So in my quiet time today, I was reading about the balance of ambition versus being humble. (Mark 10: 35-37) Last night I was having a conversation with Kaili about college and future plans and the ability to succeed. she was so full of life and ambition to excel! it was intoxicating and I found myself longing to be and do better. After reading these thoughts from scripture, I was left with wondering whether or not I have the balance of ambition and yet humble. In mark 10:31 Jesus reiterated the importance of humility. He told the "many who are first will be ;last and the last will be first." Again, there is nothing wrong with ambition. In fact who wouldn't want to sit next to Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven. The disciple's error came when they desired to OBTAIN the positon more than they desired to be WORTHY of such a place. Jesus made it clear over and overa again that the kingdom positions are reserved for the most humble of Christians. So, I came to the conclusions that it is not wrong to have ambitious plans for yourself. It is not inherently wrong to aspire to have influence or desire to have success. But it is wrong to have selfish motives and it is especially wrong not to be humble. Ambition without humility is egotism! Christ Himself was the true example of humility. Thankfully, there is hope. If you read further into the writings of John, he eventually learned to be humble. He never painted himself out to be a hero, but he uses every oportunity to give Jesus the honor. I would love to learn that balance between ambiton and humility. Some days are better than others...
Lord help me to be humble yet passionate, mellow yet bold, calm yet courageous! Kaili, I pray the same for you baby!

...in case you're wondering why I don't have any pics posted yet of my big kids, I am waiting for Steve to put the latest on a disc so I can load to my computer. Sorry Mazie and Cam!!

Awesome job "hammer"! You are an amazing defenseman and a real leader! great job this past weekend! Congrats on making it to the finals. It was a great game!

Tori beans: wow! way to play tough. You had some amazing saves in goal and you were the only one who scored all weekend. great job in the Novi tourni!

Congrats Logan's team on making it to finals in the Midland tournament!
You guys are awesome!
wins: 3
losses: 1

Congrats to my girls!

Kaili: congratulations on being inducted into NHS this past week. Keep up the good grades. Pre Cal and Chemistry are almost over for the year. woo hoo!

Beanies: Congrats on being the Optimist award winner for '07. We are so proud of the beautiful young lady you are. Go get 'em this weekend on the field. Kick some serious soccer behind! DQ for a "hat trick"!!! You, too Logie and Cam. Nothin' by ya!

NW news:
this week:
everyone is BACK!!! woo hoo!

Happy Mother's Day!
To all of you girls who have a mom living here on earth...I'm envious. It is with both sadness and joy that I look back at my childhood and see the mighty hand of God working through my precious mom. She was always tough as nails, yet could be heard singing throughout the house. I miss that clear gorgeous tone and smooth vibrato. I remember the way she smelled, the touch of her working hands, the look in her eye when she was proud, and the laugh she belted out at the movie screen when no one was looking. I remember her soft wavy hair and the way she taught Cameron and Kaili to say delicious when they ate a juicy piece of fruit. (they splattered juicy all over) the roses, the fresh baked cookies, the open Bible, the smell of Pine Sol, the notes in my lunches, the dollar sent in a card when i was away at college...the list goes on. I remember her always being "home".

hmmm...I wonder if my kids will think of these goofy things when I'm gone? What do think of when you think "mom"?

I think: unconditional acceptance and never settling for less that what God made me to be.
I think: love!

Happy Mom's day girls! Make it a good one. Who knows? maybe the kids will play outside and you can actually take a little nap or go for a peaceful bike ride?

My screen saver says: "Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about dacing in the rain!" Every time I read it, I think...am I dancing? yeah baby. Life is good.

"Imagine the power of our lives if we could know with confidence that when others see us, they would also see God; that God would reveal Himself through an ordinary human being; that those who today are blind to God would have their eyes opened by the life each of us lives." McManus

Reread this today and I was left thinking:
Do I allow people to see God revealed in me? Am I open and vulnerable to God's holiness and amazingly perfect character? Do my friends see something / someone different? hmmm...