The Simple Life at Home

This song is so convicting. Too many times we walk right by people that the Lord has put in our way. I pray this song will help us to think about what we can do to help those who we come across rather than just pretending not to see them. If you have never heard of Monk and Neagle, run, don't walk, and get this cd. It's amazing.

I found this in a newsletter put out by my former mission organization, Operation Mobilization. Given the bias of news in our world today, I got a kick out of it and thought you might too. Enjoy!!

On Red Sea Crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE
Pursuing Environmentalists Killed

On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION
Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock

On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY
400 Killed

On the Birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS
Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple

On Feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH
Disciples Mystified Over Behavior

On Healing the 10 Lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED
"Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy

On Healing the Gadarene Demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE
Local Farmer's Investment Lost

On Raising Lazarus from the Dead:
FUNDAMENTALIST PREACHER RAISES A STINK
Will Reading to be Delayed

Remember, you can't believe everything you read!!

Well, in a gesture of love and kindness, my parents and I (plus kids) went down to my brother's future home today.

My brother and his wife bought a 19 acre property out in the middle of nowhere. Their goal is to become mortgage-free and self-sufficient. On the property was a "house," which they decided to finish off to hasten their move to the property. To set the stage, you have to picture a house that had been stripped of walls, floors and ceiling - basically all the things that make it a house.

Well my brother is amazingly talented and handy and he and his wife and kids have done all the work on their own, from demo-ing out all the old stuff to raising the ceiling and hanging drywall. I honestly don't know how he knows how to do all this stuff, but he's doing a great job. However he's been having pain in his shoulders lately so we volunteered to go down today and sand down all the drywall so he can continue. It seems he'd been stuck on that.

Now picture in your head a tiny house, 5 adults (including two who are, shall we say, OLD!!), 8 children ages 13 to 1, and a hyperactive dog. And dust. Lots and lots of dust. I now know what I will look like should I ever stop coloring my hair and go gray and I have concluded that that day will NEVER come.

I'm not sure that we did a good job (though I'm sure my brother will let us know if we didn't), but we had a fun day all working and laughing together. But now? Oh, do I understand the sore shoulders. Everything from below my ears to above my waist hurts.

Troy, should you ever wonder if your family loves you, just remember today!

A very happy Thanksgiving to everyone, especially my American friends. We are so blessed to have a holiday that we set aside to remind ourselves to be thankful to God for all His blessings. It's something we all need to remember - luckily for us bloggers, that opportunity comes around once a week on Thankful Thursdays!! *Wink!*

Many times we feel as though we have nothing to be thankful for. Perhaps you are in a struggling marriage, or have a child addicted to drugs. Maybe your job is one of the many that was cut during these tough economic times. Life can be difficult sometimes. I don't want to minimize any hurts or struggles you may be going through. But here's a little something I found that puts our lives in perspective.


To all that I would add that we have even more reason to be thankful. Besides the material blessings of life, we have the knowledge that God sent His own Son to take the punishment for our sins. Because of Christ's sacrifice, all of us have the opportunity to take God up on His offer to become children of God and to enter into a personal relationship with Him. It's a life of joy and abundance which He offers. Should you have any questions about this, I'd be happy to talk with you. Just let me know.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy the start of the holiday season!!

This is the first time in several months I'm participating in WFMW. The main reason I haven't been joining is that God had really been speaking to me about finding my worth in my blog stats. That's just wrong. My worth (as well as that of all children of God) is in what Christ has done for me. It had gotten to the point where joining in on some of these big weekly carnivals was becoming a chore that I had to find an idea for, even when I was completely tapped out, just so I could keep up my numbers.

This week, I do have something that I really wanted to share that I think is timely and helpful. I'm happy to join back in under those circumstances, not just to bump up my stats.

I know that this is the time of year when many of us are putting up Christmas trees. Our family has always done this over the Thanksgiving weekend, and I think that's pretty average. Especially with Thanksgiving falling so late this year, I know many of you will be doing it soon as well.

One challenge for me earlier in my mommy career was keeping my little ones away from the tree. The fear of them toppling it over on themselves, or eating an ornament or breaking a family treasure drove me to be creative with how to keep them away from it.

