Life With The Harms: 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008

Look Dad; Grandma is taking me for a dinosaur ride!

Abby loved the playground just 2 blocks from Grandma's house. Even though it felt like 5 degrees outside

Abby's second visit to Great-Grandma Violet's house (well, the first one doesn't really count, since she was in Mommy's belly and couldn't see anything)

Ahhh, this is the life. I could cuddle with Grandpa ALL day

Abby posed as a mad scientist and made a stunning appearance at her first costume party

Mommy, can I go stay with Grandma & Grandpa in Kentucky? They have a really cool car

Look at my new baby!

Thank you Grandma! My very own baby to spoil!

The Yunker clan... most of the 21 that showed up for Thanksgiving dinner

Four generations: Great-Grandma Yunker, Grandma Hausam, Mom & Abby!

Grandma & Grandma Hausam, Great-Grandma Violet, & the Harms!

I'm tired of cameras now!

Our next stop: the Tuma's residence north of Chicago

Adeia ("the blur") Tuma is just a couple months older than Abby

Slightly suspicious of the invasion of her home, Adeia Tuma keeps watch

Giddyap, horsie!

Pam's "birthday cousin", Julie, with daughter Neva

But I'm the guest.. shouldn't I get the first turn in the swing?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Our October Camping Trip to Lake Jacomo

This chair is just the perfect size for me!

Mom, Daddy ate my marshmallow!

Are these the big sticks you need for the tent, Dad?

Let me help you with that, Daddy

It's so pretty here.. Mommy says it reminds her of home

Mom, did you know this had aspartame in it?

Please, no pictures

I will be on the lookout for bears and mountain lions, Dad

Yummm, alphabet cookies

Here's one for you!

Wow, C.S. Lewis is quite thought-provoking

Can I go play in the water?

Look at all the geese!

Oh no, they are getting away!

Look what I found!

Daddy, how do you see anything with this silly hat on?

Off we go!

More Summmer Fun! Abby 14-15 months

Don't let go, Daddy!

Higher, Daddy, higher!

You found me again!

Watch me, Mommy! Here I come!

And back up again...

Stick 'em up!

Anyone in here?

Mmmm... Dr. Pepper

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Hangin' Out with Cousin Essie

Really? I can come to Kentucky and stay with cousin Essie for a whole month?

I like Uncle Travis... he lets me eat a WHOLE box of raisins and gives me rides in the box

And this is my Auntie Ruthie & Uncle Travis and baby Martin (not born yet). They're cool

Can you come back in a few hours, Aunt Ruth? We're not done playing

I'm a big girl!

And the glory of the Lord appeared...

I have an idea.. let's spell out the preamble to the constitution

Hmmm, I think we are missing some letters

The Everyday and Eternity

“He has put eternity in their hearts…” Eccl. 3:11

Webster defines eternity as “infinite time” or “the state after death”. For many, this is a disturbing or even fearful concept. Others, even Christians, choose to avoid the thought of it entirely. Some hold that meditating on the afterlife and distant eternal future is unnecessary and even unproductive. I do not believe Jesus would agree, however. A great deal of His teaching focuses on life after death and eternal reward. C. S Lewis commented, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. “

One of the truths that has most impacted my life the last couple years is that of eternal reward. Often we fall into the trap of thinking that our only concern with eternity is where we will spend it. Considering the ramifications of being anywhere for an infinite amount of time, we might do well to consider how we will spend it. The way we live each day on earth directly corresponds the eternity that lies before us. This is both a sobering and encouraging thought: what we do really matters. Those hidden acts of love that may never be rewarded on earth do not go unnoticed. Every time we say “no” to temptation, come to the aid of a brother in need, or simply spend time sitting at His feet, our Father takes note. Lest we fall into a works mentality, we must remember that it is the heart motivation behind each deed that truly determines our reward. Rev. Howard Pittman in his book Placebo, describes a near-death experience in which he stands before the Lord. He is dismayed to discover that his acutely religious life and commendable good deeds were not acceptable before the final Judge. I tremble to think that I could be deceived to believe that church attendance, moral conduct and even a position in ministry should win me God’s favor. God doesn’t just give us another gold sticker for being “good” and staying out of trouble. Hebrews 11:6 states that “…He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. God is impressed by nothing less than a heart that is after His own.

On the bright side, the daily grind of everyday life does not have to be purposeless. There are plenty of opportunities for us to lay up heavenly treasure without serving as a missionary to Africa or even being in a prayer room 8 hours a day. A friend recently encouraged me regarding the exhausting task of mothering a newborn. It is easy to not feel as “effective” for the Lord when my time and energy is consumed caring for this young life. However, she assured me that the sleepless nights, long feedings, and countless diaper changes do not have to be in vain and are not a waste of time. If I maintain a heart of love and service, every menial task becomes an act of worship. This is the life God rewards; the hidden state of the heart. Gratitude in seasons of blessing, refusing offense when mistreated, perseverance in trials, humility amidst promotion. No matter what your lot or vocation, every day you encounter choices that will collectively determine your enjoyment of eternity. Sure, it is great to be on the road to heaven, but let us aim even higher, along with Paul: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. (Phil. 3:14) If we were told that what we did in the next 24 hours would decide how we spent the remainder of life, would we carelessly lie around and waste the day? How much more should this fleeting life we have on earth be expended with great care and purpose! A final exhortation from Paul: “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 4:15-16)

Monday, December 22, 2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Our October Camping Trip to Lake Jacomo

More Summmer Fun! Abby 14-15 months

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Hangin' Out with Cousin Essie

Life With The Harms

The Happy Couple

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