Sunny Day Regardless of Clouds

Our offer was accepted for the house we wanted! 

And not only did that bring big smiles to our faces, but these bloomed today. 

Awesome.

God's goodness still amazes me.

Good News!

This is how we are feeling this morning. 

We signed a contract last night to sell our house, and we are so pleased!

My Dad shared some good perspective for (big) gratitude in all of this; 

that having a second contract come along in this housing market is pretty remarkable.

And I agree with him that: it has a lot to do with all of Philip's hard work on our house,  and with God being so faithful to provide.

 Now for the fun part, we get to look for our next home!

Do you think this one's available?

Farther Along by Josh Garrels

 This is a beautiful song. I want you to hear it. You can even read it if you like.

Farther Along 

Lyrics by Josh Garrels

Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We'll understand this, all by and by

Tempted and tried, I wondered why
The good man died, the bad man thrives
And Jesus cries because he loves 'em both
We're all cast-aways in need of rope
Hangin' on by the last threads of our hope
In a house of mirrors full of smoke
Confusing illusions I've seen

Where did I go wrong, I sang along
To every chorus of the song
That the devil wrote like a piper at the gates
Leading mice and men down to their fates
But some will courageously escape
The seductive voice with a heart of faith
While walkin' that line back home

So much more to life than we've been told
It's full of beauty that will unfold
And shine like you struck gold my wayward son
That deadweight burden weighs a ton
Go down into the river and let it run
Wash away all the things you've done
Forgiveness alright

Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We'll understand this, all by and by

Still I get hard pressed on every side
Between the rock and a compromise
Like the truth and pack of lies fightin' for my soul
And I've got no place left go
'Cause I got changed by what I've been shown
More glory than the world has known
Keeps me ramblin' on

Skipping like a calf loosed from its stall
I'm free to love once and for all
And even when I fall I'll get back up
For the joy that overflows my cup
Heaven filled me with more than enough
Broke down my levees and my bluffs
Let the flood wash me

And one day when the sky rolls back on us
Some rejoice and the others fuss
'Cause every knee must bow and tongue confess
That the Son of God is forever blessed
His is the kingdom, we're the guests
So put your voice up to the test
Sing Lord, come soon

Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We'll understand this, all by and by 




This album is going to be in high rotation here at our house. The artist is a new favorite. And in another example of God repeating and bringing home His Word to me, this song happens to have an obscure verse reference that just last week I learned and love. 

Malachi 4:2

  But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.

An Unwelcome Check in the Mail?

An unwelcome check. Yes, apparently there is such a thing. We got one today... it was our earnest money that had been released from the house we had a contract on. Seeing it plucked a bitter string in my heart.

We had/have a contract to sell our home as well, but our buyer got laid off. So the purchase of this other home was contingent on the sale of ours... which hasn't come together. The seller of the home we were to buy received another contract without a contingency, which is really good for them, a little heart-breaking for us. We would have done exactly the same thing in their position and are happy that they can make their next move. It has really struck me how one person getting laid off can ripple out and effect so many lives... we are still praying for him to find work, he's got it the worst in all of this. 

Perspective in all this is: yes, we are very disappointed not to be moving this week into a dreamy home that we believed to be our next home, but we trust God has a bigger plan unfolding. There are purposes, lessons and circumstances happening that we cannot see or understand. But He knows our needs and is even shaping the desires of our hearts to better reflect His. We are thankful for that and resting in this assurance.

.

 

We wouldn't have asked for things to go this way, 

but often these turns are the ones that take us directly where we need to be.

P.S. I prefer the translation of this verse that calls Jesus the Author and perfecter of our faith, but in this circumstance I need reminding to "consider it all in comparison with my trials".

P.S.S. I know I've been an absentee blogger this Summer, but I know you all can live without my random thoughts and images, and that you can forgive my absence. :)

Heavy on Photos, Light on Words: Part III

Location: Botanica

Characters: Evie and Grandma (although she wouldn't get in front of the camera)

Props: Picnic lunch, butterflies and heat

Heavy on Photos, Light on Words: Part II

Location: Bradley Fair

Characters: Good Friends

Props: Picnic Dinner and Ducks

Heavy on Photos, Light on Words: Part I

Before we have yet another adventure that goes undocumented (blog-wise, that is), I need to share a few to keep from getting so behind! 

So please excuse the lack of story, and use your imagination to fill in the blanks. :)

The setting: Zoo

Characters: Cute Cousins

Props: Giant lollies from Elisabeth