The thing that worked best for me was taking large boxes (like computer monitor size, the wider the better), putting in some phone books or other heavy items to weigh them down and then wrapping them.

Voila!

I put them all around the tree (which I had in a corner so it was a little more manageable) and the provided a handy little wall of protection. The wrapped presents made the home more festive and kept little hands from grabbing for the tree.

That works for me!!

As I was doing a little shopping the other day (which I am doing WAAAAY too much of here in the States!!!), I ran across the calendar display. As usual at this time of year, they are out there in abundance. The one that caught my eye was called the "Mom Organizer" or some such title. It was full of little stickers like "dance class," "soccer practice," "test," etc. All kinds of cute things to keep track of everything you and your kids might be involved in.

And then I realized I didn't need any of them.

In my quest to simplify our lives, and in part due to our move to Doha, we haven't gotten involved in any extra-curricular type activities. We've been very, VERY low-key since moving. To the point of almost being bored to tears. But that's another story.

My initial reaction after realizing I had no need for this calendar was a sense of worthlessness. As if my self-worth is wrapped up in how many projects and activities demand my time. This is actually not the first time I've thought about it.

From time to time, I've gone through periods where I've stepped back from one activity or another and realized I had a sense of loss. Loss of identity, in a way. If I wasn't (insert activity name here), who was I? Why would anyone want to be my friend? Was I doing enough to please God?

Obviously, it's an issue I haven't yet conquered, given my reaction to the calendar. But there are signs of it in my life as well. I've begun working with the youth group at our church in Doha. I'm also teaching Sunday school on a monthly basis. I'll be joining the women's ministry leadership team in the new year. I'm considering leading a Bible study for young girls in our home. And I'm planning on enrolling both kids in at least one extracurricular activity each upon our return to Doha.

And since all this is in the works, I've been feeling better about life. I've tried to take time to pray about each decision and talk with my husband about them. I'm trying to make sure that I don't just add activity to fill my sense of loneliness and boredom.

I do want to strive to maintain a simple life, but does that mean staying at home all the time? There's more to it than that. It's about finding a balance between activity for the sake of busy-ness and meaningful work for the sake of being a blessing to my family, my church and God.

How do you find that balance?

consider seriously whether or not to tell your family about it.

There have been so many funny (and some not so funny) things that I would have loved to post about, but I can't because I know my family reads this.

I'm just sayin'.

I know that I haven't been around much - either here at The Simple Life or visiting you all at your mah-velous blogs. I just want to apologize and promise to you that I will get caught up on all of your happenings once I get back home to Doha.

We've just been so busy spending time with family here and tending to all of our errands that the blogosphere has had to take a backseat for this time period. But please know that I miss connecting with all of you and look forward to getting back into my regular bloggy routine, sharing with you all those things which I learn that can help you make your home a better place.

Thanks for your patience!!!

As our time here in the States begins to wind down (less than two weeks now) I'm beginning to think about returning to Doha and leaving "home." This has led me to thoughts of what I have to be grateful for in both places.

Here in the States:

• Wonderful grocery stores which organized and well-stocked
• Great one-stop shopping such as Target and Wal-Mart
• Bookstores
• Of course, family and friends

Back in Doha:

• Beautiful weather (well, right now anyways - we don't need to talk about the 120 degree summers!)
• My great car
• Our wonderful church
• Our beautiful home
• Job security
• The financial peace it's bringing us to
• My great husband

So, with the exception of family and friends, what I miss most about America is shopping. Which is fabulous here.

But it's good to realize that my life in Doha is really nice. It's been a hard adjustment. But being over here has made me realize that my life over there really isn't that different. To be sure there are minor inconveniences, but overall, it's a good life. It's clearly evident to both Hubby and I that this was totally the hand of God that moved us there. That alone goes a long way towards making me "okay" with living in the Persian Gulf.

So today I'm thankful for the contentment that God has brought me. Knowing that I'm alright, no matter where I'm living, is a huge blessing. The biggest part of that knowledge is the realization that God is with me wherever I go.

