Monday, May 30, 2011

Day 150: A Butterfly Emerges

After dinner our family started doing different things. Haddon needed a bath, so he was getting un-stinkified while Norah and I began a game. I happened to look at our butterfly garden, and behold, one of the butterflies had emerged! I was pumped! Norah was pumped! As I looked frantically in vain for the camera to record Haddon's reaction, I tried keeping Norah from spilling the beans.

Alas, the camera wasn't found. So I don't have my boy's reaction to our new wonder, but there's something special that happened in this experience.

"Haddon," I asked, "what is your butterfly's name?"

"Pinky!" he replied without hesitation.

That is a first. We have asked Haddon many times to name a personal stuffed animal or the like, and he has never ever given a name to anything without much help. Maybe that doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me it is! It's a developmental advancement to do such a thing. Children begin to name things on their own at a much earlier age in general, but my son never has.

Tonight was just one more thing that reminds me that, like a caterpillar that turns into a chrysalis that turns into a butterfly, my son just needs time to blossom into all that the Lord is making him into. And I know that will continue his whole life, as it does for all of God's people, but for Haddon, we have always been very watchful for the signs of growth, much like we watch and have waited on these marvelous little creatures that are in our butterfly garden. We revel in any new development. We rejoice in any advancement. We give God glory for every little thing that He does- whether it be the process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, or our own sweet boy blossoming into all that God would make him.

You are a mighty God, worthy of all honor and praise! 
I praise you for making Haddon exactly who he is, 
and I trust you to do the work you have to do in his life in your time and for your glory!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Days 147 - 149: Dreadful Early, and I Wasn't Ready

So I have been an irritable, tired, moody mess the last few days. I have felt like a sinful wretch, unable to shake my moodiness. By the time an opportunity arose for me to write, I just didn't want to. I have felt so "off", and I just couldn't figure out why.

Before you start thinking that I have a bun in the oven, I will tell you that my irrational irritability is not from that, but from the opposite of that. And this is earlier than I expected. I'm not one to think it appropriate to write of such things in a public forum, but this is what I have learned in the past 48-ish hours:

The flesh wins if you aren't standing firm ready to combat it.

I was caught so off guard by my wretched mood, and that just should not have happened. Sin, whether brought about as a reaction to hormonal shifts or not, should always be combated. I should always be girded with the armor that I need to defend myself against such temptations as irritability, laziness, and impatience. I wasn't ready.

So I blew it. I wasn't plugged into the Power Source to fight the attitudes that attacked my heart. I was a knight on watch without my armor on, and I was taken down so fast, it's ridiculous.

Lame, Kelly. Really lame.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. 
To that end keep alert with all perseverance...
Ephesians 6:10-18

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Day 146: A Little Note

Whenever we get the mail, our children ask if there is anything for them, and there hardly ever is as they are 6 and 4 respectively. To curb the disappointment, I converted a tiny gift card envelope into a note for my boy.

Inside I simply wrote that I love him, and that he is special.

His response?

Oh wow, mom! Thanks!

He continued to talk about his present, and thank me for it until it was bedtime.

That's a cool thing, and it made at least part of my day. I think it made part of his day too.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Day 145: Falling Sand

I'm not sure if there's really anything profound to write about my day. I feel like it kind of ran away with me, and I tried to run with it.

Sometimes days are like that. You can almost envision the hour glass running out of sand like Dorothy watching the falling red sand in the hour glass while waiting for the wicked witch to come back for the slippers. Although my day wasn't that menacing- not at all. It was more like the graphic in the credits to Days of Our Lives- or what it used to be. I'm not sure. The soft blue sky in the background with a nice hour glass. That was more like my day. It just kind of ran out.

Don't get me wrong. I got things done. I just didn't get things done the way I wanted to. Everything took longer (like my grandmother's Dr. appointment running an hour late), and time just seemed to trickle out.

Oh well. Sometimes life if like that. I don't feel like it was wasted or anything; it just ran out.

I guess today is a good reminder that our days are fleeting, and time is always passing us by.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Day 144: A Tumultuous Start

Monday ushered us into the week with a bang- or maybe I should say a thud.

