Three years of Steadfastness!

It is hard to believe that our little Patton Lang Johnson is now three years old! We celebrated yesterday with cupcakes in the morning, a special lunch with Travis at Hot Dog King (Patton's choice), a rowdy dinner at Moe's (kids eat free so there were lots of kids!), and a bright blue car cake at home. This morning, Patton woke us all up extra early so that he could have time to play with his new remote control train before preschool. He also enjoyed riding his new Spiderman scooter in the morning, afternoon and a mile loop tonight. Needless to say, he is a happy kid!

Patton continues to be a joy to us. Though his birth was fast and furious, (Travis almost delivered him on the side of Highway 25, but did end up catching him as soon as we arrived at the hospital as my midwife was not there yet!) Patton has continued to live up to his name's meaning...Steadfast. He has a funny little sense of humor, is a cuddler, loves to play with his sister, enjoys reading time, has a caring heart that apologizes for things that are not even his fault, and feels his emotions deeply. I am grateful for his place in our family and feel privileged to watch him grow in God's grace.

"Therefore, my beloved Patton, be steadfast, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Cor 15:58

Holding It Up To The Light

This is the first blog entry for Amy, though I have been credited with the others. I am grateful for the blog world, a way to connect with friends, especially when we have moved to a land oh, so far away!

This morning, I woke with the lyrics to the David Wilcox song, "Hold it up to the light" running through my head. Last night, I basically cried myself to sleep wondering how I would ever manage to move with a newborn and two small children to a remote area of Africa where I don't speak the language or know how to find and cook food with minimal electricity. How did I get to this place in life?

However, God's mercies are new every morning (and night too...that just means a good night's sleep for me!). He reminds me that it is The Loving Father's plan, The Gracious Son's will, and the Holy Spirit's empowerment that moves us. And He gives us choices. So, today, what am I going to choose? To be fearful, wallow in self-pity, and be immovable? Or will I trust, seek Him, and be willing to go?

So, today with the help of the Holy Spirit and the lyrics of David Wilcox, I choose to go. To hold all my fears and grieving and hopes and dreams up to the Light. And trust that God's timing is right.

"Hold It Up to the Light" by David Wilcox's

It's the choice of a lifetime - I'm almost sure

I will not live my life in between anymore
If I can't be certain of all that's in store
This far it feels so right
I will hold it up - hold it up to the light,
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light

The search for my future has brought me here
This is more than I'd hoped for, but sometimes I fear
That the choice I was made for will someday appear
And I'll be too late for that flight
So hold it up - hold it up to the light,
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light

It's too late - to be stopped at the crossroads
Each life here - a possible way
But wait - and they all will be lost roads
Each road's getting shorter the longer I stay

Now as soon as I'm moving - my choice is good
This way comes through right where I prayed that it would
If I keep my eyes open and look where I should
Somehow all of the signs are in sight
If I hold it up to the light

I said God, will you bless this decision?
I'm scared, Is my life at stake?
But I see if you gave me a vision
Would I never have reason to use my faith?

I was dead with deciding - afraid to choose
I was mourning the loss of the choices I'd lose
But there's no choice at all if I don't make my move
And trust that the timing is right
Yes and hold it up hold it up to the light
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light

..............................................

David Wilcox, all rights reserved