Convicting Words

I will sing of steadfast love and justice;

     to you, O LORD, I will make music.

I will ponder the way that is blameless.

     Oh when will you come to me?

I will walk with integrity of heart

     within my house;

I will not set before my eyes

     anything that is worthless.

I hate the work of those who fall away;

     it shall not cling to me.

A perverse hear shall be far from me;

     I will know nothing of evil.

(Psalm 101:1-4)

     Could I use this as a description of myself without lying?  Sadly, no.  For instance, how often do I ponder the way that is blameless, meditating on God's Word?  Nowhere near often enough.  How often do I set before my eyes something that is worthless by wasting time on the internet or reading books that have little eternal value?  Far too often. There is a Redeemer, and only through his mercy and grace can I ever hope to change.

North

After sixteen busy days on the road in North Dakota and Minnesota, our family is safely back at home.  Here are a few of the highlights:

• Being with my extended family.
• Spending time in Minot with close friends.
• Making cake and going to graduation parties with Kate.
• Seeing Joanna of Jo-with-it's Portfolio and her fun family.  It was the first time in nearly seven years, and so enjoyable!
• Celebrating my cousin's graduation.
• Watching birds.  If you ever want to see a wide variety of birds, including ones you've never heard of (Bay-Breasted Warbler and Philadelphia Vireo, anyone? I didn't know they exist.), go to North Dakota during migration. 
• Swatting vulture-sized mosquitoes.
• David shot his first raccoon.  And killing a carp.  And a rattlesnake.  For real.  Somehow, David is still alive.  
• Music, music, music!
• Reading and painting.
• Meeting Joren, a Swedish woman who was a foreign exchange student at my cousin's school last year, and came back for the graduation.  She was so sweet, and very fun to talk with.
• Watermelon and blueberries. 
• Spending lots of time outside, in the grass, wind, and sun.  
• As always, coming home.  This was especially fun, as Beth and Dad couldn't come with us on the trip.