So Close!

In true Steve-like fashion I decided to include yet another song for today. :o) His return always seemed so distant, but now it is almost here! He is coming home!

1

1 day (really a matter of hours) and I will be on my way home...

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2 - I'm "2" excited to even know what to do for today....Any ideas?

*Update...I decided to re-post an old video that I linked the other day to an old blog post about Christian, and how much he has taught me about love and God (kinda the same thing eh?).

I think this is such a great song, and I honestly cannot listen to it enough right now.

4 - I missed a day

Home is:

1. Home is safe, a place where you can feel free.
2. Home is rejuvenating, a place to rest weary bones and come together with those you love.
3. Home is a glimpse of better things to come. All the wonderful things about the homes we have here on earth give us a taste of the perfect and eternal home that is waiting for us in heaven.
4. Home is...something beautiful (My happy attempt to tie in one of the songs from my "home" playlist)

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6 foods I'm excited to eat when I get home:

1. Erin's homemade apple crisp - Erin loves me so much that she makes the most delectable apple crisp for me. I could eat it every night!
2. Chipotle - I don't know what it is about Chipotle but it will definitely be one of the first things I eat when I get home.
3. The Cinnabon treat from Baker's Sweets - One of the most amazing, ooey gooey pastries that I have ever had. I am a huge fan of pastries, and this is one that takes the cake :)
4. Pizza - Any kind of pizza. It's such a fun treat that Erin and I indulge in way too often.
5. Panera - Aside from the many tasty delicacies that they have here, it is a place that Erin and I have been to many times, so it has good memories with it.
6. Erin's Oreo Cupcakes - Another special dessert that Erin makes which I cannot even begin to describe for fear of salivating all over the keyboard. Needless to say, once you've had these, ordinary cupcakes just don't cut it.

Since I don't have a food-inspired song about food on my "home" playlist (shocking, eh?) I figured I would play a song that is just a generally upbeat and happy song to celebrate the thought of going home soon.

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7 things to be in wonder of:

1. The miracle of life. Welcome to the world Shepherd! May God bless you and keep you, you have been born into a loving and amazing family.
2. A child's smile, touch, laughter, the way they see the world and take it in.
3. The love between a man and a woman that can unite them at the very center of their being. A love created by an almighty God for us, his children.
4. The unconditional love between a parent and a child. Even better, that unconditional love from the Father who first gave it to us.
5. The fact that the creator of the universe is Love, and His love is perfected in us. (see 1 John 4)
6. "That we're living just to fall more in love with Him." (Lyrics from the song Deeper, by Delirious)
7. That somehow, in someway, separation can bring us closer to the important things in life. I have had a lot of time the past 2 years to wonder how healthy it can be to spend so much time away from loved ones. It has been a struggle learning the best way to communicate, and dealing with a lack of physical presence; the hugs, kisses, hand holding, baby carrying, just being around, that provides much of the experience in relationships. I am constantly reminded about how our connection to God lacks that physical presence that we so often desire. Another song on my "home" playlist reminds of this constant battle of holding on and letting go...

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8 movies that make me strangely homesick: (warning...this is going to be sappy)

1. Up (Disney-Pixar) - There is something about the old man, his past life and then the experience he goes on that reminds how family is the greatest adventure.
2. Secondhand Lions - I think this brings back memories of childhood, and the anticipation of raising Christian, with all the adventures to be had.
3. Life is Beautiful (La Vita Belle) - This movie, while heartbreaking, is also quite touching to see the love of a family in spite of the circumstances.
4. Stardust - I think this movie was just one that Erin and I discovered that we enjoyed so much, so the movie reminds me of good times with her and sharing it with family.
5. The Muppets Christmas Carol - I remember watching this over the years many times during Christmas seasons with family gathered round. I distinctly remember how my dad always teared up a little bit because of Tiny Tim...
6. Harry Potter (the first few anyway) - I just have found memories watching these movies with family, typically around the holiday season.
7. WALL-E - This one I can't really explain...I think it just makes me feel happy...
8. Gladiator - Throughout the movie you constantly see the main character's longing to be with his family, with visions of better things to come. The "Now we are free" song is on my "home" music playlist.

To my son, whom I love...

Christian,

From the moment you were born I knew that my life would never be the same. My heart has grown in ways I could not have imagined, and just the thought of you causes my heart to overflow with joy. The whole world lights up when you smile, and it is easy to see God's handiwork in you. I picked this song because it is a song that makes me long for home, long to see you and Erin again, and most of all a song that echoes the love I have for you and the love that is shared with our Father in heaven.

I dream of the day that I get to hold you in my arms again, when I can tell you just how much I love you, and how much it pleases me just to be with you. I also dream of the day when we "finally make it home" and wrap our arms around the God who gives us life and love. Son, because of you I have experienced the full cycle of unconditional love, and I can now better understand the infinite love that God has for us.

I pray that God blesses you and keeps you sensitive to His spirit so that your light will shine and you can bring love, peace, and joy to the world.

To my darling wife

I have been missing you so very much. You are always on my mind, and when I think of you it brings joy to my heart, lightening my burdens and brightening my day. I wanted to share this joy and love, and I know that this song is one that we both enjoy so very much. It gives us a glimpse of the love that God has for us and the love we have been given to share with each other. I do hope this touches your heart as you hear it and know that though we are so far apart, God keeps us connected through His love. A love that has eternal roots, bridging the greatest of divides, and which connects on a level of more than just the love between a man and a woman, but rather the love shared through the joining of two souls.

I love you.

Love Never Fails

Love Never Fails
~Brandon Heath

Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most

Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside

Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time

Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don't

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

When my heart won't make a sound
When I can't turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this

Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life

Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you