We have had a "spring break" here in northern Colorado - three days in a row of 75 degrees plus. It feels good. Isn't it funny how warm 75 degrees feels in March, and how cool it feels in August? The girls and I went to the park yesterday - I can't believe I forgot my camera. It was a photo opportunity that I missed - the twins' first swinging experience. Oh, the joy in their little giggling voices! They were having so much fun. I'll have to take them back soon.
Official spring break is next week - my sis and I are taking a little trip to Kansas City to visit a former pastor's wife. It'll be fun to get away and spend time with my sister and our friend. We need moisture desperately, but I sure hope it doesn't happen on the 14th so that our flight gets delayed or canceled! We had this trip planned last July, but stayed home for Dan's funeral. I'll take lots of pictures and have some fun to share.
Colorado had a sad thing happen this past Friday. Denver has had two newspapers for many years - The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News. Several years ago, the two papers joined, which was kind of weird. You could still get the paper you preferred during the week, and they took turns publishing the week-ends - one on Saturday, the other on Sunday.
Recently, the news came out that the RMN was up for sale. Everyone hoped for a reprieve. The people who worked there were on pins and needles for months, and last Thursday they were told that Friday was their last day. I thought that was unbelievable. They were 55 days short of their 150th birthday as a newspaper.
I for one like having paper in my hand when I read. I will look up a story on line if I need to, but I definitely prefer reading something I can hold. My dad is having a hard time, because he doesn't think he likes the Post's political views. We'll see if he decides to give them a try. Right now, I get the local paper and they get the Denver one - then we trade.
I mentioned before that I am doing a study on Ecclesiastes with a study book by Chuck Swindoll. The second chapter, verse 24 reads this way in the NIV: "There is nothing inherent in humanity that makes it possible for us to extract enjoyment and purpose from the things we do." Chuck says, "This too (namely, the sinner's amassing of wealth) is vanity and striving after wind' (v. 26). Those who do not order their lives according to God's standard will never enjoy the benefits of their toil. Yet, those who have Jesus Christ as the nucleus of their lives will ultimately profit from the work of others. Of course, this does not mean that Christians never travel bad roads or run into dead-end streets. But believers do have the ability to persevere through tough times and even reap benefits from them. Unbelievers, on the other hand, face only endless miles of futility with no way of escape except through Christ."
I was asked which area in this study I needed to work on. I wrote this in my journal: "I need to ask God for grace and enjoyment in caring for these kiddoes - and do it for His glory. Sometimes it's hard to remember that when my back hurts and they have poopy pants, but all four of them are gifts from God, with unlimited potential! I want to be joyful in this journey and remember my 'mission statement' that I wrote in my blog profile - 'to have a part in nurturing them and showing them God's love.'"
I am realizing more and more every day how much we have to depend on God in this difficult time. As we watch our funds dwindle when we've been so careful all these years to have some security - we have to remember that our only real security is in our relationship with Him. That song I shared on a recent post is constantly in my mind, "I need you more, more than yesterday, I need you Lord."
Spring is all about HOPE - when you see those little green shoots showing up through the dead leaves from last fall, you know that the cycle of life continues. I saw this little piece of proof yesterday peeking through.
DC came home from work not feeling very well, but he went out and cleaned out leaves so the buds could breathe. He said it was good for his mental health to work in the dirt.
Thanks so much for your support of Kristen in her quest for a nicotine-free life. I can't even begin to tell you how happy and proud I am that she has finally made this decision for her health and the betterment of her life and the future of her kids! If you haven't been over to visit her lately, check out her 5th day of freedom. Thank you so much for your prayers!