My daughter had to come home early from school because she hit her head and got a pretty good sized goose egg to show for it. The ER was a nice little 2 hour excursion. At least we had Dilly Bars and a Peanut Buster Parfait to make up for the inconvenience.

I'm very grateful though, that Norah is okay. Head injuries can be very scary, and although out of caution, I kept her home today, I expect her to be in school tomorrow and ready to go! (Though with more caution, I hope!)

I'm glad that while in some areas of the country or in other countries the wait at an emergency room can be much more than just a total of 2 hours. Praise the Lord that Norah was seen as quickly as she was! If we were somewhere else, it could have been quite an ordeal!

Also, I am so thankful today for Norah's friends. She has made such sweet girlfriends at school. They really are. They stayed by her when she fell and comforted her. Norah has described to me how they put their arms around her and were quick to take care of her and help her.

I remember in the beginning of the school year, one of my prayers for Norah was that she would make at least one good friend. And I know she has more than that! The two girls that doted over my little girl were so quick to prove their loyalty and devotion when Norah needed them.

For that, I'm not only grateful to those little girls, but to their parents. For they are a testimony to their efforts. I hope that my own little one is as kind and thoughtful of a friend.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Day 143: Child to Be Mine

Dear Child,

You need to know, dear one, that I think about you every single day. You are not yet a member of our family, but you must know that you are already mine in my heart. I don't even know your name. I don't know if you are a boy or a girl. I don't know the color of your hair. or your eyes, or your skin, but I know that you are mine.

I will not carry you in my womb, but I am daily carrying you in my heart. And like a mother great with child who longs to deliver, so do I long every day to have you delivered into my arms.

I write this today, so that you will know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I love you. You may not even be born, or even conceived yet, but I know that you are mine. You are going to be delivered to me at just the right time that our Heavenly Father deems right and perfect.

You are longed for.

You are hoped for.

You are ached for.

You are a dream to be fulfilled.

You are my child, and I wait with a full heart for you to come to me.


Waiting for your adoption,

Mommy

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Day 142: Oh Little Brother!

After church I picked up my daughter from children's church. They had been discussing praying, and what kinds of things they can pray for and be thankful for.

"You know what Norah said she was thankful for?" I was asked by her teacher.

"No. What?"

"Her brother."

I laughed. I'll tell you that is an answer to my prayers. Big sister has had a bit of a hardened heart towards her little brother, but some softening has been seen. The ice coldness is melting into spring, just as our weather has been doing.

Last week I had my girl out for a good portion of the day, and she turned to me and said, "Mom, can we go home yet? I wanna see Haddon."

Ah.

Those little bumps on the parenting road can give you a jolt, but God is faithful.

Father, thank you for being the softener of hearts. I rejoice in your sovereignty!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Day 141: Here Comes the Sun

I could title this "Here Comes the Son" if I believed that one man could predict when Christ would return, but I don't. I just don't think that anyone will know.

So what I'm grateful for today is that for the third day in a row we have had sun. It has been an extraordinarily wet spring and winter. The cold held on for a long time, and the clouds are finally parting. We're seeing the sunshine and enjoying the call of the great outdoors.

We've been to the park. The kids ate Popsicles. We went to yard sales (and found a desk for Norah- a much needed item, as she is the super artist in the family). We've even fired up the barbecue (killing the bees' nest inside- sorry bees).

All in all, it's just nice to see a change in the weather. In true Oregonian fashion, I'm sure I'll be complaining about it being too hot before long. So I'll just revel in the glory of mildly warm temperatures and the coming allergy season. Ah! The Willamette Valley is a lovely place.

Father thank you for your marvelous creation, that there is a time for every season. 
Thank you for all the kinds of wonders your creation displays, 
from the shining sun, to the changing caterpillars, 
growing grass and rhythmic rain. 
Thank you for your beauty displayed in your creation.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Day 140: We Have Ourselves a Chrysalis

About a week ago or so, I got our son a "Butterfly Garden". He had been wanting one, and seeing as it is really an educational request, I acquiesced. He was so excited! He couldn't wait to get the larvae in the mail (caterpillars). He has been watching them eat and grow bigger and bigger, waiting and waiting for them to become chrysalises.

