A Stripped Down Christmas

     I've been struggling this Christmas season. Fighting sadness and grief without necessarily understanding why. If I were to be honest with myself, I'm sure there's more than one reason. All of which, I'm sure, are rooted in the fact I haven't gotten my way because God's plan is different from mine.

I've had to ask myself some hard questions.

Who I am looking to to bring me joy?

Where I am looking for peace?

Where have I placed my hope?

If I stripped everything about Christmas down to the baby in the manger, would it still be Christmas to me?

     I wish I could say the answers are Jesus and yes. While pointing others to Him, I've struggled to keep my eyes focused on Him. I've battled the desire for pity parities rather than focusing on every blessing He's given.

     Last night as I laid in bed with tears trickling down my cheeks, this verse came to mind:

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see 

the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."

 ~Psalm 27:13

     The baby in the manger means hope rather than despair, joy rather than sadness, peace rather than grief. Jesus is the goodness I experience right here and now. When everything around me feels meaningless and disappointing, Jesus brings meaning and satisfaction.

     Christmas IS the baby in the manger. Without Jesus, everything else is empty tradition.

     Maybe it's time for me to strip away my idea of Christmas and get back to just Jesus.

Feelings Can't Be Trusted

     I am reminded again today how untrustworthy feelings are. Earlier this week my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy for all the Lord has given me.

     The last couple of days I've wrestled with insecurity and rejection. It's so easy to wallow in self pity. But wallowing will feed the insecurities racing through my mind. 

     Feelings are always changing which is why they can't be trusted. The most successful way to battle insecurity and rejection is with truth-God's truth. 

     So I read and prayed through Psalm 139 and Ephesians 1:3-8. Such rich passages of Scripture reminding me how loved and valued I am by my Creator and Savior. As I soak in the truth of His Word, I am overwhelmed by the peace only Jesus gives. 

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”~John‬ ‭14:27‬ 

A Well Lived Life

      This morning we celebrated the well lived life of my precious friend, Elizabeth. It was so evident how much she loved and encouraged every one who came in contact with her. No words will ever be adequate to describe how much she means to me and how much I love her. 

     I feel like I've lost my way a little bit without her. Joshua​​ told me as we were getting ready this morning, "It's okay, Kaydi. It's just hard when people have run the good race and fought the good fight. And they finish before you." He is so right. I love how every person who spoke today pointed back to Jesus because that's what Elizabeth always did. 

     I want to be the person who runs the race well, who fights the good fight, and points people back to Jesus. I will be forever thankful for every memory I made with my precious friend, Elizabeth. The last lunch date we had back in June, it was so evident to me she was in pain and she hardly ate at all. Yet our conversation was filled with her concern for me, and God's faithfulness to her. She assured me I didn't need to worry about her. God would take care of her. And He did. Elizabeth received her healing and reward. 

     As we drove home today, I thought about when she had her stroke on June 23, 2014. We weren't sure then if she was going to make it. I had lost our baby girl, Liana Elise 14 weeks in the pregnany in January 2014. I just remember telling God, You took my baby. Please don't take my best friend too. I need her. And God was kind enough to give me two more years with Elizabeth. I had two more years with Elizabeth's example of living well, running the good race, and fighting the good fight. Two more years to learn from Elizabeth what it means to encourage and truly, selflessly love others. 

     I will spend the rest of my days trying to live out the lessons God taught me through Elizabeth. 

“I have fought the good fight, 

I have finished the race, and 

I have remained faithful.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ 

Elizabeth

     This afternoon, I walked into my friend Krissi's classroom to deliver some gift cards for our friend. Krissi's students were the first class Elizabeth and I taught at UME. They were writing journal entries about Elizabeth. Then Krissi reminded me she needed something about Elizabeth from me. I just teared up. I've sat down to write about her on this blog many times since her death. And I just can't. No words will ever be adequate enough and my emotions are still so overwhelming. I dread walking into the building every morning. It just feels empty without her. Once my students arrive, I'm fine. This loss is so very hard for me. I emailed Krissi what I wrote on Facebook, the day Elizabeth went home to be with Jesus. This is what I posted that day.

Kaydi Putman Shaw with Elizabeth Terry Shafer.

