Great Unexpectations

I can't believe they're gone... This weekend has flown by in a whirlwind of happy reunions, tears, and SHOPPING (strange combo, eh?).

Well, the fam arrived around 8:15 pm on Friday night - ALL of them (which was a HUGE treat, because I didn't think my brother, Eric, was going to get to come). After tons of hugs and kisses, it was time to cruise the Clarksville and find some FOOD. We ended up for two hours at O'Charley's, feasting on seafood and long-awaited fellowship (I had a GREAT conversation w/ my brother, who is prayerfully conisdering going on staff w/ Intervarsity in Bloomington come his graduation from Rose-Hulman; afterwards, he would REALLY like to attend seminary). :)

Saturday morning, we all piled into the car in the early afternoon, and made the trek northward to hit the Edinburgh Outlet Mall, which was having RIDICULOUS sales, by the way... This is my ONLY time of the year when I get to do some "new clothes" shopping, and I feel almost guilty at the hilarious buys I found (we're talking 50% off or more!). My favorite aspect of this part of the day, however, was getting to mosey around w/ Eric and Laurie, and crack up at the way Eric deferred to Laurie's fashion sense in EVERYTHING that he bought (she must have picked out all his outfits for him - it was seriously cute). Not to mention we all got to catch up on what the Lord has been working in our lives and family. I am so humbled by the Lord's faithfulness and goodness. WHAT AN AMAZING FATHER WE SERVE!!!

Oh...and if you haven't visited our local Cheesecake Factory, yet - YOU HAVE GOT TO GO!!! OK, so it was Saturday night, and we had to wait three hours to get in, but God in all His sovereignty uses even extended "wait times" to bring about His glory and purpose. While we Wojaks wandered around St. Matthews, I opted to go get a much-needed haircut. Well, it turns out that my hairdresser and I launched into an extended discussion concerning the Scriptures interpretation/explanation of homosexuality. The conversation caught me by surprise, and further emphasized to me the passage in 1 Peter (3:15) which states: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..." By the time our talk was concluded, I was ready for some prayer time w/ my siblings (who witnessed/prayed thru the entire event), and starving from some rich, yummy goodness.

Anyway...the fam just departed, and my heart is full of blessings - yet heavy - that it will be another few weeks before I see them again. As the holidays approach, I find myself glancing at my dad's pictures more and more. It's funny: though he is, obviously, physically absent for the rest of this life...in so many ways, it feels as though life is still the same. He is still here. This is the time of year to reflect upon the provision and faithfulness of God, and to offer praise and exaltation to His worthy Name. It will be the first season without Pop for all of us...but perhaps a better perspective might be: it will be Dad's first spent w/ the Lord. I must confess, in this case...I envy him so. :)

Praise to You, Father, for Your mercy and grace! Glory to You, God, for your omnipotence and omnibenevolence! Thanks to You, Master, for Your provision and your care. Draw us ever deeper and closer with You, and may we anticipate the Day of Your Glorious return.

We love you, Lord.