Altrogge Family

After reading Running Scared, a book I highly recommend on the topics "fear, worry and the God of rest," I have begun The Gospel for Real Life. I have only read the first chapter and am already anticipating coming to a better understanding of the Gospel and applying it to my day-to-day life.

"The best preparation for the study of this doctrine [that is, of the truth of the Gospel] is, neither great intellectual ability nor much scholastic learning, but a conscience impressed with a sense of our actual condition as sinners in the sight of God."

Understanding my sinful condition before the Lord, is the doorway into appreciation for and joyful adoration of Christ's work on the cross. Let the awareness of our sin before a holy God, catapult us into the sweet amazement of His love for us. Conviction is not a place of despair, but an opportunity to show appreciation to the Lord, for covering our sins and sending His Spirit to help us grow.

The biggest challenge in the Altrogge household presently is getting Charis to drink from a sippy cup (only kidding about the challenge part). Leave the valve-stopper-thinga-magigger in the lid, and she doesn't understand the concept of sucking to get some juice. Take it out, and well, need I explain that there ends up being more juice on her clothes than there is in the cup or her belly. No one told my how stinky and sticky apple juice becomes, when in contact with a little girl's body.

Ah, time to take off those covers, get out the bubble helmets, and start up those 50 cc's. You know what I'm talking about...it's scooter season! As you well know, I restrained from riding the Yamaha Zuma, since I was pregnant last summer. I don't trust myself riding one of those things while I'm with child. But this summer is a different story. I took my shot at it, and between my high speed and agility, one could probably have mistaken me for a motorcycle junkie. Well maybe not. I did only hit 20 m.p.h. and didn't necessarily meet turns smoothly. It was fun, however. My first try will certainly not be my last!