August 26 at 4:24pm · 

This morning, Jesus called one of His beloved, my best friend, Elizabeth home. She is healed, whole, and happy dancing at His feet. Many times over the last 5 years, we have said that God knew we needed each other and perfectly orchestrated events so our lives would intersect. She has always been able to see me-the real me. And she loved me as I was faults and all. She pushed me to be a better teacher, wife, mother, friend. She always pointed me back to Jesus. She took me by the hand and walked through one of the darkest times of my life with me. I was a broken, grieving mess and she held my hand until I could find the light again. I am a better person because I knew her. My heart is shattered over her loss, but how thankful I am to have loved her so deeply that her loss hurts this much. I was reminded today over and over by people who knew us how much she loved me. As I drove onto our school campus this morning trying to hold it together so I could honor her by putting on a smile and teaching my babies like she would have wanted me to do, I saw a beautiful rainbow peeking out between the clouds. What a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness to Elizabeth as she received her eternal reward this morning and a beautiful reminder to me that He will be faithful to those of us left behind. Elizabeth, I love you. One day we will dance together at the feet of Jesus.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.”~Psalms‬ ‭116:15‬ ‭

 

     About a week after Elizabeth died, her husband came to check on me after school. He told me it brings him peace, it makes him feel better knowing that Elizabeth is in heaven holding my baby. I miscarried that baby at 14 weeks in January 2014. I wouldn't have made it through that time without Elizabeth. She always remembered the anniversary of the date I miscarried and the anniversary of Liana's due date. Even this summer while in the hospital after her surgery, she texted me a day or two after the date to let me know she remembered and to apologize for not texting me that day. I remember thinking what a rare treasure of a friend she is. She was fighting for her life, and she was still worried about me. Treasures like Elizabeth are a rare find. May I always live in a way that honors our friendship and brings glory to our Savior. 

First Week of School

      We went back to school this week. Monday was Open House. The boys were excited to "meet" their teachers. When your mom teaches at your school, you often know at least most of your teachers. We bought Logan PE uniforms. He dresses out for PE this year. Yikes! I can't believe he is old enough for that.

    On Tuesday afternoon, we went to see Nonnie for our back to school hair cuts. The boys are getting pretty good at telling Nonnie what they want done.

      Wednesday was the first official day. The boys agreed on cinnamon rolls for their special first day of school breakfast. This is actually the first year they started on the same day. That was a little surreal.

     We snapped a couple of quick pictures before heading out the door. 

     The boys had a little bit of anxiety because they mixed up the classes this year. Logan has been with the same group of kids for three years. But that was quickly gone once they realized they still had good friends in their classes even if they didn't have all their best buddies.    

     The boys love of their teachers. Daddy was happy to come home to three happy campers each night. I feel like this will be great year for both boys. Joshua and I are so thankful for the group of people who make up Team Lo and Team Lu. I know this will be a successful year for the boys.

     Lucas and I are so excited that his music teacher was my elementary music teacher! She was always one of my favorite teachers. It's just a blessing that Lucas will get to experience her music class.

     I have two brand new classes this year. The kiddos seem super sweet and eager to learn. I'm blessed to have a few that I've taught siblings or we're friends with their families. It's always a blessing to serve my friends by teaching their children. I was modeling our all about me book, and I asked one of my little scholars who knows me what he thought one of my hobbies or interests are. I was thinking he would say Alabama football, but his response was so much better, "having me in your class!".

     We are looking forward to an awesome school year!

Happy 7th Birthday, Lucas Elisha!!!

     Lucas is 7 years old today. Where has the time gone? 

     I baked cinnamon rolls with sprinkles for his breakfast before I left for work. We also let him open his presents. He declared today the best birthday ever after opening his gifts!

     When I got home from school, Uncle Josh face timed to say happy birthday. Then we ran to Big D's for birthday cupcakes. I let him talk me into a snocone even though it was practically dinner time. He wanted chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese for his dinner. Then we sang happy birthday and ate cupcakes. 

Dear Lucas,

     Happy Birthday! You are your daddy's mini me. You have a big heart like Daddy and love fiercely like Daddy does. You are my wild child. You do not let the opinions of others rule your life. You love Jesus and going to church to learn more about Him. You are independent and bold and brave. You are also my sweet snuggle buddy when you settle down at night.  I'm so proud of the young man you are becoming! I pray you always love Jesus with your whole heart, mind, and soul! 

Love, 

     Mommy

Happy 7th Birthday, Lucas Elisha!!! We love you!!! 

 

Fading Away

      Summer is fading away. It's always bittersweet for me. The excitement of a new school year along with the sadness of leaving my boys behind. This year both boys will go with me every day, yet there is sadness in that too. Knowing they are growing up. One year closer to the independent, godly young men we are trying our best to raise them to be. 

     It's been a summer of transitions, changes, and waiting. There have been joys like my Grandpa's miraculous recovery and new friends that fit into our lives like the last piece of a puzzle sliding into place. Strengthened relationships with old friends we love dearly. We are praying and hoping for a miracle for a dear friend we love. 

