SHARING my experiences of life with God, WALKING WITH and SERVING those on the journey, EMBRACING the path he sets before me, with the FIERCE conviction that his ways are higher, greater, beyond anything I could even attempt to dream up for myself, and courageously surrendering my life to daily be made new. I am a life UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
your senses
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
-
Taste: Sunday is family dinner night. My sister is an amazing cook and for the past five weeks she has let the birthday boy or girl pick their meal of choice (we had 13 family birthdays between January 22 and March 5!). We've had tilapia, stuffed peppers, pasta and meatballs, and, as seen above, fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I am especially grateful for my sense of taste on Sunday nights!
Sight: This is definitely my weakest sense, as affirmed at last week's eye examination at the Highway Patrol that I only passed by the grace of God. And maybe because of that, I have great appreciation for my ability to see. I give thanks for sight, which allows me to read, to drive, and to marvel at all of God's creation, including the beautiful smiles on the faces of His children. It would be sad indeed not to be able to see Kenzi dressed as Cinderella.
Touch: When I enter my brother's house I become a human jungle gym. Kenzi took this picture of Tysen and Tessa with me in one of our more common poses... Tysen on her head and Tessa attached to my leg. I also had the privilege yesterday of holding and painting 40 fingers and 40 toes. Kaylee, like me, found this touch to be incredibly relaxing, falling asleep while waiting for her toenails to dry. Touch is incredibly important to our emotional and mental well being, so do yourself a favor and hold a hand, give a hug, or grab someone's leg today!
Smell: While walking after dark last night my dog Jovi and I bumped into a skunk. You can imagine how good we smell today. My sister reminded me that she has a sinus infection and can't smell anything. So I'm counting my ability to smell among my blessings today... it helps me know not to go out in public!
Hearing: A friend of mine posted this video to Facebook today of an 8-month-old boy hearing his mother's voice for the first time. Sometimes we long for more quiet in our lives, but can you imagine not knowing the sound of your child's laughter or tears, winning the Olympics and not being able to hear your nation's anthem be played, never hearing the rain? I'm looking forward to the day when I hear my youngest niece Riley call me "Aunt Katie" for the first time!
EMBRACE YOUR SENSES.
They are among God's gifts that we all too often take for granted.
Yesterday my sermon was about the importance of names. Matthew 1 begins with a list of names, the genealogy of Jesus. Mark 1 begins with baptism, when our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Luke 1 begins with an angel telling Zechariah he would have a son, to be named John. And John 1 says "In the beginning...", reminding us of Genesis when God called things into creation, named them, and gave Adam his first assignment--to name all the animals. And because we are celebrating Jesus' birthday this week, we talked about His all important name. Jesus, which means "God saves." And Immanuel, "God is with us." Not "for" us. But "with" us. Dwelling among us. Walking the earth. Filling our hearts. I also shared that Katie means "pure". A name I've always been intimidated by. A name I never thought I could live up to. But through this year of self-exploration, of embracing fears and family and lessons ...
Life is always changing. Sometimes it feels like a long process, sometimes it happens in an instant, and other times it just sneaks right up on you. A year ago, Randy and I were in the middle of nowhere ( Pie Town, New Mexico ), 100 percent sure that it was our next move. His mom was told she only had 6 months to live , so our plan was to care for her in her final days. During our visit, I envisioned putting my office in the loft. And already anticipated being irritated by the television and phone calls and visitors below. Randy made up the plans to convert the garage into a master suite for us. We even picked out our flooring. I researched getting certified to teach at the local elementary school and Randy had scoped out the local diner where he planned to "sling hash." We were excited about the hiking and bouldering opportunities in the area and even bought special shoes. But as the months passed by, mom seemed to be as stubborn and healthy as ever. An...
I am a terrible housekeeper. I never remember to dust and I haven't seen my kitchen table in months. Yes I do eat at said table. And if you want to join me you are welcome to put your plate on a book or magazine of your choice. I have zero willpower. Every 3 months for 10 days I do a "cleanse" and only eat lean meat, fruits, and vegetables. I am yet to make it to day 5 without cheating. I am very wasteful. I waste everything. Everything. I had never heard of Saint Nicholas Day until yesterday (even though Wikipedia says it is popular in Cincinnati). And it sounds really scary. Kids getting butchered (on a similar note, did you hear they are going to make a movie out of the books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ?). Demons kidnapping naughty children. Giving presents to unmarried women who "need" to find a husband. (Maybe it's not such a shortcoming to have neglected to put my shoes outside Thursday night.) Typically when we talk about shortcomings ...
Comments
Post a Comment