Walking and Talking

We finally got some good videos of Madeline taking steps. She's not completely independent yet, but hopefully soon. She also likes to "talk on the phone." She holds just about anything up to her ear and says "ello, yeah, yeah." Its pretty cute. The video of it doesn't do her justice.

Paradox Uganda

So I said I wouldn't have time to write, which I don't, but here I am at 10:30pm on Sunday night reading everyone else's blogs. I keep meaning to link this blog onto mine. For my sweet friends who love to read others' blogs check out Paradox Uganda. Its a missionary couple in Uganda, Africa, who work for World Harvest Missions. They are both doctors and she is an incredible writer. Our church has a long history with these people, and a lot has gone on there lately, including an outbreak of Ebola that killed a very dear friend, and co-worker of the Myhres. Dr. Jonah was a native who left behind 4 beautiful daughters and a loving, pregnant wife, who will give birth to their first son next month Lord willing. The Myrhes had to send their 4 children away unsure if they would see them again due to the fact that both parents had been exposed. One excerpt from the middle of the Ebola outbreak is my favorite:

God in a box

Reading Job this morning, and that’s what the book is about. Job’s friends try to put God in a box. If you do A, God will reward you with B. It is only in grief, tragedy, lament that real worship begins, not grasping God for His gifts but clinging to reality in the midst of confusion. God does not answer with formulas but with poetry, not with explanations but with presence. Today the churches will be praying and fasting for the end of the epidemic. We ask for that. But we don’t pretend that if there is enough outcry, then surely God will act the way we want. No, we pray to say that we have not given up, that we still seek God’s presence in the face of loss.

We had our annual Missions Conference at church this past weekend. I LOVE missions. I love the thought of Lance and I living abroad and working as missionaries some day. But when it comes to my own backyard, I am so lacking of love and desire to serve those I currently live around. I also am quick to pull out my checkbook rather than think about a way I can truly be involved in ministry with people. I know my money is helpful, but my prayers would be better. Jennifer's posts are so inspiring to me. She writes in such a way that shows me how to fear and love our God even more in the midst of real suffering. I don't think about real suffering the way she sees it every day. I hope some of you will read and be as moved as I have been. Also, her pictures are wonderful!

Well, my daughter has been asleep for 3 hours and my husband for almost 2, so I think I better try to do the same. Why must my mind come alive after 8pm? It makes sleep so much harder to come by...

P.S. Masterpiece started showing P&P tonight! I love you Mr. Darcy (but not as much as I love Lance)!

For My Dad

Madeline's friend Kate came to play
AGH! Get it off!
I'm in a bit of a pickle...
Every time we would get their attention, they had the same expression. It was too funny!
I dont really need the truck to walk, but I'm still a wimp and wont let go
Another birthday party with Papa C, and Great Nana and PawPaw
Perfect caramel cake made by the famous Nana!
Delicious!

Look what I can do!Its actually quite comfortable to sit and play with a golf ball in your mouth-try it!

My dad was complaining that there haven't been any posts, so here you go dad. Its 11:30pm on a Friday night, and I'm doing this for you. I'm definitely the best daughter you have. Get off my back until after Feb. 23-see below post!