It really IS a special time!!

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Talk about cultivating relationships - let's start with one way it gets played out at home.  So, this has been (obviously) going on for awhile, now, but... it makes we wonder what "people" think (neighbors, etc.) - and yet, quite frankly, I don't care.  We've been doing this sort of thing since each of our kiddo's first days of school. 

It came to mind the other morning while waiting for the Big Yellow 29 - and I'm out on the porch with my son.  He's twelve.  It was cold.  Like... r e a l l y COLD! outdoors - and I started to do what are something that resembled (ahem!) jumping jacks... just to try to keep warm. And.. this is what I hear.

"Mom! - YOU'RE EMBARRASSING ME!"

Really?!?!!  I laughed a little.  Thinking here he is - here we are.  From day one of school mornings waiting for the bus... either I'm here or it's my hubby.  Sometimes it is both of us.  Often, just one. Mostly, just me.

Here's the thing.  I'm pretty much 100% positive - while it may "LOOK LIKE" an overprotective parent hanging out - watching every little thing... that there are kids looking on from inside the bus - wishing it was their mamma who was the one who just took 5-7 minutes outdoors, with them.

It is really is a special time.

This is when - prayers get prayed.  Hugs are given.  A listening ear is offered. Maybe a verse or two from Scripture is shared.  A song.  A ditty...a laugh.  A simple conversation.  And... even a kiss on the forehead with that one last affirmation getting shared.   

Yes!! It really is a special time.  And... while that time may be fleeting.  I'm still going to be there - as long as I'm able.  I don't know that there are too many others who still choose or who are able to enjoy these types of moments with their growing kids.

I hope my kids will remember, these times.  I truly hope they choose to cherish these memories as much as I do and will.

** These verses from Ephesians 3:17-19, are my prayer - for my three beautiful blessings!

Cup of Talk

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We were at some friends for dinner several years ago now, but I

often think about something my friend mentioned in regards to her family - of while she was a young gal and growing up.

She said that back when they had their dairy farm, AND... this obviously had to happen around

the cows schedule, but that their family would have what they would call:

COFFEE TIME.

This happened everyday at 10:30 am, and again at 4:30 pm in the afternoon.

This what they did. They would all sit down, as a family, around the table
and have a cup of coffee... and talk. Now, that they don't have the dairy farm anymore...one would think this family "ritual" might have changed and gone out with the farm...but, no!
It is a habit that has remained.

I love this!


Quality time; fellowship, talking together, over a good ole cup of hot coffee.
It just might be a good habit to start.

When have you had a good old cup of 'talk', lately??

Let's get together!!

My new mantra - or one, I've been trying to implement - is this:  Phone a friend, at ten!

In and Out of Practice

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I originally posted this a little over five years ago - almost to the date.  Everything about it is STILL the same!!  I felt it appropriate to re share... today!!

**

I felt a little out of practice, with hospitality!  

There is hospitality and then there is extending hospitality.  Both are something I LOVE to do.  Something we LOVE to do, as a couple, in our home.  Both are what we are called to practice!  And, as you keep reading... this is something that my husband does way better at than I.

Because...

For the past two weekends.  On Sunday's   My husband... he did the inviting!

He initiated... and for one of those times...it was a family of six!  Completely spontaneous!!!    The other time - a family of four, whom I did not know - but he and our son both knew, from Scouts!!  What an opportunity!!

I felt a little out of practice.  A little out of sorts.  Spastic!  My nerves were rattled... :)

When life and it's busyness and schedules overrule our calendar and already, we feel like we can hardly stay on top... then, to have this thrown my way??

My hubby loves to tease.  "You wanted a man, just like your dad!".  Yes,it's true! - my father would do this on occasion to my Mom (even when they had nine children of their own!) ... and my husband's right!  I did want this.  I love it that my husband also has a heart for people and "wanting to have them in our home".

Well, needless to say.

I rose to the challenge.

I needed to.

Because folks were coming to our house in less than "two hours!" 
Here's my mantra:  My response makes or breaks a situation.

The thing is...

I felt my husband's care to come alongside, in both instances, and pitch in...

prepping the coffee...

setting the table

arranging the room so as to fit everyone in "better"..

offering to peel potatoes..

running the bissell over the carpets

Whatever else I needed - he was there!  By my side.

Was my house clean?  Tidy, perhaps... but not clean, clean!

