Eucharisteo

Recently a dear friend challenged me, unknowingly I believe, to stop and take a look, a close look at this life of "mine."  She sent me a book.  And then I understood more fully her numbering-gifts blog posts.  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp is opening my eyes to see what it means to live fully today, this day that I have been given.  The word she shares in her book, that I have adopted, that Patrick painted a wall in our stairwell for, that Micaiah scripted across the fresh green chalkboard paint ... Eucharisteo.  Giving Thanks.  Later I read R.C. Sproul, Jr. reminding me how Paul "reminds us that we have nothing that was not first given to us."  Another exhortation to live a life of thanks-giving.  So just over three weeks ago, I picked up the pen and began my own list - numbering the gifts that my Creator has lavished upon me, day by day.

As the sun sets on this day, I am thankful that God started me on this gratitude journey.  After an early drive to St. Hedwig's Hospital in Regensburg, after kissing our youngest boy before they wheeled him into the operating room, after sitting for over two hours in the recovery room waiting for signs that he was waking back up to our world, after receiving a good report from the doctor as she examined him a few hours later, after the drive home along Autobahn and then winding country roads, after settling him in the guest room near the bathroom but far from his older brother roommate, after calling the grandmas with assurances that all went well, after numbering gifts #124 - #128, I am most thankful for God-given eyes to see that He was present in every moment of this gift of today.  Just as He always is.  Eucharisteo.

Four Years Ago

Four years ago Patrick was in South Carolina (basic training), and I was wondering if it was time to go to the hospital.  Thankfully, my mom was there.  Just as she has been all my life.  She drove me to the hospital (I think she was more nervous than me!) and just a little over three hours later, we welcomed

Solomon Barak into this world. 

Within a few short months, he could accomplish much with that grin ...

He definitely had his Mimi mesmerized.

How do you begin to describe such an incredible blessing?



Anticipate ... one of the words to choose when thinking of this gift from the Good Giver.

 Other adjectives may include ...

Adventuresome

 Fun-loving

Self-assured

Lover-of-Life



Happy Birthday, Bear!



WE LOVE YOU

For my Mom.

So I believe it is time for a round-of-applause for ALL mothers don't you? *clapping* This post is five reasons why I love my Mother:

1. Because she loves me

2. She takes her time to teach me all about God.

3. She teaches my brothers, sisters and myself at home showing her love for us.

4. She has and is teaching me how to raise myself and my future children.

5. She takes care of me at ALL times.

These are some reasons why I love my mother. Even though I don't always show it, I really appreciate her love for me AND my family.

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!

A Little More

Here are just a few more highlights from our trip to Italy ...

Rialto Bridge



Gelato Break in Venice



Venice-viewing from a gondola

On the wall of Cittadella

Micaiah beneath Juliet's balcony in Verona

Coliseum in Verona

Isaac posing in Bassano del Grappo

Asolo, Italy

Saying "Ciao" to our house in Cittadella

On the road to Austria



Bear enjoying a bit of Mirabell Gardens



Abi "...16, Going on 17" ??? Hellbrunn Castle in Salzburg, Austria

Do-Re-Mi ...
We loved the little slice of Salzburg we saw on our way home.

One Thing

We returned from Italy over ten days ago, and my mind still whirls when I think about sharing the adventures with you.  Experiences galore ... how do I communicate the vast wonder of this part of the globe?  I am forever grateful for the numerous blessings our Creator has showered upon our family.  Traveling through Europe = cherry on top!  So, just a few moments ago I decided to choose just one thing ... one place. 

Marostica, Italy.

After wandering the tourist-crowded streets and alleys of Venice and Verona, lost in the beautiful wonder of long-ago worlds, the escape into small town was refreshing.

Marostica, Italy. 

Home of the Chess Game.

Strolling through the ancient wall of the city, we enter the square.  Look closely and you will see the chess board just beyond the lamp-posts.  The story dates back to 1454 and involves, of course, two knights vying for the hand of the lovely maiden.  Instead of the duel, her father demands the two rivals play a game of chess.  It becomes a spectacular open-air chess game; the "pieces" are human beings and horses garbed in medieval costumes.  Such drama, such pageantry ... who wants to believe that it was really an invention of two university students in 1923?  Not us.  During our visit, we drank in the possibilities of witnessing that event in all its splendor.  We hope to catch the re-enactment in 2012.

http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy-featured/marostica/chess-game-difference

Marostica, Italy.

More than a chess game.



Magnificent



                      

                           Some doors prove to be more
                           challenging than others.





Beauty all around




View from the other side of the chess board

Marostica, Italy.

A glimpse into The Majesty.