Summer Fun, Part 2

So, last night I had a wonderful visit and Girls Night Away with my dear Fayetteville friends, Blair and MeMe. I call them Fayetteville friends because as we discussed this weekend, we all met in high school, knew each other through college, but have only become close since then (sort of). It's one of those strange, yet wonderful, relationships that might not have made it through all the ups and downs of time, but by the grace of God He has kept our hearts united through time, miles, babies, more babies, and careers (even changing them). My mom commented that she was proud of us for keeping in such good contact, but I think of it as something even more. The Lord united us three in such a way and through such experiences that it's easy to be together. There was never an awkward silence, there was always encouragement, heart-level sharing, and much laughter. We stayed in a great and "green" hotel, had a great dinner, we saw the new Steve Carrell movie, "Get Smart." We laughed looking for water from a bottle in the hotel late at night, talked until way too late about marriages and the beautiful thing it is, slept until 8:30(very late), had an amazing free and "included" breakfast, spa-quality pedicures, though MeMe's was a bit better, shopped for a bit, and ended our adventure with a wondrous late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. What more could any girl want on a weekend?

A huge shout-out to our amazing husbands for taking the children without even a grump. Jeff gets the Diaper Award for changing one that actually looked AND smelled like hot dogs, Brian gets the Doctor Award for taking care of a sickly almost one-year old all alone (not easy!), and John gets the Creativity Award for making really good plans for Boy Day without any mommy suggestions! Love to you all- and thanks girls!
P.S> They are totally NOT pregnant anymore, I just didn't have any newer pics. Their babies will both be one this summer, and they look fabulous!

Summer Fun, Part 1

It seems there is much fun to be had in the Harrigan home. Last night, Daddy had a late meeting, so we played outside after dinner, got eaten alive by mosquitoes, but as you can see it was well worth it. Samuel had his first whole Popsicle, all by himself, while Benjamin was rolling around the driveway. If you listen carefully, you'll hear Benjamin telling me what to do with the video we took. "Put it on the computer mommy!"

Peter, Part 1- "AT ONCE"

Okay, so it seems that I have gotten very good at posting about my children. But as I read and am inspired by my friends' Kayla and Candace's blogs, I began to realize that I might have something else going on in my life and heart besides my children, as lovely as they are. :) SO, here is my first attempt to process through the ups and downs of a life in God through my eyes, and not my child's.

I spent the last year in a group called Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) studying the book of Matthew. I had a really great experience this year, as always, though something interesting has caught my attention. One week, one day, they asked a question about Peter. In the book of Matthew, there a great many events involving Peter's life and I went back and listed them in the order they are recorded there. Now, I won't get into them all right now, after all, it's only part one and who knows how many there will be. But, I did find a certain camaraderie with Peter, the Rock. He's a man who often had to put his foot in his mouth. He stumbled grandly, but found himself in the midst of the Son's prayers. He was the rock on whom the church was built. So, here's my first experience with Peter.

Matthew 4:18-20- "As Jesus was walking beside the sea of Galilee he saw two brothers. Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. . . . . "Come. Follow me." Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him."

Okay, so I am no great theologian, but I love the interactions we see with Peter. First, he's a fisherman. Nothing so great, makes a good living, is responsible enough to maintain a boat, always eats his omega-3's. He's out doing the daily grind, and an apparent stranger comes up to him. He is so overwhelmed by the presence of the Godhead, that AT ONCE he leaves everything he knows to follow. How I long for that! I am sometimes too cautious or too spontaneous, neither of the time being as connected to the work of the Lord as I long to be. You know? I am making the pros and cons list in my head, I am checking to see if it is "wise," and most of the time I am fighting off this thing called fear that resides within us. Peter had none of the above. He connected with the God of the universe, he was aware of what was happening, and most wisely, jumped on for the ride. No hesitation, no questions, AT ONCE.

Lord, help me to move when you move and stay when you stay. No questions, no worries, just ultimately at peace in your place, as long as you are there.