7 quick takes

-1-
Yesterday morning Travis left the above song, Hold On by Toby Mac, on the computer with a note that said, "Listen to this song and imagine that I'm singing it to you."
My husband is so great and I am so grateful.

-2-
A lot of friends have been having babies lately and I'm so happy for Cynthia, Kaitlin, Jen, Kristen, and Grete! (did I forget anyone?!) But I'm super excited for Karen and Jeremy! Less than a month ago they had an adoption fall through but yesterday received a phone call from their case worker that went a little like this: Karen, you can come pick up your daughter at 4:30. Little Anna Clare is a week and a half old and she is completely theirs! I am so happy for you guys!

-3-
Lydia's imagination has really taken off. Going to my mom's house earlier this week she told me, "Mom there's a giant outside my window and he wants to get me!" I told her to tell the giant to leave her alone and go away. So she starts saying, rather firmly, "No, Giant! No! Get back! Go away!" He briefly listened to her, but when we got to Mom's he clearly showed up again. Lydia got out of the van and walked down the driveway, holding her hand out in front of her and carrying a teddy bear saying, "You get over there, Giant! Go away! Get over there!"

-4-
I am planning a post on the Behold Conference where I talk about how awesome it was - truly blessed by God and led by the Spirit - but I thought I'd share a couple things here now. First, Jennifer Fulwiler is really, really pretty. Any picture I have seen of her online does not truly convey how striking she is.

-5-
The second thought I want to share came from my mom. Mom grew up being taught my nuns, many of whom - I think - were a lot like the stereotypical stories you hear about teaching nuns in the fifties and sixties. So when the Sisters of Life spoke so beautifully and joyfully and poignantly about Gods' love she was really taken in. They told jokes, sang songs, and told humorous stories. Sr. Bethany told the story of shopping at a JC Penny on Thanksgiving weekend for a Baptismal dress for one of the moms who live with them. Sr. held the mother's baby while both women "rifled through the dress racks." Mom was really touched to see these young nuns, and it makes me wonder how many of the other women in their 50's and 60's also were impacted by the sisters' joyful witness.

-6-
My children got an old school spinning top for Christmas. They love it.

-7-
I'll leave you with one of my favorite passages from Scripture:
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.