Give Him something to work with

Lately I've thought a lot about my dream of studying and teaching. I dream that someday I will have all the time in the world to pursue study of what I care about the most: God and His Word. And that it will somehow lead me into more teaching in different contexts. I hope this period of study includes book study and intensive people-time as well. I hope to have many teachers revealed in my life and learn much. I don't know whether this includes a traditional classroom or not. We'll see. But my brain and my spirit longs for this. I believe that God has not only planted this dream in me but that He has given me encouragement of it and a few early opportunities to explore it.

About 2 weeks ago I began reading a book on church history - "Church History in Plain Language." It's been on my shelf for a while and I just kept looking at it. I believe that me choosing to read this; choosing to engage in my dream...it's telling God that I'll give it whatever I've got to give. Which, right now, is a few nap-times per week to read and study it. This is absolutely part of my dream. And, while it seems small, sends God (I hope!) a message that I want Him to continue to help me on the path to my dreams. I want to give God something to work with instead of waiting for Him to drop my dreams in my lap. I'll take some steps and believe that His Grace will open doors and provide a level path. I'm betting the rest of my life on it, actually. And I believe that's a safe bet.

We love Love!

We are a very affectionate family. Andrew usually gives his friends hugs and kisses when he leaves them at school or the playground. Luke got on the phone the other day with a friend of Bill's and said "I love you!"
Love is our biggest goal as parents: we certainly try to make sure our kids do not go a day without receiving our love to the fullest (some days are better than others of course!). We think this includes "I love yous" and hugs and kisses (our favorites!). But also takes the form of playing together, discipline, encouragement, teaching, praying for them and just listening. The biggest parenting challenges for us, so far, are usually around this question: "what exactly IS love right NOW?"
I'm guessing that's probably always going to be the case. And I think the only one with that information is God...so I try to ask him as much as possible instead of relying on my own, lesser version of love. He knows the real deal and He's sharing with people who ask! So - I'm trying to ask Him more how to Love my kids.

Today, however, it was pretty clear: love = hugs and kisses!

Dream about Grace

So I had this dream the other night:

I'm in a downtown area, walking back to my hotel. In the dream my view is through my own eyes...and I can barely see. I can make out hazy blacks and grays but not much else. I felt helpless and was trying hard to see when I just couldn't. I then enter an area that, as best I can describe, would be a maze-like downtown "skywalk" that connected buildings in a downtown area. I am definitely becoming lost. I'm in an area between 2 hotels and pass some hotel workers. I can see a little more clearly inside than I could outside. One of the workers is nice to me and agrees to show me back through the maze to my hotel room. I feel grateful. And in the background of the dream, this whole time, these words to Amazing Grace are being sung throughout this dream:
"Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found: was blind but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come. But He has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home."

Thoughts anyone?

I'm 9 weeks old!

UPDATE!!
2 month check-up stats (from Wed March 17):

• 13 lbs, 3 oz (90th percentile)
• 23 1/2 inches (85th percentile) This girl loves to grow!!

Today (Monday March 15th) my Zoe is 9 weeks old! She's growing all the time: she is wearing 3 month clothes. She has already flipped over from her belly to her back! She is now going to bed at 830pm (ish) and only waking once to eat during the night. She gives her best and biggest smiles to her daddy. And she's tolerant of all the big love, hugs and kisses that she gets from her brothers. My baby is growing up already!
Here are some other recent snapshots of my cutie pie...

THE toy

All my kids have played on our infant play-mat thing-y. That is the official name, I believe. But it deserves a post not only because of its longevity, usefulness and fun, but also because of its most recent occupant. Zoe is now getting to play with her first "toy!"

As you can see, she had some company (and wasn't so happy about it!).

They soon took over.

And here is Andrew playing on it 4 years ago...

And then there was Luke 2 years ago....

All hail the very few, select toys that all the kids have liked and played on. (And that still aren't broken!) Best $60 bucks we ever had someone else spend. :-)