Teens: The unexplored world.

Jonathan and I have been praying about having kids for the last few months. I'm the very happy-go-lucky daydreamer in the relationship, but Jonathan's very logical and keeps me grounded. He brings up all the very serious issues, while I bring up color schemes for bedrooms. Over the last month or two, I've started to really get a grasp on the idea of "real parenting". God's been revealing what it will truly mean to be a parent; working on my character and my relationship with Christ, not just growing up socially acceptable children. As it seems that time is getting closer to us actually trying to have kids, I've learned one thing. I am so, and I mean soooo, very grateful that we get to start off as parents of infants and not teens.

For the last 3 weeks, Bradley, my 18 year old brother-in-law, has been staying with us. Teens are funny little creatures. They sleep and eat 24-7. They know everything and are not so willing to listen to anyone other than other teens (who also know everything). It's been a very good test of my patience. I have to realize that Bradley hasn't yet come to know Christ as his Savior, and therefore can't walk in the spirit. Which means I need to show even more love and more compassion. Man!

Luckily, Jonathan is right here with me. Every time I get short with Bradley, or say something so out of the spirit, I turn around to have Jonathan say "Is this what God wants from you?" Well, no silly, but that's what my flesh wants, and isn't that what counts?! Well, obviously not, but sometimes I think that way. So I have to put myself in check, ask God for more strength and keep showing unconditional love, when really I want to pop someone's head like a little tick.

And it makes me realize, God's a good God. He is loving, patient, kind, giving, caring, and gentle. While I deserve to spend eternity away from Him, He's made it possible to be with Him forever. So who am I to complain about one month of endurance? I know that He will (and has) provide me with so much more grace than I could ever ask for, especially when I least deserve it. And so, with all that grace, I think it's only right to show it to others.

First family blog.

It seems that every family has their own "family" blog. Seeing as Jonathan is a computer genius (even if he's modest and says he's not), I thought it a shame to not have a blog.

We're moving this weekend. Jonathan's been in Chicago the last few days with Pat, so I'm not even sure what the game plan is for moving our stuff. Plus, we've got the decision of living with the Abdos or the Olingers. **Geez it's so nice having friends who are just itching to live with us** I actually think it's all because of Judah. :) Perhaps we'll do halvies. One month with the Abdos and one month with the O's. Either way, I've got a feeling that the next three months are going to be way better than I can even imagine. It's like being on vacation... but better.