My parents....

I have the honor of getting to spend time with both my parents recently. My dad came for a visit and my mom and her husband so graciously asked us to come out for a visit. I will treasure the opportunity and the photo.

Stretched.....

Lately life has brought lots of opportunity for being stretched. I would love to tell you that I welcome it however I don't want to lie. In the worst moments it feels like a slow and painful death. When I am more hopeful I can see the beauty in transformation and am grateful for it. I find myself more and more trying to focus less and less on my circumstances and more on seeking the Lord to see where is He in the midst of each situation. I want to be able to learn what I need to, pass the test and move on joyfully making my exit!!! For me the biggest stretch is finding journey in the midst. In the midst of pain, loss, change, stretching and things that are not at all on my bucket list!!! Lord, help me to be reminded of your purposes that they are indeed far above my ways and that you love me lavishly even in the midst of discomfort. You have been so incredibly faithful to put supports into my life that remind me of your truths and to life me up. Thank you.

Faithful

I have a situation in my life that keeps popping up. To the point where I say to myself what is the Lord after. God where are you in this? I knew that it was my desire to have his heart on the matter and I really wanted to hear from him on the situation. It is a situation that I have peace about and know in my heart that the Lord has moved me on. It reminds me how you often hear he will take you around and around a mountain until you get what you were supposed to. I know in this situation I have been released and moved on.

Yet....several things have happened recently that seems out of left field. I just though well UGH. SO be it but I felt let to pray and see what the Lord said.

The Lord shared with me that out of love and protection for his children He is faithful to reveal the hearts. OK Lord I got it! He knows my heart and although at times it is sinful and desiring my way He also knows that sometimes I don't know what is best for me and it is His desire for me to walk in truth. He is faithful to show me what that truth is. He knows when we would trust someone (or trust them again and again) or put ourselves in a situation that would not be good for us and could bring us harm.

Thank you Lord! You are good, your ways are higher than mine and your love is everlasting!!!

I am so grateful to be yours!!!

Re-working

I don't know if re-working is even a word! However I do recognize what the Lord is doing. We knew that this year would be a season of change. You can't have a your kids nearly grown and add a baby to the family and not experience change. That was our first big change. The year brought many other changes. Some welcomes and some not. It hasn't been easy. Everyone knows how much I dislike change. However when I look at where things are at now I am in awe of how the good Lord has blessed us. Our lives are busier (than I desire) but we are rethinking our lives and looking at ways to make things less busy. We are both blessed by being connected at our new church. That is huge to us as we both desire relationship with others and truly being connected. The changes with Andrew have been hard. However the Lord is given me peace and grace as I walk through those. It is a time of change in my prayer life. My Titus 2 group is building a new foundation in that area of my life. I have been a believer for much of my life and that included prayer however it is like now I am at a different place at it is calling for more. I am so grateful the Lord is equipping me. It reminds me of one of my favorite songs.....'Life is hard, but God is good.' Amen!

Organization!!!

I have found that since having Sam I get to the deeper projects less and less. That is hard for me because I *love* to be organized and it is something that I thrive on. I really just function so much better this way. Luckily we have company coming in about 10 days and that has forced my hand. Now we are finding the time! It will feel so good to have things back to what works well for us. We actually started with Sams room because a room that has only been in existence less than a year can't possibly be overwhelming. It is complete and much better! I worked on the kitchen this evening and have a bag of trash and 2 boxes of items to give to others. That is something we are praying about because we feel like we don't have time for a yard sale but we were hoping to use the funds from it for our October payment for Pine Cove. I asked my husband what did he want us to do. He said lets plan for a yard sale and if we end up without the time we will donate it all. Sounds like a plan!

Grateful....

I am grateful for many things. This year has been a huge season of change. I am not a person that loves change. I often see that the Lord uses if for my good but I personally find it challenging. When I travel somewhere by car I find the drive back more peaceful and easier....because it is a road I have traveled. That gives you an idea of how newness isn't something I just love! When I am in a time of change or struggle it often makes me reflect on all of the good in my life.

My recent list of gratitudes is.....

Grateful for provision

A healthy family

Good rest

The Lords faithfulness in homeschooling ds2 and how his fall came together.

Great buys

My husband for to many reasons to list.

How the Lord reveals things and shows truth.

Titus 2 group

Fall weather

Dear friends and new friends

Surprises from the Lord.

Safe travels

Naps

Family visits

Long phone calls to catch up.

Friends that care enough to listen.

Friends that will laugh and cry with you.

$5 pizza

Naps...did I already say that?

Children that want to talk.

Children that want to cuddle.

Children that love my cooking!

Laughter

Dreaming.....

I would love to getaway right now. This picture was at a bed and breakfast that we went to a couple of years ago in AR. Right now I think I would escape just about anywhere!! The mountains, the beach or the city!!! Anywhere away from roles, jobs, chores and pumping!!! I have pumped for 8.5 months. Seriously one of the hardest things I have ever done. Trae and I are planning to get away for our 40th birthdays next spring. For now planning that will have to fill my desire to escape. We have yet to decide where we will travel too but one thing we do know is that it will be just the 2 of us!