Letting it go. That has been a theme that has crossed my path this week. Don't you just love when God puts things in your path time & time again whether through reading material, a radio program or simply with talking to others. It's like "Okay I get it I am supposed to be paying attention"...but then sometimes it still takes me awhile to grasp what it is I am supposed to be hearing. Thank goodness for His patience with me.
My past is something that I have tried many times to let go of. And I think I have been doing a fairly decent job of it recently. Not letting myself get pulled back into shame or regret or even romanticising my past is somewhat new for me. It goes without saying that my colorful past is something that definitely warrants letting go of~ I tried for many years to fill the void within myself with alcohol, drugs, people pleasing, you name it before I was able to realize that returning to God & surrendering my life to Him was the only option for filling the void I felt. A new concept for me is to realize that this can apply to the good parts of my past as well & not just the rebel days of yesterday. The good things of your past can keep you from allowing God to do a new thing now. If we get locked into what we did before, we may miss what God wants to do now. God is always wanting to take you to a new place in your life, and you will keep Him from doing that if you are hanging on to the way things have always been done. If we rely on the way things have always been done, we aren't relying on Him. Stormie Omartian.
Such a great reminder that whenever I think I am getting settled in & comfortable another part of the journey is revealed.

I'm not so sure my eye sight is improving, but they taste yummy!

My favorite kind of morning is when I am able to go outside before anyone else is awake drinking in the morning & my coffee. I love that the mornings are crisp and I need to bundle up before I go out & that everything is still sparkling with the fresh dew. I love being able to praise God for mercies that are new every morning amidst a beautiful world slowing waking.

F.C.O. A.

Future Carpenter Of America

As most projects tend to take longer than expected this one has been no exception. It was much more of a job than we anticipated, but we are so happy with the results. I am so fortunate that my husband is not only a professional carpenter, but a talented one at that. We put 3 yds. of sand, 100's and 100's of pavers and a lot of hours together to create our much anticipated patio!

proof that I helped

Proof that he had help

Thank you husband for the countless hours you put in on your hands & knees (after already working 8 hours on your hands & knees) to extend our living area into the outdoors creating a safe & fun play area for our family! (Not to mention how grateful I am that it takes a little less time to mow the yard now). I thank you. I love you. I appreciate you.

Simply Adorable.

levi & aliza taking her wheels for a spin

Maybe it is because we were married at a courthouse by a judge we'd just met moments before, but I love weddings. I love everything about them, the food, the music, the anticipation of watching the bride walk down the aisle, being able to witness such a private moment between a soon to be husband & wife, being about to celebrate their decision to join together for life and I even love the sometimes awkward conversations of how do you know the bride & groom with everyone you meet. We were able to attend two this past month & besides those two couples I think that may be the end of an era. Of course that is until our nephews & nieces start getting married, but since the oldest is going to be a sophomore in high school I anticipate it being a while before we receive an invitation in the mail.