Today is a milestone in the journey I've unwillingly been sent on over the past few months. Listened to the song below this morning and thought about how so many friends and family have surrounded the kids and I with love and support during this time. Your support and prayers have given me strength I didn't know I had. Keep it coming! So glad I can count on you and I hope I can return the kindness to each of you.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A New Life
“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."
My cousin Kim and her husband Ron were blessed with their second child, Cameron, born on June 7. Their firstborn, Caleb just finished Kindergarten and is so very proud of his little brother.
I'm learning that life presents many obstacles and hardships, and it was difficult to watch my sweet cousin and her family try to have children for so long. Their patience, faith, and hope were an encouragement to me. God has richly rewarded them and our joy is so much greater knowing the trials they had to face to get to where they are today. Two healthy, happy, handsome boys are the answer to many prayers and the recipients of more love than they can imagine.
Welcome to the world, Cameron!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Everything I Ever Needed to Know, I Learned at Camp Kurios
One of my very fondest childhood memories was of the time spent at Camp Kurios every summer. Camp Kurios (Kurios means Lord in Greek) is a mission of the churches of Christ in south Arkansas and has been in operation since 1987. This was the place where I sought refuge from the "world" every summer and enjoyed many spiritual mountaintops.
I made friends at camp that I didn't even realize would be some of my very best friends today. The kids I met at camp have a special place in my heart. Though they're now adults with responsibilities, and parents, and husbands, and wives; to me, they'll always be my "camp friends." And when a handful of us happen to be in the same place, it's a camp reunion.
At camp, I witnessed loving examples of caring Christian adults. How wonderful it was to be surrounded by a small world of people striving to learn God's will for their lives. I came to understand that we are all unworthy sinners saved by the grace of God. I learned how to truly worship God through the sweet sounds of young Christians singing praises to Him together. I got a sweet repreive from life's everyday distractions and temptations, and just enjoyed raw goodness of people seeking Jesus. I love camp!
After graduating from high school, I went on to serve as counselor and stay involved in camp as much as I could. Now that I have a "real job" and precious little vacation time, I have not been able to commit a full week to serve at camp in a few years, but have continued to serve at Kid's Camp (which is the mini weekend camp for kids who've finished 1st - 3rd grade) and am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the organization.
So anyway, this was Ben's 3rd year at Kid's Camp, and he'll be moving on to Junior Week at Kurios next summer. It was just yesterday I was bringing BABY Ben out to camp to visit, and now he's a camper. I look forward to all the wonderful things he will experience as he grows up at Camp Kurios. Before you know it, he'll be leading rowdy campfire. For now, he told me that his favorite thing about camp is the pillow fights in the cabins. His pillow did come back quite misshapen. :) I'm glad he loves camp too.
This year, he invited a good friend of his, Daniel. Here are a couple photos of Ben and Daniel at camp this year.
I made friends at camp that I didn't even realize would be some of my very best friends today. The kids I met at camp have a special place in my heart. Though they're now adults with responsibilities, and parents, and husbands, and wives; to me, they'll always be my "camp friends." And when a handful of us happen to be in the same place, it's a camp reunion.
At camp, I witnessed loving examples of caring Christian adults. How wonderful it was to be surrounded by a small world of people striving to learn God's will for their lives. I came to understand that we are all unworthy sinners saved by the grace of God. I learned how to truly worship God through the sweet sounds of young Christians singing praises to Him together. I got a sweet repreive from life's everyday distractions and temptations, and just enjoyed raw goodness of people seeking Jesus. I love camp!
After graduating from high school, I went on to serve as counselor and stay involved in camp as much as I could. Now that I have a "real job" and precious little vacation time, I have not been able to commit a full week to serve at camp in a few years, but have continued to serve at Kid's Camp (which is the mini weekend camp for kids who've finished 1st - 3rd grade) and am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the organization.
So anyway, this was Ben's 3rd year at Kid's Camp, and he'll be moving on to Junior Week at Kurios next summer. It was just yesterday I was bringing BABY Ben out to camp to visit, and now he's a camper. I look forward to all the wonderful things he will experience as he grows up at Camp Kurios. Before you know it, he'll be leading rowdy campfire. For now, he told me that his favorite thing about camp is the pillow fights in the cabins. His pillow did come back quite misshapen. :) I'm glad he loves camp too.
This year, he invited a good friend of his, Daniel. Here are a couple photos of Ben and Daniel at camp this year.
At their cabin across the ravine. This is a newly built cabin - super nice!
Good ole Camp sign...