Tidy enough?  Perhaps not that either.

But...

If I would have made a scene and had him cancel the plans, his plans... because I wasn't mentally prepared or whathaveyou.  We would have missed out such a blessing!

Perhaps this is a stretch...here.  And, believe me - I am not boasting when I say this.

But, part of me wonders if this isn't my husband's unspoken way of taking this verse to heart.

Her husband has full confidence in her...Proverbs 31:11

I give the Lord praise - that we can work together, as a team, and make others (hopefully!) feel at home... and be at peace.  

What are a few practical ways - I can handle these surprises?  Ways to keep, or stay in practice..?

I have learned that it's okay to keep it simple.

To keep a few "go-to" recipes in the back pocket, is smart, even if it means my family eats the same thing twice in as many weekends!

And, if it helps, don the apron as well as a smile...

If if my knees are shaking underneath, who'll know?

***
Linking up with FMF - writing community!!  On the topic of hospitality!!

Kindness really matters!

Oh my word.  I don't blame a single soul for falling off "my bandwagon" - here at Treasured Up and Pondered.  In fact, if you are reading this... I'm impressed.  Because, I've fallen off... as well.  Obviously.

So, for that... dear friend and reader...I say, if you're here and still "desiring to hear" anything from me - I say THANK YOU!   Yes, thank you for your kindness.... and your patience ... and your prayers.   Please feel my {hugs} and see my smiles...

Truth is.  Our plates are full.   I don't like to say we've been busy - because everyone is and can be "busy". Instead of busy I'll refer to it as - we've been "investing" ourselves into lots of different areas...

We're wrapping up the school year, with the kiddos, in just a few more short weeks.   My husband has also recently finished up a 15-month stent on taking up some Theological studies... he graduates, here, in early June.  His desire in this course has been for himself to grow - as a husband, a father, a leader, a friend; a way to better connect all the dots.  I think he's really grateful and blessed to have gone through this course.  I'm glad he did it and stuck to it.

Our home-based business continues to keep us on our toes... with its highs and lows.  All is fine!!  We continue to learn; grow ourselves as better individuals and leaders...we still LOVE what we do and what it is all about and why.  It's been life-changing, for us!!
We're always willing to share with others - a better way!!  Health and happiness is everyone's hope!!!

Church life is full of changes and challenges.  There are lots of things to be a part of...and areas to serve and mature in.   We don't live super close to our church, anymore - so there is that distance factor that plays a part in how much we can logistically be involved.  We're so grateful to have a wonderful church family...who understands and still encourages us! 
Something to keep in mind.  It really does matter how much you offer in as to what you you'll receive out of church.  There is no perfect situation.... BUT GOD!!! 

One of our most recent endeavors has been the invite to join a family/friends, of ours, in Revolutionary War reenactments.   This is mostly on account of our 11 yr old son.  His passion is beautiful combo of history and music.  So his role, in this "new hobby of ours" is an acting hornist for this particular regime; while the rest of us consider ourselves as camp followers or sutlers.    Doing this as a family allows us all to be involved; all going the same direction - with activities and such.   So far it has been a process; keeping to authenticity is very vital.  I really appreciate learning and understanding all of this.  It really has been fascinating.    How do I mean?    I've been helping to do the sewing for a lot of our 18th century garb.  Any visible seam needs to be hand-sown.  But, not only that... the cloth needs to be 100% wool or linen or cotton.  Only certain colors are of the time period...
So, there are lots of things to learn and lots of events to participate in - and new and interesting people to get to know.   ** I realize, I really should do some posts, with photos, on these, in effort to better preserve our memories - that we've been making as a family.

What else?

Of course - we're gearing up for summer and all its activities. Hoping for a couple of trips... one business related the other a family vacation.
We're also honing in on a few lingering house projects.... such as settling our side flower bed, putting up a washline (I cannot believe I've gone this long with out one! - kinda driving me cray-cray!!) and hopefully getting an outbuilding shed type thingy.   I'm sure there is a longer list...

My hubby and I just celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary!!  Yay!!!   Looking forward to forever...

