Altrogge Family

Recently I've been enjoying Jon Foreman's "Limbs and Branches" album. Track one is a favorite of mine:

In a message in the Ephesians series,Josh Harris explained (paraphrased in my dumbed-down way) that if we think we already fully grasp the love of God, then we know something Paul did not. And if we want to grow as Christians, we must see that God's love is greater than we thought. The way to "go to the next level" is more of the same. Where do we see God's love for us clearly? The cross.

Well, maybe describing slippers and a study bible as "new love" is a bit of an exaggeration, but what a treat to receive these two items in the mail this week!

1. Although the original brick from the mid-1700s that lines the halls of our home is breath-taking, it is cruel to cheap Old Navy slippers (see below). So my sweet husband suggested I invest in a pair of heavy duty ones from Lands End. I know, I know, they're not the most feminine looking things, but they're super warm and soft inside, and the soles are thick rubber. FYI, if you order from Lands End at the kiosk in Sears, you do not have to pay shipping.


2. For my birthday, Stephen surprised me with the new ESV study bible. We waited a while to receive it, for their was such a high demand for them (I believe over 140,000 were sold in the first four weeks). I'm especially looking forward to wearing in the pages, making it home like my other bible.

Isn't God kind to give such gifts to us?

I have already received a gift, far better than anything I could add to my Christmas list. Stephen and I decided to have our friend and very gifted photographer, Lydia Hartnett, take pictures of our family. Not only did we have a fun time laughing and walking along the path with her, but the pictures are truly amazing. The first time I caught a glimpse of them, tears came to my eyes. I cannot thank you enough, Lydia, for making these lasting memories for us. It was difficult to chose only a couple to post, but here goes:

Some funny things from the appointment:

• At one point she was handed a brush. Did they not notice? Note the peach fuzz hair? She doesn't have a whole lot of experience with a brush.
  
• She didn't respond when they told her, "Give the spoon to mommy." No matter what, this kid refuses to expand her vocabulary from "da-da." I guess no one is saying, "Mommy's home" because mommy is always home with her:)
• The therapist was wearing chunky, silver jewelry and red nail polish, so like a true girl, Charis was totally distracted during questions like, "Where's the baby doll?

Over the course of Charis' short life, it has been evident to Stephen and I that she has been a bit behind in her gross motor skills (rolling over, crawling, cruising, etc). She was always at the tail end of the curve, but never to the point where her pediatrician was concerned. Then, at her one-year appointment, the doctor suggested we contact the Infant and Toddler Developmental Center to have her evaluated. We moved forward, knowing there is no harm in getting a free evaluation at our home by professionals.

Today, three women came to evaluate Charis. Gratefully, she was her chipper , pleasant self, so I felt their assessment was accurate. They evaluated her gross motor skills, fine motor skills, expressive language, receptive language and social skills. As we predicted, she scored average to above average in all areas except gross motor skills. She qualifies for physical therapy, and we are going to move forward.

There is no major concern here. The fact that she is developing and not regressing is a good sign. It seems as though she just needs a nudge in the right direction, and the therapy will provide that.

And God has answered our prayers, for in the last two months Charis has started rolling over, moving from stomach to sitting, crawling on all fours, pointing, climbing over Stephen and I like a maniac and trying to pull up to furniture.

Am I ever alone? What about when I lack passion in my devotions in the morning? I feel dry and empty. What about the nights I spend awake because of this trial I am in? You don't know the fears that rise as darkness falls. What about my unfulfilled dreams? You haven't experienced my disappointment.

Jesus was the only one who was ever truly alone. At the cross, He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 27:46). For all the times I feel alone, this truth can penetrate the lies my heart so quickly believes, the looking inward, rather than upward. Because Christ died on the cross in my place, I will never be alone. His nearness is completely independent of my feelings. So whenever I am up at night, unable to turn my mind off because of some earthly care, my Father is near.

What more could demonstrate God's love to His children than the cross? I can say with confidence, "He will never leave me or forsake me."

This was a rich word of encouragement that Betsy had for one of the wives, which I am sure ministered to us all.

Photo by Sismoon.