Summer Dreamin'

My missionary friends, the Haydens, once posted on their blog a video of their kids observing some bugs they bought in the market. They said this is what delights kids without TV. Well, my kids don't have TV either, and part of the time the result involves plenty of mayhem and fighting, but many sparks of GREAT creativity. They play outside a lot, do a lot of creative activities, and there are some frustrating moments of boredom at times. But, for the most part, they have done a lot of healthy playing and creating.

This video brought a smile to a weary mother's face today. It is an example of some of their creative moments playing outside, and it made me long for summer during today's snowstorm here in central Minnesota:

All I Have Is Christ

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life --Jordan Kauflin from another favorite Sovereign Grace song

If there is anything good that can come from loss it would be finding joy and fulfillment in Christ alone. I honestly cannot think of a better way of tearing down our idols than having them sovereignly taken away, leaving us to search for something deeper, longer lasting, and eternal. God has brought me to this place over and over again through difficult trials, and though they were extremely painful, I can rejoice over them.

My husband prayed a prayer once that has had eternal impact on us:
Lord, reduce me to Christ.

Were we prepared for the impact that would make on our lives? Jesus is the bread of life. If we have Jesus, we have everything we need. This Christmas season has been especially meaningful to me as I remember the significant gift of a Savior to save us from our sins. Praise God for Immanuel, God is with us.