Well, today was the day! Finally, we have ourselves a chrysalis!

Haddon just had to wake up his daddy to tell him about our good fortune. After all, if you get a chrysalis, a butterfly will follow!

It is such a joy to see my son delight in learning about God's workmanship. I pray that this experience is one that will draw him closer and closer to a greater knowledge of the Lord. We are looking forward to each new discovery as the metamorphosis continues.

Day 139: Miles Had a Birthday

On the 17th my sweet nephew Miles had his 3rd birthday. He is a pretty special little guy, and it wasn't my intention to not write about him on his actual birthday, but there were things that I knew I would forget to write if I didn't do it.

Miles is unforgettable.

I think I have a soft spot in my heart for him because he's the middle boy. There's something very special about being the middle child. After all, I married one.

The things that I am most grateful in my nephew are his compassionate spirit and his sense of humor. Even as young as three, he makes pretty funny jokes, and does funny things. He's the most gentle to those littler than him, and is keenly aware of people's feelings. Upon saying good-byes, I can always count on Miles to be thorough in his kisses and hugs. Aunts like that. :)

So happy birthday my dear Miles! Aunt Kelly loves you, dear one.

Lord, I pray a special blessing on Miles. 
May you lead and guide him as he grows. 
Give him a soft heart towards his parents as they seek to raise him for your glory.
I pray that he would know you at a young age, and follow you and delight in you.
Thank you for who he is and how you created him. Thank you that I get to be his aunt.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Day 138: I Have No Hours

Today I worked, and I checked my schedule to find that I wasn't on it at all for next week. I thought that was a little weird so I checked with one of the managers, and she told me that hours are being cut very dramatically and that this particular week had very little hours.

I know I could have responded in two ways. The first way being to be sad about losing hours and thus losing income, and the other way would be to just accept it and move on. I took the latter.

Reality is that I really don't need many hours to help with what my family needs me to help with. I would much rather have my hours cut than others who really depend and lean upon their pay. So I am grateful to be on the "chopping block" because any hours that I would have had aren't being taken away from my co-workers who need the pay so much more than me.

So I was fine with it. I'm glad to be home. It's where I would like to be anyway, so it was just granting my heart's desire- just not really granting the desire of our pocketbook. But we'll be fine. God always provides. He's providing for those who I work with by allowing me to not have hours. I am honored to be a part of that provision.

Day 137: I Hit a Bird

Yesterday, I hit a bird on my way picking up my daughter from school. Boy, do I not like hurting things! It was awful. The bird was just sitting there in the middle of the road, and thinking that it was a normal bird, I thought it would fly away as I approached it with the car on the country road. No. It just sat there until it was too late.

My husband asked me why I didn't move so that I wouldn't hit it, but it wasn't really a road that I could do that safely. Country roads are generally best driven within your own lane. The consequences of going outside that lane could be worse than hitting a bird.

What made the whole affair worse, was this I looked in my rear view mirror. Why?! So I could see the poor creature fall over like a toppling domino, that's why. Doesn't everyone want to see that? It was just instinct. I wish I hadn't seen it. It made my heart sink. It made me feel mean and cruel. I let out an "Oh no!" in a sort of groan-like manner.

My son responded to my outburst with sincere concern, "What happen mama?" He asked me sweetly.

"I killed a bird."

"Kill a bird!"

"Yes, son. The bird died."

There was more to the conversation, but you get the gist. I admitted my act of treachery, and it was taken as an interesting fact in my son's day.

That one little act reminded me of how quick things can happen and change. One minute there was a bird in God's world, and the next, here comes Kelly, the Cruella DeVil-like lady driver out to hurt innocent birds. It's a reminder to me that I should cherish every day that God is given me, and that by his grace, he allows all things to come my way, both what I would consider good and bad. All are from his hand, and all are for my best.

Day 136: "But God..." by Casey Lute

Today I read my husband's book. It didn't take long, as it is a short book, and although concise, it packs a punch of content.

Some may think that I can't really write an unbiased review of this book from Cruciform Press because, well, I'm married to the author, but I will tell you that once I began reading, I forgot that I knew the author.

