JBLog

One. Carter turns one year old this week. Wow.

This past year seems a blur. Wasn't it just yesterday we were pulling in to Arizona with our 5th wheel in tow?

Carter is sporting a few teeth, an amazing grip, and a propensity for finding cosmic debris on the floor - then putting it in his mouth. His belly is round, his skin is soft and his hair still has a faint cast of strawberry blond. I love the little guy.

He's holding up quite well to the affections of his older sisters who are eager for him to walk. It wont' be long now. The glass coffee table in my study is testament to his balancing techniques. I'm going to buy stock in Windex.

We're going to throw him a little party - a great reason to see some friends and eat cake. Hmmmm, do you really need a reason to eat cake?

Grace & Peace,
JBL

You have heard it said that some miss the forest for the trees. Tonight I'm actually thinking about the trees. After all, without them, there is no forest.

Carter clapped his hands for the first time today. I got a photograph of it. He was so happy!! Big ear to ear grin, laughing and giggling. What a precious moment. I'm am BLESSED to have been here to see it. I can't think of a higher word than that.

After a day at work there are only a couple of hours until bed time. There are bills to work through, homework, taking care of the house. The list never ends. Seems the time for real quality time is a precious commodity. Even while being intentional, what does an hour each night add up to? At the end of the work week I've only spent 5 hours actually focused intentionally on my kids? A teacher spends that with their class in a single day.

So what about the weekends? Yard work? Putting the kids in their own 'sunday school' class? Man alive, where do the weeks go? And this coming from a dad who is trying!

I've got to do more. I WANT to do more. I pray I'll do more and not be just available, but actually present. Thank you God for my children. I love them.

Are you a dad? Think about the trees...

Grace & Peace,
JBL

How could I not be encouraged? Long time friends just recently stopped in on their way to Texas, heading out as church planters. Another couple, dear friends as well, will be in our home next week, on their way to India as church planters. We just wrapped up a one year missions apprenticeship program, walking alongside some incredible men and women who in years ahead will invest all they are in building the Kingdom.

Two weeks ago we returned from an orientation with a mission sending agency. It was amazing to see a room packed with men and women, ready to head to the field. We ourselves are on our way!!! Then a few days ago another friend shared that she and her family are headed out to Mexico for their first global connection trip - unable to ignore the call of God on their lives! How amazing.

Tomorrow, more dear brothers return from Central Asia, having recharged the long term workers there for a couple of weeks. To round it all out I spoke at length with another friend today who was driving for hours back home - having been out of state preaching the Word of God and encouraging the Saints in his network.

Christ's body is alive and it's beautiful.

Be a part of this.

Grace & Peace,
JBL

Well would you look at that - I'm actually in a photograph :) Thanks to the timer on my camera, I snagged this family portrait last week. Not too shabby. I took a handful of images - Each had one or more of the children looking sideways, blinking, squirming or other wise being kids. Kim cooperated for the most part :)

Grace & Peace,
JBL

As we often do the girls and I headed outside after dinner - this time for a walk instead of a bike ride. I thought perhaps walking would keep us together as during our regular bike rides, Sarah motors on ahead while Emma pumps her little legs for a few moments then stops to pick up a seed pod or listen to a dog bark. I constantly find myself in the middle.

Well, walking didn't change anything.

Sarah literally hopped and skipped and bounced and ran a half block away in seconds. Emma dawdled along, picking up various debris and bits of nature and seemed to look about in wonder.

Prompting Sarah to slow down and Emma to step it up got old really quick. So holding their little hands was the next step. Needless to say, my arms are each a little longer today than yesterday.

Is it a problem? Not particularly. It actually puts me right where I like to be - in the middle of my kids lives.

Grace & Peace,
JBL