madelines 2nd birthday at OneTrueMedia.com

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A little bit, a little bit more....

We just had Vacation Bible School last week (Madeline's 2nd birthday fell in the middle of it) and there was a simple song that she learned that we have been singing EVERY day in our household since. It actually sums up a lot of how the past few weeks have been for us!

Every day, I'm growing up, a little bit, a little bit
Every day, I do what's right, a little bit a little bit more.
I use my ears to hear God's Word
I use my eyes to see the world He's made
I use my hands to help my friends,
and that makes me want to shout HOORAY! HOORAY!

Madeline is indeed growing up, as it's hard to concede that our baby is now two years old. As joyful as she is, she has been pushing some limits (as any toddler does) with us, and we have to consistently respond, exhausting our energies sometimes as we look to the Lord to replenish. Every night we pray to Jesus, and apologize for "hi" (hitting) "rash" (scratching), "hay" (pulling hair), and "kook" (kicking). She doesn't really do these much, but she still says sorry to Jesus every night (maybe making up for what she's determining to do the next day!:)

So every day, she's doing what's right, a little bit, a little bit more:) And we are learning with her!

It's been a while...

The family at Easter

Madeline and I at a Farmers Market

Big girl bed! She's done great with it!

Mads and Auds.

Last small group of the year! Love them!

And it's been a journey! As life is, too many things have gone down (and up, for that matter) to mention. We are LOVING this weather, and really appreciating our short walk to the local beach, park, and everything else that comes along with summertime!

God has moved in our family in several ways over the past few months. We are just so GRATEFUL to be placed on this earth, in this community, in this family for such a time as this. Something about this weather brings with it a new zeal for life and for our Purpose on this planet, amen?

Madeline is becoming quite the little two year old. I am personally loving this stage with her, where she is talking more, wanting to be mommy's helper, and also playing SO independently sometimes I wonder if she thinks I'm boring.:) We have been spending so much time outside, and I feel as if the possibilities are endless with this weather. We have quite a routine down now with life, and it's a beautiful thing!

But you know what they say...man plans his steps...:)

Where did our baby go?

Madeline and her best friend, Audrey in their jammies

Watching daddy fix mommy's car!

Her new favorite boots...she wants to wear them to bed!

Coloring like a big girl!

Before bathtime with daddy...her favorite thing ever!

After bathtime with mommy...my favorite thing ever!

Happiness...

small group girls at our winter retreat. Love them!

She was stuck in the snow!

Poppa Baker with the guitar

Ceecees first haircut! She did so well!

umm......

Usually during this time of the year I am just kind of down. The weather is yuck, and at times I feel like my spirit reflects the world around me instead of the Promise that I belong to.

This year feels differently. Something God is really kicking my butt on is my tendency to react. If a situation goes my way, I react with happiness. If something or someone doesnt meet my expectations, my response is one of indifference, hostility, or woundedness (is that a word?). TOO MUCH OF ME IS WAITING TO REACT TO THIS WORLD. It's like I'm waiting to live the life God has called me to depending on if everyone else is living theirs.

My Christian walk has become a reactive one. Not to God as much as to others.

When I die, and I stand before the Lord...I won't be able to say, "well....she started it" or "this situation didn't work in my favor" or whatever else it is that I tell myself. It's just my holy God, and my miserable self...and He is going to someday hold me accountable for my life REGARDLESS of what has been thrown at me, dealt to me, or said to me.

It's time for me to start living the way my God has called me to, regardless of what goes on around me in the Church, in my friends, in my family. I need, need, need to stop reacting to what is around me and START LIVING FOR WHAT IS INSIDE ME.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may PROVE what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Michael Jesse George

Summer and Rick had a baby boy last night. He took a few short breaths in his mommy's arms and then went to the arms of Jesus. I am amazed at how Summer was truly living in the Spirit when I saw her and met thier precious Michael last night. I have never felt such peace in the midst of such overwhelming pain. It's like the presence of Jesus was so tangible in that room I was sure I was going to see Him standing there among the visitors. God really laid this hymn so heavily on my heart in that hospital room:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrow like seabillows roll:
Whatever my lot, Though has taught me to say
It is well, It is well with my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound,
and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well with Michaels soul. And hasten the day, O Lord, when our faith shall be sight and we can see all those that we have lost in love to You.

Now the healing begins. Please pray for Summer, Rick, and Michaels' older siblings: Caden (6), Ellie (4), and Will (2).

You're the God of This City

Please prayerfully consider giving of the resources God has blessed you with to Intrsct, an urban ministry based in Chicago that intersects the lives of recent college graduates and urban youth that truly makes an holy impact on all involved.

http://www.firstgiving.com/rachelhamann

It's such a feeling to be a part of God's moving in our next generation, amen?