We are under two feet of snow! Crazy!!!
Puts me in mind of the good ole days of Michigan, Echo Valley, Sledding, Skiing, Ah, the memories!
While wrapped in white, we (four) are settling in with games and movies. Hot Chocolate, popcorn, and the works! The little one sleeps while we eat. When she eats, we'd all like to be sleeping. And thus goes the cycle! =) We are loving every minute of it!
The power was off for about an hour and then came flashing back on. Oh are we thankful for electricity! The snow has now slowed, maybe even stopped. The baby sleeps, yet again. The boys are playing battleship in the basement and I am taking a minute to write.
I have been catching up with my reading schedule and I am currently in Job. (Yes I know...I'm still behind) but I have really enjoyed it. I have come to see a different side of the man who was tested beyond imagination. The guy who wept at the graves of his children while his friends criticized him for sinning. Wrong-doing. The suffering MUST have been a result of Job's sin. Right?
No.
I took the book and read and re-read through each chapter. I loved the part in his struggle where he attempts to wade through the murky mire of frustration while trying to argue FOR God, and wrestling with his own questions and anger TOWARDS Him.
Oh, How we've been there. Each of us on our knees. Bowed low because of some circumstance.
The snow drifts -much like our doubt. Yet melts as soon as the sun shines again. Somewhere between the cloudy snowstorm our faith seems buried in the powder white, crystal-like beauty. Packaged beauty in fragile little flakes. Each one different. Unique.
Unlike our first snowstorm, this one occurred when the temperatures were above freezing.
All the while, as the cold bites the soft skin on our cheeks, chaps our noses and freezes our eyelashes, I am reminded that even though our questions often times go unanswered....He is faithful. Even when we are faithless. The snow that is carried by the wind is still the breath of God moving through this earth, touching us every time we step outside. The wind carries the Lords command of action for the day. Rain. Snow. Whatever He wills.
Like Job: "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth....I myself will see him with my own eyes-I, and not another..." (Job 19:25-27)
The snow is melting. It melts because it is supposed to. Winter is never forever.
The fresh aroma of homemade chicken noodles hangs heavily in the air. Almost overpowered by the water/burn aroma smoldering next to it. I have no excuse. While I was writing, I forgot the boiling potatoes on the stove next to it.
Oops. =)
My thoughts today have often turned to the powerful words of Job's friends. How mis-guided, though well-intended. (I hope) How we've been here too! Oy!!!
Much like my burned water smell and the drifting snow banks of snow and the doubt that piles high during frustrating setbacks and devastating times........He (THE Lord) is sovereign. Good. Faithful.
The redeemer that Job praised? Yes, He lives! And one day when we see Him? He will cover our ugly doubt. Anger. Frustration. Mis-guided words.
And He will make us pure.
White.
Just like the winter snow...
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thank you!
I just past 9pm as I sit down to write.
Where did this day go? This week? Even this year?!?! Since I wrote last we have celebrated Aaron's 29th birthday again....ahem. Valentines has come and gone. St. Patty's day is quickly approaching.
Aaron and I were just saying that we cannot remember a time in our lives where we felt more fulfilled. Life is always changing. But reaching this milestone in our lives where we have determined to be content, we are surprised that we are. Content, I mean. It isn't easy and won't be, but the assurance that as we seek His face, He will take us to higher ground. For now, for us, that means learning to be content and staying there though the way seems straight.
Cade is doing a great job as a big brother. He continues to keep us laughing with his hilarious comments- like asking me (in the middle of teaching PE) if my class was a democracy. ??? I love that boy!!!
Libbi is growing like a weed. She is officially 3 weeks old, and is sleeping 9-10 hours at night straight. She started this when we first got home. She smiles, coos, and holds her head better each day. We aren't quite out of newborn outfits, but pushing it and her hair...lets just say she has a lot and it sticks straight up! I love it!
Aaron is doing a fabulous job at church. We've been there close to 6 months now. Whew! It still feels so new! It is growing and keeping us busy. We are learning much, and love working together!
I am learning a lot too. Keeps me hopping with being a family of 4 now. I can't think of any other mother who gets to hold their babies while they fan themselves through a hot flash, but I'm loving it. For real!
Our family has been so blessed by so many of you! Thank you for your prayers, the gifts you have sent and the cards of encouragement! You will never know just how much that has meant to us!
Mom, Dad, and Sherry were able to come down for a visit last week. We loved having them and Cade loved to have his G'ma and G'pa time with them.
Our church family and some friends gave me a HUGE baby shower for Libbi and completely overwhelmed us with their generosity! Amazing!
My head keeps reminding me that I don't deserve it, but my heart soaks it in, parched after many years of self-defeating thoughts. I'm thankful for so much in my life I believe I could write all night. But I won't. For now I just wanted to leave you with an update on the family and let you know just how much you are all appreciated!!! Thank you!
Where did this day go? This week? Even this year?!?! Since I wrote last we have celebrated Aaron's 29th birthday again....ahem. Valentines has come and gone. St. Patty's day is quickly approaching.
Aaron and I were just saying that we cannot remember a time in our lives where we felt more fulfilled. Life is always changing. But reaching this milestone in our lives where we have determined to be content, we are surprised that we are. Content, I mean. It isn't easy and won't be, but the assurance that as we seek His face, He will take us to higher ground. For now, for us, that means learning to be content and staying there though the way seems straight.
Cade is doing a great job as a big brother. He continues to keep us laughing with his hilarious comments- like asking me (in the middle of teaching PE) if my class was a democracy. ??? I love that boy!!!
