Farm Weekend

Our family, along with my mom, dad, and sister recently went to visit my grandparents. They live on a farm in Western Oklahoma and it has always been a very special place for me. Life is always great on the farm and it seems that Emily has also just fallen in love with all that the farm has to offer. Here are a few pictures of our visit.

Emily feeding a baby calf.

Emily riding the baby calf.

Almost everyday Emily wants to go back to the farm. Wouldn't you? She got to feed a calf, ride it, ride a four-wheeler, and "drive" a tractor. Grandpa & Grandma Burton are quickly climbing to the top of her fun list. It's good to know that another generation will look forward to spending time on the farm.

My Trivial Woes

Okay, it is time for me to address something I can no longer ignore. My LSU Tigers. Everything was moving right along, we were doing really good, until this weekend. I shouldn't be so sad about it, after all, we are number 4 in the BCS standings. I was so sad Saturday after we lost, but then on Sunday, the Saints won! Yeah!!!!! Our first win of the year. Hope it is one of many. I know it is just a game and Jason and I keep that in perspective pretty well, but, we use it as kind of our relaxing time. We don't get much of that these days.

Change of subject. I have really been hit lately with the amount of people who turn their lives over to Christ and continually live the same life they were living before. We all do it to some extent and so, therefore, none of us can set ourselves as better then anyone else in this regard. However, I have been thinking alot about everything Christ gave up in coming down here to earth and everything He endured while He was here. I am convinced that if we had a total grasp on both of these, then we would be compelled to turn from our ways and strive to live better Christ-like lives. I catch myself doing things such as saying unkind things or losing patience or watching something I shouldn't and remind myself of what He went through. We all fall, but I think we need to consider how we pick ourselves back up.

Best Friends

Last night I finally had a good nights sleep. My little girl slept through the night (something she hasn't done in a while) and so did I. I have been waiting for Emily to have an imaginary friend but so far it hasn't happened. But, today, I think I have figured out why. We have two cats, Chip and Cookie. Emily informed me today that Chip is her best friend. I thought that was really sweet and really sad at the same time. I guess it was sad because I always thought I would be her first best friend. Oh well, guess I'll have to get over that.

Checking In

Okay, I know that it has been a little while since my last post. What can I say? Life with a two year old and as a youth pastor is busy. Of course I also know that we are all busy and I really don't have an excuse. This time in my life is just weird right now. There are a lot of things that I can't reveal to the online world. All I can say is I am at a place in my life where I have never been before and may never be again. While I know that it is times like this that God really stretches and grows us, it sure does hurt! On some levels I have never been closer to my Heavenly Father and on others levels I feel like I have never been so confused about His will for my life. To say that life is interesting for me right now would be an understatement. I know that I can't complain because He is still in control and I also know how blessed I am compared to the majority of the world. I have clothes to wear, food to eat, a car to drive, a job, a family, and love & support from many friends. Here's to not knowing my future but knowing who does!

Trying Times

Well, today so far has been pretty good. Lately though, Emily seems to be getting more testy. I don't know if it is due to my expanding tummy or her being two. It is probably a combination of both. We (as in she) has decided not to use the potty anymore. She has also decided the best time to play is the middle of the night. She does not take naps but she does have a rest time. Some may wonder why she doesn't take naps but rest-assured, she gets enough sleep. I try really hard to give her a nap and end up regretting it at about 10:00 at night when she is out of her bed for the two-hundredth time. She is very cute though. Lately, her thing has been that she wants her own of everything. She has told me about ten times today that when it turns colder, she is going to ask Santa for her own oven and knife (she wants to cut things). She has also impressed the ladies at the library. We try to go every week and so she gets new books every week. There is a beanbag that she loves to sit on and "read" her books. More often than not, she doesn't want me to read them to her until we get home. She does this at the library for about 20-30 minutes. The ladies will just keep peeking over at her and think it is the cutest thing. I read my Bible in front of her and as I am reading, she will inform me that she needs to get her Bible. Then, she sits next to me and "reads" her Bible. To me, this is one of the most precious moments I have with her. She is so smart. She must take after me!