In My Weakness, I am Made Strong 10-09

Wow. Apparently being vulnerable is a VERY good choice around here...at least with friends such as you guys. Those of you who chose to leave comments...THANK YOU. You gave me a much needed, very loving, kick in the pants...and reminded me over and over again that in my own strength, I am indeed destined to fail. You pointed me to Scripture, called me, wrote me, loved me. THANK YOU. Through it all, I have been deeply touched and in the process, reminded that what God calls us to, He will provide for...that trying to balance it all on my own will not work. I cannot do this. But by God's strength I can...and then I can boast of His grace and His power made tangible in life. What a beautiful opportunity.

So how about some fluffy and somewhat squishy stuff...like my kids . Noah is a never ending stream of questions....most of which involve him saying, "What is this for Mama?" He now is well versed in water towers and railroad tracks, fire hydrants, and just about everything else we ever pass in the car. And shock of all shocks. I made some "ghost" cookies the other night, which he was so excited about. As they were cooking in the oven, I asked him to count them (I have never heard him count more than 4 before) as we were watching them bake. To my great surprise he counted all the way to 11. When did he learn to count? And who taught him? We count all the time, but I haven't actually worked with him on it...apparently he is a sponge and seems to absorb whatever is going on around him. It is so crazy to hear him/watch him do the stuff that I remember Landon doing not long ago. Time is frozen in my mind from when Landon was 3ish. The clothes he wore, the things he said and did. Noah is starting to wear those clothes and surprise me with his knowledge, just like Landon did and it just doesn't seem possible. In my mind, Noah is still a baby. But he isn't...not at all...I love the age Noah is at. I love everything about it. He goes with me everywhere, everything is an exciting adventure, he says the most adorable things and he is still soft and squishy. I want to bottle him up.

And Landon, I don't even know where to begin with this kid. Last night at dinner, Jonathan was narrating what he was doing (I came home from work, sat down, ate a bite of soup...etc). Landon thought it was kind of funny and then said, "Dad, that is a nonfiction story!" Where in the world did he learn about nonfiction...oh wait, school. I have been looking at pictures of him recently and am amazed at how much he is growing and changing. He turns six in just a few short weeks...man that is old!

We have enjoyed some fun fall activities inspite of the busyness around here. We took the kids to an orchard with my parents. They loved the hayride and corn maze. Next week we leave to go camping in Indiana for 5 days. We are all excited about that (and praying for good weather!). We go every year with my family to a place that is filled with my childhood memories. To take my children there and watch as they grow to love it just as much I do, fills my heart with unspeakable joy. I can't wait.

Well, I need to get out of here. I am teaching a class at a local pregnancy center today, dropping in to say my goodbyes to the girls I worked with for the past 9 months on Wednesday nights, and then driving all the way back here to be in class by 6pm. And tomorrow the dean of my department is dropping in to evaluate my teaching (a tad bit nerve-wracking). Busy couple of days...but I am re-learning (with the kind encouragement from you!) that in my weakness, I am made strong. One dear friend shared Psalm 62 with me...and now I want to share it with you. Thanks Jill!

My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

² He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

³ How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

⁴ They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah

⁵ Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

⁶ He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God ^[a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

⁸ Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

⁹ Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.

¹⁰ Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.

¹¹ One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,

¹² and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.