A boys' shelf-lining

As bedtime presented itself a few nights ago, I found myself lying atop the Star Wars comforter next to my youngest handsome gent, who was all snuggled in for a deep sleep, as we talked through the highs and lows of the day, reflected on a variety of learning moments, and eventually prayed together. However, as we began winding down our conversation something caught my attention more aggressively that particular night than it ever has before. It was the descending line of a variety of sports trophies on the shelf next to Mason's bottom bunk bed. I was taken aback for a few moments, but then as he began to drift away to dreamland, I paused to really look at what they were and why they were aligning themselves there as something he obviously prided himself in receiving. Those soccer, basketball, and baseball trophies I realized, are actually statues of something that represented a deeper sportsmanlike heart and hopefully, a more meaningful lesson on life. 

Joyful Noise 2019--Let's do this!!! 

I will admit that it shocks me to some degree, that in nearly everything a child does, he/she are given a trophy just for participating in a sport. And not just a sport, but in anything that may be considered extracurricular! To me, in all honesty, participating in the sport is a given. Not sure why there needs to be some sort of special recognition of it. As a parent, you are the one who signed up your child after all. And as a player/participant, you give it your all. You are a team player no matter the cost, but if you exceed the expectations and are above the norm, then that trophy is well worth being given! Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I feel like that has all been lost. 

So much fun with friends at Joyful Noise!!

Crowder...singing "Red Letters"...stage side!

These guys! 

"Land Of Color"....they were awesome! Mason got a signature of course ;) 

As I momentarily pondered on those trophies lining the shelf of my athletic little that night, I could only pray that these mortal representations of a "champion" would give way to something deeper. Something more eternal. The Eternal Life that is found in Jesus and HIS crowns (trophies) that are Heaven-awaiting. And that are SO worth the wait!!

...& Carson ready to listen to awesome music!

Mason....

Austin & mama up to the stage to worship with "I Am They"! 

"Store up for yourselves, treasures in Heaven...."


Standing amidst the crowd of thousands on the turf of the National Sports Center, my hubby and I, along with those who share in our generational love of the Newsboys/DC Talk, were vaulted back to our teenage years as the Newsboys music filled and overwhelmed the open-air arena. But I think one of the most telling moments of the night, perhaps even beyond the lifted side-spinning drum set during "Jesus Freak", was just a small snipet of one of Michael Tait's (lead singer) 2-minute talk inbetween songs. Walking down the charcoal black center aisle of the stage, he humbly and unashamedly declared into the microphone that "We freaking love what we get to do!! It doesn't matter how many Billboard awards, Grammy's, how many Dove awards we get. This is all so much more than that! It's about sharing His love to you people, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ here and out there.........."


Clearly. It's not about the shiny statues for them. 

Meeting the NEWSBOYS!!!!!

Newsboys!!!! Yep...blessed by a 'meet and greet' with one of our favorite bands!
As we walked away, Carson says "Michael Tait smells good....and it's now on my shoulder." ;) 

Legacy guys/friends---and ultimately men of God

Thankful for these beautiful ladies! 

I pray that all of us, especially our handsome & beautiful sweet littles, are beyond getting some sort of earthly participation trophy. But rather, that as we continually travel the pain-staking challenges, the deep hurts & heartbreaks, the heartfelt questioning, the utmost joys & the hardest sorrows, we anxiously await the Heavenly jeweled crown that will only be adorned by His utmost Majesty. 

My Favorite :) 

And I can't even begin to fathom a more perfectly glorious, beautiful, undeserving, humbled, perfected Trophy. 

To God be the Glory!