My 2 nieces are something
else. I love hearing about them and what the new trends are for 4th
graders. My sisterinlaw Ann is great about taking photos and sending
them to me. I just received a letter from her that included this
picture. I had to share (you're too funny Ann!)
“I am sending you a photo of them all dressed and posing the night we took them to their very first concert! We saw High School Musical: The Concert.
It's all the rage with kids ages 512. We even saw some couples there
who looked like they were in their twenties who didn't have kids with
them. So I guess it's something loved by many. The girls had a blast
and screamed for about 2 hours straight along with thousands of others.
Kevin and I could hardly hear by the time we got home! It was all worth
it though to see their faces!”
Julia turns 10 years old on Monday! I can't believe
it…neither can Kevin and AnnI'm sure. It's crazy to think about
because I remember that time of my life like it was yesterday. I just
sent off her birthday present (on time..I'm so proud of myself!) She is
having her first slumber party this weekend. On that note, let's all
say a prayer for Ann.

Today I am on vacation. I
needed a day. A day to catch up, to relax, to not work! I do have to go
to San Marcos this evening which will be a dramatic nonvacationlike
end to my day….but alasI have taken on the responsibility and I must
see it through.
Today
is Day #2 in “A week in my life.” I had a lot of fun documenting
yesterday. Today, is definitely not a normal day in my life (as I
rarely take vacation days for no reason) but it will still be fun to
record.
Lots to do, must get to it!

Today we were introduced as new members of River City Community Church.
Our entire small group (technically called Life Group) came to the same
service today (in matching tshirts) to support and pray for us. It was
awesome. Our shirts were promoting our upcoming “birth” into 2 smaller
life groups to make room for more young married couples to join. Our
“birth”day is 3.1.07 when we will be the Espinoza and the Schlueter
Life Groups….kinda sad in a way but exciting as well. Today was also
a gorgeous day here in San Antonio so we took the opportunity to have a
photo shoot on the church's campus. Here is some of our pictures:

I spent my Friday morning
off relaxing in the Word. It was wonderful. I had a cup of coffee, my
favorite blanket, the comfy recliner, fresh sunlight pouring in my
bedroom window, and best of allGod's presence.
The
first words I read were: True faith requires obedience. The way that
struck me I knew I was about to feel the power of the Holy Spirit
teaching me.
In the current book I'm reading: Having a Mary Spirit, the author refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as an extrodiary woman.
“She was willing to say yes to Godto lay down her own hopes and dreams so that His plans and purposes could come to pass.”
“There
will be sacrifices when you choose to say yes to Godsacrifices of your
time, of your plans, and sometimes of your dearly held dreams….”

So
howand to whatdo I say yes to? Yes to waiting longer for His miracle?
Yes to adoption? The only conversations I feel I'm having is:
God: Kellydoes this suck for you?
Me: YES!
God: Are you tired of waiting?
Me: YES!
God: Are you being obedient?
Me: Yes…..well, shootI don't know, am I?

Am I doubting God's ability to fulfill His promise? Is my questioning of His ultimate plan only setting me back further?

Then I read the words that have weighed heavy on my heart since:
“…too
often when God invites us to join Him in His work, we run ahead trying
to help Him out. Rather than allowing the Lord to work out His plan in
His own time, we pull out our penknives and try to force open the bud
before it was meant to blossom…..and whenever we dowe cause
trouble.”
Now, I'm not sure what a “penknife” is, but I get it. I get how this relates to my life.
And I'll be honestI don't like He's telling me. But I will say yes. I must say yes. I've never been one to be a troublemaker.

I am a firm believer that
every song can be made better with an electric guitar. That is what I
love about contemporary Christian music. One band that opened my eyes
to Christian music was Switchfoot. But…there is a small (very small)
part of me that enjoys an upbeat hiphop song now and then.
What bliss when I discovered that Switchfoot covered Beyonce's “Crazy in Love” on yahoo.
Listen here.