Naticus

My brother wrote this on his myspace:

"I used to think some of these typical MAN things were true. What do you think? I've had this stuff and it seemed to have no connection with my character. Isn't manhood really about character? Love, loyalty, honor, generosity, strength, compassion, servanthood, selflessness, A willingness to put another before yourself. Isn't that what make a good husband, father and friend?

I never had much as a kid because my parents chose a lifestyle of love versus stuff. My dad sacrificed his comforts for my family so that we would be close and connected. He drove a black and pink pinstriped Chevette to work for crying out loud. (google Chevette and hilarity will insue) That is being a man to me, choosing love first no matter the cost, even if it's your pride. Being willing to lay down your life for others. I want to be that kind of man. I want to live my life with truth in my words and love in my heart. "

Wham. Just sum up the gospel in two paragraphs. This right now is a struggle for me- pride in my service. It's hard to pastor a church of 30 people and not feel like that defines me. No, I'm not the pastor, but I am married to the pastor and we share in the burdens of leadership. I was thinking today- Man, if I could just let go, set down the yoke I carved for myself and simply love the 30 people He's given us, Be faithful in my small things and love my Lord. Not even care about what it looks like, how it's growing, if people leave or don't serve. How freeing would that be!

Love is such a difficult concept. I mean true love. Jesus kind of love. It works like a grator to my flesh. Nothing takes it out of me more than loving people I don't want to love.

'Lead me down into the pain.
I'm willing to go if this is your way-
You didn't say I'd make it through,
You said "Peace, child, I'll walk with you." '

February, sweet February!

Well. Christmas is past and the New Year has begun. I won't bore you with details of my trip home (although it was awesome) and will merely join with you as we look ahead to what we have been waiting for all year: Valentine's Day.
Now I know that in most of your marraiges, you have Valentine's Day every day, but alas, mine is a touch different. Clean out frozen sewer pipes he can. Scrape off my windshield and warm up my car in the bitterest of winter weather, he does. In fact he even indulges my creative zeal with sewing machines and scrapbook store visits. But good old hearts and flowers, not so much.
I know, I know, with a man like that, why don't I view my life as one long string of loving effort on his part? I do! It's just that a girl gets a hankering for some roses, some chocolate, some sweet nothings whispered in the ear. And I have been waiting all year for Valentines Day- a day when I am assured of some of the softer means of showing affection.

And! Not only is the month for lovers, it's also mine and Caleb's birthdays! So, taking all that in, February, the month of ice and nasty weather, is quickly becoming my favorite month. Forget your golden Augusts! Forget your mild Mays! February is the month to remember!