Waiting in line for the giant slip 'n' slide...
awesome!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Mani's and Pedi's at the Lake (er... the mall near the lake)
All the girls went to the mall while we were at Lake DeGray and got manicures and pedicures.
It was Mary Claire's first!
She wanted bright green nails. I got the french manicure.
Talyn looks like she's done this before...
She learns from the best! :) Mom was here too, but somehow escaped the camera lense.
Showing off our pedi's on the beach.
"The great gift of family life is to be intimately acquainted with people you might never even introduce yourself to, had life not done it for you."
Friday, June 25, 2010
Memorial Day at Lake DeGray
Dad and Mom rented a cabin at Lake DeGray and we had a good time with mom and dad and the Tatom crew.
There was a lot of swimming going on.
Ben in the hot tub on the back porch that overlooked the lake...
Everybody in...
Dad and Mom dutifully watching after the grandkids and granddog. Mom getting a little crocheting in. I think that's Mary Claire's baby blanket. ha.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What I'm Reading This Summer (4 of 4)
And the fourth book I'm reading this summer...
A Light in the Window, by Jan Karon:
Why I’m Reading It: Now this book was the first on my reading list for the summer, but it has been pushed back down on my reading priority list due to the entrance of the other books above. My mom let me borrow “At Home in Mitford” by Jan Karon. I kept it for a while, then started reading it. I liked it, but reading puts me to sleep, so I bought the audiobook and listened to it. It’s so easy to pop my iTouch earphones in and drive or walk or whatever multi-tasking I can manage. I loved it. A Light in the Window is the second in the series. I found it in my mom’s closet. I’ve read maybe the first chapter. I may buy the audiobook in this one too. It is a lovely book about a wonderfully charming group of characters and I would love to know them all personally!
What Someone Wrote About It: A Light in the Window is the second installment in this enormously popular series about a small-town rector, Father Tim, and the heartwarming cast of characters surrounding him. This time Father Tim, a lifelong bachelor, finds his heart distracted by his free-spirited neighbor Cynthia, but his stomach and the rectory cash box are distracted by Edith, a wealthy widow who is wooing the rector with love potion casseroles. At every turn, including when a brooding Irish cousin decides to move in, Father Tim must decide whether he will practice what he preaches.
Fans of the series say they long to buy real estate in Mitford, just so they can live next door to these funny and endearing characters and feel the embrace of such a loving community. But what author Jan Karon probably knows, and many readers are starting to figure out, is that the integrity and solid Christian values that these characters possess can be found in just about every neighborhood, and with inspiration like this book, anyone can build their own Mitford community.
A Light in the Window, by Jan Karon:
Why I’m Reading It: Now this book was the first on my reading list for the summer, but it has been pushed back down on my reading priority list due to the entrance of the other books above. My mom let me borrow “At Home in Mitford” by Jan Karon. I kept it for a while, then started reading it. I liked it, but reading puts me to sleep, so I bought the audiobook and listened to it. It’s so easy to pop my iTouch earphones in and drive or walk or whatever multi-tasking I can manage. I loved it. A Light in the Window is the second in the series. I found it in my mom’s closet. I’ve read maybe the first chapter. I may buy the audiobook in this one too. It is a lovely book about a wonderfully charming group of characters and I would love to know them all personally!
What Someone Wrote About It: A Light in the Window is the second installment in this enormously popular series about a small-town rector, Father Tim, and the heartwarming cast of characters surrounding him. This time Father Tim, a lifelong bachelor, finds his heart distracted by his free-spirited neighbor Cynthia, but his stomach and the rectory cash box are distracted by Edith, a wealthy widow who is wooing the rector with love potion casseroles. At every turn, including when a brooding Irish cousin decides to move in, Father Tim must decide whether he will practice what he preaches.
Fans of the series say they long to buy real estate in Mitford, just so they can live next door to these funny and endearing characters and feel the embrace of such a loving community. But what author Jan Karon probably knows, and many readers are starting to figure out, is that the integrity and solid Christian values that these characters possess can be found in just about every neighborhood, and with inspiration like this book, anyone can build their own Mitford community.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
What I'm Reading This Summer (3 of 4)
The third book I'm reading this summer...
The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart:
Why I’m Reading It: Mom gave this book to Ben for Christmas. For Ben to pick up a book, it better be one of a series he likes, or one that is cleverly marketed to his age group. So it’s been sitting in his room on his dresser since Christmas. He likes the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Magic Tree House, etc. kind of books. I picked up this one and another chapter book he hadn’t read and told him I was going to read him a book each night and he could pick. He picked this one. We’ve read maybe 50 pages (485 page book) and the story is really unfolding well. We both really like it so far.
