SOON...

 

"For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."

Genesis 26:22

THE 2ND MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

 

I'm a glass-half-full type, always looking for the bright side of things. After all, God's Word says to rejoice always.

 

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

 

The NLT version says it this way:

 

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4 (NLT)

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 adds:

 

 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Give thanks in ALL circumstances. This is hard to do when times get rough. But with God all things are possible, so as Christians, this is a goal we strive for. Rejoice always. This is God's will for us, though sometimes feelings of joy aren't overflowing naturally. Sometimes we're feeling rather sad, discouraged, anxious, annoyed. What are we to do? How are we supposed to get to the goal? God says it is His will that we would be joyful always and thankful in all circumstances and I want to walk in His will. How?

 

I think the sandwiched portion of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives us direction:

 

"Pray without ceasing."

1 Thessalonians 5:17

 

Pray without ceasing. Never stop praying. Continually be yoked to the Vine, relishing communion with the Joy-Giver. God is faithful to provide. His Word is reliable to lighten heavy hearts. Jesus loves us when we're down and He inspires in us ways to be joyful,

to look on the bright side of things, to fill an empty cup with Living Water for the weary and burdened soul.

 

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'"

Matthew 11:29

 

He is a humble and gentle Teacher, this Jesus, Lover of my soul. He teaches joy and love. He leads us into His will when we follow Him. We are like sheep, gone astray, continually. Therefore, we must look for our Shepherd and follow Him, stay close to Him continually.

This is an ongoing process. In other words, we are doing it without ceasing.

 

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Psalm 23:1-3

 

Yes, Jesus is a trustworthy source of love and joy and He is who He is (read always the same) regardless of my shifting circumstances. That's an Anchor I can count on. That's a Rock with sure foundation and what I find is that when I'm focusing on Jesus and reading plus obeying what He says to DO...I find joy. Consistently. Even when my circumstances can feel legitimately discouraging.

 

So...these things said, as we read our marriage devotional yesterday which noted January 24th as being considered "the most depressing day of the year" for various reasons including the aftermath of Christmas, cold weather growing dreary, New Year's resolutions waning, last month's bills rolling in, among other things, our conversations led toward practical solutions for the Christian who wants to trump the enemy's schemes to depress people amid late January circumstances. Obviously, I'm looking to prayer and the reading of the Word. This is the only true source of real joy. And, in addition to this yoking to the Vine, I realize that we also battle against gloomy feelings with tangible things at times too. There are also practical ways that we can redirect our focus and encourage our hearts toward the bright, glass-half-full side of things. I realized through the course of my conversation with Brodie yesterday, that this is something we've been up to every January for more years than I can count now and I can see the blessing in our choice.

 

Enter The LOVE Month.

 

With Christmas merry in our wake, New Year's inspiration softening, and somewhere around mid January, in our family we begin a ramp up for February...one of the most special times of the year for us around here. In the same way that Thanksgiving prepares our hearts for Christmas and December 1st somehow twinkles in the season of celebrating the birth of Christ, we look forward to February 1st with great anticipation and joy. This marks a month long celebration for us where we focus on the LOVE of God, seen most poignantly in the sending of His Son, the season we've just celebrated all throughout December. We figure His LOVE deserves a month too.

 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

 

This LOVE Month is a time for us to look to the Scriptures and learn anew the treasures of love in the verses, the commands we want to obey, the ways we want to live and love others, the way we ought to love Jesus with wholehearted devotion. This LOVE Month we look forward to in January allows our hearts to anticipate a revamping in our hearts and minds that lasts all year and then beyond to teach us more about the fruit of the Spirit, LOVE.

 

LOVE IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

 

God's LOVE is worth our celebration and the gear up invokes in all of us...JOY.

 

So, around this time of year, when dust has settled upon things that may bring people down, we'd like to suggest a new reason to look forward to late January...the anticipation of a month of growing in the love of God, both His love for us as well as the love He wants us to give away. This love is joyful. It's contagious. It's worth our efforts to know more of this LOVE in February.

 

And so we go...I've collected a few more heart shaped goodies to commemorate our special time.

