So much time, so little to do...

Most of you who know me and my current situation might be shocked and in awe over the title of this post. It doesn't exactly fit my character. I have seemingly ten thousand things to get done in the next 30 days. As I look at the title that I intentionally chose, I have to laugh at the opposite nature of my type-A personality self. Always going, doing, busy busy busy.

For example, this is a picture of my desk right now. Notice the three (count them!) computer monitors (granted, one is for work, but still!). Notice my breakfast dishes on my desk and the sticky notes and lists scattered around reminding me of what I need to get done (otherwise my brain would never remember!). I've got a land line and a cell phone in my office, which, by the way, also doubles as my bedroom.

My desk is a perfect reflection of my personality - always pushing the limits of what one person can realistically do and handle. This tendency of mine to volunteer while I'm working part time and mothering two young children and running a household keeps me hopping all the time. Because of the extremity of it, I have often considered that all of the change I'm facing currently, mostly things being wiped off my plate one by one, is an opportunity for me to reprioritize and feel less frazzled. If only it were so easy for me to simply sit with that.

One of my favorite verses, for as long as I can remember, is "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). I can't tell you why I'm so drawn to that scripture, except to say that God must have given me a love for it long ago as a foreshadowing of what He was going to teach me. It is something I dream about embracing, but my drive to do do do prevents me from truly understanding it the way I think He meant for me to. And (bear with my while I psychoanalyze myself here) I believe that my busyness is a way for me to keep everything and everyone at arm's length - as a measure of protection from disappointment or pain.

Last week, I learned that yet one more responsibility (one that I cherish) will be stripped from me when we move (see my post "It's All in Your Perspective"). After working through the sadness and anger of another loss (in a pile of so many lately!), I couldn't stop my mind from revving up and busily thinking about how I can fill that time with something else. I think it took about 72 hours for me to get back up and start doing again.

The thing is, how much am I really learning from all that I'm going through if I just return to my old way of doing things? How many times am I going to give lip service to the "rich lessons" that life is handing me in my trials, but secretly ignore them and move right back into my way of doing things? Why is it so hard for me to "be still"?

I am coming to understand that this is yet another symptom of my perceived need to be in control of everything (see "Control Freak"). I'll admit being in control is an illusion, but it's an awfully attractive lie, isn't it? I'm so intensely tempted by the facade of control. I suppose it is a step in the right direction for me to realize what I'm falling back into and take pause in that. The real test is, will I trust that all that I need will be provided by God and wait for His prompting for me to take action, or will I opt to, once again, take matters into my own hands? I hope for the former. Time will tell, and I hope you'll keep me accountable in this, too.

I'll leave you with these quotes I'm pondering:

"It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?"

~Henry David Thoreau

"When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world we lose connection with one another and ourselves."

~ Jack Kornfield

"The really idle man gets nowhere. The perpetually busy man does not get much further."

~ Sir Heneage Ogilvie

A Sweet Treat

Here are a few shots of last weekend when Bri and I made cupcakes together.

Trying to be careful not to spill...


Denali had to use every ounce of self control she had to keep her fingers out of that batter!


The joy of sharing!

Failure and Excellence

Last night, Kyle and I were watching the replay of Dave Ramsey's "Town Hall For Hope" meeting, and we were inspired. Once again! Kyle made the comment that everyone needs to see that event, and you can do so on Dave's Web site. If you already saw it, or do see it, let me know what you think.

We've followed Dave Ramsey's financial principles in the past and have been firmly converted to his way of thinking about money, but we fell away from the highly disciplined attack on our debt through his Financial Peace University protocol several months ago. Since then, we've done it our way, and we're reminded that ours is not God's and will never be successful. We got arrogant and a little sloppy with our money, and now we have some consequences to face. While humbling, it comes at a perfect time when we're rearranging everything in our lives and preparing to sell our home, our greatest liability (at least from a budgetary standpoint). I'm in awe of the timing of it all. In so many ways, what we are going through right now is looking more and more like a 'reset' of our way of life. Not that everything we've chosen over the past decade was bad - I KNOW that's not true. I am just beginning to think that we are being given an opportunity to reprioritize what's important. If I think about things that way, I'm humbled even more at the enormity of that gift...

Anyway, Dave said something during the simulcast event that I had to write down - it was, at least for me, profound. He said: "Failure, if it's chasing you, will run you to excellence."

