Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Where did summer go?


So, you're all saying it right now... where did summer go??  This photo was taken tonight as we took the boys to school for open house.  They've grown so much over the summer, and yet it seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the end of school....  And so it is with life. 

I think we truly savored as much summer as possible.  Lots of lazy days by the pool and fun times outside!  At the same time, I'm not quite ready to quit looking back at all the summer fun and start looking forward to the fall activites.  It seems like life just passes so quickly with these little ones, and before I know it they will be all grown up and not needing their momma anymore :-( 

As I was reflecting on this looking through photos tonight, I was struck by how we live so much of our lives this way....  not savoring today, but looking back, or looking forward. 

I came to this verse...
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  James 4:14b

In essence, we worry so much about how things are passing us by, or what might be coming, that we can't enjoy the here and now...  we don't know when our time on earth will cease and we'll enjoy our heavenly eternity.  What if it were tonight... 

For today, I'm committing to loving and living in the moment.  To not looking back or to far ahead, and just taking in the blessings around me.  WIll you join me? 

Sunday, August 15, 2010



Sometimes, you just feel pure blessing.  I have felt that lately.  This is a photo taken at my home a week ago, just as a storm passed through and the sun was starting to set.  A double rainbow surrounded our house.  No, we weren't at the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but it was a blessing all the same!  All of were in awe of the beauty.  We've had the chance to see SEVERAL rainbows this year because of all the rain we've been blessed with (OK, just a bit of sarcasism there:-))

At any rate, we had just returned home from a wonderful relaxing vacation and were unpacking and doing laundry... then this appears.  Thank you God, for perfect distractions! 

This weekend, Igot to celebrate 11 wonderful years with my dear husband.  He's amazing, and the way we've grown closer over the last few years than even before has me head over heels in love with him! 

,
Ok, so not our finest shot, but a fun one from vacation! 


We spent Saturday with all the kids, and just hung out at home doing what we love to do.  Swimming and smoking dinner, and relaxing.  It was an awesome day. 

Today, I had my friend Lori and her daughter Callie over to swim, and Tom and the boys got to enjoy some fishing!  Tonight we were able to have one of our traditional Sunday night bonfires with hot dogs n smores! Aaahhh... who doesn't love summer????  

So tonight, I'm focused on blessings...  Thank you Lord, for blessing me.  Yes, I realize you have showered me this weekend and I am humbled by the love!  What an amazing God we serve!   

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Oh, No, you never let go...



Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?

                                                                         Job 7:19


Oh, what a night.  I so love it when God brings me to tears....

So, we had our first Community Unity Meal tonight,  which was months of dreaming coming to be...
(More to come on that later!) 

Following that, the kids and  I met Tom at Harp & Bowl...  Although we were only there for 1/2 hour, God used this time to the fullest...

Emma had been playing in the back with a few others.  She had made her way to me, and we were just starting to sing the song...

Oh no, you never let go, every high and every low... Oh no, you never let go of me...  (Do you know the one I mean?) 

Anyway, Emma found her way into my arms and the sweetest hug.  She was touching my face in her special Emma way, and we were singing. 

Then, God made himself so clear to me...  This is where I am with you all the time.  I'm like your child on your hip trying to hold you close and gently stroke your face.  I am that kind of love and so much more.  I never let go of you.  No matter how crabby you are, how good you are, etc.  I am always right there, even when you don't know it... 

WOW!!  I mean Jeez....  How amazing is that.  That after a VERY busy day, he loves me enough to share a bit of His intimacy with me?  I was moved to tears.  Having my moment with Emma was enough to do that to me..  And then to feel I was in his presence and he was speaking into my soul....  I can't explain it. 

So, the next time you are holding your kids close....  think of it! Our God, our heavenly father, holds us that close and loves us more than that...  The God of wrath and judgement has THAT kind of love for us!  May we never let go of him!!! 

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Good to be home...



Aaahhh... the end of vacation.  My spiritual cup is full, my kids are in bed, and I am ready for a new week. 

We were able to enjoy a very relaxing and joy filled vacation (minus the crabby kids tonight! you know how it is when you're home and everyone is tired!  Including mom!!!) 

Not going to post much now, except that I so love a time of refreshing and renewal.  I am seeing things so differently after being away.  Mostly, convicted that I need to take the time to stop doing, and just be with my kids. 

Also, did some reading today in Esther...  feeling God speak to me that I need a time of preparation again.  Not certain what that means, but for Esther it was in preparation to please the king, and then again to ask of him....   I pray tonight for a new burning within to prepare me for Him and His presence...  whatever that may hold!  The good thinng about our God, is that it's bound to end good:-) 

Night for now....