I know that lots of my bloggy (and real-life) friends have also moved over the course of the last year. I hope that you are all beginning to feel settled and at peace in your new homes. It's definitely a struggle, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Oh, that light? It's God.

(For more Thankful Thursday posts, be sure to visit Grace Alone.)

Finally, I'm back with another look at the book, "Creative Counterpart," by Linda Dillow. I'm sorry it's been so long since the last entry. I guess I should have looked at my vacation schedule a little earlier!

I have to say that this week's chapter, "Inherit a Blessing," is one of my favorites in the book. It's one that can radically affect your marriage as well as every other relationship in your life.

Have you ever noticed that for some women, listing out their husband's faults is much, much easier (not to mention satisfying!) than taking note of and mentioning their strong points? Sadly we often revel in going over and over their faults, while never noticing our own. Today's post is about our responses to things which our husbands may do that hurt us.

Some women take the approach of returning insult for insult. It's a very natural response. When we are hurt, we tend to lash out. If we are offended, we want to hurt the one who caused us pain. However, God has a better way.

"Finally, all of you live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

God is telling us that when we are offended we need to step back, take a deep breath and make a choice. A choice to not escalate the situation. A choice to show love. A choice to follow Christ's example of love and forgiveness on the Cross.

It's not easy. We live in a world that constantly tells us to stand up for our rights, to demand what's ours, to demand respect. All of which is completely contrary to Scripture. Now, I'm not saying to be a doormat. What I'm saying is to choose to keep in mind that all of us sin and to extend the grace to others which you would want extended to you. Probably, yes, this may lead you to be taken advantage of from time to time. I can't promise you that your husband will suddenly be kind and sensitive. But I can tell you that you will be obeying God's will and living in accordance with His desires, which brings peace.

People who refuse to respond with a blessing often find themselves living lives of bitterness, refusing to forgive. They become hardened and resentful and cannot see good in their lives. This is not God's plan or desire for anyone. Choosing to respond with blessings can lift those burdens from us and free us in ways we never imagined.

Responding with a blessing involves three things: the restraint of the tongue, a decision of the will to turn from evil and do good, and an inner attitude that says, "I will seek peace and pursue it."

So how do we do it? How do we retrain ourselves to respond to hurts with blessings? Let's look at what Christ did.

1) We are to have no sin - Think about what Christ when through as He was mocked, scourged, humiliated, beaten, and finally put to death. If anyone had a right to lash out, it was He. And yet, He didn't. He responded with prayers of forgiveness. Yes, He was sinless, but it should draw us to look upon our own hearts and see where we may be wrong. Perhaps we have done something that has hurt the one offending us. Perhaps we are actually the one that needs to ask forgiveness. Take time to honestly search yourself and see if we have any fault in the matter.

2) We are to make a purposeful decision that we will return a blessing for an insult - No, it may not come naturally, but many things that are good for us don't. Exercise, eating well, going to bed at a healthy time. All of these require a decision of the will. It's the same thing. When you determine in advance what your response will be, you have time to think it out and can be prepared and have half the battle won.

When the offense actually happens, take that time to step back and breathe deeply. Remember the good things about your husband. Stay silent while you consider what to say and how to respond. Don't just spout off the first thing that comes to mind - it will often be said out of anger. Remember, that James tells us to be "swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." Once you have made that decision that you will indeed return a blessing instead, try to find a way to bless him - pray for him, praise him, thank him for something he's done.

3) Commit yourself and your situation to the Lord - Trust the situation to the God, just as Jesus did. He did not try to prove Himself right or defend Himself. Allow God to take care of you and what you need. Give thanks - not necessarily for the situation, but for the good that God will bring out of it. Choose to withdraw from the battle so that God can fight for us.

4) Be willing to suffer in order to heal - Perhaps there are greater problems in your marriage than the small slight. By choosing to consistently respond with a blessing, you can begin to heal the larger hurts in your marriage. Showing your husband unconditional love will heal his heart towards you and may make your marriage stronger than it ever was. Yes, in the short term, it may be difficult to swallow your pride and not return with an insult, but it can offer you greater hope than the tit for tat routine many of us fall into.