He also quoted a friend who once told him, "If you are too busy holding on to your lemons, you'll never get into your lemonade."

Some thoughts I'm pondering today...

It's all in your perspective...

So, I was driving to meet some dear friends for coffee this morning (it turned out to be a three hour coffee date - so much fun!!), and I heard this song on my CD player. It's by Sara Groves (one of my favorite artists), and it REALLY spoke to me today. I thought it might speak to you, too.

I was dealt another hard blow yesterday, just one more thing I'll have to give up when we move that I thought I might get to hold onto. God has other plans, and I'm sure of that because this particular situation couldn't have been more bathed in prayer. I believe and told many others that it was in His hands, and just because the decision I was given was not what I'd hoped for, it doesn't change that He is in control. I'm learning today to be at peace with that, and to trust Him.

I think this song really says all that I am feeling as I work to move into a place of surrenduring all to Him because, at the end of the day, I know He'll provide for all of my needs - after all, He created me and knows every one of them.

All it takes is a change of perspective to see character instead of scars. Enjoy!

Today's top 10 thankful things...

Here are the things I most thankful for today:

10) Sunshine and melting snow!
9) Denali's pleas for me to play with her outside today - she simply wants to spend time with her mama.
8) Aubrielle's plans to bake cupcakes with me today after school - just her and I - she simply wants to spend time with her mama.
7) A day off work today!
6) I finally compiled the list of things 'to do' before we can put our house up for sale.
5) My mom, who graciously agreed to come help me out for a week in May when Kyle is gone for three.
4) My friends, who have planned a girls' night out next weekend, a coffee date tomorrow, and multiple workout classes/dates with me in an effort to spend time with me before we move.
3) The past couple of days full of rich and deep connection with my husband as we talk about our plans and hopes for our future.
2) The blessing of a tax return that will pay for our move!
1) Knowing that I've chosen to get up and start walking, and will soon be running again!

Walk down this mountain...

I LOVE this song, and feel like it pertains to me in a very literal way right now. Hope you enjoy!

"Walk Down This Mountain With Your Heart Held High" by Bebo Norman

Turning A Corner, part 2

Now that you have a little more context to the muck in which I'm currently swimming (see Turning A Corner, part 1), I want to share what has been brewing in me for a little while. It all came to a head yesterday, when I suddenly realized that I need to wake up and get up from the blows I've been dealt one by one. What a pity party I've been throwing! I didn't know it, because it's been a gradual process, but I've been checked out for some time. I thought I was doing better in my grief process (and I still do, for the most part), but I didn't see that instead of getting up and walking through this valley, I had simply sat up - only looking around, but not really going anywhere.

I had allowed the cumulative grief to pin me down, and I only realized it after having one of those "where did THAT come from?" moments recently - I had a very strong emotional reaction when I did not expect it. On the surface, I was doing just fine. It was what was underneath that I was ignoring. But, grief must be attended to.

I've opened my eyes and realized yesterday (well, I REALLY realized it) that I have gained some weight and completely let go of my previously healthy and very active lifestyle, rationalizing that I deserved to eat dessert whenever I wanted and another glass of wine wouldn't really be a big deal - after all, it's been a tough several months. My parenting has been a little more yelling, a little less rational. My marriage has been hit or miss, we have been caught up in the busyness that moving has created. Little by little, I was burying myself in a deep pit - like the frog in the pot of lukewarm water - never realizing eventually the water had come to a boil. (yes, I'm comparing myself to a frog...)

This time last year, I was training for my third triathlon and had already done one of three half marathons in 9 months). I was in the best shape of my adult life and feeling pretty optimistic in general. I was feeling like I was growing more in my faith than ever before in my life (at least that hasn't changed!), and we were finishing up a "Love and Logic" parenting class in an effort to be more intentional with our kids. Hopes were high for our new business, and we were just rolling along.

I have a choice. I can wallow in my self pity, allowing life to pass me by and let down the people who love me and depend on me. OR, I can take a step, then another, then another, until I'm walking and eventually running again. I know this isn't what I was created for. I know I have more purpose than that. I want to be running again - not just literally, but in the race of life. I want to run in such a way as to get the prize (1 Cor 9:24).

Last night, in my new found realization of where I have landed, I emailed my best running buddy and told her I need her motivation and help. She responded, as I knew she would, lovingly but firmly telling me I need to run 3 miles between now and Saturday, when we'll meet for a spinning class. I thank God for her friendship, and her willingness to push me. I'm thrilled to report that I did run 3.25 miles this morning, and I'm on the path I want to be on once again.

