Happy Birthday Avery!

I knew this day would come.  They said it would come fast.  Because of that, I savored every moment. I got home from work early.  I held her as much as possible.  I made her a priority.  And here we are...she's one year young. 

The festivities began and we waited for her to take a shot at the candle.   She did it!  Out it went and the room erupted with cheers which caused Avery to be concerned what all the commotion was about.  

Anticipating her cupcake!

That didn't stop her and she dug right!  Like a pro, she stuffed that chocolate cake like it was her first meal of the day. 

Katie did a great job planning this party- balloons, desert, invites, etc.

Afterwards was the gifts.  Toys, clothes, and more.  We appreciate everyone's gifts and will be thinking of you when we distract her with your toys to get a couple more precious moments of personal time.

Katie and Vivian doing what they do. 

 Nothing like a get together for an excuse to play corn hole and spend time in this awesome back yard. 

Happy 1st birthday Avery June!

Late nights done right

Tonight I sit outside Avery's room with a heavy heart.  Her sound maker, the dishwasher, and Leila's heavy breathing are all I hear.  Tonight I am called to pray for certain individuals.  I love these moments because I know they need it and I know God is asking this of me.  Not that he needs me to pray for them, after all, He is God and will do as he pleases.  But what I do know is when I am compelled to pray it is for a reason beyond me.  It is about them, not me.  Selfless prayer is where it's at.  It's the best.

I've heard many different translations of "The grass is greener..." But my favorite is, "The grass is greener on the other side because it's fertilized with bullshit." (Yes, I switched paragraphs so I wouldn't say bullshit and prayer in the same sentence).  Spokane has been far from that.  We did not anticipate Spokane to be what it once was- full of friends, church, our old hangouts, care free nights, etc.  No, it's been hard.  Our church is not the church we thought we would go to, two thirds of my friends moved away, our housing situation is a mess, and my company sold with in five months of when I started.  But...but.. this IS where we are supposed to be.

I've had patients ask me to pray with them.  They don't know i'm a Christian.  I ask, "why do you ask me?" bluntly.  They say you are a nice guy and assumed you "are religious."  One guy went down hill real quick and said, "Pray with me now! I'm signing with hospice today."  I inquired about all his Buddha statues and he said it didn't matter now he wanted to pray to God.  I didn't press it and prayed with him.  I passed his home the other day and it looked empty.  No signs of life verifying the inevitable.

Katie, Avery and I have purpose here in Spokane.  God is working here.  It isn't about me or "winning another one for the Lord" as some might say.  It's about those that are hurting.  It's about those who feel they are always trying to fill something in their life and just don't know what it is.

My heart is heavy for this city.  I know that because I asked for it years ago.  As we make our way through grinding work days and busy social events I pray I am always brought back to this place on my knees praying for those individuals, whether they like it or not, that are heavy on my heart.  I'm learning so much.