Faith, Family, Friendships....more Fall!!

I'm tired. In all aspects. But it's a good tired. That kind where you've been drained mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally...but all for a purpose and most importantly for His glory. And once again, He gets the glory!!


Austin Alan :) (a few more family soccer pics from last Sat...)

Nan and Pap cheering on our soccer boys!

Pap and Carson

We've had a steady stream of activity with a little bit of 'life' thrown in the mix. Most of you know my true feelings on this highly UNafforadable Care Act and that we waited it out as long as we could before our insurance plan was no longer offered and we would be dropped...even though I liked it. (and by we, it's myself with my 3 sons) As we neared the 'end of the wire' to try and find something, hours (and I mean hours) were spent researching, calling, calculating, crying, more researching, more calling, well...you get the jist. I had a momentary breakdown if you will, all the while knowing that God would provide. He's never lacked before and always come through so I knew this time wouldn't be any different. I didn't lack faith. I didn't lack trust. I just wanted the answer THAT day. Carson needs good coverage, and it was roadblock after roadblock. With a variety of medical bills adding up, the thought of what lies head with future surgeries and the already impending bills looming was more than I could bear. It had to be put to bed until clarity could resume and along with it, a heavier caffeine dosage and renewed sense of energy to do my part. After I assumed all resources were exhausted and every avenue explored, there was one more plan waiting in the wing that our Jehovah provided. Perfect timing yet again. Proverbs 3:5-6

WCF Harvest party!

love these ladies!! :)

Church family fun!!

Mason pointing to the outfield (thanks Mike!) and PM ready to run with Lilee!

sideline cheering section

yeah...these two...:)

mama/daughter duo :)

the beautiful party planners!



...& he got it!! :)

Austin bobbing for apples...



Caleb is just a little wet :)

Elisha with the mini-man!

time to eat!!

 

worshipping our Creator at sunset

PJ is three!!!

Happy Birthday PJ!!

cousins chilaxin :)

PJ & Nanny

Deer hunting success!!!

Austin got to hunt with daddy this year!!

Nice job Andy!! Love these handsome hunters of mine...

 

lunch spot!



Changing of seasons could coincide with changes that have become apparently necessary the more time is spent in God's Word and with ladies who are seeking that intimacy with the Father that is so desperately desired. It's never easy to watch the beautifully bold-colored leaves fall from the trees, leaving a blank spot for where they once blew, but it's necessary. It's never easy letting go of those things, those habits, those sins (yes...those too!) that we tend to cling to because it's comfortable. It's easy. Or easier. But the letting go is necessary. Growth can't occur otherwise. God is working in the hearts of so many that I'm blessed to walk beside...my heart included! Oh that we might remain steadfastly faithful all the way until the end...

women's Bible study this year, with renewed friendships and new ones!!



our backyard at sunset



With fall comes that pendulum swing of temperatures, so while we haven't had to break out the winter coats just yet (but enjoyed the sweatshirts a time or two!), we'll keep the windows open and ride those bikes as long as we can. But I have to admit that I recently spied those holiday coffee creamers lining the shelves. And it may have given just an ever-so-slight bit of excitement.....

Friday Night Lights with friends!!

soccer buds and cousins! :)



CJ's at it again!

Carson and Mason



 

mini-man thinks he's hot stuff now :)



another fall pic Andy took on their hunting excursion--SO gorgeous!

Why I blog...

This isn't a post in which I am on the search for verification, or a pat-on-the-back, or looking to hear compliments or criticisms relating to it. It's simply an explanation as to my intention with blogging. Yes, I suppose it may be in 'answer' to some comments I've heard over the years, but again it happens to be more of my heart coming through with why I take the time to sit at the computer screen and, in-between sips of creamy coffee goodness, let my fingers do the talking.

I post pictures, random at best, of details within our home so as to give a glimpse to my family that lives far away of what it looks like during the holidays, what new things are there that they didn't see the last time they visited, etc. They can't simply "stop on over" for that cup of coffee and in a way, this gives them a taste of 'home' they otherwise miss out on. You may think it's weird. For us it's another small way of staying connected. I post pictures of what we're doing and pictures of our family so again, those that don't live around the corner from us can feel like they're a 'part' of our days. I know, it may be a highlight reel from time to time. I'm ok with that. This blog is not like all the others you find on the internet with writings about the hottest and most debatable topic, the confrontable issues at hand, etc. I'll gladly talk about those.....just not always on here.

That being said, I'm a pretty transparent person. It may take a while before my heart is nearly fully exposed, and I'm learning to balance trusting carefully, but with the help of my Father, I'm usually pretty willing to share what I'm learning and the struggles I (or we) may be facing in hopes that it just might encourage one other person. You might not be that person. But someone out there is. And if only one "gets it" and walks away from reading with a smile and newfound hope and trust in the Lord, than every word written was worth it. I'm not shy about my faith. Neither is my God-fearing husband. And if you haven't figured out by now that our faith lies in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, than I'll shout it from the rooftops! We're living in times when black and white is getting more gray by the hour. Cultural norms are pulling at us in all directions and so many as followers of Jesus forget the foundation upon which they once stood, the Truth that used to guide. Choices we make on a daily basis could affect the eternal outcome of another. I don't mean to get all preachy, but I guess this would be one of those 'topics' that has been on the forefront of so many conversations. One that I guess I couldn't help but share a little bit of my heart. ;)

I also just like to write. The day I started this whole blog journey a few years ago, I made that sentiment known. I used to be an avid journaler--still am somewhat, but it's that 'time' thing we all lack and somehow think we need more of. Writing can even sometimes be a way of processing for me. There has been an occasional time or two when I sat right here and had quite the "chapter" written...only to delete it all because I had worked through whatever it was at the present moment that laid so heavy on my heart. I always try to write with a bit of Joy, as that IS what we are to choose daily ("Rejoice in the Lord always..."), usually with the intent to encourage someone, somewhere that may be reading this, and most often with a bit of 'rawness' to just be 'real.'

 

Most importantly, blogging has provided an avenue for me to share my faith...to share the love of Jesus with all of you, however that may look as we live day-to-day. It's not always a mountaintop for me/us, this walk of faith, but it's real. And it's continually growing as long as we keep listening and living in obedience.