I know there will be bumps in the road. I know it won't be an easy journey. I guess I just need to get it all out and rally the accountability troops. I'm now accountable for what I've shared and what I do next. I'm hoping you'll join me in keeping me accountable!

Thanks, again, for reading. :) Here's to the future and to hope!

Turning A Corner, part 1

This is a hard post to write, but it is important for me to do. I'm writing in two parts, because it made the most sense to me in organizing my thoughts, because I want to literally turn a corner on part two, and because it would be just too long to put all together! I want to apologize, in advance, for what may seem like a little of a rant and a little of an extended whine, but bear with me - I'm sharing it because I have a hunch that it's going to end up OK (and thank you, in advance, for reading).

Ok, taking a deep breath...

photo under creative commons license by Pensiero

Many of you know that this past year for me has been a tough one. I feel like there has been loss after loss after loss, and there is no end in sight - or at least for quite some time, there hasn't seemed to be. I know that there are so many others who have faced way more devastation and heartache than I have, but I'm living MY life, and that is all I can speak to with any authority. I heard a talk yesterday on the radio, and the speaker was convinced that if we simply took the time to share our experiences, people could be spared unecessary pain - the reality, according to this man, is that most of us go to our graves with our collective wisdom, never sharing it for the good of others. I don't know if what I've been through brings any profound revelations to anyone but me, but part of my reasoning for this blog is to create a breadcrumb trail of where I've been, so, if only just for me, I'm going to record my journey. I'm hopeful that when I look back at this in a year or five from now, I'll feel a sense of strength - knowing where I came from.

It all started last June, when during a mundane summer morning my darling little three year old came running into the living room where I was to tell me that "it was accidentally, mom, I flushed your ring down the toilet." It took a few seconds for what she was saying to register, I followed her to our bathroom, where she again pointed to our toilet to tell me that she'd accidentally flushed my ring (as I look back, I'm sure she was fascinated by the marvel of modern plumbing - how you can see something in the toilet one minute, and it is whisked away the next - when you think about it, it really IS amazing!). After frantically searching all the usual spots where I might have set my wedding rings and finding them nowhere, it began to set in that, after 14 years of marriage, my rings were gone. We called a plumber to disassemble the toilet and he announced it was "clean as a whistle." (While normally words that would make me swell with pride over my superior housecleaning abilities, under the circumstances, it was confirmation of the loss.) I am relieved to say that, while I was so very sad about never being able to see my cherished wedding rings again, Denali survived the incident - I heard a small still voice in my ear that day telling me to forgive her, she did not know what she'd done.

I know rings are just "stuff," but the symbolism of the loss has been hard for me to come to terms with - I promised my life to my husband wearing those rings, we bought our first house while I wore them, they were on my finger when I gave birth to both of our girls - all the milestones of the past 14 years were represented. To this day, I now wear cubic zirconia rings that I ordered online because I can't fathom not honoring my marriage by leaving my ring finger bare. Someday, we'll have the money to replace these "fakes," and that gives me something to look forward to.

Another blow came when, throughout the summer, Kyle's home building business that he'd taken the risk of quitting his job to start in November the year before, was beginning to reflect signs of the economic slow down. The beautiful home he'd built to showcase his incredible abilities as a builder was finished, but because of a slow market, there were no buyers. On top of that, funding for his salary was quickly being depleted, and it became clear that we were going to have to make some decisions so that we could provide for our family. The result was a loss of his dream to build homes independently, a very difficult split with his business partner and our friends, and our need to face a hard, cold reality that what we had hoped and planned for was not going to come to pass. At least for now. All of these events, including a last ditch effort to buy a foreclosed home to fix up and sell (which still hasn't sold), started us down a path that eventually brought us to the place where we are today, planning to move from our home in Colorado to pursue an alternate career opportunity in Las Vegas.

While I have written extensively about my own sense of loss as we prepare to leave, I am also just beginning to understand the enormity of loss that my husband has been bearing through this whole ordeal (even though he's tried valiantly to be brave and positive for his family). As I write this, with tears streaming down my face, I'm just so very sad for him and mourning right along with him. I'm trying to hear that small still voice now, the one that has, all along, told me we were going to get through this just fine - I don't know how we will, but I know it is true.

