SatterWrites: June 2010

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

In this case the "mice are away..."

~ at Gem Lake on Father's Day~

For 10 days now, Caleb and Meghan have been with grandparents in Texas. Almost every evening, Darin and I have gone for a walk with Keeper, or taken off on our bikes. I have cooked alot of recipes involving mushrooms (despised by both children!), and we have started our Netflix episodes of 24 at around 7 p.m. instead of the usual 9 p.m. Last weekend we hiked so much that our legs were cramping, then went out for margaritas two nights in a row. We have talked without interruptions and laughed and held hands and well... you get the idea.

~on top of Horsetooth Rock~

I am thankful for these times. It comforts me that years from now when the kids venture out on their own, Darin and I will still "know" each other, that we still remember how to have fun as a couple. And yes, whether you believe it or not, the time away has made me miss Caleb and Meghan -- the way they fill our home with so much life and energy. When Meghan called homesick one day, my heart ached for her far more than it rejoiced over being missed. I hope she doesn't lose her first tooth while she's away, and wish I could see Caleb tubing on the lake. And while some days I do savor the quiet, at other times it drives me from the house!

So thanks to our parents, not only for time to bond as a couple, but also for letting us "miss" our children for awhile... for the perspective to see that the grass truly is green on both sides.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Faith-Building Yoga

For the longest time, I was under the impression that practicing yoga would conflict with my Christian faith. Apart from Christ, yoga does indeed embrace "other" spiritual connotations -- an exaltation of oneself and of the "energies of the earth", as opposed to an exaltation of the Creator. As a child of God, however, when I have remained mindful of Him during practice, He has used yoga to strengthen not only my body and my self-discipline, but also my faith. For example...

Sleeping pigeon pose: As one instructor explained that this pose offers a sense of belonging, the Lord reminded me that "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." ~ Psalm 91:4

Warrior I pose: "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."

~ Ephesians 6:10

Standing bow pose: "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

~ 2 Samuel 22:35

Savasana pose (corpse pose): "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." ~ Colossians 3:2-3

When I [frequently] fall out of balancing postures, I remember that "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." ~Isaiah 40: 30-31

And as the instructors frequently encourage us to "shake off" our mistakes, to face the upcoming challenges as a clean slate, a fresh start, I am increasingly thankful that "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." ~Lamentations 3:22-23

Where can you look for Him in your day? And where have you already found Him?

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Swimming Lessons

The kids LOVED their swimming lessons this year! The instructors were so encouraging, and the HEATED pool was a definite plus!

Love from Texas

~ PaPa Bill's zany bedtime stories (Hunting for Froot Loops?) ~

~ a hike in RMNP to a still-frozen lake, along a still-snow-covered trail ~

~ and smiles x 3 ~

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Prima Ballerina

In spite of tummy-butterflies and hundreds of onlooking strangers, Meghan's dance recital was wonderful! Her class looked just like little music-box dancers as their song started up: Dancin' in the Moonlight.

*In spite of raving reviews by her family and instructor, Miss Meghan has opted to focus her energies on soccer next fall. Somehow those butterflies don't find her stomach on the soccer field.