Shorty McShortyson

LOVE it.....today, at least!

I'm scared it'll never, ever look this sassy again once I wash and style it myself.
You'll know I failed at restyling when you see me sporting two short piggies or a bobby pin pushing my bangs back, like always. But I am willing to give this grown-up hair a go.
Yippeee!!!

Stolen from a friend

My friend and college roomie, Erica Norton, is on the adventure of a lifetime--Traveling with her professor husband and two young children, they are leading a group of 25 college students from Concordia University to 10 countries in 4 months. In each country, they will be studying and experiencing the culture by immersing themselves in it, as well as taking part in many service projects. AND....they are doing it "backpack style" and staying on a budget of $27/day....Now, if THAT's not intriguing....

You can read all about their adventures here.

Below is a short article from the Concordia website. It is beautifully written by one of the students on the trip and well worth sharing. If anyone else besides me feels at times clutzy, awkward, ungraceful, unsure...this one is for you, too.

God’s Lead: A Devotional Perspective on Tango

http://atw.cui.edu/gods-lead-a-devotional-perspective-on-tango/
by Martha James, sophomore

He made eye contact with me. Startled at his advance toward me and the taking of my hand, I let myself be pulled to the center. Encircled around us, our friends and some strangers watched in anticipation. I was confused as to why he chose me. I had not learned the correct steps. Anxiety pulsed through me as he placed his hand on my waist and asked for my right to accompany his left. I wanted to warn the hollowed floors beneath our feet of the hurricane that would soon ensue.

I quietly reminded him that I did not know the steps. He looked at me with gentle calmness and replied, “Confidence, Martha.” After a brief moment of silence, interrupted by my deep breath, the music commenced. The tango tune coming from a small radio in the far corner prompted his first step. He led me forward, to the side, and then back, never losing focus. His eyes were locked on mine. In that moment, he guided me. There was no flaw in his movements. I felt secure.

Concordia students use blindfolds to practice tango steps.

God is asking for my hand every day. He desires to take me out of my comfortable state and solicits for my dependency. There is no hesitation in his strength as he holds me close. He knows every step perfectly and will not let me fall. I am graceful and elegant because of His determination to make me so.

He whispers confidence in my ears and my anxiety compares nothing to His peace. I am overwhelmed by His longing to dance with me. He chose me. Without His presence I stand still, motionless, without hope. The act of dancing by myself or to my own steps is futile. Looking into my soul, He reminds me of the trust that I am lacking and therefore need. Nothing wavers His steps.

I hear the beckoning of my love. He wants to lead me into a place of peace and rest with careful precision and with my faith solely in Him.

The Girlfriend

September 8, 2010

Dear Ethan,

Today on the way home from Kindergarten, you casually informed me that you had a "girlfriend".

"You do?!" I said. "What's her name?"

You replied, "I don't remember, but it has a 'B' in it."

"Is she in your class?" ("Yes.")

"Do you sit by her at lunch?" ("I can't because we have to sit by the person we're in line with, and she's at the green table, not my table.")

"Do you hold her hand?" (laughing--"NO!")

"Who says she's your girlfriend?" ("I do.")

At this point, I nearly wanted to cry. I had a knot in my stomach and a load of bricks on my chest making it hard to breathe. I don't know why it was so hard for me to swallow this new information.

Was it because you are obviously too young to have a girlfriend? Was it because I felt like others were introducing you to new, mature concepts and I had no control over it? Was it because I could visually fast-forward ten years to the age Dad and I were when we met and started dating...and time seemed to be going all too fast for me to bear? Was it because I panicked about your purity and your heart?

I don't know. All I know is that I wanted to cry and I couldn't breathe.

About five minutes later, just before pulling into our driveway, I asked you, "What is a girlfriend?"
You said, "You know."
I said, "Well, you tell me. What is a girlfriend?"
"Mom," you said, "it's a friend who's a girl."

OH! Ah! "Oh, so like Ruth is your girlfriend because she's your friend and she's a girl."
"Yeah," you replied.
Whew. I breathed a sigh of relief and giggled as we unloaded out of the car.

I love you, Son. I'm so proud of you and I know you'll make wise choices. Don't grow up too fast, Little Bear!

love: Mommy


Dear Heavenly Father,

I bring my little boy before you and pray over his life as he grows and begins to come into a place where he desires love and companionship. Surround him with Godly influences. Give him your wisdom for the choices he will be faced with. Protect his purity and guard his heart until the one you have chosen to be his wife is ready. I pray for her, also, that she would walk in wisdom and purity, and that you would bring them together at just the right time. Bless their relationship and let it be pleasing to you. As Ethan matures, keep our lines of communication open and help us to be an appropriate model for him. Thank you that we can entrust our lives and our children's lives to you. Amen.

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