Summer Thoughts and Pictures

Mood: Happy

Its been such a nice summer. ๐Ÿ™‚ I was looking ahead with dread at the heat wave that was sure to come but apparently I had no need to feel apprehensive because I havent had to use the window unit air conditioner much at all so far. Weve had a few unbearably hot days (to me anyway, it seems when Im on the verge of heatstroke John is still wearing a sweater or socks crazy!) but I survived them. *triumphant smile*

Not much new around here last Saturday we went to dinner with Ed, Lynette, Renee, and Josie. It was our first experience taking the baby to a restaurant and I think that if it hadnt been so near her bedtime it would have gone a lot different. At first I kept Emma in her portable car seat next to my chair, hopeful that the noise (and there was definitely some noise) would lull her to sleep, but she remained stubbornly awake and fussy. It was so close to her bedtime I think she was unhappy at the change in routine. Anyway, she ended up being held the whole dinnertime and she happily was bounced on Johns knee while he ate who knew he could multi-task like that? lol On our way home, John and I concluded that it wasnt a bad experience after all (taking the baby to a restaurant). I think we both have been avoiding anything that might cause undue stress but were probably restless enough at this point to be willing to get out there and try some stuff. The nice thing is that Emma is generally easy to please, and if shes crying its because shes overtired, wants to be held, or is hungry. Anyway, Ill bet if we had gone earlier in the day (like at lunchtime) she would have slept through the whole experience. As it was, she wore herself out and slept well that night. ๐Ÿ™‚

So last night I started reading Job. Its been awhile since Ive gone through a book of the bible. Ive kind of been on burnout lately, and feeling like I dont have time to read. We can always make time for what we feel is important, though, so I know the baby isnt a good excuse. After all, Ive managed to find time to blog, havent I? ๐Ÿ˜‰ Anyway, my mom encouraged me to read it it really is a thought-provoking read. Job 1 and 2 introduce us to Job, a man [who] was blameless and upright, and one who [reverently] feared God and abstained from and shunned evil [because it was wrong]. (amplified bible). He was also very rich from what I hear (I wouldnt know, lol) its a very hard thing to be, wealthy and God-focused. I find it hard to be God-focused anyway, although its a passionate desire of my heart to be so, and to be an example to my baby now. Even though Job had everything taken from him (in one day! in one moment practically!), losing his wealth and all seven of his children, he worshiped God. Thats one strong God-focus there. Im pretty sure I would be overcome by the loss and unable to get it together enough to pray, especially that quickly. I guess you dont truly know how youll react to such loss until youre staring it right in the face.

(Job 1:20-22) Then Job arose and rent his robe and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshiped. And said, Naked (without possessions) came I [into this world] from my mothers womb, and naked (without possessions) shall I depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed (praised and magnified in worship) be the name of the Lord! In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly.

He actually praised God after all that! I so want to be that connected, that focused on God in my life, so that instead of reacting emotionally to the bad things that happen in life (and they do, no doubt about it due both to my decisions and just circumstance) I can go to God right away. I know from the Psalms (Ps 119:11) that the way to not sin and stay focused is to hide Gods word in my heart (read and memorize scripture). Ive never been that great at memorizing but I think its worth the frustration. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Not only do I want to keep close to Him and react with prayer when bad things happen, I want to remember to thank Him when Im blessed! Ive definitely been blessed lately a beautiful baby and husband who loves me these are the things I dont want to take for granted. ๐Ÿ™‚ And dont forget I survived birthing that baby, Ive got to thank God for that! lol

Well, thanks for bearing with me there. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Now for some pictures!

Emma with her new little friend

Drooool

In a little outfit from Desiree ๐Ÿ™‚
(mommy already taking pictures of her in dorky hats, hehe)

But shes so happy!

From the back (without the hat)

Thats the face I make when I look at myself
in the mirror too, sweetheart

The view from our balcony ๐Ÿ™‚

Im in love with these trees!
When we first looked at this apartment, the reddish tree
was a beautiful blooming pink tree I was ecstatic! Of course
by the time we moved in the blooms were dying and it was turning
this shade :-/

Enjoying her swing