Moments with MarLo

“Lydia has her first loose tooth,” Karen, my dental hygienist for more than 17 years stated. Oh no I thought, she’s much too young. I wasn’t prepared for yet another milestone to come so quickly. She is five, I mean five-and-a-half, and I knew that was how old her brother, Josh, was when he lost his first teeth. Still, my heart skipped a beat because I knew she was quickly moving into the grade school years. I still miss the diapers, the pacifiers, the nursing and yes, even the potty training. I keep trying to soak up every moment knowing how quickly time passes. Josh and his wife, Leslie, celebrated their one year anniversary this past fall. I still miss playing catch with him, listening to him play nerf basketball in his room, and seeing his excitement at upcoming events. I have truly been blessed to have the gift of children’s laughter, requests for kisses for their hurts, the excitement of their accomplishments, and hugs when I least expected it for the better part of fifteen years...

As I am writing this my sister, her daughter, and my daughter are playing hallway keep away. Two of them toss an item to each other and the one in the middle attempts to steal the item. I love when they play this game together because it brings laughter into the home and laughter is great for the soul. I truly believe laughter is among God's favorite sounds. But I imagine His absolute favorite would be that of a repentant heart. How wonderful that our God cares enough for us that He has given us both the ability to laugh and cry.

I am always amazed at the passion and joy shared among God's children. This past weekend I attended and served at my second Hearts At Home National Conference. So many wonderful moms (and some dads too!) working together to bless and encourage other moms. It makes me imagine just how wonderful heaven will be. It also makes me think of the first churches found in Acts where the entire church community came together to meet the needs of every member. I have been reading through the book of Acts and I was struck by a particular promise I had not realized before this week. I found examples of where the acceptance of salvation of one also brought forth the acceptance of salvation by his or her family members. In Acts 11:13-14 I read, "He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter, he will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'” In Acts 16 there are two stories, one the st...