     And then another miscarriage. While we know God has allowed it,  He is working is to bring good from it. It is difficult, knowing we will never know that sweet baby this side of heaven. 

     Yet I am thankful. Thankful for the sweet boys God has allowed us to keep. Thankful for our friends who love us where we are and walk the good and bad of life with us. Thankful for the sweet memories with old friends, who though we are separated by miles, are always available. Thankful for all the time spent with my sister. Thankful for baby snuggles that help my own broken heart heal. Thankful that after all these years with my quirks and crazy, Joshua still loves me. He actually loves me more each day. 

     This summer has not been at all what I anticipated. In spite of the unexpected, the sadness, and the waiting, this summer has been filled with grace, mercy, and joy far beyond what I deserve. God is good all the time. All the time He is good. 

     As summer fades away, I am thankful for His new mercies every day. 

“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”~Lamentations 3:21-23

Forgetting What Is Behind

     Some old feelings of guilt and condemnation raised their ugly head this week. Early this morning as I frosted the boys' birthday cakes, tears filled my eyes as I re-lived my failure. 

     Then at church, our pastor pulled a brick out of a backpack with the word failure on it. And there I was again with tears in my eyes. 

     And then he said, "Jesus can use even your mistakes to write a really incredible story in your life." 

     It's true. From the ugliness of my sin and failure, He gave me a precious treasure. And I get to watch God write two incredible stories. 

     As I leave condemnation behind and strain forward to what God has next for me in my story, those guilty feelings fade away-replaced with thankfulness and joy. 

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,”

~Philippians 3:13

Happy 10th Birthday, Logan Elijah!!!

     Today our Logan is ten years old. As he told me this morning, "Double digits! Hot mess!" Truth be told I've been a hot mess today except when I've been in denial. 10 years...where has the time gone? 

     We started this morning by letting him open presents before Joshua went to work. He loves his gifts and has been playing with his mini drone all day. 

     Then I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and added sprinkles because you can't have too much sugar on your birthday. 

     We had a pretty easy day. I let Logan play video games most of the day. After lunch, we went to Big D's for snocones and cupcakes for after dinner. 

     He wanted burgers and tater tots for dinner. Then we sang, "Happy Birthday" and ate cupcakes. 

 Dear Logan,

     Ten. Years. Old. I can't believe it. You are my right hand man. You are so compassionate. You are my sweetheart and the first one to give hugs. You love your family and friends and are fiercely loyal. You love Jesus with your whole heart and do your best to follow Him daily. You are always considerate of others and their feelings. Yet you love people enough to speak truth in love in their lives. You are a precious gift from God. I'm so thankful He has allowed us to keep you the past ten years. You are a blessing. I'm so proud of the young man you are becoming. I love you so much! ~Mommy 

Happy 10th Birthday, Logan Elijah!!! We love you!!!

A Time For Joy

      July 14th is an important date for our family. The past two years it has been an overwhelmingly sad day. Like pull the covers over your head and have a pity party kind of sad. 

     Today I woke up feeling blah. I have dreaded this day for quite a while. If God had allowed us to keep our baby girl, she would've been two years old. I started my day with a short pity party. Then I made a choice. A choice for joy. A choice to celebrate. 

     For the last couple of years, one of our birthday traditions is to get cupcakes from Big D's for after dinner. This afternoon, I chose to buy cupcakes to celebrate our Liana. 

      Today I chose to celebrate the joy and excitement we felt the 14 weeks I carried her. 

     I love you, Liana Elise! I'm so thankful for each second God gave us with you. I look forward to the day I'm reunited with you and can finally see your beautiful face. You are always in my thoughts and my heart. 

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.”~Psalms 27:13-14

Processing the Dallas Sniper Tragedy

     I had the difficult job this morning of explaining to our boys what happened in Dallas last night. Unfortunately I feel like we've had to discuss way too many of these tragedies.  One is too many. But this is our city. And my brother in law is a Dallas police officer.  I began by assuring them their Uncle was okay, but the fear and panic in their eyes-I never want to see again.

     I had texted my sister about an hour before the shootings started asking if he was home. I was nervous about the protesters. But he was still at work. Sometime between the time we spoke and the time the shootings occurred, he had come home. We had just sent the boys to bed, when I got on Facebook and a friend had posted "Active shooter. Two officers down." My heart dropped. I told Joshua to turn on the news, and I called my sister. She didn't answer, so I informed my mom of what I knew while I waited for her call back. She called back pretty quickly. I always try to remain calm and steady because if something is wrong, she needs me to be strong. But this time, as soon as I heard her voice I started crying asking if he was okay. She told me he had not been home long and had just been called back in. Relief does not even begin to describe how I felt when she spoke those words.

