Meet you at the pole

Today is the day that my daughter's school is doing "Meet you at the pole".  Well, the school isn't doing it.  A couple of students (my daughter, Shelby and her friend, Heather) have organized this event along with a teacher sponsor.  I'm so proud of these kids.  To be BOLD in their faith and step out of the box and do a public prayer is inspiring.  When was the last time any of us stood at a flag pole in public and prayed??????

It's not saying "Goodbye", it's saying "I'll see you later"

Yesterday, we said "see you later" to an amazing wife, mother, and friend.  I knew Kristy had touched many lives while she was here, but to sit and hear how intentional and focused she was with her faith was truely amazing.  We all cried.  We all laughed.  Her family is nothing less than stellar.  On Sunday, all of the Ekema's were at church.  Some were SERVING!  Imagine, they have just lost one of the most important people in their lives, and they are at chuch serving others.  That is where you see Jesus. 

Last week, little Ava went home to Jesus.  I did not know her, but I prayed for her.  I watched her memorial service online.  I cried.  I laughed.  I have been following her dad's blog throughout Ava's battle.  I read moments of anguish.  I read moments of turmoil.  I read, in every entry, deep and utter commitment to Jesus.  Recently, her dad posted these words.."today was pretty dang good".  He has just lost one of the most precious people in his life and he's still saying that his day was good.  That's where you see Jesus.

It's a paradox to see happiness in the midst of pain.  To CELEBRATE in the midst of death.  Those that don't know Jesus don't understand the happiness in death.  For us, it's not an end but a beginning.  It is what we strive for.  My whole purpose is to get to heaven and be with Jesus.  I can think of nothing greater.  The only time we say "goodbye" to someone is when they DON'T know Jesus.  Now that is a sad day.

I will continue to pray for these families.  They will have some tough times ahead.  I know that they will be putting all of their strength in Jesus.  I know that there will be a day when they will see their loved ones face to face.

The Gathering

Rori wanted to give daddy a kiss but there was too much going on :)

August with her face painted

August's friend, Frankie, with a "baby" from school. 

Reagan with her face painted

Shelby waiting in line for face painting

Mackenzie giving the "thumbs up"

Our band jammin'

Rees in the dunking tank

Today our church gad our quarterly Gathering.  This time it was decided to take it outside.  We were blessed with AWESOME weather!  There were inflatables for the kids, face painters, cotton candy, popcorn and worship.  It was AMAZING!  Here is a glimpse of the event.

INAM

I am always so happy when I see my kids doing something to be intentional in their faith.  From the beginning of school, Shelby has come home with letters written on her hand.  They are very large and noticeable.  Every morning when she goes to school, her hands are clean and every night when she comes home from school, the letters INAM are written boldly on her hand.  I've asked her what they mean.  Can anyone guess????


It's Not About Me

Stinkin' cute

She is starting to pose for the camera now by squinting her eyes when she sees a camera

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She is soooo stinkin' cute!!!!

Life is hard

I've had a pretty bad weekend.  When I woke up Sunday, I never imagined it would turn out the way it did and so many important decisions would be being made or being considered. 

I'm considering choices right now that have been put on the back burner for a long time.  I'm desiring that I be valued and loved.  I have an amazing life and God has blessed me with MUCH, but there is a void that needs filled and it's time for it to be filled. 

I know I'm not being specific.  I know I'm being hard to follow.  I know that it's time for change and that change could affect and change the rest of my life as I know it.  I need to pray ALOT.  I need prayer ALOT.  I can't do this on my own and I want for my ABBA to lead, direct and guide me.

This is a pretty depressing post.  Not nearly as entertaining as the toilet paper one.  Life's not all about entertainment.  Sometimes, it's pretty serious.

Just finish it...please

I gotta admit.  This bothers me.  This is a common site at my house.  I don't understand why, if you've already gone to the trouble of getting the t.p. out, why not replenish it on the holder????