Back in Nebraska... again:)

The last several weeks have seen a slew of miles added to our van. We went to Ohio for Christmas. Suzanne's Grandpa Hill passed away last week, and the funeral was Tuesday. We made a "quick" trip to Shipshewana, IN about 11hours and 30 minutes drive. We were gone 43.5 hours and on the road 23 hours.
It was well worth it though! It was good to be with family, the funeral service was meaningful, we had great hosts overnight, the girls traveled great, roads and traffic were good (except for the 2 hours that Suzanne drove in snow on Indiana Toll to Chicago), and it is good to be home again. Lots to do so this is the end of this p...

For real

This photo is not photoshopped. It is for real. On the way home from Ohio to Nebraska, we stopped in Illinois at this over the road restuarant.
It was good to get out of the van and eat, and play, and hug each other:) We left at 5:30am (EST) and got back to Nebraska at 8:47pm (CST). The girls traveled well, even Gloria! It was good to be in Ohio with family, thanks for having us. And it is good to be back here. Now to get working, again.

A funny thing happened

The other day, I was in my office. And I heard Suzanne say, "Gloria, what are you doing up here?!"

*picture not tied to incident*

Background: Suzanne had put Gloria downstairs with her sisters; instructing them to watch her for a couple minutes. Evidently she didn't feel like they were paying enough attention to her. So, she crawled across the basement floor to the steps. Then, climbed the steps to the top and played by the patio door until Suzanne found her. The sisters were in trouble!

And then everybody had a good laugh:)

Camel-Angels

It was great to have my parents here for over a week. They are back to Ohio again. One evening we drove through a snow storm to see a camel,

 and a bunch of other stuff:) The girls didn't want to get too close to this big guy! This is the second year that we have gone. If you haven't been there, check it out! The Singing Christmas Tree.

Last night, our church put on our own simple production. We performed An evening at the Inn. It went really well; a great opportunity for people to fellowship and eat and take in a great presentation. The actors all did a great job, other than Joseph, who completely went blank and forgot his lines. Well done everybody.

These are good ways to connect our lives with the eternal story of Jesus coming to earth as a baby. God surprises us in amazing ways; ways we don't expect, through people we aren't looking at, and he calls us to faithfulness. 

Be Faithful!

One big breath

(Please take this in the best bit of love.) One crew gone and another on the way!

It was so good to have Christa, Emily, and Sarah here since Thanksgiving! There was lots of rollerblading, a bunch of energy expended, and lots of conversations. Thank you for your sacrifice of time, driving, and sleep:) I think Gloria was more fussy than normal in the Afternoon, because after having finally accepted Christa... Christa was gone!

And now they will give a high five to my parents as they pass on the road. We are expecting them here this evening. May everyone have safety as they travel. I have a feeling the activities will be slightly different:) Less rollerblading, maybe more crafts.

We sure appreciate peoples willingness to cover @1,000 miles to see us.

Welcome Home

What life-giving words! Can you believe it?
This picture greeted me as I logged into my computer. The greater greeting was the hugs and kisses at the door. It is so good to be home with our loved ones.

Yet, many are not able to experience this for various reasons: imprisonment, war, work, death, hospitalization, nursing homes, abductions, choice. And some have no loved ones. That should not be. Where is the church? The body of Christ? To be loved in this life, and to be loved into the next life. Join Jesus.

Nebraska!

I am home again. It is snowing, gently.

Life; precious

Life is so precious!

Yesterday was Suzanne and Courtney's birthdays. My life is enriched by their love, creativity, and humor:)
After a tiring party with 11 girls, I took some rest by participating in a CPR class. I am struck by the simplicity and delicacy of life that can be boiled down to getting breathes and blood flow.
My grandma Nolt died today. May she, and all who love her, rest in Christ's peace.
Friday is Veteran's Day. We remember the loss of life, and those who have lost loved ones.
Celebrate life today!

Slow reading

You may notice to the right ---->
of what you are currently reading, is a list of books that I am reading for personal enrichment, someday:) Yeah! The list hasn't changed in a little while. But that's okay! I've been reading a lot of other stuff too. The Mennonite, Mennonite Weekly Review, Leader, Equipping, Scattered Seeds, and a bunch of blog posts.
I am over half way through The Pastor: A Memoir. A good book on calling, and following, and leading, and getting out of the way. All things that are helpful for me to experience.

Well, keep reading, and writing, and loving, and growing.

Be (dis)content

Have you lost your way? Is a sippy cup your only source of nourishment? Wondering what a cornstalk would taste like? Why are these children smiling?
Are you satisfied in all situations? Do you have a peace that goes beyond your circumstances?
Contentment is a tough goal. It can be a moving target at times. You get more and then just a little more would be great.
Have you gotten good at what you do? Have you hit your groove? Maybe it's time to be discontent again. How about "holy discontent"? It can be a disturbing, yet energizing force in our lives. It has moved me beyond complacency. It has lead to us being in Nebraska, pastoring, growing in the image of Christ.
It has stirred the hope and imagination of oppressed people. It has questioned what is and lead to what should be. It has the power to move the followers of Christ to take on the heart and mind of Christ. It has challenged the church to be the flesh and blood; the body of Christ in this hurting world.

BE

Discontent