Shout to the Lord....

What a lovely and blessed weekend I just had. Crafting with friends, good talks with the kids, time at the river with friends, and the best of all...this morning's worship at church.

Yes, this is a departure from my usual more superficial prattling about my kids, spouse, life, etc.

The message I heard today was loud and clear. I am made to worship. You are made to worship. God loves us and loves our voices lifted up to Him. I was so convicted today by the pastor's message. If we are more concerned with what others think of us than what God thinks of us, we are missing the mark. God spoke right through him into my heart. I felt God's presence like I never have before while the faithful lifted their voices to Him and I wept with joy for the love and sacrifice Christ made for me.

Why am I posting this? Psalm 100 speaks to me today live never before; "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness: come before Him with joyful songs. ...enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise: give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

THANK YOU GOD!

Pre-Doc Overview - Long Overdue

Whew! Most of the last six months are a blur, populated only by a few important events and dissertation writing. Sure, the kids had the usual sports, music, and school activities, most of which yours truly attended in a fog of distraction and disengagement. Writing my dissertation was like birthing a baby…it was exhausting, but oh so very worth it. I offer you a glimpse into the brief “pauses” of regular life and experiences outside of writing that “little” paper during this last spring.

Enjoy!

A

Pre-Doc Overview - Awards, Honors, & Other Stuff

It's hard not to be proud of my kids. Camryn was the April student of the month for the Kiwanis Club of Pullman. She was nominated by her classmates as a kind, helpful, loyal, and cheerful friend. Smile. Oh, yeah. She also got braces. Harrison finished his third book in AWANA and got another Sparky Award this year. Spencer wore my Save the Hooters (breast cancer awareness) shirt for "Wear Pink" day as school and wasn't even a smidge embarrassed about it. I'm so lucky to have good kids!

Pre-Doc Overview - Make a Joyful Noise

Camryn's first year in band went well...she enjoyed playing sax, but wasn't to keen about getting up early twice a week for jazz band. Spencer continued playing his sax in jazz band this year, but learned to play the trombone for the concert band. Sadly, he won't be continuing in band next year...too many electives to take to prep for college and not enough hours in the day. Harrison had his opportunity to sing his little heart out during our church's kid's musical, Life School Musical. They really worked hard and in the end shared the gospel with everyone that attended.

Pre-Doc Overview - Easter

After conducting a lovely graveside memorial for Nate, our pet squirrel of 5 days, we came home and dyed Easter eggs. Nate's story will have to be told another day...consider this a teaser.

On another note, what on earth do colored eggs have to do with the Messiah? People (us included) are weird.



Not only are colored, hard-boiled eggs "weird", but so is the idea of filling plastic eggs with candy, hiding them, and turning dozens of frenzied kids into a grassy space to pummel one another with colorful baskets. In our egg hunt tradition, kids also learn about the real reason for easter, celebrating Christ's resurrection and our opportunity for salvation through Him. Thank goodness for Christ, and kids' opportunity to hear about Him.


Although the kids love finding the goodies left for them by the EB in their baskets, thankfully they know and appreciate the real reason for this day. Thank you Jesus!

Pre-Doc Overview - Winter/Spring Sports

All three kids play (and love) soccer. Camryn plays goalie quite a bit, Harrison plays whatever position is moving the ball (Ha!), and Spencer would play defender IF he could not hurt his back and actually be able to play. He has been fighting a chronic back injury since last fall and only suited up for a handful of games all year. Bummer for him.

Harrison also played basketball (first time ever...and loved it!) The key to Harrison liking a sport is how much running and constant motion the game involves. The more the better!

Pre-Doc Overview - The Little Boy's Birthday

My little guy thinks it is great to be eight! He salivated over a Pizza Pipeline Colossus pepperoni extravaganza, and invited friends to Zeppoz for bowling, cake, and ice cream! Good times were had by all...including me, who "took a break" from dissertation writing for this little shin-dig!

How in the heck has time gone this fast?!

Pre-Doc Overview - The Big Boy's Birthday

We almost always celebrate our kids' birthdays on their actual birthday at home with a "Birthday Breakfast" which usually consists of the a VERY large, and very unhealthy pancake (made by John) including birthday candles and singing. We had to hurry through this tradition with Spencer (he had a zero period class (7:15 am), so I quickly grabbed a Lightening McQueen candle. Ha!


Jacqueline came over to decorate Spencer's room with a clever poster, streamers and balloons! He was so surprised...and she is so sweet!


Alas, I missed the actual "birthday party" for Spencer. He and his buddy Jamie share a birthday and this year each brought friends and their Dads out for a rousing paint ball war. This is the only photographic evidence I have of what the boys did to celebrate. Sigh. He's growing up...

Where to start?

I'm done PhD-ing, so you would think this blog would be blowing up, right?

No really.

Mid-life, regular, some boring, some interesting stuff has been happening. Come back soon. I'm working up a pithy, clever, and hopefully entertaining update.
A