What Someone Wrote About It: "Are you a gifted child looking for Special Opportunities?" This curious newspaper ad catches the eye of orphan Reynie Muldoon. After taking exams that test both mind and spirit, Reynie is selected along with four other contestants--Sticky Washington, a nervous child with a photographic memory; irrepressible Kate Weatherhill; and a tiny child who lives up to her name, Constance Contraire. The children soon learn they've been chosen by mysterious Mr. Benedict for an important mission: they are to infiltrate the isolated Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, from which messages of distrust and compliance are being broadcast into the minds of the world's citizens. Debut novelist Stewart takes some familiar conventions--among them, an orphan struggling against evil forces (Harry Potter, anyone?)--and makes them his own. But like the Potter books, his story goes beyond mere adventures, delving into serious issues, such as the way sloganeering can undermine society--or control it. Through its interesting characters, the book also tackles personal concerns: abandonment, family, loyalty, and facing one's fears. The novel could have been shortened, but Stewart writes with such attention to the intricacies of plot and personality, his story rarely feels slow; only a significant disclosure about Constance seems forced. Smart kids who like Blue Balliet's books are the natural audience for this; but, read aloud, the novel will attract many others as well.
The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart:
Why I’m Reading It: Mom gave this book to Ben for Christmas. For Ben to pick up a book, it better be one of a series he likes, or one that is cleverly marketed to his age group. So it’s been sitting in his room on his dresser since Christmas. He likes the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Magic Tree House, etc. kind of books. I picked up this one and another chapter book he hadn’t read and told him I was going to read him a book each night and he could pick. He picked this one. We’ve read maybe 50 pages (485 page book) and the story is really unfolding well. We both really like it so far.
What Someone Wrote About It: "Are you a gifted child looking for Special Opportunities?" This curious newspaper ad catches the eye of orphan Reynie Muldoon. After taking exams that test both mind and spirit, Reynie is selected along with four other contestants--Sticky Washington, a nervous child with a photographic memory; irrepressible Kate Weatherhill; and a tiny child who lives up to her name, Constance Contraire. The children soon learn they've been chosen by mysterious Mr. Benedict for an important mission: they are to infiltrate the isolated Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, from which messages of distrust and compliance are being broadcast into the minds of the world's citizens. Debut novelist Stewart takes some familiar conventions--among them, an orphan struggling against evil forces (Harry Potter, anyone?)--and makes them his own. But like the Potter books, his story goes beyond mere adventures, delving into serious issues, such as the way sloganeering can undermine society--or control it. Through its interesting characters, the book also tackles personal concerns: abandonment, family, loyalty, and facing one's fears. The novel could have been shortened, but Stewart writes with such attention to the intricacies of plot and personality, his story rarely feels slow; only a significant disclosure about Constance seems forced. Smart kids who like Blue Balliet's books are the natural audience for this; but, read aloud, the novel will attract many others as well.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
What I'm Reading This Summer (2 of 4)
So this is the second book I'm reading this summer...
Brokenness, by Nancy Leigh Demoss:
Why I’m Reading It: There’s a story behind this one. Those of you who know me know that the title of this book describes the way I am feeling now. Well, a friend that I met (that I now know God sent to me) through Promise/work stuff sent me an e-mail about a book club the ladies of a local church were going to have this summer. I saw the title of the book and cringed and moved past that e-mail. I didn’t want to sit around with a bunch of ladies I don’t know and talk about BROKENNESS. Bleh. But a day or two later, I came back to that e-mail and decided maybe I better try it. First meeting is this week. After all we are told that “He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.” (Psalms 147:3) So I am going to give it a try.
What Someone Else Wrote About It: Our generation has been programmed to pursue happiness, positive self-images, and cures for our hurt feelings and damaged psyches. But God is not as interested in these ends as we are - He is more committed to making us holy than to making us happy. There is only one pathway to holiness, one road to genuine revival, and that is the pathway of humility or brokenness. Brokenness is where true revival begins. In this compelling new book, Nancy draws readers to a deeper understanding of biblical brokenness. While some may think of it as a sad and gloomy emotional state, Nancy says emphatically, "It's not how we feel, but a choice we make. It is in this place of humility and contrition before a holy God that we experience true restoration of our hearts." (177 pages).
