Ellie goes Riding

After being pretty much quarantined for months, Ellie had her first real outing with people her age.  The Tenderheart girls (grades 1-3) were able to take a horseback riding class at a barn where the proprietors are twin teenaged girls, which is super fun for girls in a girl leadership organization.

Meeting the horses

Making a friend

Decorating a horse shaped cookie

Getting settled on the horse

Being led

Happy girl

The father of the young ladies who run the equestrian center was leading Ellie.  He is very personable and was chatting her up.  He asked her if she thought she had it down.  She assured him she did.  He asked if she thought she could ride into town by herself and get lunch.  She thought it over for a bit, and then told him sure.  He thought that was hilarious.  He was sure she would say no.  Spunky, she is!

Friday Funny

It’s room temperature outside. -Katie

Lately

A package from our children’s ministry

Katie’s teaching of Egypt, since we are doing some school this summer.

Physics drop—9.8

Celebrating 21 years

Our first Sunday in church—masks and distanced chairs

Ridiculously beautiful weather

Mohawks

Knot tying

Playing

Being the driver so Katie and a friend who is moving can see another movie before she goes.  Coffee to prepare for my two a.m. drive home.

Friday Funny-ish

E: Are we having a check over tonight?

M: A what?

E: One of those things where everyone has to go to bed.

****
Curfew. 🙁. The six year old is worried we’re under an emergency curfew.

Sitting in the Ashes

Heart break and loss.

This was not what was meant for us.  We are in this sad and fallen world.

We fight to do what is right.  We speak truth.  We love, in our imperfect way.

May you find comfort in the fact that this is not the end.  While injustice, racism, prejudice, and violence should always be stood up against; they are also reminders that this is not our home.  That ache we feel in hearing about these things, is our reminder that this is not the world for which we were made.

Until then, we can sit in the ashes.  We can mourn together.  We can offer comfort.  We can try to be better than Job’s friends, as we sit with our friends in the ashes, listening.

26 Put on sackcloth, my people,
    and roll in ashes;
mourn with bitter wailing
    as for an only son,
for suddenly the destroyer
    will come upon us. -Jer 6:26

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. -Matt 5:3-10