I really enjoy listening to the radio and singing along. My kids will tell you that I love to sing, but I will never be heard on the radio. If they had their way, I would keep it in my head. I know they secretly love it...they just don't want my head to get too big!! Anyway, a song that I really like is Jesus, friend of sinners by Casting Crowns. It makes me stop and think every time I hear it. It is so powerful and reminds me that we are all sinners and we are all loved by Jesus. A part in it says, "Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners. Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers. Let our hearts be led by mercy". I wonder, how often do we (me definitely included) look down on those that are hurting and in need of love? It seems to be so easy to judge based on differences. For example, just because someone is in a different economic class does not mean they are better or worse than we are. Isn't it the heart we are to be concerned about? Jorden and I recently had a conversation about sins. It seems it is so easy to judge someone else's sin, but when it comes to recognizing our own, we are blind. The thing is, we all sin. We decided we were going to focus on our own sins rather than other people's sins. I am so thankful that Jesus loves me despite my many sins. I pray that I can extend that grace to those around me. Honestly, it can be tough at times, but if we remember the grace we are shown, hopefully it will soften our hearts to all mankind. One of my favorite books, Same Kind of Different As Me, has a great line in it. I actually have it taped to my fridge. It says, "...I found out everybody's different-the same kind of different as me. We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us. The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or something in between, this earth ain't no final restin place. So, in a way, we is all homeless-just workin our way toward home". (p. 235) Love it...we are all trying to love and be loved on our way home.
Moving on......
Our weekend was wonderful. We were able to spend good times together. On Friday night we took Emily and Luke to the high school volleyball game. It was so exciting!!! Our team won...finally!! They played all five games and it lasted over 2 hours. Emily was amazed at how fast moving the games were. Here's my girl taking in the game....
Unfortunately, Jorden worked most of the weekend. As parents, we missed hanging out with him. As a teenager, he loves the money he is making and the independence having a job brings. This is where our boy was hanging out.....
Emily played/practiced volleyball all weekend. Her padiddy is her constant partner! Boy, that girl sure has found her love!! Her bedroom is over our bathroom and tonight when I was in our bathroom washing my face, I could hear her playing with her volleyball. I'm certain it's tucked under her arms tonight where her teddy bear used to rest. She has her sights set on playing for A&M one day. You go girl!!
Luke, of course, couldn't keep his hands off of his basketball. He is really looking forward to the season starting. Barry has been officially signed up to coach. I think father and son are counting down the days until the team is assembled!! They are already running drills. Barry is testing out new drills on Luke. Luke is running them like a little pro!!
Recently, I bought a basil plant because we eat so much of it. It has needed to be replanted in a bigger pot because it is crazy growing. Surprising, yes, I know, considering that I manage to kill most plants I own!! Anywho...Luke built a rolling board to put the new pot on...all by himself. Talk about man pride!!!! He was beaming proud!! I'm surprised he didn't ask to sleep with it!
Here are a few pictures I took this weekend. I am really getting into this photography thing. I have already put a bug in Barry's ear that I want a better camera for Christmas....I haven't told him the price....yet!
May everyone be filled with love and laughter this week....
