Good Memory

Evie has been blessed with a good memory. 

It surprises me what she can remember and how quickly she picks up on things. 

I however, can be forgetful and haven't shared this video from several months ago.

Evie's begun memorizing Bible verses, and these are the first few that she has learned. 

A hope of mine is that she will continue to write these on her heart; so that when she faces doubt, fear, discouragement or joy, she will hear God's promises and perspective being whispered in her ear.

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.

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. :)

A Botanica Family Membership Makes Me a Happy Girl

You might remember me whining about how much I missed our Botanica membership? 

Well, not to fear dear reader you won't have to hear anymore of that, we have one again! Happy early birthday to me, THANK YOU Momma! 

We are hoping to make it there this afternoon after Evie's "nap". 

And as a reward to myself for finally raking and cleaning out our flower-beds, I'm on my way to get some lovely pansies to brighten our front walk and porch. 

I'm thinking deep pink and plum colors...

I voluntarily set myself a spending limit for this nursery trip, Philip was quick to agree. 

He knows me so well.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today is a bright and cheery day for several reasons... 

would you like to know those reasons? 

(This might require a bullet list, there are quite a few! I'm a wordy girl, I know.)

• First of all, it is gorgeous outside. 

•  Even though the wind is blowing 30mph, Philip rode his bike to work today. I'm happy he got to ride!

• This Spring, Spring, Spring weather is perfect for the park! And we didn't only get to go to a very cool park, but we met up with some of our favorite people! 

• Then we had lunch at Freddy's, oh my! It was there that I realized our group was slightly extraordinary (because several people were noticing us and tallying momma's and kiddos...), 4 mommas and 7 babes under the age of four.

• I must hurry away from the computer to make Apple Brownies to bring for a corned beef dinner at my folk's house tonight. (Which is why I'm only posting this one photo, more to come later.) Maybe I will take pictures of the brownie making and share the recipe later as well. They are unreal! So, add Apple Brownies to the list and a special dinner with my parents!

• Then from dinner we all are going to see my cousin Molly dance, she's an Irish Dancer! Evie is so into Angelina Ballerina and dancing, so I cannot wait for her to see another type of dance. And I cannot wait to see Molly either, I know she's good.

 

There is one more reason that I'm excited for today. 

In a nutshell, it's sort of a personal anniversary... twelve years ago on St. Patrick's Day I was going through one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I left Denver and moved back home. But that breaking point, as traumatic and anguishing as it was, was what it took for me to look back to God and truly see His faithfulness to me. He took me from devastation, freed me from hopelessness, made me new and gave me pure joy. Those phrases seem trite, but I write them with earnestness. I'm sorry if that is vague to share such a big part of my life in a few, short sentences. Most of the people close to me know my story, but if you want to know more I'd be happy to share. Just send me an email, or leave a comment if you'd like to hear more.

Thankful

Sometimes I'm struck by the joy and beauty in my life, 

and I am thankful to God for His gifts...

especially this girl

 and this guy.

(awesome image of my love by Jennifer Sosa, the incredible photographer at 

Lindsay & Donny's wedding)

Iridescent Feather Amazingness

So, I told you that I would share photos from the zoo... 

and there are some of people as well as animals. 

But the peacock was showing off that day, and I think he deserves a whole post to himself. 

He was pretty spectacular!

(Can anyone remember the verse reference that talks about how God has revealed Himself to us through His creation? I thought it was in Isaiah, but I can't locate it.

Anyhow, insert that verse here_____________________)

Doll-Baby and Sugar-Pie

Valentines Day to me is; at it's best, a good reminder to recognize and celebrate the love we have, but at it's worst, it's an invitation to selfish thoughts and expectations. 

When my eyes are full with images of lavish gifts or romantic valentine dinners, and my email box full of flowers.com spam, it is easy to let my perspective be misled. To think of what should be done for me... it can really sneak up on me!

I don't really want the obligatory roses or chocolates, just to know that I am loved and to have good time together with my lovies. So to keep my perspective in check, I want to look to the One who is love. To fill my heart and mind with His definition of Love.

1 Corinthians 13:3-5 (The Message)

^3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

   Love never gives up.
   Love cares more for others than for self.
   Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
   Love doesn't strut,
   Doesn't have a swelled head,
   Doesn't force itself on others,
   Isn't always "me first,"
   Doesn't fly off the handle,
   Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
   Doesn't revel when others grovel,
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
   Puts up with anything,
   Trusts God always,
   Always looks for the best,
   Never looks back,
   But keeps going to the end. 

(bold type is to emphasize what I need reminding of)

With renewed perspective... rather than waiting with expectations to have others serve and do for me. I want to look for ways that I can show and be love. 

For my favorite man Philip, I made a Brown-Sugar Apple Pie, since apple pie is a favorite thing of his.

And a baby-doll for my doll-baby Evie seemed sweet, like her.

Christmas Cheer

Hope you all are in a cozy place, wondering at God's goodness with full hearts.