I do this every year in the same ways I do for Christmas, this cookie stamp from World Market being my current favorite addition:

 

 

There will be heart shaped pizzas and crafts. There will be pink M&Ms and cookies. We won't go overboard in the same spirit as how we celebrate the sacredness of Christmas. But there will be celebration! There will be festive fun. We'll keep the focus where it should be, yet we will embrace the season of LOVE and all the merrymaking and yummy treats that come along with that. February 14th is almost like the "Christmas Day of February" and the days surrounding like the season. I can't wait. My heart is full as I think through ways to bless my family and others with God's LOVE next month. It's what we're all about, this LOVE! I get excited when I anticipate our family devotion times and schooling revolving around this most noble virtue...LOVE. Just think of how we'll grow and learn! 

 

So, goodbye January blues for good and welcome February from afar.

You're the 2nd most wonderful time of the year!

 

"But the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:13

NOVA IS 7?!

 

Tiny Nova, with wrists as small as your baby sister's, Happy 7th Birthday!

How in the world are you 7?!

 

 

But, indeed you are, and growing up to be just as sweet as when you were 8 months old like Willow.

 

Nova, you hold a special spot in our family heart. You are gentleness and meekness. You are tender, kind, and quiet.

Everything about you is mild. Even when you're upset, you somehow make it cute with your supersonic cuteness powers. 

 

Precious Nova, you have gifts of the softest kind that melt those who know you and make us feel...nicer.

 

"Blessed are the meek."

Matthew 5:5

 

Nova, we all praise God for your life that is a constant joyful presence. We all enjoy you so much! You're an incredibly likeable little lady, so dainty and adorable. Thank you for who you are! We are so proud of you! We love you with uncontainable LOVE!

 

Happy 7th Birthday, darling daughter.

 

"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty

of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

1 Peter 3:4

WONDERFUL WILLOW

 

{Willow + Joe's O's = True Love}

 

Willow, you even make snacking wonderful!

 

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Psalm 139:13-14

IT'S (FINALLY) TIME

We've talked about moving off the beaten trail for years...

 

 (...to a secret garden of our own.)

 

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him."

Psalm 37:7

 

We've made treks locally more than a few times and also to far off places,

surveying the land both in the U.S. and internationally, taking our time, taking it all in.

 

(Tennessee, 2014)

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Psalm 27:14

 

We've intentionally been blooming where we've been planted,

all the while ready and waiting for open doors and God to move.

 

(Haiti, 2013)

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Habakkuk 2:3
 

Over yonder has been calling for longer than we can remember and we've been patient.

We've waited on the Lord, listened for His voice, accepted many closed doors, and now...it's time.

 

 (a quiet corner in our new backyard, 2015)

 

It was years ago when our special friends had brought up the idea of us buying their beautiful, tranquil, up-and-away home when/if they moved on. We prayed and wondered, explored countless other opportunities in the meantime, and ultimately after years of prayer on the matter, the Lord confirmed in their hearts that they would stay. We celebrated with them...They love their home!

As we closed that chapter, we realized God had used our time with our friends up in their area to show us His will and direction.
We've prayed and remained, accepted lengthy silences and setbacks and yet, finally He has spoken. He has paved the way, answered heartfelt prayers from bended knees, responded with miracles and confirmation. He has led us to our new house...our new home.

 

It is the Lord's house.

And there is peace.

And there is joy!

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
Psalm 127:1
 

We'll have wide open spaces. We'll be far but not too far. We'll be in a rural environment with limitless potential, yet still connected to where we've called home. Most importantly, we'll be building our ministry right here in the ways that we've anticipated.

So, we praise the Lord!

It's a beautiful thing to have found God's will for our next move. There is such peace in the knowing, even though change will inevitably bring discomfort. We've dreamed of this season for so long! But, there was never a rush, just always an openness and desire to relocate to a more conducive location and (slow-er) speed to compliment the things we value most in raising our children for the Lord.

We're stepping out, thanking Him, moving on with rejoicing and nostalgia, and incredibly grateful that now it's (finally) time.
 

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11

WHY WOULD I START NOW?!

