The chapter that just won't close

Forgive me while I work out the writer's block from my fingers.  This week hasn't gone the way I expected.  For that matter, neither have the last few years. No pretenses here. 

I have had a really bad two weeks.

I thought I would get married, have children, play football in the yard with them, enjoy them, enjoy life- but standing in between me and those dreams lies a monster called chronic illness.  Every time I feel like I am going to be able to slam this chapter shut - it remains open.  I want these chapters of my life to read differently, but right now they just aren't. 

I'm tired.

Tired of having to think so much.

Tired of smiling and saying "I'm just fine thank you."

Tired of missing field trips, school parties, and lunches with friends.

Tired of doctor's appointments and new theories and being the experiment that never turns out right.

I.

am.

tired.

And I don't even have a good ending for this blog post except to ask you to prayer for me.  

Could you remember me in your prayers tonight?  

I need a fresh word from the Lord. 

  

An Editing Kind of Day

It was an editing kind of day.

Here are some of my favorites of Shelby Allen.

Enjoy!

Endearing

She wore silver Toms to prom.

And any Tom's-wearing-girl is a friend of mine. 

Shelby was endearing to photograph.

Some 250 pictures later...

...these are a few of my favorite shots.

Thanks Shelby for being such a great subject! 

If there was a lion outside your door

What would you do if there was a lion outside your door this morning? 

You wouldn't feed it.

Or play fetch.

Or let your children play with it.

Nor would you invite it into your home.

What if I told you that today it would happen without a shadow of a doubt?

You are going to come face-to-face with this guy.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
 ¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 2 Peter 5:8-10

What are you doing today to guard yourself and your family from the one

that prowls around seeking someone to devour?

New Pup on the Block

Baby A believes that our new street dog is the smartest pup on the block. 

She is thoroughly convinced that he has been smiling at her. 

Oh yes, I think I forgot to mention... 

...we have a new puppy.  

The kids call him a "street dog" cause--you guessed it-- he's been on the streets.  

But, we're not complaining. 

 This street dog is the best natured dog we've ever owned.  

He is house-trained, barks at the door when he needs to go the bathroom, rides in the car better than my children, and even sits on command about every third time. 

Baby A is terrified of dogs and we promised that if she could show us she wasn't afraid, we would

let her pick out her own puppy. 

The plan went south a few times as she tried to force herself to "not be afwaid." We tried out

several dogs at the no kill shelter that ended in tears and convulsing. 

She just couldn't do it. 

Then, a friend of ours offered up the stray she rescued from the street.

We all, the boys eagerly so, prayed that she would be free from her fear

 right before my friend came by for the offical puppy meet-n-greet.  

And miraculously...

P.S. Don't mind the horrible picture quality or the miniature size--I just wanted you to see miracle for yourself.

Baby A wasn't afraid and the boys were beside themselves.  

Baby C said "HEY!!!! God heard our prayer - cause LOOK- she's not afraid." 

Even puppy adoptions can create opportunities for a teachable moment. 

 I never get too attached to animals-- especially after I had children--

but this one's already stolen my heart.  

The God Who Sees You

Today, the kids and I were driving through town when baby A says:

"When I look out the window to the right. I see Jesus."

"Well that's good, what does He look like?"

"Mom, I can't see his whole body; I just see his face.  He doesn't have a beard though."

"That's nice. Do you think he shaved it?"

"I don't know, but he is wearing his white robe."

We keep driving.

"Hey! Now, I see Jesus and God together!"

"And what are they doing now?"

"They are praying together.  Mom, I can see straight up to Heaven.  

They are praying because they love us. Our heaven-house is up there too."

"Is it big?"

"I can't really tell, because I just see it, but Jesus' parents are standing in front of it.  Ya know, Mary & Joseph."

"Hmmm...you're right Mary & Joseph are in Heaven too."

"Yeah I know, I just told you I see them."

We turn onto the highway.

"Mom, just everywhere we turn, God and Jesus are watching us. They just see us all the time. 

I wipe the tear from my cheek and sigh.  

{Thank you God for seeing us today. You are El Roi, the God who sees.  It is your very name and we take You at your word.  You see our circumstance and you are Mighty to Save.}

Hunting in Pinto Beans

 We've been hunting today...in pinto beans.  

And from one mom to another, I'd just like to say...

This

is

hours

of

Entertainment!

Counting Beans...

Digging for colors...

Finding shapes...

Filling cups...

Dumping beans...

Piling them onto the top of the microphone and making a bean "ice-cream cone." 

Letting Larry & Bob pretend it's the ultimate Veggie Tale swiming pool.  

Like Baby, Baby, Baby, No...

 Don't let them fool you. 

There's a little bit of foot loose in all of us.

 Just follow me.

 Especially...

 when

 you've

 been

 bitten

 by

 the 

love bug.

Have you noticed?

I've been very neglectful.  Matter of fact, I've had way too much of this...

Not enough of this...

Resulting in a whole lot of this...

My poor kitchen and exercise icons have been sorely neglected on my blog.  

Enough is enough. 

 It's time for a change.

I'm in...are you?

Catch me on facebook for more information.

My Six Word Story

Oh stop your laughing. 

Really.

 I can hear you from here:

 "She's going to tell us something in only six words?!?!"  

Why, yes I am certainly going to try!

  I know I am normally long-winded, but I give you my word.  

Actually, I am going to give you six of them.  

See, I'm trying one more time for a scholarship to attend She Speaks this July. If you are interested in learning more about this conference for women; click here to find out more.  Three cheers for brevity!

Ready. Set. Go.

Ultrasounds, bedrest, and triplets! Oh My!

What six word story can you share with me?  

I'd love to learn something new about you!