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Tough Hearts, Soft Hearts
I love the paradox of gentle toughness. I see it primarily in the life of Jesus with his deep sensitivity to the hearts of people and his ability to shoulder the greatest verbal and physical insults. It would seem that truly tough people would also lack tenderness. My own son defies this as he shows great awareness of people around him, concern when someone is upset, and checks on me when I cry; but when he falls and scrapes his…
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Five Weeks, Three Projects
I am five weeks out from my due date and thought it would be an excellent idea to come up with five projects around the house, one for each week. Then, I changed that to three projects just in case the baby is two weeks early. Five Weeks, Three Projects Project: Paint master bathTasks: 1) Wipe down walls and trim2) Wipe and scrape that nasty edge at the top of the shower3) Putty and sand chipped edges at top of…
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We Joined the Country Club
I can’t tell you how often I feel the envy rise in my blood when I see pictures of friends’ beach vacations or read about yet another date night or impromptu road trip via Facebook updates. I am just not good at being “not the jealous type”. Last week I was starting to feel a little sorry for myself, but then I realized, I’m 29 (yes, I am implying that is young). I have a toddler and am expecting another…
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From Busyness to Malice – Separating from Community
In the song “By Thy Mercy”, J.J. Cummins writes: From the depth of nature’s blindness, From the hardening power of sin, From all malice and unkindness, From the pride that lurks within: By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord, good Lord. Last night, I was on my way to deliver some tomato plants to a friend, who was volunteering at church, and was debating sticking around for the service. I was in preggers’ sweats and still a little dirty…
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Balancing Act
Having arrived safely into the third trimester, I realize that my giddy glow is rapidly transforming into a grimace. Coming off of two miscarriages, I’m reluctant to delve into the general “waaah” that many pregnant women feel is their right as the weeks count down, but I also realize that I shouldn’t manufacture a cheery disposition for the sake of proving my gratitude. I’m also learning there is a fine balance between being real and being rude. For instance, merging…
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Risking Rain
On the way to the airport this morning, it started raining. There were just light sprinkles, but all the mamas started calling each other discussing rain plans and whether we’d brave the trip anyhow. Each of us had somehow managed to break what we know is an important rule if you don’t want to inadvertently disappoint your kid – we had told our two-year-olds we were going to watch the airplanes. However, breaking that rule of not telling where you…