 

Sixteen years ago, pregnant with my first, I walked into a super-green shop full of all things mama natural. I picked up the earthiest looking mothering book in the store and read the pros and cons of cloth diapering vs. disposables. After thinking it through and doing the first-baby research, I never landed on cloth. Why? I didn't know where to start. (After all, YouTube wasn't even created yet.)

 

So, I didn't.

 

Fast forward through baby after baby and the every now and then thoughts of cloth diapering for a variety of reasons...never started. Until...a package arrived on my doorstep a few months back. A dear friend who knew my desires sent me a huge stash of cloth diapers and inserts...not just any kind, but really nice cloth diapers! I was so blown away by the generous gift! YouTube in full effect at this point, the same daughter I carried inside those sixteen years ago convinced me we could figure this cloth diapering thing out...together.

 

So, we did.

 

Baby #11, why would I start now?! ...considering she could be my last. My girls began coaching, "But think of all the $ we'll save and how soft those lush diapers are on her silky buns and I already do gobs of laundry anyway and it's really practical to never HAVE to go to the store because 'we're out of diapers' and..." Ultimately the conclusion I've landed on that motivates me most is...

 

My daughters will learn through this experience.

 

I realize this simple little corner of the latter stages of MY motherhood journey PRECEDES the beginning of THEIRS...and we can learn together! They will benefit from something I do now, no matter how late to the game I arrived and that is totally worth it!

 

I think of the film, Monumental, by Kirk Cameron. He goes to great lengths to explore the motivation behind the pilgrims' voyage to a new land. He shows us how they were chipping away at a 500 year plan. "Face down in the mud" these people sacrificed in significant ways, even to the point of death to be a bridge that their children and their children's children could walk over into a better life.

 

That is inspiring!

 

"Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation."

Joel 1:3

 

Taking cloth diapering as one example among many, the (much) bigger picture lesson here is that it's never too late to start something, even something that feels foreign and uncomfortable. Because eventually one day becomes two, then three, then four, then a week. Weeks turn into months and months stack up to years and if we'd like to progress, we'll have to have started somewhere.

 

And I figure...What better time to start something new than January??

 

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time."

Ephesians 5:15-16

 

So, here's to a new year full of new starts. Here's to stepping out and being uncomfortable for a bit in order to gain for the long haul. Here's to perseverance and endurance for the race, gratitude to the God who enables us to do things infinitely loftier than cloth diapering. Here are my heartstrings humming a song to the tune of a 500 year plan. What can I start now that might benefit the next generation and the next? I can see that it's better to start somewhere than to look back with regret and worse off, miss an opportunity.

 

Here I am, daughters, picturing my life an arch flex, a bridge shaped pathway that you can cross over.

May these efforts pour out love for you and honor Godward as we seek to make the best use of our time.

 

I love you, girls!

 

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois

and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well."
2 Timothy 1:5

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY ELKA!

(Loving her cool new bike basket...Thanks Oma and Funny G.!)

 

Elka, you are so very LOVED today and every day!

 

 

It's a funny thing with our Elka...she seems so much older than 11. She, like Aida, has always been

about a decade (at least!) ahead of herself in many ways. I often have to remind myself of her age.

 

Elka, you are fun, generous, creative, sacrificial, artistic, affectionate, bold, funny, willing, loving, and a very exciting person!

 

You're always "up for it" and rarely embarrassed...a quality that will carry you far as you witness for Jesus and love people.

 

 

Elka, you bring energy to our family in a rainbow of ways...always have and I'd guess you always will.

The way you love and serve is inspiring. The way you create constantly mirrors the Father.

The way you strive to become a better person according to the Word encourages us all.

 

Elka, we love you so very much and are blessed to share our lives with you!

 

(Apples To Apples, Ice Cream Sandwich Cake with Reece's, Charades...Elka's idea of a partay!)

 

Happy 11th Birthday, beloved daughter...We are very proud of you!

 

"But the righteous are bold."

Proverbs 28:1

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"What's good becomes bad when it takes away from what's BEST."

 

{I can't remember exactly where we heard it, but these words ring in our ears as we welcome a new year.}



REMEMBERING 2015

 

2015

 

It was a year of stretching challenges, transitions, and adjustments. It was a year marked by

bended knee family prayer, crying out to God, and praising Him through storms and triumphs alike.

