Llamas, horses, pigs, and bunnies. Can you guess where we went this summer? The kids love going to the 4H fair. They each get to pick an animal they would like to see. We spend the morning going to each animal’s barn or area.

When is the last time you took a trip to the moon? For our family, it was this afternoon. We really enjoyed our adventure on the moon. The weather was perfect. The kids LOVE going to the moon! What started as a random idea has turned into something very special for our kids.

"Look at those waves!! They are huge!!” exclaimed our four kids as they jumped up and down. The waves quickly washed up any creation in the sand. As they thundered in, it looked like mountains compared to some of my kids. This summer, we spent time on Lake Michigan for our family vacation. On this particular morning, we stood amazed at the power of the waves. The younger two kids put their feet in the water and that was enough for them. They quickly busied themselves with playing in the sand. The older two kids ventured out a little further but not much. I soaked it all in and enjoyed my spot on the sand.

Are you one of those people that love a clean kitchen? Does it energize and empower you? Me too.  When my house is out of order, I feel like I am out of order.  The other day my kitchen counters were cluttered with papers that needing to be filed, thrown away, and mail that still needed to be read.  The pile of dirty dishes had grown out of the sink and invaded the remaining counter space.  The dried on food mocked me from between the plates.  Once again it was out of control…I felt defeated even before I had begun to fight back. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother to clean because it’s only going to get messy again. Oh well, here I go. It has to be done. I rolled up my sleeves, dug in and whipped that kitchen into shape.  The counters sparkled from the wash down, the dishwasher hummed quietly and no papers cluttered my counters. Yes! I had achieved a sense of calm once again.

Today I celebrate my favorite person in the world, my husband Jonathan.  His name means Yahweh gives. Jonathan is truly a gift in my life as well as so many other’s lives. Here are some of the many reasons why Jonathan is a gift to me. Jonathan is sold out for Jesus, he is committed and dependable, a great father to our kids, and an amazing provider for our family.

Today I celebrate the birthday of a very special person. His name is Don Schweingruber. I met Don in 1996 when I went to visit Bluffton College. I can clearly remember the warmth and love that radiated from Don that day. I even remember giving him a hug because I already felt like I knew him. Don was the Dean of Students at Bluffton College at the time. In the fall of 1996, I started my college career at Bluffton and also my friendship with Don and Nancy Schweingruber. My life forever changed from that moment on.

Listening- one of the hardest things to do. What does it mean to listen? Here is the definition from Webster's dictionary: "to pay attention to someone in order to hear what is being said and understand that it is serious, important, or true." When I read over this definition, I am convicted. How many times has a friend shared a concern with me and I haven't really listened to them?  Do I listen for the benefit of my friend?

This morning I went for an 8-mile run. It was a solid run and it felt amazing! To some people, this sounds absolutely crazy. To others, it sounds impossible. It may feel like they could never run 8 miles let alone a half mile.  I used to think it was crazy and impossible too. Then God got a hold of my heart and asked me to step out in faith. Here’s my story about how it all began…