS! Years ago I wouldnt have believed I would meet someone who wanted to stick around and do this "life" thing with me for real.  Like, really get in there and stick it out through the rough spots with an individual like me.  I am the first to admit I am not always the easiest person to live with. But one moment in our history stands out to me as the big eye opener.  Not for him so much as for me.  It was one of those moments where the veil is lifted and you see into a person's true self and realize how naive you have been all along. In that moment I realized I had gotten more of a man than I had bargained for, and it was frightening and astonishing all at the same time. This is what happened...

We had been married about a 3 years (together a total of about 7) at the time.  We had just made the move to Atlanta and were settling in to our new life in the South. It was evening and we were lying in bed talking before sleep and got into a conversation about who was smarter. (Not a conversation I recommend having with your spouse at any time during your marriage because there will obviously be differing opinions, but for some reason we went there.) See, I always had just assumed that we were on the same page about this. I mean, I had been on the National Honor Society in High School, and had graduated college with honors. I seemed to have had more experience with money and paying bills and just naturally felt smarter. It wasnt a diss or a means of hurting his feelings, but more of an honest critique. I mean, he had plenty of things he was better at than me, this just happened to be one of my "go to" qualities. Surely he agreed with me?! (oh the arrogance and pride of youth...how it humbles me to think back on it!)

As I lay there awaiting his reply, I got the sense he was hesitating.  That he was considering carefully how he would present his response to me. And as he was looking thoughtfully towards the ceiling I became anxious for his answer. Finally he spoke, and this is what he said, "Actually, I am smarter than you.  I just never said anything because it seemed important to you to be the smarter one."

I was shocked. speechless. Because as my mind began to wrap itself around the words he had just spoken it occurred to me that, using his logic, and the wisdom he demonstrated in not caring and staying silent during those times I had spent tooting my own horn, he had actually proven himself to be RIGHT! He truly was smarter! All those years I had spent somehow puffing myself up about higher test scores or better grades! I hadnt even considered the fact that his wealth of wisdom came from a more honest place. A more important place. From his true self. 

I have never forgotten how I felt in that moment.  Realizing that my husband was much smarter than I had ever given him credit for, and that I had a lot to learn from him. That was also the moment I realized I had a lot to be thankful for in this man. A man who would stick with me during the bare naked ugly moments when I wanted to crawl in a hole and hide forever. He was willing to do this "life" thing with me.

That moment changed the way I look at every person, and especially how I view myself. People are a lot more than what we give them credit for...especially those we think we have already figured out. Have you had one of those eye opening moments in your marriage? Have you suddenly seen someone for more than you thought they were and been changed by it?

hula seventy

My sister-in-law Andrea has a wonderful blog called hula seventy.  I am always inspired by her beautifully creative photos, and the dedication she puts into posting regularly.  She took the picture of my girls' toes up above :) and this loverly one of my girl:) She also loves to make lists :) and has her own Etsy store :) Enjoy!!

Be Awesome

Great great great post over at Jon Acuff's blog.  Here's the link to How To Be Awesome At Everything.

Meet My Mentor...

...who doesnt know he's my mentor. :)  Im talking about the incredibly encouraging Jon Acuff who has become one of my biggest inspirations for 2012.  Ive been following him for a while now on twitter, and have always enjoyed his musings about Stuff Christians Like, but since the end of 2011 every post on Jon's blog and just about every tweet seems to have a direct correlation to my life.

So take a moment and read thru his personal blog.  And for a good laugh take some time to read Stuff Christians Like.  And see if you are not also inspired to make 2012 a year you finish well.

Falling in Love...

One of my favorite music videos my husband has ever filmed is for a song called "Falling in Love With Glaciers" by our dear friend Dan Smith and his musical partner Christin Nelson, of the band Listener.  I love just about everything about this song, and I hope you do too.  And if you like this, be sure to check out all of their music and the link above. :)

Hurray for Music!

Tonight piano started for the winter quarter and I think I am more excited than the girls. As adults both Nate and I wish we had learned to play instruments as kids. We have a number of friends who play piano, guitar, drums or more and they have all mentioned on different occasions how grateful they are that their parents made them stick with it.

We also have spoken with a number of parents whose kids take music lessons and every one of them have said that it  was worth the money and the effort. A friend and piano teacher had her kids take piano thru elementary school and by middle school band her kids were skilled enough to pick up any instrument if their choosing. Nate and I have seen the value of being able to play music in the lives of our friends.

So we have made a decision. We have made music lessons a mandatory part of learning during the school years. As tough as it may be to keep them interested and practicing, we feel they will be rewarded in the end.