 

2015...As I've glanced back upon the past year, anticipating a new year ahead, one thing is most apparent:

 

THE LORD WAS WITH US.

 

I think of Joseph immediately and I turn to Genesis 39. After all that Joseph had endured from his brothers, even being sold into slavery, taken captive in a new land..."the Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man." (v.2) "The Lord was with him and...caused all that he did to succeed in his hands." (v.3) When he was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, "the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison." (v.21)

 

"THE LORD WAS WITH HIM."

GENESIS 39:23

 

And that same God, the One who spoke and brought the world into existence, the One who gave His only Son because of love,

the One who died on our behalf, and rose in victory, and promises His return...the miracle worker God of Genesis...He has been with us just the same as He was with Joseph. And through every moment of 2015 as I ponder where we've been, consider where we're heading, 

I can see the fingerprints of God. I can trust His plans as they're unfolding. I can believe that what He did last year was ALL for our good and His glory. Yes, the Lord has faithfully been with us through it all and we know that He will continue to be.

A track back through the year confirms our confidence is rightly placed in His wise Hands.

 

2015

 

January...The year began with minor, exploratory surgeries for both Bea and Beck. Two children in surgery on the same day was definitely a new one for us and what was intended to be quick and easy became life-threatening for Bea as we almost lost our little girl. It was a stinging entry into the world of heart surgery, but the Lord was with us and He was with her. He chose to save Bea and give her life. She lived and lives and bears testimony of God's faithfulness. We praise Him for giving us more time with Bea.

 

 (waiting for surgery with their special blankies and Bibles)

 

February...The LOVE Month. My memories of last February are sweet and dear. It was a time of reflection for our family upon God's great LOVE. We dedicated the whole month, day by day, to exploring how the LOVE of Christ overflows in and through our lives.

The Lord was with us in an intimate way as we lingered in the Word and celebrated His LOVE throughout those 28 DAYS OF LOVE. I can't wait to do it again this coming February. It's one of my very favorite times of each year!

 

 

March...Bea had her first major open heart surgery. 8 months pregnant with Willow, we praised God that I was able to be present for the hospital recovery with baby safely in my tummy. It was a heart wrenching time of bonding with Bea and trusting the Lord. Again, we almost lost our little girl as she went into full cardiac arrest following surgery...though she survived, our brave little Bea.

We praise God for saving her again! The Lord was with her, with us, in that season of trial and growth. As we anticipate another major open heart surgery for Bea this coming year, we know that He will be with us then too. He will.

 

 

April...We welcomed wonderful Willow to the family in April and we haven't stopped praising God every single day since for the complete JOY she brings to our family! Willow has been one of the brightest spots of our year and through her birth and since,

the Lord has been with us. The Lord has been with her. What a cherished, blessed gift she is, our precious baby Willow!

How can I thank you enough, Lord, for such a beloved treasure? She is yours...

 

 

May...In the month of May last year, we saturated in a season of reflection as Mother's Day brought gratitude overwhelming to my heart. As we evaluated our family journey and ministry, we began to ask the same questions anew, "Where would you lead us, Lord?" "Where are we headed with this family?" Earnest prayers unfolded throughout the month as we humbled ourselves before God, asking for Him to open doors and lead us to a new chapter. We would drive around communities seeking direction, praying over land and properties, committing our lives to God's handiwork, asking Him to guide. The Lord was with us in the wondering and He was with us in the silence. He was with us in the wait and He continues to be...

 

(new family photo with Willow...my favorite Mother's Day gift this year)

 

June...It was just before Father's Day. Under Brodie's leadership, we had committed to seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting all that we needed would be added to us in the Lord's timing and plans. (Matthew 6:33) We submitted to blooming where we have been planted and literally planted a garden to explore some of our enthusiasm for the chapter we've anticipated, making it work here. Just then, a friend contacted us about a new property listing in an area we've looked to move for years. We went to see it, prayerfully and with open hearts and minds. We were smitten. Up the hill and over yonder, we believed we had stumbled upon our next move so we began praying for a miracle! We knew that was what it would take for us to begin the journey toward this place. And we knew that God could do it...if it was His will. The Lord was with us every step of the way.

