Moments with MarLo

The weather has been treacherously cold here in the middle of Illinois. Windchills sending the temperatures below freezing makes for very brisk walks wherever you might head. The only problem is the ice on the ground keeps most of us at a slow steady pace to avoid slipping and falling. But you won't hear me complain, at least not too loudly. I am a seasonal person and look forward to the gifts each season offers. When it's winter I love the perfectness of the clean white snow and the spectacular view of the sun as it dances off the ice. In the spring I look forward to the the cleansing of fresh rain and the hope in new growth as trees and flowers bloom. Summer brings long lazy evenings with fresh scents of mowed grass and dewy mornings, the sounds of children playing outside and the sights of neighbors enjoying time together. Then there is the beauty of the changing colors in the fall, the anticipation of holidays and family time, bonfires, and my personal favorite sport comes ...

This weekend Lydia and I spent a wonderful two days with Cheri Keaggy . Cheri was performing and keynote speaking at a women's event in Charleston, IL. She was a tremendous blessing to those of us who were able to attend. I love how Cheri communicates Christ and His word in simple, easy to remember stories. One story that stuck with me was how she loves to use acronyms. I hadn't thought about the benefits of acronyms in learning truths about God. For me they have become a necessary component of work in Corporate America and even my ministry work with Hearts at Home is not immune from acronyms. Heck, we even find them in text messages and everyday conversations anymore. So it was refreshing to here a new perspective on how they can be used in a divine fashion. As I was driving Lydia and I home I was lucky enough to have Lydia fall asleep 10 minutes into the drive which provided me nearly 2 hours to reflect uninterrupted on the lessons I had learned. During a long, quiet stretch ...

The last couple of years I have been on an amazing journey. One of transforming thoughts and incredible freedom. Today I understand and appreciate the depths of Christ's love for me more than I ever imagined possible. Several years ago after hearing Chris Tomlin's song, "Here I am to worship" sung in church I was faced with the true impacts of my choices. The lyrics "I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross" sent a flood of conviction through my soul. I began to really look at those areas within me that I needed to address and change. The process was difficult. There were things I had to share with friends and family that had me convinced I would be rejected by everyone. But the thought of disobeying God's call to trust him far outweighed my fears. I mustered up the courage I needed and began what has become the greatest joys I have to-date experienced. I was transformed from the inside into a trusting and obeyin...

For my birthday this past August I received a pair of seat covers for the van. I love them because they give me the opportunity to personalize my vehicle and to keep the original condition of the seats intact. There's just one problem, they won't stay in place! Okay, I admit it, it's my own fault. I didn't take the time to properly and fully secure the cover underneath the seat. It just seemed like too much work at the time. You know, insert the plastic clip at point a, attach at b, while holding tight to c, then turn around and dance to your favorite song and voila! you have now secured the seat cover. Yes, I'm being dramatic. The point is I failed to perform all the required steps and now I have to constantly readjust the cover. Even so, I learned a new lesson from them today. As I began to push the material into place yet again I was struck by how often I have covered something up in my life when I should have taken the time to deal with it properly. Rather than ...

Recently Lydia brought home a take-home activity from school. The title was "God Created Me!" and her assignment was to answer five questions. Her unprompted responses were so inspiring (and adorable!) I thought I would share them. Question: God created each person to be unique (one-of-a-kind). What is something unique and special about you? Response: That I have pretty sparkly eyes. Question: What do you like most about being you? Response: I like that I have Jesus in my heart. Question: What are some ways God shows He cares for you? Response: He gave me cousins that love me. Question: How can you show God that you also love and care for Him? Response: By singing to Him. Singing praise. Question: To whom can you show God's love? Response: Somebody who doesn't know God. How would you answer these questions?

Reflections. A word that brings with it various thoughts and emotions. I enjoy reflecting on life especially as I think about great past memories of good times spent with family, friends or even alone. I love reflections in mirrors that capture specific moments in time such as getting ready for a special event or catching a glimpse of myself holding my child snuggled close to me. But sometimes reflections can get out of focus. Those moments when I can catch myself spending more time keeping my eyes on where I've been rather than where I am heading. Other times I catch myself spending way too much time harboring thoughts of disappointment about what I think I look like in the reflection. It is then that I must turn my thoughts to my favorite reflection, the opportunity every day to show the love and beauty of Christ to others. Just knowing that I am His reflection is humbling and gratifying. Humbling because I know I always have room for improvement but gratifying as I know He uses ...

Remember when we were little and we made friends so easily? Lydia has one friend whom she met last year in Pre-Kindergarten that she talks about the most. And while they didn't make it into the same Kindergarten class they still get to see each other at recess, during lunch and at some other school activities. And then there are the days when our schedule is in sync with her friend's and they get to walk into the school together like what happened this morning. They held hands from the front door to the classroom where they had to separate to go into their respective classrooms. I know its tough for them to see now but if they were in class together they would likely always be in trouble for talking. They are two peas in a pod and I think God certainly knew what he was doing when he allowed them to be placed in different classes. But just look at how cute they are together!!!