Faithful Friends

We had the pleasure of hosting our dear friends this past weekend and I neglected to take a single photo! Just know that we had a great time hanging out with them and look forward to doing it again soon. The guys had a manly outing and went to the city to race extra-souped-up-manly go-carts, eat at a manly brewery-type restaurant and played some manly golf (OK, it's a total stretch to call "miniature" golf manly but let's not judge too harshly, they had a lot of fun!). The gals had a nice, low-key dinner together and enjoyed hanging out with the kiddos, all the while praying for our manly husbands and their safety as they were away.

I was reminded after the events of this weekend of how blessed we are to have close, faithful, friends. We've all known each other for so long, many of us even before we were couples. Most importantly, we can rest assured that we'll be life-long friends because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. As iron sharpens iron, we are thankful to know that our relationships are built on the Rock.

A Weekend In Review

Mr. Wagner woke up more than slightly green in the gills on Friday so we started our weekend with an urgent visit to the doctor’s office. The doctor ordered rest and Gatorade and told him the burrito (and subsequent food poisoning) he had ingested the day prior would soon pass.

Saturday morning brought with it a full recovery so Mr. Wagner, Little Miss and Yours Truly headed to visit the family member we ban to the barn. Lucky was ecstatic to see us (after he was haltered and pulled away from his beloved grassy breakfast) and patiently allowed the Little Miss a gentle ride.

Later in the day, while the Little Miss was in dreamland enjoying an afternoon snooze, Yours Truly headed out of doors to partake in the special talent that most women share (i.e., shop). Gifts needed to be bought for a long awaited wedding, and party supplies were purchased for the upcoming celebration of our girl’s birthday.

With a seat full of bags as proof of a successful outing, Yours Truly drove home enjoying the power of her dearest Mr. Wagner’s “man truck”. After a downward glance, less than a mile from home, Yours Truly realized that she was speeding and started to slow. Flashing lights and a short stop later, Yours Truly was given a warning and graciously thanked Mr. Nice Officer (having a clean driving record appears to have been the saving grace).

Sunday brought with it speedy repentance and a joyful morning of celebrating our Savior. Pastor Rob exhorted us all with the reminder that “children are a heritage [gift] from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127). This Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are not soon to forget as our Little Miss made sure to remind us with her extraordinary debut. At that time, we knew we were blessed with a miracle but oh how much more we now know, the real miracle is our girl’s sweetness and gentle soul.

Feeling Puny

We were extremely blessed health-wise this winter. Even though it seemed like everyone around us was constantly having to deal with stomach viruses and colds, our family was spared. We figured it was because we'd already more than paid our medical dues the last two years and that we were getting a much needed reprieve.

Until this week.

The week started off with a stomach virus for the Little Miss...which she graciously proceeded to share with both of her parents (We will think twice the next time we encourage her to share!). After having homemade chicken noodle soup, a lot of saltines, ginger ale (for the parents) and Pedialyte (for our girl), extra pull-ups, baths, sanitary laundry loads and TP...the good news is that we all seem to have recovered.

Thank you Jesus.

(We recognize it could have been a lot worse and are thankful it wasn't. Which reminds me, have you checked out baby Stellan's story? If not, please do and please pray. We don't know this family but our hearts go out to them).

Birthday Letter 2008

Dear Little Miss,

Today you turn 2 years-old, happy birthday beautiful girl! No matter what they say about the “terrible twos”, you are an absolute joy to both your Daddy and I. You still have the same sweet, gentle spirit that’s been evident since you were born. In many ways, I'd like to bottle you up and keep you at this age!

My Child, every day is a blessing with you. I love to wake up to your smiling face. I love that you are a “Daddy’s girl” through and through. I love your sweet smile, dimple and dark curly hair. I love watching your social and "girly" personality develop. I love the sound of your voice and am so excited by the new words you are speaking every day. Most of all, I love that you are a reminder about how much Jesus loves us. You are beyond our wildest dreams and are better than any gift we could have imagined.

You will always be our “Miracle Girl”. Satan may have wanted to take you the day you were born but Jesus intervened. He has an incredible plan for your life. I don’t know exactly what that looks like but I know without a doubt that God's created you for something very, very, special.

I pray regularly for you and believe that's my calling as your mom. I'm asking Him to make you into a woman who seeks Jesus first. I pray that He'll give you much love and joy in your life. I'm also praying that He will give you spiritual gifts of:

1. Faithfulness (“For we walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corn 5:7; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths,” Prov 3:5-6),
2. Compassion (“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world,” James 1:27),
3. Kindness (“..Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those to spitefully use you...Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” (Luke 6:27-31).

Finally, the verse God laid on my heart for you this year is: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying “This is the way, walk in it,”” (Isaiah 30:21). May your ears always be attuned to the voice of Jesus and your feet ready to walk the path He has prepared for you.

I love you my Little Miss!

Mom

P.S. I’m hoping to start a tradition with this letter. The goal is to write each year on your birthday to share a glimpse of why you are so special and to let you know what God has been laying on my heart specifically for you.

He Is Risen!

Happy Easter from the West Coast Wagners!

Good Friday

Thank you Jesus for taking our sins upon yourself so that we are forgiven. Thank you for taking the burden of my loose tongue, my prideful and selfish ways, my anxious heart and limited faith. Thank you for your grace, your undeterred faithfulness and the way that you cover our weaknesses.

Thank you for the Cross.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Photo courtesy of freefoto.com