ZIPLINE

We took a break from unpacking this past week to try out the new zipline...

Brodie went first...

Then Noble...

And Boden was just a little bit excited for his turn.

(Nevermind that his helmet was falling off!)

What a fun and adventurous part of our new chapter back up on our hill.

So thankful.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY NOBLE!

This picture was taken last year on our trek back to CA...and I remember thinking how grown he seemed then. Even more so now, Noble is one of those boys that acts like a man. He is an incredibly hard worker, sacrificial, chivalrous, gentle, and kind. Noble is generous, thoughtful, and sensitive. He has come a very long way in his young life and he is always eager to learn.

He's a good boy.

Noble is also fun! He's incredibly gifted athletically and seems to have springs in his legs!

He can keep up with his big brother...

He has become an excellent surfer!

He is extremely brave and will take ANY wave!

(These photos are small compared to half of what we've seen Noble drop into!)

Noble always takes care of his mama...


(our recent library date)

He makes sure I feel safe and provided for.

(Noble...always the gentleman, carrying the bag, etc.)

Noble is a special young man.

His one bday request was to go to the Lego store with our whole family.

We hadn't been in years and it was super fun!

Good call, Noble!

Noble, today on your birthday as I reflect upon your life, I thank the Lord for you. I praise Him for the work He has already done and continues to do in your heart. And I trust that He will carry on to completion all that He has begun in you. I know that you will grow to be a God-fearing man and that you will lay down your life for others as Christ did. You already do.

Happy 9th Birthday to our Noble!

You are a very special person and we are so proud of you!

"But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands."
Isaiah 32:8

7

7 normal pregnancies.

Then...

7 miscarriages in a row.

7

It never really felt like such a big number, but today it does as I process yet another loss and wait

to let go for the 7th time. Confused but trusting, today 7 feels like a really big number.

7

It is a special number to God.

And now it means even more to me.

Interestingly, I've just been reading in Genesis of the 7 years of plenty and then 7 years of famine in Joseph's story. I've just read of his years of imprisonment that get but a phrase in the Word. Years pass which were days upon days for Joseph, but in the scheme of things, those years were a blip in the big picture lineup and I pray to view my years of hardship like that. I pray to understand that what might seem harmful now, will be used for God's kind of good in His timing. I trust that is His plan.

"God has made me forget all my hardship.

God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

Genesis 41:51-52

I may never understand why the Lord has chosen this road of loss for my story, but what I do know is that He walks with me and comforts me. He is the strong tower that I can run into and be safe. He is my hiding place and my shield. He never fails. He's always here. He is the perfect in a fallen, broken, imperfect world. He is the hope when things feel hopeless. He's the refuge in the storm. He Himself is my peace. His name is Jesus, and He is the Best Friend anyone could ever have. What a wonderful name it is...and what a beautiful thought to consider my babies in His arms. How much higher are His ways! How much trust I gain when I'm humbled to tears. How much strength He gives when my weakness flails. I must choose to focus on His goodness when things don't feel good. And I'm trying and He's helping me and it's been a journey, but He has been with me...through these 7...and I know He'll be from here on too. There is so much to be thankful for.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

MOTHER'S DAY 2019

It's been a day to cherish and feel cherished by my blessings...

My favorite gifts from the Lord.

"Children are a gift from the Lord."

Psalm 127:3

I'm so thankful to do this life together.

With my people...with him.

Thank you, Lord, for the good gifts you've given and for your comfort along the way.

It's been a special Mother's Day.

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."

Isaiah 66:13