rainy days are good, too

Last year about this time I wrote about the fact that I was learning to be spontaneous - and more open to outdoor family adventures. So I've been working on it and continuing to improve I might add. Only problem is - this husband of mine keeps upping the anty. He is crafty. "Let's put outings on the calendar so you can PLAN for it, ok?" OK - that works for me - at least I have a heads up that on a certain day of the week I am going to walk past the laundry, dirty house, filthy bathrooms, go out and enjoy nature. It takes a lot of deep breathing - and usually my heart is not fully into it until 25% into the hike - but I am able to smile and be pleasant. However you can' t plan the weather, can you?

I knew when I looked out the window at the gray sky a week ago that even though rain was predicted, we were packing a lunch and loading into the van for our "scheduled" outing. Because you see - to the eternal optimist.....the sun is always shining......and I am married to an eternal optimist.

So I got up, fed the kids and began packing the lunch. I called my mom and said we were taking a hike in the rain, would she like to join us? And she too is learning how to be spontaneous and adventurous! I quietly readied the troops. When Merl asked where I wanted to go - I said, "I don't want anything to do with the decision making - I'll just go where you say - and it is going to rain by the way." But of course it might not rain......

And so off we went and I was quiet rather than worrying aloud about the clouds and wind and cold.....because I am learning to count the gifts of life! I am trying to influence realistic optimists....not fearful pessimists.......

So we hiked and the wind blew, and 25% of the way into the hike I decided I would have fun. And I would stop being irritated that the sky was gray and the pictures would not be so beautiful.

Halfway through the hike however, people began to melt down. Jonathan began begging to be carried (never happens - later realized he was coming down with a bad cold)....and it looked like we were going to get nailed with rain. So Merl took the younger two and mom and I made the brave trek up to the summit of South Mountain.

What is the worse thing that can happen if we get soaked? Madison, Ryan and Aslan were not concerned about the weather. Mom was unphased by the upward climb. I began thinking how I was going to get down the hill fast with a bad knee.

We stopped visiting and got down to business - only briefly stopping for photos on the way to the very top......

Ok - maybe some pictures with clouds in them are nice. I can't post any of the pictures of us at the top - we are so windblown we'd hardly be recognized! When later looking at the pictures, Dad said mom's hair looked like the crazy professor in "Back to the Future!" So I am opting for a nice shot of the view. That thin bit of clouds (before a dark storm burst) in view below - well that was the beginning of the down pour.

Long story short - we booked it down the "mountain" and were extremely happy to have the warm van waiting for us at the end. We were wet and cold and mom and I were wondering why we'd done our hair that morning. We had a steamy lunch in the van and left for home. After all four kids and the dog had been bathed, the hot water was gone so I opted to wait for mine. I do love a hot shower and cup of coffee after a nice long hike though.....so later when I was enjoying both I had to ultimately give thanks. I guess it always doesn't always have to be sunny to be good day.

In his hand are the depths of the earth......

"I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.....

...One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts...

...They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

...and I will meditate on your wonderful works..."(Psalm 145:1-5)

"Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them."

(Psalm 111:2)

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs...

...Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people the sheep of his pasture.....

...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." (Psalm 100:1-5)

"It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night......How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!" (Psalm 42:1-3, 5)

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations...Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy..." (Psalm 98:1-2, 5)

"In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. the sea is his for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God...." (Psalm 95:4-7a)

with Liberty and Justice for All.....(Part 2)

The high point of our day at the capitol for me was unplanned! (Highly unusual I would enjoy an impromptu moment!) At the time, our group of alumni students was listening to the interns explain a bill we'd picked up in the "bill room". All of a sudden, a gentlemen in street clothes approached the group and introduced himself as Representative David Gowan, Sr. from District 30. Within moments he was asking our group leaders if he could give us a personal tour! My hat is off to our wonderful interns who sensed this was a great opportunity and went with the flow. I have no idea what our time was supposed to consist of - but what occurred was grand!

Representative Gowan whisked us over to the House where we then were able to go "behind the scenes" and he educated the kids about the steps of how a bill becomes law - as we walked to all the key places.....

Lobby of the House

I didn't catch the name of this room - but basically a place where representatives can go to have research done on ideas for bills - information, etc.

This is Rep. Gowan's office - where he talked to the kids a little about "bills"..... we then went to an office area where he explained he gives the bill to a clerk to be typed up and then Ryan was able to "drop" an actual bill to be assigned a number....and now we will follow it through the process. Next, they saw the committee meeting rooms where bills are heard and then we were able to enter the actual chamber of the House since they were not in session!

Representative Gowan lead the kids to his desk on the floor and explained all the items he had there and why they were present.