My prayer for you (and for myself) is that we learn to be gracious and grace-filled with our husbands. Learning to overlook minor slights and to choose to love them and bless them regardless can have a tremendous impact on our lives and marriages, not to mention on our relationship with our God.

I have some very dear friends. I've known them for almost 20 years and watched carefully as they raised their children. They did everything "right" with their kids. They homeschooled, they raised their children in the church and with love and grace. They encouraged their talents. They were, in a sense, role models for me as a parent.


I recently learned that their oldest child has left home, gotten involved in some really hard core drug use, and has been having a series of one night stands involving men whom she doesn't even recall in the morning.


How did this happen? They did everything good parents are supposed to do.


Other people I know were raised by some of the worst parents I've ever heard of. Drug abuse was rampant, neglect was an understatement, physical and emotional abuse were the norm. Yet these people have turned out to be amazing adults, in love with God, kind, generous, and godly.


How did this happen? Their parents did everything wrong.


The simple answer is that we are stewards of our children. We are to do our best and let God be in control. He's the only one that can draw our children to salvation; the only One who can create godliness within them. All our efforts towards raising godly children are, at best, a push in the right direction.


Am I saying that we shouldn't bother? That what we do as parents doesn't matter? Not at all. But ultimately we have to recognize and understand that our children will grow and mature into their own sense of right and wrong and their own relationship with God.


I may teach my children to do the right thing, but they will have to decide whether or not to do it.


I may pray for them every day and night, encourage them to read the Scripture, and teach them to worship God with all their hearts, but they have to make the decision to follow Christ.


I feel that some of us today are being lulled into a false sense of security that if we just do everything perfectly and control every aspect of our children's lives, we will be guaranteed "success." Our children will grow up to be the very image of a model citizen. Right? Wrong.

As stewards, we take care of our children, giving them the best start we can. We will indeed answer to God for our parenting.

But, since our role is only that of a steward, we are not responsible for the final result. That is God's responsibility. He may have plans for them which can only be accomplished by our children's failures. They may need to stray a little in order to recognize their need for a relationship with God. We are not to create little robots, mindlessly doing the right thing, but for the wrong reasons. Our children need to find their own way to a relationship with Jesus.

As parents, it's tempting to try to force our will on our children. There's a fine line between discipling our children and brainwashing them. It's hard to find that balance, but it's necessary if our children are to grow into mature, intelligent Christians.

What do you think? How do you find that balance between being an over-controlling parent and one who neglects their proper and necessary role as a parent?

Fox News reports a grandmother being spit on, screamed at, and shoved around during a rally for gay marriage rights in California. One man is even shown stomping repeatedly on a cross she had brought with her. She was there to make her voice heard, just as they were.

Is this the tolerance that the left has cried out for? Apparently tolerance only goes one way. They want it shown towards them, but don't believe they are to show it to those who disagree with them. This is no surprise, really? It's been this way for years.

But the rallies that are going on in California have pushed things to a new level. The protesting of the Mormon church has gone into overdrive. I, for one, while disagreeing with the Mormon doctrine, am happy that they had the guts to stand up for traditional marriage. They are paying the price for it now, but it was still the right thing to do.

Our society has slipped, no make that tumbled head over heels, down a path which leads us more and more away from God. To those who are protesting, that's good news. But to those of us who strive to live our lives to honor God, it's scary.

What it boils down to is that people are angry. Angry that God expects them to follow His law. Angry that sin is not acceptable. Angry that you can't do whatever you want. Angry that right is right and wrong is wrong.

Look, there are things that I would like to do. I'd love to just pick up that beautiful purse that I saw at the store and walk out with it. I'd love to drive however I like, without regard to the law or those around me. I'd love to keep my iPod and cell phone on when the stewardess tells me to turn it off. But I don't. Because it's wrong. There are laws and rules for a reason.

I think that I've been very charitable about the fact that my chosen candidate did not win this presidential election. This is our system of government. An issue (or a candidate) is put to a vote and we live with the results. Peaceful demonstrations are good and often necessary. But when you are talking about what's going on in California, that's just plain wrong.

