5 years...

July 7th, Zane and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. There many things I want to articulate about our marriage. How we have grown in our love, understanding and commitment.  But narrowing those thoughts to one post, is daunting. So for now, here are a few thoughts I jotted down in a letter to Zane.

July 7, 2012

Dearest Zane,

This year I opted for a letter instead of my usual Hallmark.  Happy Anniversary!!! I can hardly believe it has been 5 years. In some ways our wedding day seems like yesterday- in other ways like a lifetime ago.

I am so glad- so grateful I married you. You are the calm and steady that I need. In the ways that I am easily stressed or worried, you are stress resistant. Thank goodness. You are patient where I am impatient. You are forgiving when I want to continue the tug of war. You are loyal, when I want to sever the ties. You tolerate with grace my opinions. My strong opinions. You are content in the day to day grind. I am too. Sometimes. And when I'm not, you let me talk options and possibilities. You are open to my new adventures and will let me pull you along. Honey, these are just a few of the ways you balance and complete me.

I admire your commitment and steadfastness in providing for our family. I know we can be  a bit of an expense. I admire your servant's heart as you serve and help me and the kids in so many ways. I admire your eyes to see the best in others- in me. To love and adore me, Jack and Lucy unconditionally. I admire your strong desire to walk with Christ and to lead our family in doing the same.

I think, if someone were to ask me, I would have to say that, "No. Life does not look as I thought it would." It is far better. Not because it is always the life or marriage of ease. There are times it certainly is. But because we- you and I - are committed to whatever it takes to go the distance. To love one another intentionally, wholeheartedly and well. To always return to His truth because it is the one thing that brings life and freedom.

You are a blessing. God's answer and provision to a 1000 (or more) of my prayers. I would choose to say "yes" again today and every day for the rest of my life. So happy 5 years to the love of my life. Here's to many more. After all, we've only just begun.

love always,
S.

                                                                         THEN...

 

NOW...

 

Kids Kamp

For many reasons, we love attending Christ Chapel. The teaching is biblical and applicable. The music leads our hearts to worship. There are resources to encourage us in marriage and parenting. I could list more but perhaps the most vital reason is because of the children's ministry.

Zane and I are clear as to whose responsibility it is to teach our children biblical principles and knowledge. Ours. To model for them seeking Christ and His kingdom above all else. To point them to their need for a Saviour and pray that the Spirit will illumine their hearts. God has blessed us with tools to help us in discipling our Jack and Lucy.

Because the children's ministry is one such blessing, I volunteered to serve during Kids Kamp this year. Kids Kamp is a one-week vbs like camp, open to the community and welcoming kids ages k-6. Preschool age children of volunteers are able to attend a "mini" camp of their own. Jack and Lucy both participated. The preschool theme verse was Psalm 139:14, " I praise you because You made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful."  Jack learned songs like "This Little Light of Mine"and "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock." He loved  the puppets -Boomer the panda, LuLu the monkey and Amanda the racoon. And their stories.

The theme of Kids Kamp this year was "Real Heroes" and the scripture was Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." The Gospel message was underscored in every skit, song, game etc.  On the art teams, we assisted campers as they made 2 different crosses; a decorative door hanger cross and a cross key chain.  We used the colors from the wordless book to dialog with campers about the price Jesus paid for our sins that we might be forgiven, free and have an eternal relationship with God.  Campers used the same colors in their projects. Fellowship was sweet. Friendships were made and encouraged as we prayed and served together. 

1100+  kids attended Kids Kamp and 200+ prayed to receive Christ. What a fruitful week! What an awesome privilege to attend a church where the Gospel is shared in dynamic and life changing ways to the "least of these."  Not just once a year but every week.

We can't wait for Kids' Kamp 2013!

Crib acrobatics

At 14 months, Lucy girl has quite the personality.  Adventurous.  Independent. Head strong.  Fearless.  Happy.   Most of the time.  Unless you say "no" or remove a treasured toy such as mom's iphone.

Some of her recent antics include falling forward in the kiddie pool with her face immersed in water with no panic.  Climbing on chairs or Jack's bed.  Shutting herself in the dark pantry.  I have seen her a time or two, hitching her leg up over the crib side rail.  I doubted her strength to hoist herself completely over and out.  Should have known better.  After all, Lucy was crawling before 6 months.  Walking at 12 months.  Insists on spoon feeding herself.  (All seems early compared to Jack's timetable).  6:30 yesterday morning we heard her crying.  Sobbing really.  Zane went in to check and she had managed to get over the railing and tumbled to the floor.  Poor baby.  Thank goodness God made babies bodies resilient. I know because Jack face planted from the high chair onto the wood floor when he was about 6 months old.  We lowered the crib one last time  This is likely the first of many accidents for our "I can do it" girl.