Travels

This month has been filled with lots of traveling and fun memories. The end of the first week of August we headed to the Swanson Family Reunion which is held only once every five years. It was definitely the highlight of my summer. Not only was it fun to reconnect with so many people but God continued to reveal to me the treasure I have in a Godly heritage. Psalm 145:4 reads, "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." This was definitely the case at the reunion! Multiple stories were shared which were consistently filled with praises to the Lord for what he has done in their lives. I was especially blessed by my great aunt who shared how she prays diligently for our entire family. Though she doesn't always know what specifically to pray for, she lifts each one of us up in prayer using Scripture as her guide. I also was greatly encouraged by one of my father's cousins who shared about finishing well all that is set before us. She stated that in watching her father lose two wives in the past 10 years, the Lord has impressed upon her the importance of focusing upon what we have here and now. We are to be thankful for the season in which God has us, and when he does take us through pain and loss, we must continue to focus on him. I am so blessed to be surrounded not only by the great cloud of witnesses in heaven but also by those who are visibly lifting me up here on this earth. The weekend ended all to soon, but my gratefulness for the moments we had is abundant. I am amazed at how God uses people to speak specifically into my life no matter what he is teaching me at the time. The importance of treasuring each moment and season of life was completely reiterated throughout our vacation. The rest of the week we spent relaxing at a beautiful home in Ohio with Joel, Liz, and their two foster girls. What a joy to see Micah follow those girls around, playing happily and running freely around as they explored all their was to see. Mini golf, shopping, disc golf, ice cream, hiking, games, movies, a ponton ride, campfire and smores as well as lots of naps made for a very relaxing and memorable week. Kevin and I ended the vacation with a visit to some dear friends in Indiana. We were again encouraged and challenged by the ministry that they are involved in. Upon returning home, we are both eager to kick off the fall schedules with new life groups and ministry ideas. God continues to place hispanic ministry on our hearts, and we are eager to serve him as he reveals what that will look like. Our life will also soon be dramatically changing once again as our new little one joins the family. But oh, how eagerly we await this arrival!!!

Summer Fun

Though it has been a very hot week and the humidity hangs over us so thickly, I am praising the Lord for new energy. This past weekend was Corn Capital Days (a town celebration) where Micah was able to enjoy lots of festivities which included balloons, candy, corn on the cob, music, and dancing, a kid's fair, and the parade. He was interested in everything! After a long day of celebrating, however, his energy did not seem to have depleted one bit. After dinner, he was ready to play! Mommy was sweatier than ever, longing for a shower and bed; but thanks to Grandma, Micah got to go to the park for an hour and a half to play and watch daddy play tennis. When they came home I couldn't believe the mess! Micah was dripping with sweat and covered with dirt from head to toe. But boy did he have a good time. I was told that he had completely taken over at the park, thinking he owned the place and could do it all! He loved the slide and repeated the loop to go down it multiple times. Though I do get nervous watching my little daredevil, I am so excited to see him growing and exploring so many new activities. He is all boy, finding complete joy in being outdoors, getting dirty, running, jumping, diving, climbing, and making lots of noise. I can't believe how big my "baby" is getting. Summer is so filled with the warmth of life, and Micah is soaking in every moment of it! I continually thank the Lord for graciously giving me new strength to cherish these moments!