He Holds All Things.

My family lost my dad (Chip Carruth) on August 20th, 2008.

I've cried a few times, and I've wept once.  By weeping, I mean the wall of grief that comes out of no where in the middle of the night and just smacks you.  It lasted for about a minute and Aina woke up to weep with me.  I imagine this is the type of grief that struck Jesus upon hearing of the death of Lazarus.

It was during this grief that God taught me.  He reminded me that everything that is, that exists, that is felt...all of it....it is all for pointing us to our immeasurable need for Christ in our lives.  He uses it all.  And he is sovereign over it all.

Colossians 1:17 - "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn among the dead, so that in everything He might have supremacy."

I had the sincere pleasure of working with my Dad for the last decade.  I spent more time with my Dad in the last ten years than most people would spend with theirs in a lifetime.  Working, talking, laughing, discussing, arguing, encouraging, discouraging.  This was our daily routine.

And so it is very difficult for me to be angry.  I'm just not.  I'm actually pleased.  I'm pleased with how much time I was able to spend with my Dad.  I'm pleased in the way that he went - coming off of a golf course, sudden, and with no suffering.  I'm pleased that I was able to be with him as he died, to hold him, to pray blessings over him as he passed.  And while my prayers of healing did not bring his body back to life...the Lord knew the events of that day before time began, and that he is sovereign over it all - even my Dad's soul.  I know that God is in control of it - and that yes, it was for my own good (as well as other's).

Romans: 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose..."

My dad is with Jesus.  Worshiping his creator like he always wanted to here on Earth.  I couldn't want for anything more for him.

Yellow

8 rows from Coldplay

Coldplay concert.

B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Beard)

Aina: Your beard is getting thick.

Caleb: I know. Is that your way of saying it is so awesome?

Aina: No.

Caleb: Yes it is. You love it. (Stroking his beard).

Aina: No.

Caleb: Yeah...you love it. (Continuing to stroke his beard).

I don't know what it is with guys and facial hair. Caleb grows a beard bi-annually, every summer and winter. He claims he gets more respect when he has a beard and feels that he must have one for any upcoming trip...but, I don't know if I am fan. Sometimes people don't even recognize him! Charlotte is a little unsure about the beard. All I know is when he eventually shaves it, I get happy. It also provides a smorgasbord of creepy mustache pictures (will post later. Bottom line Caleb- I love you no matter what!

Election night.

So, Caleb surprised us with these matching shirts to describe our political sentiments. I wear this shirt cautiously, I don't like to offend people that are put off by bathroom humor. So here on election night (Caleb's Superbowl) we are decked out.

I voted today. I was thanking God on the way up to the booth that we can even have a voice in who leads our country. Although, Caleb keeps telling me that my vote doesn't count in Texas:)

And a huge congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama. How amazing is it that 50 years ago people of color were using separate facilities (schools, bathrooms, restaurants) simply because the color of their skin? It's crazy to think how far this country has come (and still has so far to go). I can only hope and pray that somehow this is a reflection of some kind of acceptance, tolerance, maybe love even...that God has opened our eyes to...

I pray blessings of wisdom, discernment, and protection upon him. And I pray that he would advocate life- in war and in the unborn and in the quality of life for the people our country and abroad.

To my die-hard conservative friends...take a deep breath...it will be okay. I pray that you are not waking up grumbling in despair on the wrong side of the bed...not that you can't be disappointed that your candidate didn't win...you should care (to a point). It's just that what an amazing opportunity you have to share where your peace comes from regardless of the political tides of our country. 

Side note: I have come to realize that peace does not come from who is leading our country in the office of president, but rather from the Perfect Sovereignty and Supremacy of God in the affairs of this world.

Charlotte's Web.

Our Halloween began early when we went to see Papa. 

Charlotte wasn't ready to be a spider yet, so she just wore a tutu.

Then Charlotte began to turn into a spider and talked to a dog dressed up like a pirate.

Back to the tutu for the crazy hat parade.

Finally, Charlotte's web. Caleb as Wilbur, Aina as Fern, and Charlotte as Charlotte. Would have gone over better with Beckett and Ella in the mix.

Charlotte and Espen (a.k.a. Puppy/Birthday boy) at his party.

The night wasn't over yet. We went to another party and stayed out until 1:00a.m. You did good little one! Thanks for letting mommy & daddy have fun.