The walls have broken down

Nehemiah 1:1-11

The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.

Have you seen the walls? Do you see that they are broken down? Do you see the hurting children. The girls that reach out for love in all the wrong places. The boys that seek violence and aggression to prove who they are. A society that is marked by no Truth. No right or wrong. Just whatever way feels best. A world that has turned it’s back on it’s Creator. A nation that has forsaken it’s First Love.

Do you see that the walls are broken down? Are you yourself blinded by the fake brightness of wealth and materialism that draws us to self-sufficiency and a life of busyness. Are you yourself hurting so deeply that you can’t feel and struggle to cry out to the one true Savior?

Do you see that the walls are broken down? Will you sit down and weep as Nehemiah did? Will you mourn and fast and pray before the God of heaven? Will you seek His face and confess your sin and the sins of your people and pray for forgiveness and restoration?

Open your eyes. See the walls. See that they are broken down. Turn to the One who can restore.

Thursday, May 1st is the National Day of Prayer. Visit the National Day of Prayer website for more information on events in your area.

I don’t have much to say so I’ll show you some random pictures

Belle returning from a walk with Princess and Daddy.

Belle looking up at Grama Susie.

Finding a place to rest her head.

Princess with a friend being silly. This was before the big haircut!

And after the haircut. Looks fabulous Princess! What’s with the silly face?!?

Belle reading a book with Grama Barb, cousins Stephie and Krissy.

Oh, I guess she was eating the book!

Belle’s having another snack, this time with Grama Susie.

Jeez louise, how do they do that?

Belle holding her bottle all by herself! What a big girl!

Our beautiful (both inside and out) Princess!

Belle having a snack and being very photogenic!

A little sad

I’ve been feeling a little sad lately. I think most of it has to do with the fact that we’re having another baby so soon. I know, I know it’s wonderful and all but the other day it caused me to be a little sad.

I was rocking Belle. She was extra cuddly this day. She isn’t usually very cuddly but on this day she had her arms wrapped around my neck and was snuggling. And the thought came… only 8 months until the baby comes. Only 8 months of just Belle being the baby. And it made me sad.

I know they will probably end up being the best of friends. And that although it will be very crazy and tiring and hectic it will be ok. What made me sad was that short amount of time that we will have with Belle all by herself. No other distractions. No other babies crying. Not too much to wear us out.

Will she feel less loved when there’s another baby? Will she understand that our love doesn’t divide, it multiplies? Will she know that she was our chosen one? Our precious baby, our miracle gift from God.

And so although I don’t like to be sad I consider it a gift from the Lord. A reminder of how short life is. How very few days we have with our children. How each day, each hour, each minute is a precious gift that is not to be spoiled or taken for granted. There can never be enough hugs and kisses. Lazy afternoons of playing and snuggling together should always be cherished. And even a million “I love you’s” aren’t too many.

So although I was sad, it made me glad for the many moments to cherish. And I’ll hug Belle a little longer tonight.

“Ed and Allie are anti-social!”

That’s what I imagine the other doggies were saying to Ed and Allie.

Since getting our van we’re finally able to take our dogs to the dog park in our town. It’s an amazing park and there are always at least a dozen other dogs there. It was a bit chilly on Sunday but nice enough and we were dying to get out of the house.

Our dogs have had plenty of opportunities to mingle with other dogs. My parents have a dog, all three of my siblings have a dog and Hubby’s brother has two dogs. But for some reason on this day they were very anti-social. I think Ed is just a big chicken. And I think Allie believes she has to protect us from everyone else so has to stay near.

This is what the doggies are supposed to do:

Playing fetch. Wrestling. Running. Doing what dogs do.

This is what our dogs were doing:

Staying on the sidewalk, right next to me and Hubby. They would venture off onto the grass every once in awhile but were sure to come right back as soon as another dog came around.

Belle had a blast. Every time a dog barked she would laugh out loud! It was so funny because there were alot of dogs barking, therefore alot of laughing!

So even though Ed and Allie were probably made fun of the whole time it was a good afternoon at the doggie park. Thankfully our dogs are secure enough that I don’t believe they really care what the other dogs say, as long as their daddy is pleased with them!

Inspired by Enchanted

Have you seen this movie? It’s been out for awhile and Princess and I have seen it way too many times already. And you all know that we’ve been struggling to find a nickname for our little one on the way. Well, Princess suggested a name from this movie.

Pip!

Who’s Pip? Well, he’s the cute little squirrel that is definitely the highlight of the movie (other than the song “That’s How You Know?”)!

Thanks Princess! I’m so glad our obsessive watching of chick flicks has finally paid off!