Does no one realize how drastically our country has changed in the last few decades? Perhaps the 50's weren't the idealized life we see in "Happy Days," but surely it was better than what we have become. Millions of babies being murdered for convenience's sake, murder rates skyrocketing, children killing children, people caring only for themselves rather than considering their neighbors.

It has become a world of anger and selfishness.

This is what happens when we omit God from our lives. We become obsessed with our own wants and desires and will strive to satisfy them at any cost. Not only do we neglect God, we neglect our community and our neighbor. All that matters is "me, me, me."

I found this list of things over at Leeann's blog. I've seen these things before, but usually they've involved some pretty risque things. This one's clean and fun. Play along!!

Bold the things you’ve done and will admit to:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (uh, ick!!!)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

If you decide to play along, leave me a note so I can visit and read your list.

We are now almost one week out from the most historic presidential election in our lifetime.

We've had one week to process all that it means - for African Americans, for Americans as a whole, for Christians, for the world. Even though we are not able to look into a crystal ball and see where our country will be four years from now, we are able to do something.

As Christians, we are called to pray for and honor our leaders.

Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere
God. Respect the government. 1 Peter 2:17, The Message.

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2: 1-2, NetBible

I know that many of us are disappointed that President-Elect Obama has been elected, upset not because of the color of his skin, but because of the content of his character. A man who is so fervently pro-abortion, who has socialist views of redistributing wealth to those who have not earned it, who supports talking with rogue governments with no conditions, who has promised to pull our troops out of Iraq before the job is finished which would leave the country in chaos turning it into a breeding ground for terrorists - well, the list could go on and on.

But we are promised in Scripture that God is sovereign. He had a hand in Barack Obama's election and, believe it or not, it was His will. It's time to accept that. Regardless of our personal opinions, God doesn't make mistakes. It wouldn't have been my choice, but it was God's. End of story.

So now is the time to get down to business. It's time to pray for President Elect Obama - pray for God to touch his heart, pray for wisdom, pray for clarity of thought, pray for his team, pray for God to use him.

It's time to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak.

You know it's true. Things are never as good as you remember.

When you can't have something, you tend to idealize it, build it up to something it's not, and long for it as never before.

During our little visit back to the States, I've realized that:

1) Bologna isn't as good as I remembered it.

2) I really only like rain if I'm snuggled up inside. It's not so much fun if I have to be outside running errands - getting wet, ruining my hair, walking around in wet clothes.

3) Cold weather not only means feeling very refreshed and invigorated, it also means freezing cold toilet seats.

My amazing friend, Leeann, forwarded this to me and I thought it was so good and timely that it had to go on the blog. Thanks for sharing, Leeann!!


True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order: (1) the Kingdom of God, ((2) America, not vice-versa.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, "Jesus Is Lord" will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.

How did you score?

I am happy to report that Daniel seems to be back to his healthy self. He took a LOOOOONG nap this afternoon and woke up feeling fine. He even got to go see one of his best friends after all later in the afternoon (they had been warned that he'd been sick!) and had a nice time visiting with him. He's been eating and drinking normally and hasn't had any more trouble.

Thanks to all who lifted up prayers on his (and my) behalf. They were heard and answered.

I'll check in with y'all again probably on Tuesday. Sorry for not posting Creative Counterpart studies - I will get back to them, probably next week. Too much travelling to sit and study and condense. Thanks for your patience.

To all those Arizona girls - look for my plane to be flying overhead tomorrow night around 6'ish!

We've had a great week here in Miami. The weather couldn't have been better, our time with our friends has been sweet and it's been great just being in our usual stomping grounds.

But there's always something, right?

Last night, Daniel started throwing up at 2 am and didn't stop until morning. Now he is thankfully sleeping on the couch for the last few hours, but I'm still exhausted. If you get a chance please pray that he feels better (much better!) before our trip to Arizona tomorrow. That's a long time on a plane when you are feeling sick.

To all our friends here in Miami, we have missed you so. It was wonderful seeing you, hugging you, laughing with you. You are the best!