Graduations, A Birthday, and A Funeral…

“There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.”

-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

My two girls graduated from preschool this Thursday afternoon, I’m so proud they are mine! Seeing them quote scripture on stage, sing bible songs and silly songs made my heart swell with happiness and love for my sweet girls. I’m so grateful for some church family who came to support and love on them also since we don’t have family in our town to invite to things like this. We are blessed to have gained “family members” here 🙂
Then we traveled to Dallas to attend my little sister’s graduation from Dallas Christian College. I’m very proud of her and love her enough to endure what should be a five hour car trip to Dallas with 3 kids 4 and under. More than seven hours into the trip we finally arrived tired yet so happy to see our extended family. We’ve enjoyed a brief time of reconnecting and loving on each other. I got to see my Daddy (a DCC professor) hand my sister her diploma, how awesome is that? I also was blessed to see many friends at the graduation from bible bowl and other church connections. I love how big my Christian family is and being reminded of that was wonderful. As I walked into the building to look for seats I had immediate unexpected greetings and hugs. We worshipped also with the DCC worship team and it was refreshing to dance and sing praises to our Lord with my whole family.
Yesterday was also my son Noah’s 2nd birthday. He is a joy in my life daily and I cannot adequately express in words what a blessing he is to our family. He is so sweet, adorable and ALL BOY! He loves cars, trucks, tractors, balls, super heroes and making sound effects 🙂 I’m deeply in love with this little guy, and I thank God daily for letting me be his mommy.
I am also attending a funeral, that my father will be doing this morning of a friend of the family who died too soon. I’m posting this as I head for the church where the funeral is to be held. Although dying in your 30’s is tragic, I know he is in heaven as he led his life for God. All that knew him have no doubts he is in a better place.
I’ve experienced so many of the things mentioned in the verses quoted above in less than 48 hrs. I’m trying to process it all. There has been joy, stress, laughter, tears, silence, loud, hugs, pain, milestones, happiness, sadness, dancing, love, peace, anxiety, growth, silliness, and more. Above all I feel blessed to be with my family who has raised me in a strong christian loving home, teaching me to keep my eyes on the Savior in all seasons. Even when they come rushing at you in two days time.
Here are some pics from the graduation…

Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Johanna