Some thoughts...

Here's a glimpse into what is floating around in my brain today...

1. My husband graduated from year two of Men's Fraternity last night. It was a wonderful ceremony in which the four pillars of authentic manhood were highlighted - "Reject Passivity, Accept Responsibility, Lead Courageously, and Expect God's Greater Reward." Men are called up into four roles - the lover, the king, the warrior and the friend. This is incredible stuff, and my sweetie has flourished in these teachings. I'm very proud of him. He's gotten up at o'dark thirty for 24 weeks to be at LCBC by 6:00 AM for Men's Fraternity on Wednesday mornings. He loves it, and I love him.

2. My two-month-old niece, Caitlin, smiled at me TWICE yesterday! I'm floating in auntie bliss.

3. Precious friends of ours, Jason and Jenny Mitchell, are currently in Alabama because Jason's grandfather (Paw Paw) passed away over the weekend. I'm frustrated because they are there and I am here. As a result of their southern roots, they are far away from their Pennsylvania "family" as they are going through this. They were right by our sides when Ryan's father passed away in July. I want to be there to provide hugs, to play with Sienna if the adults need some quiet times to themselves, and to offer any other support that they need. That's what friends do, and it's driving me nuts that I can't see my sweet Jenny right now to squeeze her hand and be with her as they celebrate Paw Paw's life.

4. Life is short. Be pleasant and loving. Laugh as much as you can. Show Jesus to your neighbors.

So those are the things bouncing around in my head right now. Other than that, it's pretty quiet up there! :-)