Longing

As we were driving through the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas at Thanksgiving, we were listening to a CD that we had not listened to since we were in Guatemala. The CD is by Shawn McDonald and one song in particular reminds us of our time there. The words are:

Would you open up my eyes, so I can see.
Would you open up my ears, so I can hear.
Would you open up my mind, so I can know.
Would you open up my heart, so I can love you more.

I want to serve you my God.
I want to give you all of me.
I want to serve you my King.
I want to serve you my Lord
I want to give you everything.

Lyrics taken from Shawn McDonald's album Live from Seattle.
Here is a link to a video of the song.

Listening to this song as we drove up and down curvy roads, stirred a longing in Don and I for Guatemala. We are hoping to return in February once Don's mom has her 3 month check-up appointment, but we are having to wait to finalize any plans.

As I was thinking about this post, I was thinking about what a "longing" is. I found this definition on the internet: "A strong persistent yearning or desire, especially one that cannot be fulfilled".

I am sure that we could all come up with a list of things that we have "longed" for - a better job (or maybe just a job), a house (or a bigger one), a new car or other material things. Maybe our list would include children or a spouse or a purpose for our lives. What do you "long" for???

We watched the movie The Nativity last Saturday night as a family. I was thinking about how the Jewish people were "longing" for their Messiah. They were so oppressed by the Roman Empire and were desiring to be saved and freed. Sometimes our "longings" are not fulfilled in the way that we anticipate. This was especially true for the Jewish people.

I pray that as we prepare for this Christmas season, we long for our Savior. I pray that we not only know Him as our Savior but that we also long for Him to be the Lord of our lives. For me, many of my past longings have been fulfilled in my relationship with Jesus. I pray that is true for you as well. Merry Christmas!

Thankfulness

We spent our Thankgiving this year in Arkansas with my aunt and uncle and cousins and extended families. The drive down there takes us about 10 or so hours of just driving time so we decided to split both the going and coming into two days.

We left early enough so the kids could swim at the hotel that night.


The next day we stopped at the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. We decided to hike a little and stretch our legs.

We would like to stop again in spring or summer, but it was a beautiful place.


Once in Arkansas, we had so much fun seeing family. Our kids love to play "at the farm" where my aunt and uncle live.
One of their favorite activities is "jumping hay bales"

They also just enjoy spending time, playing and pretending with their cousins.

We played alot of games and cards. My aunt and mom won 4 out of the 6 games that Jen and I played against them this morning!


I have decided that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is a time to gather without the pressure of getting gifts and it is centered around "thankfulness". Being thankful for the little things. The things we take for granted. We had so much fun just hanging out with our family!

I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30