The fact is, it didn't matter that I even knew the author. The book isn't about who the author is at all.

I've often read a book written in which the cleverness or ability to turn a phrase out shines the actual content of the book. Whether that is a compliment to the writing abilities of the author of such a book or a criticism of the content is left to be determined on my part. But when it comes to reading "But God..." there is no lack of ability in the writing, yet it is so centered on the exposition of Scripture and the truths of the Word, that all glory is given to and directed at God- not the author. I would echo the sentiment shared by a previous reader, that it is "relentlessly God-centered." (I truly cannot put it better myself.)

That is why I can look at it without bias. I didn't want to put it down, not because of who the author is, but of Who the author was writing about.

Starting with the biblical account of Noah, Casey draws out of the text that the story is not about Noah, but about God and his gracious act of remembering Noah. From there each of the nine chapters unfold a new layer that points back to God's goodness and grace by expounding on another "But God" moment.

By the time you reach the final chapter, Casey has driven home so relentlessly that the God we serve is sovereign, good, just, righteous and gracious, that any believer is filled with worshipful gratitude towards him.

I was so lifted up and blessed by the book. It directs all glory to God. It clearly points towards God's sovereign hand in the salvation of his people. It is such a good handling of Scripture that it drives the reader back to the Scriptures. It leaves you wanting more and wishing it were longer, but gives you so much to process and think on.

It is a book that I believe every Christian will enjoy. It is a book that is very readable and will speak to a host of different audiences at different levels of both physical and spiritual maturity.

I am proud that such a book is linked my family.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Days 130-135: Pilgrim's Optician's Progress

I have felt as if I have been in an isolated cave with things like slab-off, anismetropia, fusion, decentration, effective power, vertex distance, and a host of other technical terms that an optician knows. I have lived with study for the American Board of Opticianry exam looming before me, and I have emerged into the blinding sunlight.

I'm on the other side of the test.

I couldn't help but think of this as I walked out of the examination room. I remember in Bible class in high school, we would watch a still picture animated movie of Pilgrim's Progress. (I am grieved to tell you that I haven't read it personally, but it's on my list. Trust me.) I don't know how you have a still picture animated movie, but that's my description of it nonetheless.

Anyway, a part of the story that I have always loved is when the Pilgrim loses his burden. There he is, carrying around this tremendous weight that is dragging him down. He labors under it, and then it is taken away.

Today, that was my feeling. I have been carrying the weight and stress of studying for this test, and now I am free. I felt so light leaving the college campus today as I walked away from that exam room. I was free. I felt good about the effort I put forth. I felt good about my performance in the test.

Because it reminded me of Pilgrim's Progress, I was also drawn to look at my own salvation and rejoice over the burden that has been taken away at such a great cost.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
A lot of people look at this verse and think of it as a peace-giving type of verse. I don't think that's wrong, but I think there's more to it than just, "Hey, follow me, and I'll make things better for you." I think Christ is calling to those who are burdened with sin, guilt, and self-righteousness. All who come to him are free of those things. He took my sin. He took my guilt. He became my righteousness. I have freedom, rest, in Christ. 

Walking away from my optician's test reminded me of that today. I am free in Jesus. He gives me rest from my self-righteous works, my shortcomings and guilt. That is a marvelous burden to have lifted!

Day 129: Dear Gideon

Dear Gideon,
Being adopted is very special. I should know because I'm adopted too! We get to know things that many never know. We have experienced something that so many in the world don't understand.

First, we're loved in a very special way. We are loved so much that someone was able to let us go.

I remember when I was very young I caught a grasshopper. He was such a nice grasshopper, and he was hard to catch. I really loved the grasshopper and wanted to keep him. But my mom told me that staying with me wouldn't be best for the grasshopper. I was really sad to think that I wasn't the best to care for the grasshopper, but I knew my mom was right. I really wanted to keep him; I loved him so. Because I knew that the best thing for the grasshopper was to let him go, I did. It wasn't easy. It made me very sad, but it was the best thing to do for the grasshopper.

We're like that grasshopper, Gideon. Both of us were so special and so loved that someone had to let go of us. It was for our very best that we came into the families that we are in.