As the drama of Kyle's business was unfolding, in October, Kyle and I were surprised and shocked to find out that we were expecting our third child. I had hoped and prayed for another baby, but we weren't "trying", so I felt so blessed to find out that my prayer was answered and remember thinking that this baby was obviously meant to be. I was ecstatic.

Weeks went by, and my belly began to swell slightly - enough for me to notice. I had a strange sense to keep my pregnancy a secret from most everyone (call it a small still voice), only telling one good friend (because I needed to explain to her why I wasn't able to run with her as strenuously as normal). My plan was to reveal our good news to the world after our first ultrasound, which was scheduled at nine weeks.

Unfortunately, the news that I ended up sharing was not quite what I expected. The day before my nine week doctor's appointment, I woke up and found that I was bleeding. I knew that something was not right, I just knew. I made arrangements to see my midwife and drove the 45 minutes to her office where I had an ultrasound. It was there, as I looked up at the monitor to see the little tiny form of my baby inside, that I realized it was lifeless. There was no heartbeat, and I was told the bleeding was my body recognizing the loss and the beginning of a miscarriage. I delivered our third child the next evening, and we buried him (or her) in a surreally tiny casket Kyle lovingly made with a single yellow rose inside and a piece of fleece as a blanket. I'm struck at odd times with the thought of how big and obviously pregnant I'd be today, how I'd only be about two months from delivery (I was due in June), and how I miss that little life that was once, ever so briefly, growing inside me. Grief is tough that way, it comes in waves, sometimes when you're least expecting it.

A very dear friend, who was instrumental in my putting one foot in front of the other at that very hard time, told me how grief waits for us, demanding to be attended to, never leaving our side until we face it. I've found that to be true. I've also found a secret sisterhood of other women who've been through the excruciating pain of losing a child, too, and I'm so very thankful for each of them in my own journey through this valley. I'm also so incredibly grateful and humbled at the small still voice, who, at that time, told me "Everything is going to be OK" and took my breath away when I heard it. My Savior was stopping to be with me, in my bedroom, to feel my pain, and I heard Him promise me there would be joy again. What a gift.

So, that's the last 10 months in a nutshell. Maybe this will give you a little more perspective on why I feel like I'm at a crossroads in my life right now. As we anticipate the events of the next 6 weeks, to include a move to a new state, change in schedules, change in work for my husband (and possibly for me), and the upcoming due date of our third child that didn't make it, I'm uncertain about the future. I'm desperate to understand the lessons that I need to learn, if for no other selfish reason than to never have to repeat them again. (I'm just going to be brutally honest, here.)

What I can say, without hesitation or reservation, is that I know that these trials have been not only the most challenging in my life, but also the most fertile for character growth and spiritual enrichment. I've never felt quite so close or so far away from my Creator than I have over the roller coaster that has been our last year. But, I know that one day I'll see the reasons, and that brings me hope. As I sit here today, I have no doubt that what He's promised me is going to come to pass. That He has plans for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me. He promises me hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) I'm banking on it.

Some helpful advice...

I came across these and thought you'd enjoy, too (I know you can relate)! Laughter is such great medicine!! :)

Tim Hawkins - "Things you don't say to your wife"


Tim Hawkins - "On Parenting"

The big melt

I hear people say all the time here, "If you don't like the weather in Colorado, wait 30 minutes." While we had to wait just a little longer, the sun is back out and melting the snow and ice like crazy this morning. It's fun to watch all the mini avalanches of snow break loose from the tree branches and slide to the ground. Here's a shot of some icicles on our roof this morning - note the shining droplets of water as they fall to the ground. What beauty!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

OK. Trying really hard not to get impatient for the real spring to show up here in Colorado - and stay around... As you've, no doubt, heard on the national news, we are once again being battered by a winter storm in Colorado. So far we have about 18 inches in Woodland Park, and counting. Here are a few shots of the scene.



This is a picture of Kyle and our neighbor, Gordon. They're using two snowblowers to uncover our driveway. Gordon wandered over in an effort to help my poor husband out with the overwhelming job. We have the best neighbors!

And here are a few shots of the girls and I trying to pass the time inside...

Let's hope the sun comes out again, soon!

