A Gracious Place

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Piano Player

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Better than the Back of the Cereal Box!

You know how we often say things out of rote habit. The most common probably being: “How are you?”

“Fine.”

And, the most awkward for me, when the lady at the ticket counter says, “Have a good trip.”

And I reply, “You too!”…doh!

Lately, I have been thinking about the words we repeat after almost every prayer: “In Jesus’ name.” What exactly does it mean? Why do we say it? Why is it important? Recently we got a Reformation Heritage Books flyer in the mail (You get all those cool flyers when you have a husband who graduated from seminary). I was reading the front cover as I was eating my breakfast––nothing else better to read on the table. On the front was a summary of Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption, by Joel R. Beeke. In the middle of this summary was a sentence explaining why we pray “In Jesus’ name”–– a golden nugget. It is probably the best one-liner on this topic that I have read (not that I have read a lot).

“Praying to God as ‘our Father’ implies coming in Jesus’ name and under His representation, for we only have a hearing as children because of our close association with the One with foundational rights the throne of grace.” -JTC, Tolle Lege (May 2008: Volume 6, Issue 2)

So now maybe I can consciously consider why I am praying in Jesus' name and for a moment be thankful that I can approach the Father's throne with confidence...at least until it becomes habit again.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Introducing...


Profile
Originally uploaded by dandeelines.
Baby Blosser #2! Thought it was about time he/she got some face time on the blog. This is an ultrasound picture at 11 weeks, 3 days. I am currently 16 weeks along and feeling much better. Estimated due date is November 23rd. We are so thankful for this "little turkey". I think Miranda is going to be a great big sister. She knows the sign for "baby" and "gentle", so I think we're off to a good start. In three weeks we'll have another ultrasound and at that time hopefully find out if the baby is a brother or a sister.

Friday, June 06, 2008

"Is it Real?"

We had the pleasure of having Dan's parents visit last week. We had lots of fun times! Some highlights were; going to the Indian Store, going to the pool, taking Miranda to the zoo for the first time, Miranda learning to walk (as seen below in video), and Dan and I getting away for a weekend (marriage conference) while Nana and Papa babysat.

Here is Miranda with a little baby elephant and "her" squirt bottle. The spray bottle was a nice relief from the 90 degree heat when we were able to pry it out of her hands. Her favorite animals seemed to be the penguins, the canaries in the bird house, and the fish. Actually, she did the "fish" sign for anything that was in water-penguins, hippo, etc.

Penguins


Penguins
Originally uploaded by dandeelines.

Elephant


Elephant
Originally uploaded by dandeelines.

Nana and Andie


Nana and Andie
Originally uploaded by dandeelines.

Eating some Pani Puri


Eating some Pani Puri
Originally uploaded by dandeelines.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

First Steps