     Ironically enough, we had been at their house yesterday morning before he left for work. I watched him kiss the babies goodbye. He hugged the boys and I. I'm not sure why, but yesterday I told him I pray for him everyday. Especially now. And then I told him to be safe.

    I slept very little last night as I watched the news and prayed, listening for my sister to call, but hoping she wouldn't. Finally about 4am I crawled into bed and slept until about 7:30am when the boys crawled into my bed asking for breakfast. Before we got up, through tears, I explained what had happened and assured them their Uncle was at work, but safe. Then they wanted to call their Aunt and make sure she was okay.

     Today I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to help them process this. They're scared. I'm scared. I know we'll start with God's Word. It's the place we always try to start from as we process life and it's consequences. I'm praying and pondering how we'll exactly handle these topics and their order, but over the next several days in our family worship time we're going to discuss these things.

1. All human life is precious because all people, no matter of their skin color, are created in the image of God. People are so special He breathed His very breath into man at creation.

"So created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

"Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person." Genesis 2:7

There is no mention of color in these verses, just people.

2. God has placed authority in our life for our protection. Even unbelievers who are in authority should be respected because God has allowed them that position. Even when we don't agree with authority we should treat them with respect and follow their orders as long as they are not asking us to sin against God.

"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority." Romans 13: 1-5, 7

3. Every single person on this earth needs Jesus. We are lost in our sin and separated from God. Our sin and brokenness is at the root of these tragedies. But the Good News is Jesus saves us from our sin and heals our brokenness if we repent and believe in Him.

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Roman 3:23

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

4. We cannot find lasting peace outside of Jesus. Because of His peace, we do not have to scared. He is in control.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. " John 16:33

"I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

5. Our response should always be love. We cannot not just say we love all people, our actions must show we love all people. Love covers sin.

"Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law." Romans 13:8-10

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." I John 5:18

"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." I Peter 4:8

6. This broken world is not our home. One day, Jesus will return to take home to heaven.

"But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior." Philippians 3:20

     I'm praying God gives us wisdom and discernment as we discuss these truths and Scriptures with our boys.

     God is in control. I trust He is already working to bring good out of this tragedy. He will use this tragedy to bring people to salvation, and bring glory to Himself. Jesus is good. All the time. Even when it is hard to see.

New Floors!

     Our third week of summer vacation was spent getting new floors in our house. Joshua, the boys, and I were confined to my bedroom for four days and nights. I was never more thankful for every inch of our 1800 sq foot house when that was over. The boys did as well as could be expected. It was just rough. Thankfully a friend had us over to swim on the same day our AC went out in the middle of all of that. All the inconveniences were well worth it because I love my new floors!

     Joshua's dad gave me this chair that I have envied since they bought a couple of years ago. It's my new favorite spot, but I have to chase the boys out of it all the time. 

Uncle Josh Visits

     Our second week of summer vacation was filled with Uncle Josh. The boys were so excited to have him home. At one time I heard Logan say, "We're here for the bacon...and Uncle Josh." He had a list of places he wanted to eat while he was here. Lunch at What A Burger was our first stop before visiting Grandpa in the hospital. We can't take this group anywhere. 

     He spent a couple of days at Calli's and a couple with us. We had a little last minute get together at my house for family and friends who wanted to see him. It was a lot of fun. 

     Our time together is never long enough. We love Josh and are so proud of our sailor! 

     It's hard to believe it's been a little over two years since he started this journey. 

First Week of Summer

     Our first weekend of summer vacation was great! The boys had their final soccer games. Grandma, Justin, Aunt Calli, and the babies were at both games. The boys loved having so many fans cheer them on! Lucas's team played hard, but lost. They received medals because all kids that age do. Logan's team played in the championship game and won! Logan was proud and excited to receive his trophy!

    The boys went home with Grandma, and we went to eat dinner and watch Captain America: Civil War. We were long over due for a date night. 

     Sunday morning, Joshua and I went to visit my Grandpa. We had been told he would be going into hospice care, so we were soaking up as much time as possible. We watched college women's lacrosse. I fed him some lemon Italian ice. It was hard to see him in so much pain. 

     Then we headed out to spend some time with Joshua's parents and pick up the boys. The boys always love jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler. 

     Sunday night on the way home, my throat felt scratchy, but we had been out in the country so I didn't think much about it. 

     Then Monday, I woke up with the worst throat pain ever and slept most of the day. It was a good thing we didn't have any Memorial Day plans. 

