More Truth.

"...It is not for the flock of sheep to know the pasture the shepherd has in mind. It is for them simply to follow him. If they knew his plans included a valley of deep shadow, they would panic. Keeping close to the one they have learned to trust is all that is necessary. He will faithfully provide rest, refreshment, correction and protection as the needs arise. His accompanying presence is guaranteed, all the way - even through the darkest shadows - to the house of the Lord." - Elisabeth Elliot

"Healing is in Your Hands"

by: Christy Nockels

No mountain, no valley, no gain or loss we know
could keep us from Your love
No sickness, no secret, no chain is strong enough
to keep us from Your love
to keep us from Your love

How high, how wide
No matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong,
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

Our present, our future, our past is in Your hands
We're covered by Your blood
We're covered by Your blood

How high, How wide
no matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

First Day of School - 2011!

Today we embarked on our third year of home schooling. We began the day with donuts - a first day of school tradition! Vacationing the week before school started was a great idea, and I was really excited about coming home and jumping into a routine and spending time with the girls. I'm also very aware of my need for the Lord to help me teach and train up these little girls! I'm looking forward to seeing how this year unfolds and what all we learn.

Sydney started kindergarten today and did amazing! She did so much better than I thought she would and her favorite subject today was reading. We'll see what it is tomorrow!

My favorite "Sydney-ism" today was when we were talking about the creation story in the Bible and what God created on the different days. She stopped me and asked me what it was like when God created the clouds. I asked her what she meant and she very matter of fact asked me what I was thinking when God created the clouds - since I was there. I asked her how old she thought I was. She said "four-hundred-ish". Oh my, I know the thirties have brought a few wrinkles with them, but really - "four-hundred-ish"?!?!

Reagan began 2nd grade and we are adding some subjects like history and science this year. Oh, and piano!! She loved history - which is really good, because so do I. She told me her wrist was so sore from writing today - I didn't tell her today was an easy day!! =) I loved that when they went outside to play after school, they made a ship (the "Santa Maria") out of an old trailer back in the yard and were playing like they were Admiral Prissy Pants and Admiral Josephina answering to Christopher Columbus!!

And Jordyn, well, she's a little magna doodle obsessed these days. So she just spent hours drawing by herself! I'll take it while it lasts!

I'm aware of my inadequacies. I'm also aware that God's grace is way greater. For that I am so grateful. If I focus on myself, quickly I get anxious. If I focus on the Lord and His faithfulness, I am able to trust that He is more than enough and He gives wisdom when we seek Him. So, hopefully as we set out on a new year of schooling, we will find ourselves seeking Him more and knowing Him better!

VaCatIon 2011!

Seeing Mama-Vero Beach-beautiful-sand castles-fun snacks-playing in the ocean-Reagan on the boogey board-Jordyn twirling in the water-Sydney splashing in the waves-Sydney chasing the birds and snatching their fish-playing games-talking about what we are grateful for-holding Steve's hand and watching the tide roll in-walks on the beach-long talks with Steve-swimming in the pool-racing with Steve-watching Reagan dive for discs in the pool-looking for crabs-reading, praying and journaling on the balcony-diet cherry dr. pepper-food network with the girls-pre made meals-reading while my feet are in the ocean-lots of giggling-painting nails-eating pretzel m&ms-no internet for a few days-quiet and peacefulness-lots of rest-warm breezes-dinner and fun at olive garden-trip to the mall-playing in the pool-watching tv in the middle of the day-story time-Legos-puzzles-seeing manatees on the shore-jellyfish-family time in the ocean-blue skies-summer storms-warm sand-sister time-watching Steve catch some waves-playing ball with Reagan in the pool-monkey in the middle in the pool-getting caught in the middle of a storm-Reagan made a visit to the life guard station to be treated for the jellyfish that got stuck in her suit-sitting on the balcony-popsicles-warm blankets and snuggling-movie time with the hubby when everyone else is asleep-playing Trouble-finding shells-little flip flops by the door-a full week with just my girls and favorite man-lots of fun memories!

Joy.

"The joy of the Lord is my strength." That has been a verse that has been on my heart and mind since I became a Christian when I was 16. Over the last two and a half years, in particular, I believe the Lord has been teaching me what this really looks like.

One of my friends shared this quote today:

"Joyfully embracing God's will doesn't mean that we're always laughing or smiling. There's not much laughter around a death bed or in the emergency room. To joyfully embrace God's will means that during the sobs and sorrow we say to God, "I bless your name, for you are always good to me." --the greener grass conspiracy

I want to be a cheerful, joyful Christian, wife, mom, daughter, friend, sister, etc. I want to be able to smile and laugh a lot. (Thankfully I have a funny husband who fills our home with humor and laughter!) I want this to be true of my life..."Cheerfulness is the support of our strength; in the joy of the Lord are we strong...Let us show to the people of the world, who think our religion to be slavery, that it is to us a delight and a joy! Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master." (CH Spurgeon)

The past couple of years in particular there has been a lot of sorrow and a lot of tears. Jordyn's first couple of years of life were difficult and revealed so much of what I really believed about parenting and seeing my need for God - in every moment of the day. We have had family members walking through trials and difficulties that bring many tears to my eyes as I even write this. My heart is heavy and burdened for them, yet I know our kind Master is holding them near and is eager to give them comfort and peace.

Joy isn't always being bubbly and smiling. Although I do believe as children of our Risen Savior our faces should be radiant! Joy is know that I am standing on the Solid Rock. That our God is good all the time and that even though I may not understand His ways, I can always trust His hand. It's knowing that no matter what, it is always well with my soul. It's knowing that He gives and He takes away, and in both I can say "Blessed be Your Name". It's being aware that "A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench (Is 42:3). It's knowing that Heaven is my home and that time here on earth is short. It's knowing that God is with us, will not leave us, will not forsake us, will strengthen and uphold us - through the ordinary cares of life, and through any great trials and blessings He may have in store for us.

In this I find my joy. That Jesus would suffer, die, rise again and draw me to Himself. That He would give me life and with that give me hope in His true and living Word.

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is an everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow faint or weary, His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might, He increases strength." Is 40:28-31

You are God, and You are great

And we need You this very day

To wipe our eyes, to lift our gaze

So we can see Your mighty ways

We may not grasp or understand

The workings of Your mighty hand

But we can trust and hope in You

For all You do is good and true

You comfort us right where we are

You know our thoughts, You know our hearts

You know our fears and struggles within

You know our victories, You see our sins

In everything, the Cross shines through

Because of that we have hope in You

You love the ones You call Your own

And one day You will call us home

Life on this earth is difficult - full of want and need

But our time here is short indeed

For one day soon we'll enter our true home

Before Your throne, worshiping You alone!