Yesterday Eli had tubes put in his ears after multiple ear infections. We praise the Lord for the success of this and the goodness of the doctors and nurses there. He was such a brave little boy. I wish you all could have seen him when he got home. He played and did puzzles for hours and only shed tears when we had to put his ear drops in. We couldn't have asked for a greater experience for something that we were dreading so much! Thank you for your prayers. We pray that this will also help him hear more clearly and not be in pain so much!
Thanks again. We rejoice that this day has come and past and look forward to the future. Love you all.

A prayer that hits the soul

I have written a few things before and this is something I ended with when I helped write some student curriculum and it was brought to my attention at the church we attended on Sunday. It was very much a needed reminder none the less. This is an old Franciscan prayer....
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

This weekend I was able to experience a well of emotions that in the long run don't really matter. I say that not to say that our feelings and situations aren't important; I say that because I was viewing them with the wrong eyes. Again, life is so much bigger than we make it. It hurts me so much when I get caught up in trivial things that have no imprint on eternity.
I was able to attend a "revival" service (for lack of a better term) with my dear sister. Though the service was rich in celebration the part that amazed me the most was the beauty, simplicity, and power of God's word. It stand alone. This was reaffirmed as we went to Fellowship Bible Church on Sunday where His truth continued to flood my soul and remind me that He is all we need. I was also convicted that I don't have enough scripture memorized. That is a fact and I want to change that. So, all that are reading you need to hold me accountable for this!
Anyhow, I was also blessed to have gotten to meet some really neat people as I hung out awhile at the McDonald's playground. People that have such incredible stories and who encouraged me greatly. I was amazed at how God allows us to cross paths with so many unbelievable people on our journeys and how those people leave such sweet imprints. I considered it a blessing to have met them and hope to see them again the next time we head to Tennessee.
I was also reminded the beauty of my own family driving back to Georgia. I realized that having hard conversations allow us to understand each other more and in the process love one another better. I am grateful for this.
I treasure the lessons and challenges that came from this weekend. I am better for them. I am richer for them.
Though I could write a great deal more I will end with the end of God's commission to Joshua. Read the entire section...but for the sake of space I will just include the last couple of verses (Joshua 1:8-9)
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."