     Tuesday I was diagnosed with strep. It was my first time to have it. I hope it's my last. I was so upset because I couldn't see my Grandpa. I couldn't risk passing it to him. I noticed Lucas has a small rash around his nose, but figured it was from being in the country. 

      Wednesday we were suppose to have a play date with new friends. We had to cancel that. Then Jenna was going to take my boys so I could rest. But that morning Lucas's rash had spread on his face, so I took him to the pedi. He had strep too! But his throat never hurt and it never slowed him down. It kicked my tail all week. 

     Meanwhile, my Grandpa decided he wanted a second opinion. My sister found a surgeon to do surgery on him. He had that Friday, but I still felt terrible and had a horrible sore throat, so I couldn't go. Calli told him what I wanted to say to him. Calli told me he loved me and was proud of me and the life we had made for ourselves. Grandpa's surgery was an hour and four minutes long. And it was a success! We are so thankful we have more time with him. In the meantime, I started a second round of antibiotics. 

     Sunday I finally felt well enough to leave the house. Joshua took us to Babe's for lunch. It's one of our favorite places, and I was actually able to enjoy my meal. 

     It was definitely not the start to summer vacation we had anticipated. But God was good to us in the midst of all the craziness. And I'm so thankful for everyone who prayed for my Grandpa. 

The Beauty of No

     I have prayed for something for ten years. I've complained to God every time we thought the opportunity was going to work our way, and then it didn't. Every time doors closed, tears were shed. 

     I have never been more thankful for those closed doors. The very thing that has seemed so burdensome for the past ten years is now recognized as a blessing. 

     The beauty of no is it means protection. A no from God is always for our good. Today I'm thankful for no. And for my people. 

Life with Boys

     Life with my boys is always interesting. 

     Tuesday night the boys decided to place their WWE championship on the window sill above the front door (and no I don't want to know how they got it up there without a ladder), and have a no falls count curtain (since they again didn't have a ladder) match for the WWE championship. My mom walked into the front of the house to find Lucas hanging from the curtain rod. Miraculously, the curtain rod only managed to come loose, but not out of the wall. As Mom is pulling Luc off, Lo climbs the curtains to get the belt down. I'm pretty sure only God's grace kept them from getting hurt. 

     Then today I realized at nine years old Logan has figured out girls. At lunch after being made aware he had hurt a girl's feelings, I asked him about it. He assured me that he had not said that. It had supposedly happened at lunch, and I told him it was a misunderstanding. I explained he needed to make it right by letting her know he did not say that. But he was sorry her feelings were hurt, and he would not want that to happen. His response completely caught me off guard, "Mom. She's a girl. That's too much work. I'll just apologize and say it won't happen again. If I explain I didn't say that, she's gonna argue with me that I did. It's just easier to apologize and move on." 

     I probably should've had a discussion with him about how being honest is always the best choice, but I laughed and told him to make it right. Mom fail. 

     But then there are these moments when they get up, eat breakfast, get dressed, and do their quite time with the Lord all on their own. Then I think they might turn out okay. 

     I'm so thankful for these crazy boys God entrusted to me. 

Answered Prayers

     God has this miraculous way of doing incredibly more than we ever could ask or imagine. 

     A couple of years ago, I began praying that God would transform me into the kind of friend who builds up and encourages. A friend who points others back to Jesus and the truth in His Word. I also began praying that God would give me one friend I could be completely transparent with, who would point me back to Jesus, and would tell me hard truth in love. One friend who would love me where I'm at and at the same time push me to be better than I am. Push me to be more like Jesus. 

     When I began praying those prayers, I had my own idea of what His answer would look like. My thoughts were so incredibly narrow compared to what He was going to do. 

     Over the last couple of years, He has brought several ladies into my life who are this friend. I may not speak to them everyday, but they're my people and they're there when I need them. They've seen the good, bad, and ugly. And they love me. They are wise women who know when to offer support and encouragement or call me out when needed. 

     Then God did something even sweeter. Joshua is developing friendships with some of their husbands. These are men he is making connections with. Men who accept him as he is and push him to be better, more Christ like too. My self-proclaimed anti-social husband is becoming willingly social. 

     I'm so thankful for a faithful God who answers prayers in a bigger way than I can imagine in my wildest dreams. And I'm thankful for the godly friendships He has provided for us.  

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Ephesians 3:20

First Soccer Games

     Both boys had their first soccer game yesterday. They played at the same time, so Grammie and I watched the first half of Luc's game while Joshua and Grandma watched the first half of Lo's game. Then we switched at half time. The boys had a blast, played hard, and got aggressive with trying to get the ball. 

Luc's team won 2-1. Lo's team won 3-1. And they're both on Team USA. 

Luc:

Lo: