latest mug

i took some photos of the kids around the dinner table last night. :) the Lord has indeed blessed us with the kids and "one in the oven".

[Zach, Drew, Annie, Abbie, Becka, Dad, Mom (& Sarah)]

grapes everywhere

i love growing grapes. we've got three varieties in the back yard that are four years old and really producing. i'm finding their remains everywhere... in the van, on the deck, couches, kitchen, in books, etc. the kids just grab and munch. :)

grapes are a most excellent creation of the Lord. such beautiful and sweet fruit coming from a plant that grows like a weed and you don't have to water. just give it some sun and stand back.

you know--you find grapes everywhere in scripture as well! they are used in context of both judgment and grace, sorrow and celebration. just gaining an understanding of it's cultivation can take a lifetime to understand and perfect. i think the same is true for understanding the metaphor and meaning of grapes/vine/wine in scripture.

at it's most deepest level, the crushing of grapes and the wine that is made represents the blood of Christ that was spilled for mankind which we celebrate every communion with those who believe. the next time you have grapes, think about Jesus. :)

great grandpa william john

My Aunt Marilyn has been doing some family research for the Schwartz clan at large and struck some gold this week. She located a significant amount of information about our family and it's roots in Prussia and subsequent immigration to Des Moines, Iowa.

My great-grandpa William John Schwartz (my name is John William), is pictured below. He was a minister in the Lutheran church. Quite amazing to be able to look back into the past and see your own flesh-and-blood for the first time.



I can't help but think about the impact of the Gospel in our family tree that starts with William John and before him most likely. Much of our family follows Christ and impacting the world in many places. I'm grateful to God both for the privilege of being born into a family where Christ was made known and to live in a land where we have the freedom to worship Him.

across the starbucks tile...

I'm working at Starbucks this morning. One of the hardest weeks of my life and a time of deep reflection. Thankfully good brothers and one of our church leaders reminded me in different ways that I should focus on Christ and look to see how this week could glorify Him. Good advice.

I'm sitting near a window and watched the light from the sun slowly move across the tiles. Imperceptible movement at a glance, but noticeable every few minutes--like a sundial of sorts. It reminded me of my fleeting life. That my days are known by God and I have one life to live--for Him.

As the Scriptures say: "Lord teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

-J

if you give a mouse a marker...

At least it was washable...

a few flowers

Took some photos from the cellphone of flowers in the yard this evening. God sure made some amazing plants...

Izzies

About to be fed... Thus the happy countenances.

drew's bees...

Hi folks :)

Just wanted to throw some photos your way of the bees. One of my boys (11 yrs old) built a TBH (with some help from Daddy). He hived the bees on his own although I had to help a bit with the queen and got stung for the privilege. ;)


He had a crowd of his friends/fam watching him...


I checked my hive next to Drew's. Saw eggs, brood and capped brood. All looking groovy. I pulled out a frame without gloves/veil for first time. So, posting that pic for posterity's sake. :)


The family has become quite familiar/attached/intrigued with the bees. Here's a common scene...

still burnin...

I pray my "light" will still be burning 100 years from now.

Braces off!