After that, they were able to carefully go up front and sit in the Speaker's chair! How excellent is that?

This is the view from the front of the Speaker's desk.....

After leaving the chamber we walked through the "lounge" and then - probably the most exciting for the kids - was a walk through a "secret tunnel" connecting the House to the Senate building. It was hilarious how much of a rise that got out of the kids! (Basically left over from the cold war and now stuffed full of overflow materials!)

Mr. Gowan's enthusiasm and genuine joy was evident as he interacted with the kids and escorted them through the building. He clearly enjoyed his job and was thrilled to be in office. I am not kidding when I say it was such an encouragement to this mama to meet a Godly man such as him - and to know he is working for little old me. Our children were able to see that most of our senators and representatives are honorable citizens - much like our neighbors or friends - who are passionate about what they do and want to make a difference. Representative Gowan did not have to take the time or effort to do this, but he did and for that we were appreciative!

with Liberty and Justice for All.....(Part 1)

While visiting recently with friends who have lived overseas almost five years, they asked us - "What are you doing about politics? How are you handling this in your family?" Funny he should ask that when just this past Friday, Madison , Ryan, and I attended our second year of TeenPact at the state capitol.

The mission of TeenPact is "to train youth to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend their Christian faith and engage the culture at a time in their lives when, typically, they do not care about such things." This leadership school for Christian students was founded in 1994 and holds classes in 38 of our great states! Last year was our first and it was a tremendous encouragement to me. I wrote about it here.

I wondered if this year would be as inspirational - and it was. The program was basically the same as last year - but for this age is great reinforcement of fundamental principles. I especially love the "sword drills" during which the interns lead the kids in looking up scripture and helping them understand the meaning. This is not a freedom we have in our public schools any more yet it is vitally important as Christians to understand how politics, God, the bible, and our country all line up.

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right." 1 Peter 2:13-14

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Romans 13:1-2

Fundamental to the Christian life is the firm belief in the sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness of God in all circumstances of our lives. Nothing that happens - even in politics- that does not pass through the Lord's hands. All offices in our government demand our respect and obedience.

"For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us." Isaiah 33:22

What a wonderful verse which reminds us of the authority of our Lord - but in the backdrop of how our government is set up in America: The judicial branch to interpret our laws, a legislative branch to make our laws, and a President who enforces our laws. We are called to participate in these entities within our government - and during this day the kids learned some of how the process works.

Yet even though in America we are given these authorities - it is the Lord who should reign supreme - who has given us a law to follow, and is our judge. He is our only hope for salvation. We do not have to put all our hope in politics - but can trust in Him completely.

"Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than men!'" Acts 5:29

There could be situations in our country - when our government asks us to do things which are against God's law. In these circumstances - we must obey God.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and leases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge or the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

It is a privilege to pray for our local and national public servants. Not only did we spend time doing this while at the Capitol - but the kids were encouraged to do it daily.

Praise God for those who support and participate in this ministry. This group of young people and adults who travel our country to give clarity and hope are a blessing.

birthday blitz

We have just completed our first "birthday blitz"of 2011. The boys start our year out with a bang since their birthdays are within five days of each other. It seems insane after just recovering from the holidays - but it is what it is - the Lord's timing! This year Ryan and Jonathan wanted to play with friends together so we gathered a large group of friends and family together at the park to celebrate. Ryan shares a birthday with dear friends who are twins, so we billed the party for all four of them since we all have mutual relationships. It was a blessing to have my brother's family here from New Mexico to attend the party too -

The birthday group.....

Paper airplane technique refined!

Simple decorations, breakfast food, a paper airplane contest, and lots of laughs were the highlights.

The next day was Ryan's actual birthday so we were off to Liberty Market for breakfast and the birthday discount! That afternoon we visited Joe's Farm Grill for free birthday shakes to share.

Birthday frog from Madison

Pancakes seemed to have been the favorite!

The best chocolate shakes we know of!

Just four days later we were up and at'em enjoying a birthday with Jonathan. His was a sort of a low key day as we had already spent the week playing and visiting with cousin Archer and needed to get some school done. However Jonathan still received his birthday french toast, presents, and then traditional trip to Joe's Real BBQ for dinner with Grandma and Grandpa! We never get tired of this ritual!

Jonathan's new "favorite book" since he recently had to have his tooth pulled as a result of too many falls and banging it!

Jonathan's favorite at Joe's BBQ - macaroni and cheese and corn!

So now we are officially all exhausted.....with the exception of Mom and Dad's birthdays spread out in the spring and summer - we will have plenty of time to recuperate. Birthday blitz #2 is not until November........