Intimacy and Transcendence

It is another gray, dimly lit, and a bit damp Portland Saturday, so I decided to take the girls to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) to see an IMAX movie. I've been to OMSI countless times on our family membership and had almost forgotten about the free tickets I had stuffed in my purse weeks ago. Sitting with Eleanor in my lap I was truly in awe as the five-story domed screen covering 6,532 sq. ft. of projection surface was filled with the colors and light of the deep sea (http://www.imax.com/deepsea/). As Rynn jumped in her seat, Eleanor leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Mommy, I feel like I'm under water. It didn't look like this on the computer." And indeed it didn't. The sense of transcendence that washed over me was remarkable, and it set me to thinking about the longing of the human heart to be absorbed in something bigger than ourselves. Watching the screen fill with the tiny wonders of the depths of the sea I also began wondering about our human need for intimacy and community. This tension, these longings- to be known deeply, to be understood, to be loved, to belong are deep. And yet, with those longings for intimacy we carry a need to be awash in something grander than ourselves, to feel small, absorbed, and amazed. And this is the ministry of Christ- God transcendent becoming human flesh. The creator of all space and time becoming a baby, walking among men, dying on a cross, and sending His Holy Spirit. This is the season of Advent. The celebration of a transcendence greater than anything creation can provide and yet a relational intimacy deeper than our innermost longings could hope.

How do the days pass so quickly?

I logged onto this website today and was surprised to see that nine days have passed since a post. Perhaps my mind is slowing down with the darkening days that seem as though they are racing at full speed toward less and less light. The rain and gray skies have arrived, those infamous Pacific NW visitors that creep in and settle a blanket of quiet on this restless city. Two birthdays have passed- both Jason's and mine- as well as a wonderful visit with Cathy. Thanksgiving is already next week, and with Rynn sick again I am reminded of the comment that "the days can be so long, but the years so fast." Is it really possible that we are in our third year living here, making our roots here, and seeking to serve Christ and His church here in this corner of his Kingdom? I feel a deep thankfulness for his grace today. I'm thankful that even as the darkness of winter presses in around us the light of His sanctifying work in our hearts presses us onward, changing us, and drawing us to the cross.

Have a Nice Day

Today, while sitting at a stoplight next to a homeless man with a cardboard sign, Eleanor proclaimed from the backseat, "Mommy, when we get home can I make a sign on an old box that says 'Have a Nice Day' and stand on our sidewalk like that man?"

Dream big, baby girl.

Party Time- 1940s Style

Thank you to all who helped Jason and me put together our frocks for tonight's 1940s party. It was a grand time, complete with martinis, swing, Big Band, and lots of red lipstick. I was warm and toasty in my gorgeous fur stole (thanks to my Aunt Clay's mother-in-law), white gloves, hat(thank you, Barb!), and some of Oma's jewelry and purse. Jason was looking cute donning a vintage tie and Pat Roach's hat. The little white hankie is my favorite part.




See those little ears? They came with claws and teeth too. Wow.

a bit out of focus...but you can catch the awesome white gloves.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Hmmm...Sesame Street looks kind of interesting.
"Man, I'd like to get my mouth on that furry Elmo..."

"OK..this stuff is so beneath my intelligence."

"Why not just let me on the sofa. PLEEEEEZZZZZ."

Buddies Tried and True

"Rubber ducky- no, wait... Gigantic Doggie, you're the one. You make bathtime so much fun. Gigantic Doggie, I'm awfully fond of you..."

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was quiet around these parts this year. Rynn rebounded from a really rough sickness just in time for a quick lap around the block to Trick-or-Treat with her sister. Out at 6pm, back by 7pm, and in bed by 8pm, my little princess and kitty cat even got to enjoy a little World Series watching with Daddy.

And we're OFF!