daily life kind of stuff

It's fun to share photos like the ones we took in Cinque Terre,
but it's also nice to just share some everyday ones...

I like to read Oswald Chambers' devotional along with my Bible.
He often stresses the importance of our reactions in the mundane, the ordinary, the everyday...

Voilà, four poorly lit, somewhat blurry glimpses into our reality this week:

We've had a roommate for almost 6 weeks, unplanned, longer than expected, but it was his birthday on Tuesday, and we wanted to bless him.  He's far from home, moved to France for a year to serve at Calvary Chapel Nice, and birthdays are just not as fun away from friends and family.  So, I went balloon crazy.  He thanked us.  I hope it made his day a bit better.  He moved out later in the week to another home.  We miss him, but it is nice to just be the Monsieur and Madame at home again ;)

My amazing husband is a gifted teacher.  I love listening to him teach the Bible.  We are studying the book of Mark.  Wednesday night, he took us on a "journey" following the path of Jesus.  I must say, Jesus was probably in pretty great shape for how much walking He did !

 And this was last night, watching the France vs. Ukraine World Cup qualifying match.  France lost 0-2.  Now, they have to win against the Ukraine on Tuesday night by at least 3 points... let's just say we might not see France in the World Cup in 2014.  Who knows, they could surprise us on Tuesday ! [pictured: Rodhlann, Andrew, Nathaniel, Tonio, Livia, and me below]

Maybe this quote will encourage you, as it did me:

"We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life— those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength." 
-Oswald Chambers (October 1st)

I hope you can find your stamina and strength is the One who never runs out of either !

Love Linz