He led us, comforted us, prompted us to pray and to trust Him. We did...and we do.

 

 (blessed Daddy on Father's Day 2015)

 

July...We began honing in on our calling, realizing that the ministry is here. We've always said we would only move for the sake of ministry. It just took us some time to realize that the ministry we would eventually move for was the one we'd been engaged in all along. Right under our noses, we fully accepted that the ministry is indeed here...as in right here in our family for this season and the Lord is with us. He leads and we follow and seek to serve Him daily in this beautiful, difficult, rewarding ministry He has blessed us with. We love this ministry with passion for Christ and He fuels that love all the more as time goes on and we grow. We have so much yet to learn, but we so enjoy the journey! In July we prayed fervently for movement. We prayed for a miracle IF the move we sought was God's will.

 

 

August...All the more, the desires to invest in our ministry at a practical pace continued to grow as we dedicated our family to slow living for God's glory. We offered our family to Him and prayed on bended knee for the miracle we needed to leap. We committed to practices of prayer, hitting the floor on our knees as a family often, worshipping God together, knowing He could do anything, believing He would lead us. And the Lord was with us and we pray He was as pleased with our time in His presence as we were to be with Him.

 

 

September...The month of September began with a retreat with Jesus for Brodie. He got alone with God for prayer, reflection, reading, and focus. The Lord was with him, casting vision. My husband returned home rejuvenated and alive with excitement for our next move...and then it happened. The first and very important of many miracles we've seen since launched us into the next phase of movement. We praised God for impressing it upon our friends' hearts to equip our family to step...and so we did. We leaped!

We leaped right into the unknown and God was with us through all the uncertainty, the One thing constant Him.

 

 

October...The month of October wavered between hiccups with our move, joy for the next step, and trust in the Lord and His plans. We continued to pray fervently and saw many doors open that were once tightly shut. We praised God for His workmanship and He was with us. We celebrated one year home for Bea and Beck, praising God for how He knit them into our family! The Lord was with Bea and Beck in China and He is with them now. He always will be! As we anticipate Beck's first major open heart surgery just around the corner, we believe that God will be with him and that He has the power to save Beck's little life. We entrust our son to His care just as we have with Bea in the past and will again for her this coming year as well. The Lord will be with us. He will never leave or forsake us.

 

(airport welcome home October 2014)

 

November...Packed in boxes, we saw our anticipated closing day of escrow come and go. Through the disappointing delays we believed that God had intentions and a plan. We still do. We celebrated 3 years home for Noble and India, knowing that God was with them in Congo, He is with them now, and He will always be with them as they navigate their lives with and for Him. We celebrated the DRC allowing our little friend to come home to his family from Congo and continue to pray for the others who wait. We also welcomed another teenager into our house as Brodie turned 13...and life feels short as my babies grow taller than me. How will we spend our days?

 

 

December...The Advent season began with a blow as the rug was swept out from under us on the day we were to close escrow on our new home. We scurried to find a remedy, our life contents packed up in boxes. We waited, prayed, accepted no's, prayed, and finally chose to focus on the sacred holiday season regardless of the uncertainties that swirled around us. We decorated, got a tree for our empty living room, and praised God for sending Jesus to earth! We embraced the JOY of Christmas, determined not to crumble under the attacks from an enemy who seeks to destroy. And the Lord was with us. And He is good. His plans are wise. We trust Him.

 

("Tis the season to be HAPPY"...we decided.)

 

2015...It was a full year. As 2016 begins, we welcome new beginnings and pray for the outcome of our home journey to include transition. We know that God has it all figured out, though we look to the future with blindness. We may not know our circumstances to come, but what we do know...what we can see...is that the Lord is with us. He has always been with us. He will always walk alongside us. He will cover us with comfort and love and even happiness amid sorrows. These boggling truths are part of what convinces us of the actuality of Jesus Christ, His supernatural realness we pray for all to experience. He is Lord and He is light and He is love and He is near.

 

By His grace, may we bring Jesus glory in 2016 and beyond as He continues to write His story full of hope.

 

{HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016}

 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Romans 15:13