Eli's 16 Months Old

It has been so long since I blogged I don't even know what to say. Eli is growing so fast! I am blown away by all of the "big boy" things he is doing these days. He always wants his shoes on and will go get them when he discovers he is not wearing them. He will go get his toothbrush when prompted and doesn't much like letting you brush his teeth...he thinks he does a fine job of it. He climbs in the chair at home and up the stairs at church onto the stage. He LOVES Veggie Tales. Any time the tv comes on he starts making these crazy funny noises and claps his hands and points. I try not to let him watch it too often, but it seems to be on more frequently now that he can ask for it with his actions!! He is refusing baby food and some vegetables. He is walking everywhere and rarely falls...not quite to running yet, but I'm sure that's not a long way off!! Overall, he is just a funny little guy! He entertains me all day long! He can say only a few words...daddy, mama, apple, hi (has that one down PAT!), cracker (well enough that I know what he's trying to say), nana (with some practice) and I think that's it.
Not much more to report. Matt will soon be out of the Navy...only 50 something days left or so. We are looking forward to being home for Halloween...I've got to start working on Eli's scarecrow costume!! We are still working on a couple of projects on the house, but for the most part have been having a break from that. We are still SUPER busy with leading the worship ministry at church and possibly taking on the campus ministry soon, but that is still something we are praying about! Lots of great things going on here!! I'll try to keep blogging our progress!!

The World's Wisdom vs. God's Wisdom

We had a super challenging lesson at midweek tonight. It really made me wonder if I am really patterning my life after God's wisdom. The world's wisdom just makes more sense to us. It is so natural for us to run after what feels good and makes our lives easier. (I Corinthians 1:18-20) God didn't call us to comfort. He called us to a radical life of denial of self and death to self. (Matthew 16:24-26) I was most challenged when Bonny read Matthew 15:7-9...Is this me? Do I honor God with my lips, but my heart is far from him...worshipping him in vain and teaching rules taught by men? God calls me to a life of love (Matthew 22:36-40). Love is not natural. We can only do it with Him. I guess the thing I left thinking was I MUST check what I do with the Word. I can't count on my instinct because I will naturally go back to a worldly pattern and therefore not be living within God's wisdom. (Isaiah 55:8) And the conflict goes on.

Weekend in Galveston

i am getting back into the swing of things after a weekend away serving in Galveston. it was really nice to get away and do some hard work for someone in need. we (Emanda, Dinah, Tammica, Frank and I and some Houston church members) served by gutting the home of a man and wife who have not only lost most of their earthly possessions, but were also dealing with the husband's lung cancer. it was so amazing how impacted and encouraged the family was by our service...i was just thinking that even once we leave they still have such a long way to go! i can't imagine being in that position. i am praying that things really go smoothly from here for them. they have a long road ahead of them.
some of our groups cleaned out garages, tore up floors and even folded laundry! it was so refreshing to be serving with disciples. we were able to stay together and have meals and evenings playing cards and singing and talking. it was incredible! i made some new friends (which was my goal) and left really feeling refreshed and ready to do all that God has for me to do.
matt did well with eli. he had support available, but made it ok with him and one of the single brothers, Ben. it was so good for him to be mommy for a minute! especially since i will be leaving on a cruise at the beginning of december and he will be here alone with him for a few days. SCARY!