Brokenness, by Nancy Leigh Demoss:
Why I’m Reading It: There’s a story behind this one. Those of you who know me know that the title of this book describes the way I am feeling now. Well, a friend that I met (that I now know God sent to me) through Promise/work stuff sent me an e-mail about a book club the ladies of a local church were going to have this summer. I saw the title of the book and cringed and moved past that e-mail. I didn’t want to sit around with a bunch of ladies I don’t know and talk about BROKENNESS. Bleh. But a day or two later, I came back to that e-mail and decided maybe I better try it. First meeting is this week. After all we are told that “He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.” (Psalms 147:3) So I am going to give it a try.
What Someone Else Wrote About It: Our generation has been programmed to pursue happiness, positive self-images, and cures for our hurt feelings and damaged psyches. But God is not as interested in these ends as we are - He is more committed to making us holy than to making us happy. There is only one pathway to holiness, one road to genuine revival, and that is the pathway of humility or brokenness. Brokenness is where true revival begins. In this compelling new book, Nancy draws readers to a deeper understanding of biblical brokenness. While some may think of it as a sad and gloomy emotional state, Nancy says emphatically, "It's not how we feel, but a choice we make. It is in this place of humility and contrition before a holy God that we experience true restoration of our hearts." (177 pages).
Monday, June 21, 2010
What I'm Reading This Summer (1 of 4)
Okay, first of all, I’m not really much of a reader. I like the idea of reading, but honestly, by the time I get to a book, I’m in bed and it just puts me right to sleep. I do love audiobooks, but actual books have been accumulating for me of late. So, I have four books on my reading list this summer (so far), and I’m going to share a mini blog series with you to tell you about them. I’ll explain first, why I’m reading each book, and second, provide a little description that was written about them. Starting with…
Just Let Me Lie Down, by Kristin van Ogtrop:
Why I’m Reading It: This book was just given to me (today) by a sweeter than sweet friend that I work with. It was written by the editor of Real Simple magazine (which we both subscribe to) and my friend Tiffaney said it was cute and funny and would be a little light reading for all the spare time I have. Which I actually do happen to have recently gained a little of, as a matter of fact. I’m really looking forward to this read, because I love love love laugh-out-loud funny books. I read the Sophie Kinsella Shopaholic books and loved those. This, I think, will be a funny ready especially since it relates to my frantic working-mom lifestyle. See, they even put my picture on the cover!
What Someone Wrote About It: Kristin van Ogtrop has a fulfilling career, a great husband, three healthy kids, and, depending on the hamster count, an impressive roster of pets. She also knows she is tired. Always. What Mom isn’t?? In Just Let Me Lie Down, Kristin van Ogtrop uses stories and insights from her own life bringing a little comfort to the half-insane working mom. The book is essentially a collection of terms, from A to Z, with definitions as written by van Ogtrop. Released on April 1, 2010, Just Let Me Lie Down is 272 pages in length and is published by Little, Brown and Company.
Just Let Me Lie Down, by Kristin van Ogtrop:
Why I’m Reading It: This book was just given to me (today) by a sweeter than sweet friend that I work with. It was written by the editor of Real Simple magazine (which we both subscribe to) and my friend Tiffaney said it was cute and funny and would be a little light reading for all the spare time I have. Which I actually do happen to have recently gained a little of, as a matter of fact. I’m really looking forward to this read, because I love love love laugh-out-loud funny books. I read the Sophie Kinsella Shopaholic books and loved those. This, I think, will be a funny ready especially since it relates to my frantic working-mom lifestyle. See, they even put my picture on the cover!
What Someone Wrote About It: Kristin van Ogtrop has a fulfilling career, a great husband, three healthy kids, and, depending on the hamster count, an impressive roster of pets. She also knows she is tired. Always. What Mom isn’t?? In Just Let Me Lie Down, Kristin van Ogtrop uses stories and insights from her own life bringing a little comfort to the half-insane working mom. The book is essentially a collection of terms, from A to Z, with definitions as written by van Ogtrop. Released on April 1, 2010, Just Let Me Lie Down is 272 pages in length and is published by Little, Brown and Company.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Power of God
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
~1 Corinthians 18:1
Oh Precious Father, the world says "go ahead, do it"; "no harm in a little fun"; "nobody's perfect". Yes, it is true, only Jesus is perfect. Christians slip, stumble, and fall - but we are to keep striving, doing our best to glorify HIM in all that we do - even when "those who are perishing" would call our convictions "foolishness".
~1 Corinthians 18:1
Oh Precious Father, the world says "go ahead, do it"; "no harm in a little fun"; "nobody's perfect". Yes, it is true, only Jesus is perfect. Christians slip, stumble, and fall - but we are to keep striving, doing our best to glorify HIM in all that we do - even when "those who are perishing" would call our convictions "foolishness".
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