who's building?

psalm 127: 1

unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

this verse hit me hard this morning.

it's a simple message but an ever-relevant one, i think.

unless the lord is, through his spirit, absolutely guiding everything we do... what's the point? is any of it worth it?

i think in times of "hey god, where the heck are ya? what do you want me to be doing right now? i'm just twiddling my thumbs here..." in my life, i sometimes try to fill my time with GOOD things because i just can't hear (or, am not listening to) GOD things.

if i volunteer more, just to try to do good in the world, but it's not where the lord wants me to serve, it's in vain! if i do something because it seems like that's what others want from me or expect of me but it's not exactly who my father created me to be, you guessed it: in vain!


gosh, doing anything apart from my maker is just shenanigans i've been reminded again this morning.

so, for today and for always... who's "building" in my life? am i living according to my own plans or expectations or goals or those of my numero uno?

preach it, emmy.

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

she did it!

arika graduated! 

off to kindergarten in the fall is this adorable little ball of love and potential.

and here is the whole motley crew. we have SO become a family. i could have never imagined at the beginning of the year how much love, learning, growth, hilarity and unity could result from the combo of preschoolers and college students :)