The Saturday 7ish

1. I finally finished the book I've been talking about for weeks: Home With God by Kyle Worley. I picked it up because I've been curious about the topic of union with Christ. The New Testament is saturated with that phrase, but I've never really understood it. Honestly, I could probably re-read the book again immediately and continue to deepen my understanding, because it still feels hard to grasp. But overall, I was extremely impressed. I realized recently that my rating system for nonfiction books is quite different than for fiction. With fiction, it's all about how the book makes me feel. With nonfiction, it's about learning new information in a format that is understandable. I feel like Home With God earned 5 stars because it did both so well.

The main premise of the book is that God designed us to live in his presence. He was with Adam and Eve in the garden. Their sin disrupted that, and now, as children of Adam, we all experience that longing for the Home with God we lost. But God didn't give up on us because of our sin. Instead, the entire arc of history is the story of God creating ways for us to live with him despite our sin. From the tabernacle to the temple to the incarnation, God has made a way to dwell with us. And now, because of our union with Christ, He sees us as He sees Jesus. That part boggles my mind. It's something I know academically, but can't grasp emotionally. "In Christ Jesus, we are God's righteous and beloved children with whom he is well pleased. For good. Forever. And nothing and no one (not even you!) can change that" (86). Also, "we are now viewed by God the Father through the life, work, and victory of God the Son" (93). And finally, "When Christ receives the public declaration of 'beloved Son' [at his baptism], He receives it on behalf of all who would be united with Him" (94).

There's so much more. You have to read it for yourself. (When I went to Amazon to get the link, I noticed it's on sale for $10.79 with a $3.60 coupon! Get it now!)

2. This week at school, we wrapped up our biggest fundraiser of the school year with the much-anticipated "packing party." We partner with Lifeline Christian Mission to raise funds for meals for hungry children in third world countries. Any money raised over the cost of the food and fundraiser supplies goes back to our school. It's a really cool combination of a fundraiser and service project because the kids get to pack the meals that we send! This year, we packed 30,000 meals! It's a huge undertaking . . . and one that I will be in charge of next year thanks to my new position. 😬😬😬 I shadowed the former director all day and took copious notes. My feet, legs, hips, and back ached for a solid 24 hours afterward. Haha. But it went well, and it's always an exciting day.

Lucy's in the back - a little blurred out. Haha. But this is a good picture of what we pack. Rice, soy protein, dehydrated veggies, and vitamin powder.

Levi scooping the vitamin powder.

Our nearly-finished pile. There are 216 meals in each of those boxes!

We're still raising funds through Spring Break, and we're a little short of our goal. If you'd like to read more about the fundraiser you can click here. If you'd like to donate, you can click here.

3. In other ~~terrifying~~ exciting news . . . I signed Lucy up for driver's training this week! 😨😱😳 It's not until the end of July, but I am not looking forward to it. Lol. I can't even believe we're here. It still seems like one of those things that's far off in the future - like graduation and college and weddings . . . But all those future things are quickly becoming part of our present! Also, do you know how much driver's training costs these days?!?! It is not cheap! I can't believe the ACLU isn't clamoring for "driver's training assistance" for underprivileged youth. Probably because it's mostly a rural problem, and the ACLU doesn't care about us rural-dwellers. Teens in the city can take public transportation. Teens out here in the sticks don't have that option. It's a good thing my new position came with a raise so I can pay for my poor underprivileged youth to learn how to drive and hopefully not kill us all!

4. I'm still hanging in there in my bracket. Two of my final four are out, but the two I had going all the way are still in. If Duke and Michigan State could lose in the next couple of days, that'd really help. I know you guys have been dying to hear my progress.

5. I've got nothing else. Look at these pics and memes.

Lena made me this cute caterpillar for Insect Week at storytime.

Nash and Levi listening to the Boxcar Children. The "no screen time during the week" rule has enabled Levi to plow through audiobooks. He's listened to 23 so far this year!