The Great Outdoors...

Aside from the flu we've had the past week, I have had such an urge to be outside and adventurous lately. Which is why I haven't blogged in quite a while, or that often. And I have to let you readers know, it'll get even worse. I want to experience things so fun I forget to take out my camera.

That said, yep, we're doing fine. Just busy...

Easter...

After red-eye removal, sharpening and recoloring!
Notice Lulu in the middle, and how "Amanda" she looks!This is Ana's new "Look."

And our family, the only "good" pic that turned out!

(Thank you for the promise of a hand-me-down, Canon digital camera, Jeremy!) (Not SL-R)

Weight.

Last week, the message at church was about "Crowd Following" and denying yourself. In Luke 9:23, the author talks about denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Christ. When I think of Jesus carrying his cross to the hill, I think about how heavy the cross was. Jesus was carrying the weight of our sins. He was carrying US and all our burdens on his back.

So I was sitting in church thinking about my life and the decisions I make. I thought about how overwhelmed I have been with life lately. I thought about how simple it would be to just drop everything and stay home with my kids, who deserve more than what I give them, or spend more time with Aaron, who is in the same boat as the kids.

Then it was like something clicked in my head, and I realized... I don't have to be burdened by all this! Sure, I am a mom, a wife, a coach, cafe owner and worker, a Young Life leader, a soccer player, and joining the worship team. Not to mention being a cafe owner and only having money budgeted for food. Sure, I have to stay up 2 hours after everyone's in bed so I can fold laundry, organize my week, etc.

NOTHING is as heavy and burdensome as what Jesus Christ had to bear for us and our sins.

To deny oneself is to throw off these burdens and simply follow Christ. I can do that. In the busiest time of my life, I can do that.

.667 and 2.667 (My kids' ages!)