Live, Love, Laugh

Today I want to write about something that means a lot to me. It's a place where I always feel comfortable. It's a sanctuary that is beautiful and peaceful. I find comfort here. It gives me a sense of security and roots. It's a space that I have created that I can work on, work in, eat, sleep, dream, relax, love, and enjoy for as long as God blesses me with it. In this area, I can color the walls as I desire, change things as I see fit, and really just LIVE. This place is my house... and I could not be more thankful.

New Testament grace... in the Old Testament?!

"You there! Yeah, you! Don't do anything enjoyable or I will straight KILL YOU!"

I'm sure many people have heard others refer to what I call as God's cosmic mood swing. It's the thought that pervades society that in the Old Testament, God was really pissed off, but then in the New Testament, God chilled out and became nice. So on one hand you have this omnipotent and omniangry God just laying on the old school judgment, and on the other hand you have Jesus in white robes talking about love and joy and happy things. It's like people think Jesus was a hippy and God was his disapproving father.

When you examine the concept of Biblical GRACE in light of this viewpoint, it would be easy to say that grace is something reserved for the New Testament and that the Law and judgment resides in the Old Testament. Sure there is some truth to that, but it's certainly not all-encompassing. In fact, I read a passage this morning that left an indelible mark on my heart and mind in the realm of grace. It was Isaiah 43:25...

"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."

This is God talking to the nation of Israel not long after he does as OT-God should and condemns them for their idolatry and wickedness. He starts talking of the future Messiah He promises them and all that He will do for their nation despite their unfaithfulness. But here's the best part: WHY DID HE DO IT?

"For my own sake."

Jesus came not because the nation of Israel earned it, not because their sacrifices were pleasing to God's bloodlust, not because He was a hippy or a pushover. Jesus came for His own sake, because of who He is, the essence of His being. He came because He is good, He is love, and no matter how far they strayed from Him, He never stopped caring about the well-being of His people.

If that's not grace, I don't know what is.

I heart Alaska!

Here are a few highlight pics from our cruise:

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau: So gorgeous!! We took a hike up to a huge waterfall that was located right next to the glacier and at the very bottom looking ALLLL the way up to the top. What a view! Highlight of the trip for me!

In Ketchikan, Alaska: I really liked the look and feel of this city. We walked around the shops a little and found a beautiful city park in which we saw our first bald eagle (one of many to come on this trip!) perched on a branch fairly close to us. Also saw a sea lion in the harbor and enjoyed the beautiful forest.

1st Formal Night: We had fun playing dress-up every night for dinner! Well, I did anyway.... ;)

Here's the whole gang of cruisers. From left to right: Joel & Liz (step-sis and her boyfriend), Scott, Me, Juli & Dad, Walt & Linda (Juli's parents), Austin (step-bro), Connor (bro), Rachel (sis). Whew! The only member of the immediate family missing was Erik (bro) as he is doing an internship in Salt Lake City this summer. Missed you Erik!!

Overall, an absolutely fabulous vacation! The wildlife and scenery was amazing and it was really relaxing to just do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted! We ate our weight in food, went to the shows every night, and had some good quality family fun. I would definitely recommend an Alaskan cruise to anyone and everyone!

Summer is here!

Summer is here and that means only one thing in Arizona... choose to die a slow and painful death or go on vacation for the whole summer! Just kidding... but it does allow us to do one fun thing... SWIM! We're having lots of fun swimming with the dogs this summer as they absolutely LOVE the water! We have a community pool by our house but there is a "no pets allowed" rule (Boo!). Mom and Dad Van Sande have been nice enough to let us use their pool though! The other dog in the picture is their dog, Shelby. The pups love to play fetch in the water. Sadie just had her first birthday yesterday and Sam is getting big! We're going to take them camping next weekend with some friends. It'll be Sam's first camping trip and the first time we take both of them at the same time so hopefully all will go well! We're going to go back to Heber next to Bear Canyon Lake so the pups will have plenty of water time there. We've recently acquired a lot of new camping equipment too so we're excited to put it to use. Pictures to come soon!

Happy Birthday, Scott!

After blowing out the candles on his birthday cake, Scott decided he wanted to just play with fire. I don't think we can ever have a boy because I'm pretty sure Scott would turn him into a pyromaniac.