Resurrection, Redemption, and a Reprieve

I admit it, I'm overwhelmed. I know it's been almost a whole week since I've last posted, and it's not because tons of things that I could write about haven't been on my mind. In part, I suppose I've been a little shy to write over this Easter holiday because so many other writers have so many profound things to say, and what I'm thinking may not be quite so profound. But, I do want to share some Easter thoughts and pictures, especially as a record of what has gone on for the kids over the past several days. So, here goes. :)

As usual, this Colorado Easter was marked by significant snowfall from a storm that swept through overnight and all day Sunday. I think we got about a foot when it was all finished. I have to laugh at it, because for those of you who know me, you know I'm done with snow about 10 minutes after it starts every fall... Anyway, it was clear to me that this Easter was a certain kind of "send off" for us, as next year the girls will be wearing those typical sleeveless Easter dresses with no sweaters over them or turtlenecks underneath to keep them warm. Next year, they'll hunt for eggs outdoors with no fear of snow melting the jellybeans before they can find all the eggs. Next year, we'll be settled into our new church home, and we'll have to be the ones to host an annual egg hunt for all of our friends (instead of enjoying an afternoon hosted by our dear friends here in Colorado). Next year, well, things will be different. This Easter, being so different from what I expect next year will hold, was a unique gift.

Easter morning was, as usual, an exciting time for the girls as they woke up early to find what the Easter bunny had left for them. They came running into our quiet bedroom where we were still asleep to announce that "the Easter bunny left poop on our couch!" (purple jelly beans, of course (what else fits the Easter bunny?), next to the plate of cookies Aubrielle left out for him). Then they gobbled up what he'd left behind, thinking they were especially funny to do so. Aubrielle had, just days earlier, announced that she was hopeful she'd get a "big girl Bible" after reading all the way through her beginner's Bible, so she was thrilled to see that is just what was sitting in her Easter basket. Denali was equally excited to see that she now had some new _Adventures In Odyssey_ DVDs to watch (we're used to listening to them on CD, not watching the cartoon version). They then rushed around both inside and out to find all the eggs that were hidden, eating as much candy as they could shove into their mouths before breakfast.
Yesterday, as I was watching the snow melt in the sun and listening to the rush of water coming down our downspouts from the roof, I was struck how just 24 hours ago how different things looked. And the 24 hours before that. And the 24 before that. On Good Friday, we were in a somber mood recalling the sacrifice Christ made when he took His last breath on the cross, saying "It is finished." On Saturday, even though we knew what was coming, we were still reminded of what His disciples were going through immediately after His death, in their grief and loss of Him in their lives. As the anticipation built, Sunday finally came with its triumphant announcement that He is risen, He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

The snow came and blanketed our little town and the clouds kept the sun from shining through. There seemed to be no end to the cold, wet snow coming down from the sky, and it just kept piling up on the ground. Everywhere I looked, I could only see pure, white, clean snow. Covering everything. Making it clean and new. It was impossible for me not to be thinking about His blood that has covered every one of us in just the same way.

Then, just as quick as they came, the clouds dispersed and the sun shone through, bringing its warmth to melt all of the snow away. Today, there is little evidence of the magnitude of that snow storm here in our yard. All of the Easter eggs have been put away for next year, leaving little trace of our celebration on Sunday. Our regular daily schedules have resumed this week, work, meetings, school... Life goes on, but it will not be the same ever again.

I know next year will bring lots of change. I'm so humbled and incredibly grateful to be able to place my security in the knowledge of His sacrifice, making what is old and ugly, new and clean again. There's no changing that. I hope you all had a blessed Easter and it stays with you through the year.

Also, I should mention that in addition to the incredible gift of eternal life that was received at Easter over 2000 years ago, this year, because of the snow, Kyle's plans to go back to Las Vegas for the week were postponed! So, we're happily together and starting to tackle our ever growing 'to do' list! It's so ironic to me, this year of all years, that I (of all people!) would find the snow to be such a blessing. But gifts don't always come in packages that we recognize right away, do they?

Quotes to ponder

Here are a few quotes that are keeping me going today, as I endure round two of illness (this time, a sinus infection). I am in need of perseverance, and maybe you are, too.


Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance. ~Samuel Johnson

Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down. ~Charles F. Kettering

Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost. ~Helen Keller

The difficulties and struggles of today are but the price we must pay for the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow. ~William J.H. Boetcker

Suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~Romans 5:3-4

Someone, please pass the tissue...

Mom, there's a squirrel in the house!