And that leads me to the next thing that we know. We were brought into a family just because they wanted us. We didn't do anything to deserve it, and we can do nothing that will make them send us away. We are with our forever families because we are loved so much that we are adopted.

My prayer for you, sweet Gideon, is that as you adjust and come to understand all that it is to be adopted, that you will learn of the most important adoption that you can ever experience. Just like your family wants you, and has taken you as their own, God wants you and wants to take you in as his own forever. He wants to make you a part of his family so that you can have all the good things that a son has. I pray that we will be able to share those two things in common- that we're adopted twice!

What a special thing it is, dear one, to know adoption. Welcome to your forever family, sweet boy.

With Love,

Kelly

*Gideon's adoption was just made final on 05/09/2011. I was proud to celebrate with his family on such an amazing occasion.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Days 127 and 128: My Loves

I love my mother.

I love what being her daughter means.

I love that I am adopted.

I love being redeemed by adoption,

both by my savior and my mother.

I love being a mother.

I love my children.

I love my husband who has made me a mother.

I love the hope to adopt,

and the child or children that I may redeem.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 
Praise him all creatures here below. 
Praise him above, ye heavenly host. 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Day 126: Back and Forth, Back and Forth

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

Ever read that book? If you're a mom, or even if you are not a mom, but have a mother's heart, I'll Love You Forever sticks with you.

My son woke up just a few minutes ago, and feel quickly back to sleep in my arms. I sat holding him, and rocked him back and forth, back and forth. I pictured the pages of that small paperback book with the drawings of a mom through the years doing that very thing, late at night with her boy in her arms.

I've been thinking about being a mom, and what that means. Daily, I am to die more and more to self. The more I fight it, the worse of a mother I am. The more I cling to my own desires, the less I honor the spirit of motherhood. 

It's as simple as that.

I've also been thinking about women who aren't mothers. Off the top of my head and can think of several women, who never had children, that I consider some of the greatest examples of womanhood and models for motherhood. One woman in particular is in our small group Bible study. Our church secretary put it beautifully when she wrote that there isn't a baby in our whole church that hasn't been loved on by this woman. It's true. My children adore her. They look forward to their times when they get to interact with her in their different ways, as she serves in different capacities in the church.

It's so beautiful.

As much as Mother's Day is a day for mothers, I believe that it's really a day to celebrate women who model the beauty and grace of biblical womanhood. Whether a parent or not, a woman has the opportunity to bless the next generation should she look to follow the precepts and principles laid out in Titus 2. That's mostly what I'm thinking of as this Sunday approaches.

Older women... are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children... that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5*



*This is a beautifully detailed section of Scripture highlighting some how-to's. I just wanted to emphasize the relationship between the older and younger women, and what that relationship is meant to do.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Day 125: A Little Edgy

Today I'm a little on edge. Things are little raw and everything seems very much on the surface. I'm feeling the pressure as my test for opticianry approaches all too fast. I have a lot of duties to keep up with at home, especially since we're opening our home up to many friends and family in a week to celebrate the release of the book. Yet we still haven't gotten to hold the book. I'm happy that others have gotten it it recent days though. It's pretty cool to see it in the hands of people we love in other states. There's just a lot. I could mention other things floating around in my mind, but there's no need to. Doing so would only bog me down unnecessarily. There's no need for that, right? Right.

All this is to say, I'm just on edge. I know I'll be fine, and everything will come together and in the mail just fine. All pieces of the coming week or weeks will come together, for the Lord is the great puzzle solver. I've just gotta plug through it all.

I'm glad that he puts all things together in his time, and that all these things are such blessings. Really, to care for my family and the home that we have are gifts. The knowledge I'm gaining from studying for this test is a blessing and will only help me help others better. We're given such a beautiful gift and experience to be waiting for books to arrive- that were written by my husband, for God's glory, and for potentially some extra money here and there. These are all good things. It is a good thing to celebrate with people who are excited with us and want to rejoice in this experience, and I have the honor to welcome them into our home.