Our son - is getting soooooo tall.  AND, his voice is deepening every. single. day.   It's so crazy how fast they change.  Caught in that place of wanting to still play with matchbox cars and nerf guns while busting out of shoes and his clothes - like a young man, should!!
Oh - and our two girls (ages 10 and 7) both donated 12" of hair.  Their first time of EVER getting their hair cut... even trimmed.  So, of course, the gal probably took a total of 14", till it was all said and done....
I was proud of them.  Of course, this mama shed a tear ever so slightly.  I thought I'd tear up more.  I am sure it was because we talked about long and hard enough to finally just "do it".   Right?   They still have pretty long hair and could almost go for a "round-two" already... but, they don't want it any shorter, at this point. 

***
 Why all this ramble?   I have no idea -- other than, I just needed to get it all out there - as a way to play catch up. Get my fingers back to the keyboard.  I've really missed it.   This quiet, reflective space...   

I will say.  I was having a chat with my 10 year old, this morning.  She "unloaded" it all... the tears were flowing and I was holding her and listening.  The things she shared were real, and raw; things I could easily relate to - as I've been there myself, many times.     One of things I shared, with her,  in return, is that as you grow into a young woman - you will find that this may happen again - over and over and over again!   Relationships and friendships will come and go.  Being kind through them all speaks volumes.  But, yes!  There is what feels like a footprint left on your heart.  Sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes it really leaves an impression.  Sometimes that is all that it is... but sometimes... its meant to be blessing!!!

May someone's kindness towards you - leave an impression - today!!   How about you - for someone else...okay?  It really matters.  I pray my daughter shines like the sun, today!!!

{re post} The Day My Sister Pretty Much Saved My Life.

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Photo courtesy of my Sister Lorene!

On hot days like these last few have been - I think of water.  Naturally.  However, I must be true and say that I do not like to go swimming.  At least, this: Don't make me go under water if I don't have to.  I've had one too many close calls...

Today, I shall tell you about one of them. As, I have once promised, a long time ago...oops! 

A couple of years ago, now, we were at our usual Summer Vacay place - a cabin ~ Dutchman's Paradise ~ that we as a family have gone to pretty much since I was two years of age.  The one small river nearby, similar to this above photo, was pretty full that year.  It made great the idea for going tubing.  There was a small group of us.  Myself, my Uncle Roy (who has since passed on), my sister Lorene, and another cousin or two.  We started out from the one bridge, about 3 miles down the road from our cabin, and our plan was to go on downstream, over to the next road where we would get picked up via a vehicle to come on back to the cabin.  This was probably a two mile tubing trip - I would guess..

Keep in mind,  I was newly married at the time.  My husband had just left, that morning, to get back on the road.  (At the time, he was a Truck Driver). We had just said our Good-byes.  This "day of fun", here at the cabin was just getting started, for everyone...

Our little group.  We were off ... happily aboard our tubes; we set sail.  Lollygagging downstream...it was a beautiful morning, a lovely scenic float all along the way..trees on all sides.  Parts of the river were shaded, water sounds rippling over rocks and the birds singing made it even more peaceful.  I loved it!

This was the day my sister (Lorene) pretty much saved my life.  And, I'm forever grateful.

The group was ahead of me.  I saw the way the river was looking... coming up.  One side was pretty shallow, the other side nice, deep(er) and running pretty good.  It had rounded a bend and the other tubers were soon outta sight.  My turn.

As I was going toward this faster water coming up... I "planned" my maneuvers through there, so I thought.  It looked like a HUGE tree must have uprooted itself over onto the bank and all of it's root system was exposed..I figured I would maybe bump into that, twirl around and keep on floating downstream...naturally, going with the flow.

Except that I hit that root system pretty hard.  I flipped off my tube and could feel nothing below me, around me, above me. I was in a major whirlpool...twirling and swirling... my arm was stretched as far it could go above me.  I came up chocking and sputtering and (I still) absolutely cannot believe it to this day that my glasses stayed on my face. I reached out and found a root to hang onto... and hang on I did!!   While in that churning water - my life was going before me... my newly wedded husband off in a truck somewhere... I was praying... Lord, Jesus!  Help me!  I just knew I was...I WAS GOING TO DIE!!!  I remember telling myself over and over to "not panic" and to keep calm.  To deep breathe.. and to continue praying..

From my sister's point of view at this point   My tube came around the bend, but I wasn't on it.  She leaped into action.  I guess the others had kinda all gotten back over onto that shallow area and stopped to take a break.  Because they, too had just come through that "FAST and FURIOUS" area.. 

