Max Marathon

I used to only ever read self-help/spiritual books or the bible. A while back I realized that was the same with music. I used to only listen to Christian music. Secular/Non Secular call it whatever you want, but over the years I have realized it's all the same to me. That is my 2 cents worth about that topic, take it or leave it. It's funny when Moses and I talk about music because many of the bands of the 80's and 90's I have no recollection of because of this. He will say something like, "Don't you remember that song" to which I will respond " Nope never heard it" to which he will say, "Man where were you?" and I will think in my head I was in a bubble. I am glad in many ways to have bursted that bubble. Who did the bursting I am not exactly sure but all the same it has bursted wide open.
So anyway, that was a rabbit trail thanks for following back to the topic at hand... back in the day when I was inside the bubble my favorite author and still he is one of my favorites now is/was Max Lucado. I used to work at a Christian book store and every new release of his was quickly purchased, read through, and placed on my self at home. I just love the way this man writes in pictures. Well, since outside the bubble I haven't picked up any of his new releases and or read the old ones in a long time
SO.....(the whole point of this blog is coming.... wait for it... wait for it....)

I have decided over the course of the next few weeks of Christmas Break that I am going to go on a Max Lucado Marathon. While studying the shelves of books that my hubby so masterfully assembled from Ikea I realized that I have almost everyone of this man's titles(except new titles as stated above). After realizing it has been a while since I have dug deep into one of them I thought it's about time, so I am going on a Max marathon. His books always make me cry so I will make sure I have kleenex nearby.

The titles on the road map are as follows:

Next Door Savior

Just Like Jesus

And The Angels Were Silent


I will report back in a few weeks if I survive this marathon without a bucket load of tears and hopefully a good reminder or two.
Until then please enjoy some more new pictures.



The pics are of the Space Needle in Seattle, A butterfly that Landed on Sol's hand while in the Butterfly garden at PSC, and one from Sol's birthday party in October right before moving(seems so long ago now).



When I look at all the boys in that last photo my heart aches to think of the next time we will see them all. I sure do feel a case of homesickness coming on. Good thing this city has many distractions to hold me over until the next time we all are able to meet again.

Selah and Joy

The word Selah in the bible means to pause, stop and truly reflect. I am having that kind of day today where I am reflecting about the scripture in the bible that says, "Let the Joy of the Lord be your strength."

Last night our pipes froze. Moses woke up this morning to not having any running water for his shower before work. Thankfully, me and the kids had bathed the night before but all the same it made for a stressful morning.
Then the night before we heard from a friend that he is getting a divorce. It came as quite a shock and deeply saddened both Moses and I.


Today I received an email from a very close friend that her youngest is in the hospital and they are running tests to find out what might be the cause of some frightening symptoms.
Life and all its joys and sorrows comes in waves. These events have surely brought about a wave of sadness. The odd thing is that just today I was praying out loud with only the ears of my precious 5 year old around to hear me. I was walking around saying, "Thank you Father God for a happy healthy 5 year old named Isaiah, Thank you Father God for a happy healthy 8 year old named Solomon, Thank you Father God for a happy healthy 9 year old named Chloe, Thank you Father God for a happy healthy 11 year old named Emma, Thank you Father God for a happy healthy husband named Moses." I hadn't finished my list of things I was thankful for when Isaiah chimed in with, " And Thank you Father God for a happy healthy Mommy that's named Noel"



There are some things in life that can bring momentary happiness and this time of year the commercials are filled with those things, but something that brings true joy is to hear your 5 year old pray for you and to know that the Creator of Heaven and Earth heard that thanksgiving. There is nothing quite like that, and that, I believe will give me the strength and the true Joy the bible talks about.
Our pipes freezing in comparison to the emotional and physical trials of friends pales in comparison and puts it all back into perspective again for me. I am thankful for a healthy dose of perspective today and also for true joy.