i interrupt this post....

for a special service announcement.....

i'm in Michigan for the next 2 weeks visiting my family! i flew alone with the 3 kids yesterday and let's just say it was a journal day......... i will post when i can, but the most important thing is for me right now spending time with my parents, sister and fam, 90 year old grandmother, and aunt.

not many pics right now, but, this was taken at breakfast this morning......

lis was praying over their bagels, blueberries and oldemor's coffee.

heavenly father, thank you that we're able to spend time in Michigan and that you made this possible. i pray that relationships are strengthened and that time spent will only glorify you. thank you for lazy days and quality time around the table.

going through it...

i knew it was coming..... here i go, through the trial..... but, God is SO good and His mercies ARE new every morning!

thank you Lord, that you remain faithful even in the midst of my chaos. thank you that you restore my spirit and that you hold me close and whisper to me that you will see me through. thank you for showing me your love in those around me. thank you for loving me and giving me glimpses of who you are throughout the day.

not a whole lot to say.......

God is stirring something in me and i just can't put my finger on it. lately, i've been a little on edge and grumpy... ugh {i've needed to ask forgiveness a lot} i've really been trying to be quiet and still before God. at times, it's a really beautiful time for me, but then i find there are times where i'm anxious and waiting for a clear voice, because i feel {see it's all about me} that i deserve to have answers NOW. i know that He's stretching me and i feel a real growth spurt coming on, but do i really want it.. no thank you..... however, i do know that i don't want to remain where i am, so that means i will submit and obey and go through the trial.

i'm always excited to see where God is leading and thankful that He's not through with me yet. so, i will be still and invite Him onto my boat and i will listen to what He's saying, i will try not to lead, but follow.......


dear heavenly father, i know that you have more for me. i know that you have stirred desires in me and want me to be obedient. Lord, i pray that i will set aside what i want and fully commit to your plan. please forgive me for being selfish with my time, i want so desperately to be about your business. continue to speak to me Lord, for i want to listen and obey.

relationships

heavenly father, i'm struck with how fast time is flying by. thank you for all the relationships in our lives and all the people that you have blessed us with. it's a treasured gift that can't be replaced. help me to be mindful of the time you have given us and not take a moment for granted. Lord, help me to be aware of my words and actions and to love like you have called me to love.

i will lift my eyes

I will lift my eyes
{song written and performed by Bebo Norman}

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can’t climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me

‘Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
‘Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now


thank you Lord, that you are my defender. that i can come to you at any moment and you hold me close. i pray for those who curse me and love those who are unkind. thank you that i can find rest in you. i pray that i will use every situation for your glory.

think about such things

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,
or seen in me- put into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9

a sweet getaway

last week we decided to escape with some friends to the mountains of colorado. it had been awhile since we had been out of town and we needed it so desperately. we had originally planned a month away to NH { actually, i was to be away with the kids for a month and justin would join us when he could}. well, with the rising gas prices and absurd airfare, we thought it best to stay close to home. i really battled with disappointment- i wanted so badly to spend the summer on the lake, but God had other plans for us and i've learned over the years not to have expectations. {as justin reminds me, that when we have expectations, we only get hurt} so, i really needed to go before the Lord and surrender MY plans for HIS plans and what would be best for our family. we're trying so hard to be better stewards and it just didn't seem right to spend all that money this year. God spoke very clearly to me and reminded me that what's important is relationships, so i set aside all the desires i had and fully committed to making it a great summer at home. however, God gave us a sweet little gift in the form of faithful friends and a home in the mountains. {more importantly, church was able to free justin for a few extra days- thank you dave!} so off we went..... here are a few highlights







thank you Lord, that you gave us this little bit of time so that we could re-focus and spend time in your creation. thank you that you love us enough to bless us even when we least expect it. thank you for relationships that are centered on you and memories that will last. i love that you know just what we need and when we need it.