One slight problem with this relationship is that Daniel tested positive for dog allergies. Since then, Annie has been living outdoors. With the cold weather, we have allowed her inside once again, but she is restricted to the linoleum floor. Daniel is delighted with this arrangement and constantly comes to "visit" her. We are thankful that he exhibits no negative reactions to being around her. No stuffy nose, no sneezing, nothing. Maybe there is hope for this friendship after all!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Puppy love
Daniel loves Annie. He laughs every time he sees her. He reaches for her, lunges toward her, tries to pet her. Annie, on the other hand, is what I would call tolerant of Daniel. Note her expression in the photo below. Somewhat pained.
One slight problem with this relationship is that Daniel tested positive for dog allergies. Since then, Annie has been living outdoors. With the cold weather, we have allowed her inside once again, but she is restricted to the linoleum floor. Daniel is delighted with this arrangement and constantly comes to "visit" her. We are thankful that he exhibits no negative reactions to being around her. No stuffy nose, no sneezing, nothing. Maybe there is hope for this friendship after all!
One slight problem with this relationship is that Daniel tested positive for dog allergies. Since then, Annie has been living outdoors. With the cold weather, we have allowed her inside once again, but she is restricted to the linoleum floor. Daniel is delighted with this arrangement and constantly comes to "visit" her. We are thankful that he exhibits no negative reactions to being around her. No stuffy nose, no sneezing, nothing. Maybe there is hope for this friendship after all!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Christmas is coming!!!
Mr. Daniel is getting six new teeth all at one time. This makes for some short nights and sleepy parents! Otherwise, our little man is doing great. He is jabbering more and more. At the grocery store yesterday, he "talked" to just about everyone we passed! He is also very intrigued with putting objects inside cups and containers. He puts his pacifier in his cup, and then takes it out again. Over and over and over! For Christmas, we are giving him a shape sorter, which I think he will really enjoy. Oh goodness, I am looking forward to Christmas with Daniel. I cannot wait to post photos of him in his Christmas outfit. Lots of laughs are in store!
When I decorated for Christmas this year, I had to make some minor adjustments. For example, we did not put up our normal 7 foot tree. Instead, we put our little 3 foot tree on a table. This saves me from constantly protecting Daniel and the ornaments from one another. However, he can still reach the cord for the lights, but so far we have avoided any tree catastrophes.
When I decorated for Christmas this year, I had to make some minor adjustments. For example, we did not put up our normal 7 foot tree. Instead, we put our little 3 foot tree on a table. This saves me from constantly protecting Daniel and the ornaments from one another. However, he can still reach the cord for the lights, but so far we have avoided any tree catastrophes.
New Favorite
Song to the King by Pocket Full of Rocks
I've felt the thunder
speak of Your name
And I've watched the lightning
Your glory proclaim
I've gazed upon mountains
that testify of Your fame
And I've heard the waves on the ocean
echo their refrain
Chorus
This is my song, my song to the King
And I stand in awe of Your majesty
And I don't have much
but I give everything
This is my song, my song to my King
It seems all creation
is longing for You
From here to the farthest star
they're worshipping You
And who am I God
that You are mindful of me
I'm simple in heart, simple in song
I'm a small offering
(Chorus)
And all of creation hesitates now
All of the angels
stop singing now
As the King of all glory
listens to my song
(Chorus)
I've felt the thunder
speak of Your name
And I've watched the lightning
Your glory proclaim
I've gazed upon mountains
that testify of Your fame
And I've heard the waves on the ocean
echo their refrain
Chorus
This is my song, my song to the King
And I stand in awe of Your majesty
And I don't have much
but I give everything
This is my song, my song to my King
It seems all creation
is longing for You
From here to the farthest star
they're worshipping You
And who am I God
that You are mindful of me
I'm simple in heart, simple in song
I'm a small offering
(Chorus)
And all of creation hesitates now
All of the angels
stop singing now
As the King of all glory
listens to my song
(Chorus)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Righteousness
The Lord has been speaking the same message to me for several days now. It has to do with righteousness…with fulfillment…with joy. The verse in my devotional this morning sums it up nicely.
Galatians 3:3
Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
I have been walking with the Lord for quite awhile. And still…still I try to create righteousness for myself with my own two hands. It never works. It never will work. So why do I, and most everyone in this world, keep trying?
Here is how it affects me. I am a perfectionist. I feel fulfilled and satisfied when everything around me is organized, put away, finished. I have this constant drive to “get things done.” I love marking things off my to-do list. Now, perhaps these traits are not bad in and of themselves. But, what I find so tempting is to place my happiness and self-worth on these very external, worldly things. And I can NEVER get everything done or have everything just exactly as I want it. My to-do list is never complete.
At our prayer group last week, my mom said the most profound thing. I knew it was straight from the mouth of God when she spoke it. She said that God does not want us resting in a righteousness that is not His righteousness. Ahhh…righteousness. My only righteousness comes from being washed clean by the blood of Christ. It most certainly does not come from having a clean house, organized closets, perfect relationships, etc.
My dear cousin Melody wrote something in her blog several months ago that really spoke to this phenomenon. She said, “It doesn’t have to be just so, for it to be so sweet.” Life (like my house) is not neat and tidy. Praise God that our joy does not rest on circumstances being perfect. True joy and peace come only from following Jesus. Ahhh...what a relief!
Galatians 3:3
Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
I have been walking with the Lord for quite awhile. And still…still I try to create righteousness for myself with my own two hands. It never works. It never will work. So why do I, and most everyone in this world, keep trying?
Here is how it affects me. I am a perfectionist. I feel fulfilled and satisfied when everything around me is organized, put away, finished. I have this constant drive to “get things done.” I love marking things off my to-do list. Now, perhaps these traits are not bad in and of themselves. But, what I find so tempting is to place my happiness and self-worth on these very external, worldly things. And I can NEVER get everything done or have everything just exactly as I want it. My to-do list is never complete.
At our prayer group last week, my mom said the most profound thing. I knew it was straight from the mouth of God when she spoke it. She said that God does not want us resting in a righteousness that is not His righteousness. Ahhh…righteousness. My only righteousness comes from being washed clean by the blood of Christ. It most certainly does not come from having a clean house, organized closets, perfect relationships, etc.
My dear cousin Melody wrote something in her blog several months ago that really spoke to this phenomenon. She said, “It doesn’t have to be just so, for it to be so sweet.” Life (like my house) is not neat and tidy. Praise God that our joy does not rest on circumstances being perfect. True joy and peace come only from following Jesus. Ahhh...what a relief!
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