A Portrait of Grace

Since our life was completely turned around, since Rachel's diagnosis and treatment, we have received so much grace, so many kind words and a few extra-ordinary acts of kindness. We really have not asked for anything, other than thoughts and prayers, but a few people have really gone out of their way to show kindness to us in tangible form: gift cards, flowers, homemade goodies.

Many of those friend have been fellow believers. And by believers, I mean, people who believe, as we do, that Jesus is the Son of God and that it is through Him alone that salvation is found. Some of you believe with us; some of you don't. Either way, we are honored that you are here, following this journey with us. Well, as believers in Jesus, we are called to be like-Jesus, so in one sense, extra-kindness (or grace)is expected.

I think that what has been so amazing to me is that a lot of the grace that we have been given in this difficult road we are walking, is given by non-believers, people that are not necessarily called to the standard of grace-giving that believers in Jesus are held to...
I have thought about that often...that some of the kindest people I know are not believers...

And when I think back on my life, I think about some of the people that I have hurt the most and the amazing grace and forgiveness that they have shown to me...high school friends I was more interested in gossiping about than protecting their proivacy...Africa friends that I left in the lurch...people I have been condescending to or just plain unkind...

And then I think about the beautiful gift that I have been given: a second chance, forgiveness, grace...and I want to be a person full of grace. I want to be a person that looks at the good in people. When people say something stupid or off-handed about Rachel and her condition, I want to be grateful that they are curious about her and thankful that they are concerned, though they may not express it in the most tactful way. Instead of being a complainer, I want to be grateful for what I have.

I am a broken person; I am a believer in Jesus. The two are not mutually exlusive. I am trying to live authentically and honestly. I have been given so much grace in my life: I want it to pour out in my dealings with others.

Life As We Know It

Things here have been busy! The three older kids have been starting back to school: Ben is in 2nd! Rebekah is in 1st and Josh is in MWF preschool.
Our house is still under construction! The cement for our new garage was poured this week! How do we live in the snow belt of the snow belt and NOT have a garage?!?! I am just not sure that it will be ready before the now flies here, which, by the way it looks outside now, could be any day! (Our weather, literally, went from 90 degrees to 50 degrees overnight!)
And little Miss Rachel: she is recovering so well from her surgery. It's been about a week and a half since Rach got her "NEW FEET"!!! She came out of sedation very well and was able to go home the following day. I tell everyone that Rachel is SUCH a trooper! She is the EASIEST baby I have had...so far! I do think that once her feet heal and she gets some stability under her, she is going to give me a run for my money! Which is great with me! I want that kid to be on the move! She tells me that she is going to "Walk, walk, walk! March, march, march! and Dance, dance, dance!" (By the way, John has always prayed over each kid: Ben- a kind heart. Rebekah - to have joy. Josh- to have courage. and Rachel - that she would dance before the Lord in worship...and her day is coming!!!)

So, everyone here is doing well! Thanks for checking in! (By the way, I am still having trouble uploading pictures, thus no current ones!)