Libbi is growing like a weed. She is officially 3 weeks old, and is sleeping 9-10 hours at night straight. She started this when we first got home. She smiles, coos, and holds her head better each day. We aren't quite out of newborn outfits, but pushing it and her hair...lets just say she has a lot and it sticks straight up! I love it!
Aaron is doing a fabulous job at church. We've been there close to 6 months now. Whew! It still feels so new! It is growing and keeping us busy. We are learning much, and love working together!
I am learning a lot too. Keeps me hopping with being a family of 4 now. I can't think of any other mother who gets to hold their babies while they fan themselves through a hot flash, but I'm loving it. For real!
Our family has been so blessed by so many of you! Thank you for your prayers, the gifts you have sent and the cards of encouragement! You will never know just how much that has meant to us!
Mom, Dad, and Sherry were able to come down for a visit last week. We loved having them and Cade loved to have his G'ma and G'pa time with them.
Our church family and some friends gave me a HUGE baby shower for Libbi and completely overwhelmed us with their generosity! Amazing!
My head keeps reminding me that I don't deserve it, but my heart soaks it in, parched after many years of self-defeating thoughts. I'm thankful for so much in my life I believe I could write all night. But I won't. For now I just wanted to leave you with an update on the family and let you know just how much you are all appreciated!!! Thank you!
Monday, February 11, 2013
My Secret....
I have a little secret.
To some, it may not be much.
I have told two people about my little idea, but they don't know that I've already started.
This year I get to celebrate my 33rd birthday. I feel about 60 most days. Regardless of my fleeting feelings or pains, I am THRILLED to celebrate life. Life abundantly. Abundant living.
My crazy plan began about the beginning of the year. I am endeavoring to come up with 33 random acts of kindness that I can give to others as my present to myself. To be honest, I was having some difficulty at first coming up with things I could do for someone, to someone, or just plan help with. I needed to start somewhere so I began with number 1. Then 2. Then I lost count. They came faster than I could keep track of.
I had decided to give myself this early gift because my birthday weekend falls on a holiday weekend and is crazy busy for our family.
You get the picture...nutzo.
This has been the BEST gift ever. Seriously. You each need to try it. Come up with stuff. Make some stuff. Need ideas? I'll share a few...
First I began going through every closet, nook and cranny I could find to de-clutter my home. I loved my stuff. I "needed" my stuff. I re-homed my stuff to individuals who needed it more.
I gave away my favorite purse to a stranger who said they liked it.
I made a purchase and gave a $$$ tip.
Helped push an invalid in his wheelchair as his elderly wife brought the car around. He asked me to go fast, so I did. (We both about got killed but) what a blast!
Picked up the neighbors trash and trashcans blowing around our street on a windy day.
In that moment, in the breeze, I heard His whisper...this is life. Living abundantly.
I don't always have those God moments, but I know He's there.
Why shouldn't I give away my stuff to others? Sometimes when we give, it doesn't hurt so we begin to grow accustomed to that feeling of giving without hurting and think that maybe when we give, it should never hurt.
I don't think Jesus gave a painless sacrifice.
As I mentioned, I have lost track. I have never had so many moments that just took my breath away; that I felt the very presence of the Lord; that I felt like I was beginning to see things as if for the first time. Each thing different. Happy people. Not so happy people. Grateful people, and not so grateful people. Either way they took it didn't matter to me.
My heartbeat picks up just a bit each time. I get that anticipation feeling when unwrapping each event. Like a Happy Birthday to me...everyday.
Makes this broken girl want to dance. Sing.
Sometimes I feel like a little girl again....with my little secret.
To some, it may not be much.
I have told two people about my little idea, but they don't know that I've already started.
This year I get to celebrate my 33rd birthday. I feel about 60 most days. Regardless of my fleeting feelings or pains, I am THRILLED to celebrate life. Life abundantly. Abundant living.
My crazy plan began about the beginning of the year. I am endeavoring to come up with 33 random acts of kindness that I can give to others as my present to myself. To be honest, I was having some difficulty at first coming up with things I could do for someone, to someone, or just plan help with. I needed to start somewhere so I began with number 1. Then 2. Then I lost count. They came faster than I could keep track of.
I had decided to give myself this early gift because my birthday weekend falls on a holiday weekend and is crazy busy for our family.
You get the picture...nutzo.
This has been the BEST gift ever. Seriously. You each need to try it. Come up with stuff. Make some stuff. Need ideas? I'll share a few...
First I began going through every closet, nook and cranny I could find to de-clutter my home. I loved my stuff. I "needed" my stuff. I re-homed my stuff to individuals who needed it more.
I gave away my favorite purse to a stranger who said they liked it.
I made a purchase and gave a $$$ tip.
Helped push an invalid in his wheelchair as his elderly wife brought the car around. He asked me to go fast, so I did. (We both about got killed but) what a blast!
Picked up the neighbors trash and trashcans blowing around our street on a windy day.
In that moment, in the breeze, I heard His whisper...this is life. Living abundantly.
I don't always have those God moments, but I know He's there.
Why shouldn't I give away my stuff to others? Sometimes when we give, it doesn't hurt so we begin to grow accustomed to that feeling of giving without hurting and think that maybe when we give, it should never hurt.
I don't think Jesus gave a painless sacrifice.
As I mentioned, I have lost track. I have never had so many moments that just took my breath away; that I felt the very presence of the Lord; that I felt like I was beginning to see things as if for the first time. Each thing different. Happy people. Not so happy people. Grateful people, and not so grateful people. Either way they took it didn't matter to me.
My heartbeat picks up just a bit each time. I get that anticipation feeling when unwrapping each event. Like a Happy Birthday to me...everyday.
Makes this broken girl want to dance. Sing.
Sometimes I feel like a little girl again....with my little secret.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
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