 Photo under creative commons license by dotpolka

So, this morning, each of us were hurredly getting ready for our days - Aubrielle was tidying up her room, Kyle was downstairs getting started with his work, and I was in our bathroom trying to get my hair to cooperate (with little luck). Suddenly, I hear Denali nervously giggling as she ran through the house. She annouced with glee, "Mom, there's a squirrel in the house!" as she ran by with the newspaper she'd just dutifully picked up outside for her father.

Knowing too well the jokester Denali is and her    active three year old imagination, as well as the fact that we have a rampant squirrel population in our neighborhood (ask me about the time they were living in our attic!), I was not sure what to think. But, it was possible enough that I was worried.

Kyle, on the other hand, although he did bound up the stairs upon hearing Denali's proclamation, quickly dismissed it when he did not see evidence of any rodents under the dining room table where Denali was pointing. He said confidently, "I think she just thought she saw the squirrel come inside after seeing it outside."

Denali looked a little perplexed as to where the squirrel went that she was sure she saw sneak inside the open front door while she was retrieving the paper. So, she continued to look around. Kyle, on the other hand, was convinced there was nothing to worry about and began heading back downstairs. I headed back to my bathroom to continue my battle with my unruly hair, placing my hope in my husband's confidence and closing every door in the hallway on my way back - just in case.

A few seconds later, I hear Kyle yell out and Denali sqeal once again with delight - they'd spotted the squirrel. In the laundry room.

What is it about mice and spiders and rodents (in general) that makes women like me, who are normally very rational, suddenly turn into a hysterical screaming mess completely consumed by fear?!? And what, exactly, was I afraid of? Despite the relative smallness of this furry creature, I was terrified.

All I can say is, thank the Good Lord that Kyle was home this morning and was able to bravely shut himself inside our tiny little laundry room with the squirrel (to avoid letting it get out and run through our house). He closed the door behind him, we heard a scuffle and a muffled grunt from my manly husband, then he emerged victorious, annoucing that the squirrel, after jumping onto the top of his head and then slamming itself into our wall, was able to navigate out the open window to the great outdoors, where it belongs. Problem solved.

He then apologized to our youngest for doubting what she swore was true. There WAS a squirrel in the house. What a funny start to the day - no doubt both girls will be announcing our squirrel adventure to their classes as soon as they can raise their little hands to speak. :)

TGIF!

In honor of my favorite day of the week, and in an ongoing effort to live in the moment and take nothing for granted, here are the top 10 things I'm thankful for today:

10) Hot, steamy, long showers with no interruptions by little voices, during which I can close my eyes and pretend I'm somewhere tropical and humid.
9) Returned health, which should never be taken for granted, but is especially sweet after over a week of illness.
8) A whole day that I do not have to work (until this evening), and freedom to attend the spinning class I'm meeting a friend at in a little bit.
7) My job, which allows me to work around my schedule, from home, doing something that makes a difference to others.
6) My husband, who let me sleep last night while he was up cleaning the carpet in our oldest daughter's room at midnight after she threw up.
5) A sunny, bright morning that reminds me that each day is new and a gift.
4) A hot breakfast burrito this morning smothered in Kyle's homemade green chili.
3) Three loads of laundry already done today.
2) An unexplainable peace about our upcoming move and even a little excitement about the adventure ahead (go figure!).
1) The knowledge that everything, while not always easy, is going to be OK.

Changing Seasons

Well, April is here! Spring is, too, right?! I want to share with you the view outside my office window this morning

Crazy!! We heard there might be a storm today, but woke up to sunshine and calm. All the sudden, I looked out the window and saw a blizzard! Ahh, the variety of weather here in Colorado. You never quite know what you're going to get, and we all have gotten pretty good at being flexible (because we have no choice!).

I got to thinking about how that is so much like life. You expect things to happen the way you expect them to. Then, unexpectedly, we find ourselves facing a scenario we never saw coming. Flexibility and a willingness to "roll with the punches" is required in this life, and some of us are better at it than others. John F. Kennedy once said, "The one unchageable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable." In so many ways, this is so true.

But, my thoughts turn to the One who doesn't change, not even a little bit, and Who has promised to walk with us through all the changes we face. Psalm 33:11 says "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

The snow this morning, while suprising to me, was not a surprise to Him. Nothing takes Him by surprise, even though we are often thrown for a loop when the unexpected happens. Just some thoughts I'm pondering today...