I finally get to see pictures of her, which makes me even more desirous of seeing her in person! Thanks to Tony for sending these to me!
Here she is in all her cuteness:
Sleepy!
One Beautiful Family
Great Grandparents
Foods!
Man, God is so good.
My beautiful niece (I have yet to see her, but I just have a hunch), Reece Lee, was born less than an hour ago (at 1:17 pm MST)! She’s a healthy 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and (middle) named after her mother and her father’s grandmother. Labor was just over 4 hours, and my sis is doing well!
I really wish I could be there with everyone, but am so thankful that God blessed Reece with good health and an uncomplicated birth.
Reece, I love you already and am so excited to meet/hold/kiss you!
I have a mission trip coming up in mid-September and there’s a need for someone to lead singing/worship, preferably with a guitar. I’ve been wanting to learn guitar for a long time, but just haven’t been disciplined in sticking with it, and this would obviously be a good time.
So, particularly for you guitar players out there, how realistic is it that I could pick up just the basics in time, and what’s the best method to do so? Lessons? Watch YouTube guitarists? Forget the guitar and buy a ghetto blaster? Help me out!
Thanks in advance!
Legacy. It’s a word I never fully comprehended until today. Sure, I’ve known the definition, at least loosely. I’ve used the word to compliment people, particularly older folks who have admirable character qualities, like my grandparents. And at introspective times, I’ve even considered what sort of legacy I’ll leave behind.
But I never really “got it” until today at my grandma’s memorial service.
As I sat and listened to testimonials, I noticed something odd. These people were not describing my grandmother, they were describing my mother. From her faith, uncanny hospitality, graciousness, birthday dinners of our chosen favorites, care for others, and inclusion of her children-in-law as her own, to her generosity, incredible friendship, notes of encouragement, emphasis on family, unconditional love for people, and even right down to her special birthday lamb cakes, they were eulogizing my own very-much-alive mother.
Sitting there at my grandma’s funeral, several things hit me for the first time. First, and most obviously, I was surprised at the striking similarities between the two women. There are so many parallels, it’s almost uncanny. Second, I became deeply appreciative to my grandma for her influence on my mom. While I’ve long loved so many things central to my mother’s character, I had never really realized the root of those things. And that root is in my grandma. I don’t think I have ever appreciated her as much or in the way I do today. Third, I realized anew the influence we may have on others, particularly in our intimate relationships. It can be amazingly beneficial, as it was in this case, or a lost opportunity. It’s a sobering realization and one that I hope affects me with conviction in the future. And fourth, I realized the true essence of a legacy.
Legacy is not the stamp you leave on the world. It’s not the investments you made, the inheritance you leave behind, or how acutely you’re remembered. It’s not even characterized by good things like new inventions, novel ways of interpreting the world, or charitable donations. It’s not trophies, or accomplishments, or medals.
Your legacy is how you’ve affected others’ lives.
So grandma, thank you. Your full character has greatly affected me, not only in how you’ve influenced my mom, but also in how you’ve impacted me, instilling virtues of faith, family, love, friendship, charity, and compassion. You left a beautiful legacy.
It’s funny how quickly things change. Life is going along as expected and then BAM – next thing you know, you have interviewed close to 10 times with a single company (including phone and on-location), been offered a job, accepted it, and decided to move to San Francisco the next month. I’m sure you can relate. And even if you can’t, such is the case for me.
Come Christmas, I’ll be finished with my enjoyable tenure at SUPERVALU (it’s still annoying to write it in all caps), and less than two weeks away from starting at Fluid, working for a great company with some truly stellar folk, including my good friend, Cody. I wasn’t looking for a new position (this has been a great spot for me – and if you’re interested, there’s a great spot here), or even to move, but the position came up and I just couldn’t refuse the opportunity. Amazingly, the job is one where I have the option to work remotely (telecommute), but I thought the San Francisco urban experience would be good for me personally and professionally, so I decided to leave the comfort of Boise and venture out.
How am I feeling about it?
Scared, Sad, & Thankful. I find it interesting how much this change has yielded true appreciation for the things and people I have here. I’ve been given so much through God and others. There is much to love and miss in this place, and probably some regret, or at least a valuable lesson, to be had for not cherishing that more. I have such an amazing support system here – so much overflowing love. Plus, Idaho just rocks – let’s just say you don’t need a permit and a 3-month waiting list to go camping.
Excited. Much lies on the horizon and I trust that it will result in all sorts of growth. I look forward to learning more about myself, my chosen profession, my faith, and the world. From what I hear, an urban experience provides a unique perspective on lots of things. Plus, San Francisco seems to be quite the city. It’s beautiful, has the ocean right there, contains a billion and one things to do, and has things that Boise lacks, like ethnic diversity, human diversity, usable public transportation, and more than a couple good choices for Thai food.
Rushed. Amazingly (if things go according to plan), I’ll already be living and working in San Francisco this time next month. Wow. From accepting the offer to a completely new situation in less than a month. Needless to say, there’s LOTS to do before then, particularly given the holidays and a short family vacation at the end of this month. The list is large, but I thought I’d start to compile and categorize it here. That way if I miss anything major, you can let me know.
Keep me in your prayers. If you’ve read through this, chances are that I love and appreciate you very much – I hope to see you soon. Meanwhile, I guess I’ll have to start doing a better job of keeping this place up-to-date.