Archive for September 2013

This summer has been busy.

We have traveled more throughout this past year than we can remember.

The van has been vacuumed out numerous times.

The tires have wracked up some serious mileage.

And one of the portable electronics finally blew a fuse.

But we've been together as a family the entire time.

After unpacking our suitcases from Philly...we quickly reloaded about 48 hours later

to head to the beach.

Once again, we were blessed by a wonderful couple that INSISTED we stay at their beach house free of charge.

In fact, they called to tell us once we had arrived how blessed THEY were that we were staying there...

all the while my kids were screaming in delight...running throughout the familiar house!!!

It was a short trip...but we managed to pack as much into it as we possibly could.

We did some fishing...

some "jet-skiing"...

castle building...

mud-slinging...

and cuddling.

I can't say that everyone was perfect the entire time...

but for the most part, the kids had a blast playing with their siblings.

Most days, Tyler and Amy headed out for the waves...with either a boogie board or paddle board.

Jackson and Hailey chased the birds down the beach...looked for seashells...or made some amazing sand-patty-cookies!

Although it was vacation, Jason and I woke up early each morning in order to beat the sunrise.

Then with coffee, Bible and towel in hand...we'd sit out on the beach and marvel at God's creation.

God's Word and creation speaking in tandem to our hearts.

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,

as the waters cover the sea."
Habakkuk 2:14

Since we had started school earlier...the kids took a mini-vacation...

and enjoyed every minute

of their freedom!

This time around, I decided to forego all of the "educational" values of the beach and just let them play!

And of course...as soon as Jason's work was done for the day...he wanted to play too!!!

It took us quite a long time...but we finally managed to bury him.

It didn't quite as long for him to "burst forth in glorious song"!!!

We tried for the happy-family-beach-picture...but with sun-burned faces...tired eyes...and the glare of the sun...we settled for...

Once again...the blessing of our beach trip will be one of the highlights our summer.

A reminder to us how great our God is.

How gracious His body can be.

And how sweet family memories are made.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing...Proverbs 18:22

None of us know exactly how God is weaving His plan throughout our lives...

we catch a glimpse here or there...

but for the most part...we trust...that He is moving...that He is working...that He is there.

My younger brother's life has been quite tumultuous. There have been some hard times.

Some poor choices. Some renewed decisions. And an abundance of grace.

But through it all...God has been there.

Showing Himself faithful...and sovereign...and ultimately in control.

And while those looking from the outside might be put off by the scared knuckles...

or the tattoos scattered here and there...

or perhaps even the faint scent of nicotine...

if you spend any amount of time with him...

you would hear the heart of a man redeemed by his Savior.

Washed by His blood. Renewed for HIS purposes.

And through this entire process...God blessed my brother with an amazing woman.

Truly a GOOD thing.

The mother of his sweet little boy.

And a woman completely captivated by the Lord.

This past month, we had the privilege of joining our family up in Pennsylvania to be a part of their

joyous union.

Two hearts becoming one flesh.

And it was absolutely beautiful.

Out in the midst of the rolling countryside...setting the backdrop for this picturesque wedding...

two extended families...having never met prior...became one.

Kids were running here, there, and everywhere.

Hugs were given often.

Cameras were snapping like crazy.

Love was all around us.

Jill is an amazingly talented woman.

Equipped with Pinterest and several trips to the store...she created a wedding from a picture book.

Down to the twinkling lights in the growing dusk...

and the glow sticks that kept my kids happy for hours!!!

Everything was absolutely beautiful (and incredibly impressive to one such as myself...who couldn't even set up the dessert table without accidentally putting my pinky in the frosting! oops!!)

It was such a testimony to watch unfold...of grace...and redemption.

Yes, God has set forth His plan in His Word.

And yes, there is heartache when we choose to walk our own path.

And consequently...those choices might follow us through our life.

But...there is always grace. His mercies are always new. His love is always covering.

I know that the road will not be easy for this precious couple...it seldom is.

But knowing that their foundation is in the Lord...come what may...is ultimately the defining factor.

Thankfully, after all of the festivities were over...there was still a day left for us to just be a family.

Loving our newest addition...and showing her how crazy Brunenkants can be!

It has been a long time since my older brother, myself, and my younger brother have been together with our parents.

Then to have all of the couples together too was a special treat!

Throw in Philly pretzels, Yum-Yum donuts, homemade s'mores, and some swimming...

and you end up with an incredible weekend of memory making!!!

Matthew & Jill...we are praying for you to...

Put on then, as as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another,forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:12-14

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