All I can remember is hearing my name being called, repeatedly and intensely; telling me to let go and grab the tube!!!   Little did I know that she was in the water herself, at this point - not being able to touch bottom.  Her "screaming" at me - snapped me enough to where I literally had to decide to let go of the root I was hanging onto (for dear life) and grab the tube she was holding out to me.  That right there was probably one of the most important decisions of my life where I HAD TO CHOOSE who or what to trust in, in that moment.

I let go.

I grabbed the tube and she miraculously pulled me out of that torrential whirlpool... My Uncle was now in the wings.  I think I sat there on that stony bank - opposite of the river - for a long while.   The problem was.  We were what? two hours into our float? We HAD TO FINISH.  People were waiting for us - or would be, at least.  And, THERE was NO WAY I could walk anywhere.  This was in the middle of absolute nowhere.  Literally.  I had to face it and keep going.

The rest of the 2 hours, floating downstream, was pretty non-eventful.  Thank God!  And beautiful...I truly was one Grateful Soul.. that my sister had presence of mind in knowing what to do in that moment.  The Lord was with us, for sure that morning.

My nose still burns of water, in the memory...

One of the funny things of that morning is that I can distinctly remember my Mom - jokingly, looking my way, while holding out a yellow rope, and saying something about, "Are you sure you don't want to have this along with you, while your tubing?".  I remember kinda blowing her off - as if to the fact that we would be fine..
Little did I know ... it would be me who needed it.

I guess that isn't very funny.  But we could have used the rope, too!  I suppose.

I just know this one thing, for sure.  You probably won't ever find me out there tubing again.  At least at this point - I don't think so. 

Unless...of two things.  One, my sister must be along and two, we take along a strong yellow rope!  haha..

This incident  and neardeath experience aside... I really did enjoy myself.



::  This photo is not of where this actually took place.

***
There are so many things I could pull from this.  So many analogies.. but I think if you read in between the lines, you know what they are.

What are your thoughts?? 

fmf | A Place to Stay!

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 Some of you may know this already - if you follow me on Facebook - but, my girls and I just came back from a quick, 3 day, over the fourth of July - vacay!!  

My hubby and son were off on a week-long, Scout Camping Trip, since Sunday, and so us gals decided we'd go "glamping" and stay with my sister, where she lives.  It was about a 3 hour drive from me and in the beautiful mountains of Central Pa.   So, today's prompt word, vacation, was perfect...

If you want to see photos and hear/read specifics, on our time away you can go find me there, on Facebook, and catch up, that way.  However, here is more of the backstory... to our time away.

***

My girls were eager to pack their bags and grab their pillows and sleeping bags.   A chance to go see their aunt Gladys and spend some time... doing something different., rather than just hanging out all week - with mom - and no Daddy or brother around.  :(

When I think of vacation and what, at least for me, it is meant to be...I can have a certain expectation.

I KNOW that there are many times - out of ones' control - where a vacation can turn seriously stressful.   That may or may not ever happened before.

I'm so, so grateful that this one - for me - was a balm for my soul!!

What made this one so special?  One, I was proud of myself for getting my "road trip on" and making this happen.  It almost felt spontaneous and that was another success.    The thing is... I really needed this getaway and I don't know that I even realized how much so.  I had a few, pretty stressful days leading up to it and so, to feel all that melt away was pretty amazing.

Here is the thing!!   My sister is over the top AMAZING...in how she makes you feel at home!  Things like...

"Here, you take my bed; you can all three be in my room.  I'll take the couch."

"Here, I got you (3) camping chairs.  You said you didn't have any!"

"Here, lets go here - I have a surprise for you - for lunch!"

"Here... I made this strawberry lemonade... for us to take to the beach -at the park- but you can keep the jars; take them home!"

As she cleans out her fridge and we're packing up - out comes all this food... to bless!!

Homemade cinnamon rolls, Homemade strawberry Jam, leftover pancakes, yogurts and fruit...Chicken salad...

I'm telling you.

 She is AMAZING!!!  Her heart is AMAZING!!

Her HOME is comfortable (not uber fancy!) but AMAZING!!!

We stayed up late, too late... chatting the night away. Drinking coffee and swapping stories and reliving memories. 

Encouraging each other; giving counsel...bearing each other's burdens.

As we parted ways this morning - I had given her a handwritten note and card that said...