Ah, these are all such good good things. Amen? Amen.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Day 124: Sometimes I Don't Wanna

Blogging every day gets a little difficult sometimes. Sometimes I just don't feel like expressing myself on the computer. I've gotten in the habit though. I'm in the habit of daily thinking about my day and seeking God's grace in it, something to be thankful for, something to rejoice over, something to conquer. My hope is that it brings glory to God whether I follow my "rule" of blogging each day or not.

Writing isn't the point anyway. That's simply the outlet. It's not that I don't want to share the grace discovered daily. That's not it at all. It's just that sometimes I don't want to get on the computer, go to Blogger, and start writing about it. Sometimes I just don't have a clever or clear way of writing what I am thinking, and it requires extra brain power to get it all organized into actual sentences that may or may not make sense to the three readers I might have.

Oh well.

I will continue on this journey. I'm so thankful that I've started it. I hope that it is challenging to others to think about each day's gifts of grace from our Heavenly Father. I hope that it spurs other towards love and good deeds. I hope this magnifies the Giver of Grace.

Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Psalm 111:1

Day 123: Bible to School

Each week my daughter takes something to school for show-and-tell. Her teacher just started it, and this is only the third week of doing it. She's already taken her cheerleading trophy and her Rapunzel music box, and today Norah was wondering what she should take.

I made a few suggestions, and one of them was her Bible. We just got it for her for her birthday. Her response was, "No. I can't bring things about God."

Let me tell you. That got my back up. I told her that wasn't true. Of course she could bring things that involved God, and that was her right to be able to if she wanted to.

"Never let anyone tell you that you can't talk about God or share things with your friends about God. Nobody can stop you from doing that."

Norah hasn't let it go by her unnoticed that at school there is no mention of Christ or church or God. She tells us about how they never talk about those things. It's different than every other part of her life. At home, we talk about our Lord. At church, Christ is worshiped. At school? Nothing. She notices.

I never want my little girl to be ashamed of her faith. I never want anyone to tell her that she can't speak what she believes. I want her to respect that others will have different opinions, and to listen to them, comparing them to the truth.

I'm thankful that she can still speak. I want her to know that it's her right to share her beliefs with others, and that it may be that her teachers are censored, she is not, as long as she is respectful to others. It's a lie that our children cannot express their faith in the schools. They are still protected- for now. I pray that right will be protected.

Thank you for giving us freedom here in the United States. 
Father, if it be your will to protect that, I pray that right to worship you will be held up. 
I pray that we wouldn't take that for granted.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Day 122: Waiting to Celebrate

May 1st came and went. I had fun purchasing my husband's book in e-form, and I think I made the most of the day and event. Really, we're waiting for the real celebration though. When the physical books are in hand is when it will be more exciting, and when it will be more of a celebration with friends and family. Then we'll have a party, and Casey will sign books. It will be more festive.

Until then, we wait to celebrate. I'm so thankful for God's goodness to my family. I pray that we would not take one blessing for granted. Everything has been so beautiful in its time. All the hardships of recent years, and all the encouragements. God has created a beautiful balance for our family. He's given us enough trials to make us stronger and enough joy to keep us upheld in hope.

It is true. God is good all the time.

I praise you, Father because you make all things beautiful in your time,
and because in any time, you are always good and working for my good because I love you. 
And I love you because you first loved me. 
Thank you.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Day 121: Historic Day

Killing one evil man does not destroy Evil in the world. But there was One Man who, in His own death, triumphed over Evil. He lives today.
 A friend posted this as his status on Facebook this evening. Tonight I watched and listened as our president announced a significant milestone. The man who masterminded the events of September 11, 2001 is dead because of highly skilled military personnel. 
 There are people dancing in the streets in front of the White House. There is a buzz in the air.
 The war isn't over though, and I am so thankful that God protected the men who carried out this secretive operation. The new story could have been quite different tonight. 
One man doesn't rid the world of the evil, but it is good to see justice. Sometimes the Great Judge issues justice on this side of eternity, and I am grateful that one day all will be brought to perfect justice. Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!
To the Lamb that was slain, honor, glory and praise! 
...“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 
Revelation 5:12-13 

On another note, my husband's book officially released today. We're so excited to have a copy in our hands and not just electronic versions!