Ascending

Yesterday I visited the beautiful, amazing Cadet Chapel of the United States Air Force Academy. Look at the 17 spires that point heavenward:

And today is Ascension Day, that day of the church calendar when Christians all over the world consider the amazing event of Jesus's ascension into heaven after His death and resurrection.

My spirit is fairly floating as I consider the reality of the risen Christ.

"God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises. Sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise" (Psalm 47: 5-7).

But oh, my friends, the good news is that Jesus is not just in Heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father. The great good news is that He is also here, in our hearts and in our midst. Right here in this messy, fallen world. Redeeming. Reclaiming. Renewing.

He is here, and that is something to celebrate every day.

Happy memories

Last week I shared the fact that I was running at top speed, getting through the week of final exams and planning for my youngest son's 8th grade graduation and my middle son's high school graduation. Our busy week is now past, and we're left just with memories of some good, good times.

Want a glimpse?

My youngest son Lee (now a freshman!) and a very proud mom

All three boys at Lee's 8th grade celebration

Preston speaking at his graduation ceremony

Jack, Preston, and me

Preston with my amazing sister and her family

Preston and his good friend Will with our wonderful pastor

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

Running at top speed

Here's part of what's going on this week at our house:

• Jack's back at work after his surgery (he's doing well, thank God!)
• Final exams for Lee
• 8th grade graduation for Lee
• Senior banquet for Preston
• Preston's high school graduation
• Preston's graduation open house

I didn't realize I could run so fast. If you were to draw a cartoon of me right now, I'd just be a blur. Heaven help me!

Despite the craziness, though, I have to smile:

My hydrangeas are in bloom. God is good.

So what's going on at your house?