Fathers & Sons

This is son Joey.  He is a great uncle who is now also a daddy!

This compact little bundle pictured below, so cozy and warm within, sure took his time emerging from the womb.  

But emerge he did.  As it so invariably happens.  When it was his time.

Beckett Alexander is the newest man-child in the family.

A beautiful first born son to our second born son and his wife.

Friends and Family swarmed in, delighted to hear the details of this life-altering experience.

And life altering it is.

We are all changed again, in ways yet to be measured and defined.

I watch my beloved with this bundle and remember a time long ago (was it truly so long ago?)
In my minds eye, I see this staid and stoic man dancing around a delivery room with his own man-child in arms.
A feeling monumental stirs inside me but resists words.
Ppft! Hate it when that happens.

Little Beckett Alexander with the big hands and feet? ~ ~ It is a great privilege to welcome you to our world.  You are here with us according to a grand plan and purpose of God.

As grandmother, I am now supposedly old and wise enough to wait patiently for this to unfold.
If I default in my penchant of ploughing headlong, may it be in the area of prayer.
In the stillness and beauty of this summer morning reflection, I earnestly desire that it may be so.

The Meaning of Marriage Tim and Kathy Keller

A new book by Timothy and Kathy Keller subtitled:

Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God

First discovered at our favourite online spot of spiritual encouragement and refreshment: Haven Today with Charles Morris.

Check it out.  You will surely discover with us, a host of topics, speakers, music and resources that truly inspire a resting place (a haven!) in your daily routine.

Conversely, you may watch the Keller's promo video above and get it straight from the authors.

Based on a nine-week series of sermons on marriage and preached to a congregation of thousands, the majority of whom were single!  

It has since been the most listened to set of sermons ever produced by Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.

We live in a culture which is almost relentless in its attack against marriage and family as divinely instituted.  This shouldn't surprise us but it should make us forge our defense weapons with a bit more resolve and dare I say it, commitment?

The Newest Mr. & Mrs. in our family

Photo credits to Amy of Asher Images, family photographer extraordinaire.

Used without permission (sheepish grin)

Our baby girl is off on a honeymoon with her new husband.  Of course with her new husband.
"Honeymoon".
Why that term strikes me as strange now is interesting. 
I never thought about it twice when I ventured on my own, nor when we delighted in seeing four other married children embark on theirs.

Google defines it thus:
One early reference to a honeymoon is in Deuteronomy 24:5 “When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him. He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of his family, to bring joy to the wife he has married.”
Originally "honeymoon" simply described the period just after the wedding when things are at their sweetest; it is assumed to wane in a month. The earliest term for this in English was hony moone, which was recorded as early as 1546.


... a period of time when things are at their sweetest ~ assumed to wane in a month. 


Harrumph!


Not to worry.  Many marriage veterans including us, have and will continue to mentor our little newlyweds regarding this profound mystery as it has been called, to pray for them, walk the road with them, offer counsel when requested and perhaps otherwise :),  to enjoy this blessing with them and finally, get them reading  SACRED MARRIAGE.  
(a gem of a book/devotional we discovered only two years ago and heartily endorse to everyone regardless of where they show up on the marriage spectrum). 


We eagerly anticipate their return for a variety of reasons:

• to hear about the marvels of their meanderings of NYC ~ if it is  even possible to meander in such a place.
• to witness ones children establish a new family home of their own and finally...
• to have this infernal publication ban of their wedding photos lifted once and for all so that we might share the occasion with you!

Don’t Pretend

Gifted for Leadership: Don’t Pretend

Wearing a mask?  Keeping up appearances?  Transparency troubling you?

It's a universal condition.

One day, we're going to have a big Burn the Fig Leaf bonfire and be done with it.
 
Meanwhile, enjoy this tack on the subject.

Children's Music Matters | Christianity Today

Children's Music Matters | Christianity Today

As one with the enviable position of being able to introduce good music and song into the lives of +100 elementary students, you know that this title would have grabbed my attention immediately.
I first heard Sandra McCracken sing a soulful rendition of "Dear Refuge of my Weary Soul" at the Gospel Coalition in Chicago.  I've been tracking her music ever since along with that of her hubby Derek Webb (Indelible Grace) and am just now, digesting her first ever album for kids Rain For Roots which I first purchased as a four song pre-sale product available on NoiseTrade.
There.
You've been asking where I find my music.
NoiseTrade is one of the newest favourite places to search for good and upcoming music and a most excellent forum to 'test' it without investing too much too early.
The money I have wasted collecting music that I seldom or never listen to again is lamentable.

Ashley's Piano students

Piano recital tonight in my church.
Nineteen students (almost all of whom I meet regularly in the choir room at CCS) made their way one after the other - to the front on that fine upright piano - to pull out all the stops and play their best for us.
In a word?  Jaw~dropping delight.  Okay. I get it.
That was two ~ a noun and an adjective.
But worth so many more.  I digress.

All my favourite songs too.  Wow.  That was about all she could say.
It felt very much like a worship experience to me.
Here's my token of gratitude to you and your teacher.
Thanks for making this world a much lovelier place, for Adding to the Beauty in your own unique way.

Pentecost 2012

Our school is celebrating Pentecost with an exciting array of song and scripture.
It will feature the grade 8 class accompanying On the Day of Pentecost with various instruments including a stunning new pair of timpani purchased from the proceeds of our latest CD "Great Hymns of Faith".
Naturally, the program also features the sweet sound of about 100 other CCS students from Kindergarten to grade 8 who never fail to inspire and bless those who hear them.
An orchestral ensemble will accompany us and a small but wonderful adult church choir will add a bit of 4part harmony to a few songs.
Here's our signature song - it'll give you an idea of what to expect on May 25th in our church.
Join us if you can, the blessing of such an event is always best shared in community.



Yeah.  It doesn't seem to be working for me either.
Perhaps the Getty's are looking for ways to curb the piracy we call sharing.  :)
Google Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God.
It's our premium Pentecost song.

May the song in your heart put a spring in your step today.