Ellie turns 5!

I can't believe Ellie's been in our life for 5 whole years already...sometimes it seem like only yesterday that we were terrified new parents bringing bringing a newborn home! In other way, though (as it is with many things in life), it also seems like she's been here forever, since I can hardly still imagine what our life was like without her. Ellie, we are so thankful for your sweet spirit, creativity, joyfulness, singing, dancing, silly-ness and caring heart. We can't wait to watch you grow and mature in the coming years! Happy birthday!

Here are some photo highlights from Ellie's several birthday celebrations earlier this month.

Chocolate chip muffins for breakfast

Posing with a favorite gift

Having cake as a family, after a long day at a water park

Ellie's birthday party with friends from Kindergarten - Paw Patrol Themed!

Craft time at the party

Opening gifts with friends

Ending with a pinata!

Teach me to be Teachable

Our men's small group has been going through a topical study of the book of Proverbs. We have several passages organized by topic, and we've been moving slowly through the list. Our study has led to some great conversations. We will often hit these single verse statements of wisdom that are the best kind of a slap-to-the-face. One of our group members remarked recently how astounding it is that the phrases can be so condensed and to-the-point. One such Proverb we encountered was 12:1 which reads:
   
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
            but he who hates reproof is stupid."

The word "discipline" has a couple of different meanings in English. It can be what an athlete requires to train hard; they require discipline to focus on training. Discipline can also be what a parent does with a child when they are off course or doing things that are not right. The parent disciplines the child.

This second meaning is what the author meant here. When we understand that, the statement takes on a pretty arresting quality. Who loves to be corrected? Who loves to be called out for doing something wrong?