I can't do a quick summary of the past many months. I'm having a hard time even remembering! Snap shots still managed to capture enough, yet it's in those quiet places where roots really were dug down deep that then allowed us to come up for air praising Him throughout the entire process. I'm thankful for that! There is joy to be found after a season. There is still more joy to be found in it. I'm discovering that in fresh new ways. What deep grooves have been formed, Grand Canyon like deep. He really gives rest to the weary and joy in abundance.
School is coming to an official close soon. I wouldn't mind some warmer sunshine days though it does get harder when the weather turns nice. Our school year itself has been marked by yet another journey I have really come to love and enjoy and look forward to. A summer break will be fitting and lovely, though I already look forward to what we'll dive into next year. And let's be honest, we might plan to go on summer vacation, but we all know learning is an on-going and life long process. It doesn't simply stop with a break.
New and exciting things are on the horizon and in the works for business. Our church was just injected with a fresh confirming dose of calling and purpose through a series of special prophetic ministry. A brand new person cooks and forms away. On-going sickness (the germ kind) from mid February through most of March for me is now a distant memory. The kids have battled funky things here and there, but so far, have been able to kick it completely with plenty of rest and some straight up TLC. My parents came to visit. We held an Easter celebration. My children grow at alarming rates. We live life. We live the life He has for us. And yet... there's more!
That is well with my soul.
Spring wages war outside to take back its rightful place. I take mine behind unwavering Strength. What a resting place to dwell in, yet what an active call to be readied and in pursuit. Not caught with my war boots unlaced, weapon dull, or worse yet; nowhere to be found. Gird your waist with truth. Put on your breastplate of righteousness. Shod your feet with the gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
Gabe slipped out tonight to share that and more with a group of men he (as frequently can) meets with. I caught bits here and there and was freshly stirred.
It's been quite a season now for hands to the plow taking new ground. Taking ground back. Diligently doing the work of the Lord. Being ready. Available. Lead by the Spirit. In the Church and in our homes/daily lives.
It's only by His grace my day carries such weight and worth and vision. It's never dull. It's nearly always exciting in some new way, and yet some days I'm just here, doing what seems not very life changing or chain breaking or exciting to say the least.
Yet this. I hear it! And it spurs and it stirs and it keeps the life boat floating. I'm shining my helmet marked with salvation. I know whose team I'm on.
Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, "Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God."
Wilderness. Wasteland. Aren't we just that?
Highway. God doesn't mess around. No lolly-gag of a beaten off path hard to make out.
The Spirit of God moves and breathes and calls souls home. He calls them back. Lost souls. Confused. Believing a lie. Stripped of the fullness meant for them, in Him.
I'm making way for the way of the Lord. I want a highway in my soul, in my home, in the church, and in this community.
Life looks like this. And it is. But my bones cry out knowing it's for more. That's exciting, no matter the season.
He is coming quickly.
Cupping is down right messy and sometimes stressful (the timing and temps and on and on). But it can still be beautiful, I think.
Simple center table piece things. I can handle that.
My parents come to just be. They bless and they influence. And I'm proud to call them mine.
There's never a bad day with homeschooling. Even the really trying ones. Just grace. And the chance to slow down and savor. Read and teach what really matters, even if lying down for most of it!
Easter and our tables were FULL. When hearts are full, I think it just spills over into everything else. Easter is a full heart kind of marker. Just an absolute favorite.
And the Paska bread never disappoints!
This one, sick the most out of the others, though SO hard to tell! He's quiet and strong. But those naps when he never naps clued me in on a lot about my boy. He is one tough cookie!
New life tries to spring forth outside. New life on my kitchen shelf as well. Violets of all types and colors.
School in the early morning. OUTSIDE for the remainder of the day any chance we can!
Dentist appointments. Real life.
Faithful garlic peeler.
And piano distractor.
19 weeks.
There you have it. In a nutshell...
