God in our Traditions

So my sister-in-law Teri gave me the book by Noel Piper (John Piper's wife) called "Treasuring God in our Traditions". I am LOVING it! To be reminded about my responsibility as a believer to pass on, to talk about, to help live out the traditions set forth many many generations ago by God and keep them going. The Israelites talked about how God has shown up in their lives to their children, and their children's children. I want to make sure that Caroline and Wyatt know WHY we talk about the LORD...WHY he is trustworthy...WHY we choose to live differently than most of the world...
Piper talks a lot about heirlooms, and traditions...that there is a difference in passing down the old fur coat or the family recipe...although both worthy and a great thing...the tradition of Christ in the home is the most important to pass down.
I found myself this morning journaling about this concept and knowing that my parents have given me the foundation...that I know this stuff - but still am aware that it is my responsibility to pass it on down to the next generation. In order for that to happen, I need to make sure that my life is soaked in God - because then when life squeezes me - hopefully he with pour out on to them and those that are close to us...that HE will be the tradition of our home.
I want to be like the description of her father as he had passed away. (this is a portion of a poem written by John Piper about her Father):
"But there was shade, especially when
The tree was old: the leaves were thick
With life, and though the root was sick,
The bark deep-creased with age, the limbs
Were laden down with love, and hymns
Were heard beneath when wind bestirred
The bowing branches with the Word
Of heav'n. O there were years of shade!"

I want to have deep roots and lots of shade! Amen!

Great moments

There were so many great moments over the holiday (sans the puke, snot, and coughs) but one that I wanted to mention here, okay probably two or three (he he).

#1. When we were in the hospital with Wyatt during the holidays last year we were so moved by the people that loved on our family and brought Wyatt and Caroline gifts that we decided that would now become part of our family tradition. So on the Friday before we left for Kansas all 4 of us piled in the nasty weather to head down to Scottish Rite. We met up with my contact and handed her a bag of gifts for some other new born on the respiratory wing. There was no hoopla, no fan fare, but I was moved to tears as I shared w/ them what a wonderful experience we had had there (if that is possible in hospital), and that this would now be a part of our family experience. (see pic)

#2. Arriving in Kansas and my mom had arranged with the Children's Mercy Hospital there for us to bring gifts there as well. I was so moved as I watched each of my nephews, and niece, and Caroline as they handed the woman the gifts they had chosen and would honestly have loved to take home for themselves. I walked out of this hospital again moved and thankful that we weren't there this year, and thankful my boy is healthy.

#3. Last night in Kansas. Adult only dinner, crab legs, shrimp, and good wine. Great conversation. My dad asking each of us what we wanted them to pray for us for the year. I loved that both Jason and I without talking about it before hand said that we would make our marriage a purposeful priority this year! Oh what fun it is to be like minded.

Those are my top 3 highlights from the holiday. I am so thankful for family. Thankful I didn't have to do the puke, snot and coughing alone. Thankful for road trips. Thankful for a husband that takes me back home and loves it too. Thankful for Christmas snow. Thankful for Christ. Thankful for a healthy new nephew born on New Years Eve (Jeff and Edi had Caleb - son #2). Thankful!