A little snippet of me - lazy, but determined:)

Luka cried in the night. He often does that. It's usually the result of a dream, but sometimes it's because he's pushed off all of his blankets and is cold. So, every time I hear his cry at night, I tell myself - a real mom would get up and see which is it, no matter how tired she is. And then I tell myself that for 5 minutes. And then I get up. :)

Married to a Pastor

It's done. The ordination service was wonderful. There were guests from many different towns in Croatia, and I hope everyone of them felt loved and truly 'invited', because that's exactly what we feel for them.

I saw that Miro enjoyed it, and from his side it was a service full of love and thankfulness and appreciation for God's sovereign and intricate and infinitely-beyond-our-minds grace and plan, as well as many dear brothers and sisters that God put on his way. Especially for his school in Krapina - the Theological Biblical Academy.

Our years in Krapina were in many ways our formative years. We came there as born again believers with the Holy Spirit within us, but still, our worldviews and our habits were that of wild men and women, if you will allow. Living there, in that community, we were immersed in Christian 'culture', Christian day to day living, without hypocrisy and holier-than-thou attitude, but humble, God-centred, disciplined and loving Christian living. Upon leaving that school and that community, we were different.

Of course, God has used the years after that to change us and work on us, as He always, in His love and grace, does. Perhaps those years were even more formative, but in a way that is less visible. Since those were the years of waiting, of wondering, of humiliation, in a sense. Those times really refine, without you yourself noticing anything. You actually feel like you're worse than ever, and then realize that you've changed. But I digress...

Anyway, it was a beautiful service, in the presence of our Lord and Savior. My prayer for Miro has always been that the Lord makes him into a shepherd after His own heart, and that - it remains.

Jeremiah 3:15: Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding.

Back

OK. My brother does have Crohn's disease and has been living with it for the past few months rather well. He changed his eating habits, and takes his medicine regularly. Soon he will go for another test in Zagreb, but all in all, he's doing well. No fever. :) Praise the Lord.

Other than these things, he's been doing really well... emotionally. We saw him during the Christmas break, when we stayed with my family for 2 weeks. I used to be afraid to look at him sometimes, because he used to be eager to interpret looks as threats, as attacks, as acts of belittling or scorn, although I tried my best never to feel or act that way toward him.

Anyway, this time... his look and his eyes were the most welcoming eyes in that house. Whenever I felt embarrassed or just caught myself in an awkward pause, his face was there to help me. Not because he used it, aware of the effect, but just because he was so friendly toward me. And everyone else. It was just... wonderful. I praise God for that, too.

Well, in other news, and pretty exciting news - Miro's Ordination service is this Sunday! I am not a fan of ceremony, when ceremony is its own end, like a custom. However, I am in awe of a meaningful ceremony, an event where words MEAN something, something beyond usual, everyday use of them. When you say something and in a special way you are aware that HERE and NOW God is here, listening, because it is a vow to Him. So special. May God be glorified in it, may His character be magnified and exalted among us on Sunday. Because everything is from Him, through Him, and for Him. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.