That her hospitality and generosity is and was beyond expectation in every way.

This is truly and simply was my kind of vacation.

Where my soul found rest!

Reminds me of a verse from Matthew 11:28-30 - these are Jesus' words.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I know she would tell me - not to stay away so long next time.   Come!!! (more often) - for a PLACE to STAY!!!

 ***

Following along and linking up with Five Minute Friday.  

Today's prompt word is: Vacation

Thank you for reading!!

fmf | What IF I told you a story of happy feet and how they got there?

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This photo prompts a post all its own.

***

They're a bit in hiding... but, today I wanted to share a story about my feet.  Yup!!  You read that right.  My feet.

A couple of years ago, May of 2015, to be exact, I was invited to attend a small health and wellness presentation held at the home of a dear friend.  About 8 months, or so, prior... I had first heard about these particular amazing health supplements by way of a packet of information and testimonials.  I wasn't skeptical, per say, but rather intrigued.  I wondered, How could these couple of products help or relieve so many various and different symptoms?  So, now that I had heard about this... but, truly forgetting about it...due to life and months gone by, of this packet being buried under other stuff in my bedside table, the invitation to attend and completely being curious, was compelling.  It wasn't hard to RSVP with a "yes"!  I was eager to learn!  

First off, the gal, who was sharing was a Naturopathic Doctor.  And, she had me at "hello"!  Meaning, her story alone... sold me!  But, there was so much more.   Nothing magic, of course!!  Simply learning about things I had never put a name too - but was personally dealing with - were  now finally being explained and I was so grateful.   She explained in detail the woes of Candida (gut health) - wreaking havoc on and in our bodies; the importance of reducing Inflammation; and, what it means to have a balanced Glucose Metabolism.  Ya'll!!  I had no idea.  I had never heard of some of these words... but, boy!!  Did these "root issues" ever have their grip on me.  So, many people were coming to mind, as I sat and listened.  I realized everyone and anyone who has guts needed to hear about this.

One of those things I was dealing with - for a very L.O.N.G. time - were Plantar Warts, on my feet.  Bingo!!!  Candida.  Plantar Warts.... are/were some of the most painful things I have ever had to deal with.  Some days to the point where I couldn't walk around the house.  Socks hurt.  If I had to go anywhere... I wore bedroom slippers.  (Talk about embarrassing!)

You know how the Apostle Paul talks about that "thorn in his side"...?  Yeah - well, that was mine. 

What excited me that evening was learning - that I had hope!!

Hope, again, to feel better, in this area.
Oh, it wasn't going to happen overnight.  No way!!  (remember I said, no magic here!)  This was not going to be a quick fix.   But - if I chose to take my health seriously and realize it as being an investment... not looking at "this plan" as being an expense... I could truly see some light at the end of the tunnel.  I was TOTALLY worth it.  Was this going to be hard work?  Yes.  Was I going to be committed?  I had to ask myself that.  The thing was.  NO ONE pressured us to give these products a try.  No one!!  They only said... "if you decide to give these products a try, you are going to be so grateful".   It was the conviction with which they spoke.  They had been there... and had seen it for themselves.  We left that night to "sleep on it" and pray...

 Thankfully, my hubby was on board - willing to, at least, give it a try!   We had 60 days - or we could get our money back.  Which he was secretly planning to do - because... if this was like anything else in our past, it wasn't going to work.  He was going to "pull the plug", as soon as he could.

Truth was.  In little time, things were working.  There were changes.  Unexpected changes.  

Exciting changes!!!  Little bits at a time... but changes, nonetheless, in the right direction.

  My hubby had a different reason...for starting. However, my goal was to do this until my feet felt happy! 

Oh, I knew this was going to take "forever".  A month for every year I dealt with my issue, at best.  But... I was MAD enough, about it, to be Motivated.  To take Action.  And, I had Decided... this area in my health needed to change.

You've all heard the little quip.

You can't spell Challenge without Change.

Well, in order to see change - I had to take on the challenge.

***

Fast forward.  Here we are three (plus) years later... still going strong.  Obviously, the plug was not pulled.  Our lives were being changed.  So were many others.  Our friends and family who, at the time, were watching us - have since joined us and now they're seeing and loving these life- changing results, as well.   Everybody has a different story.  And, while similar, there are always different outcomes.  Which is really, really cool!  Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made.

My hubby saw his goal fulfilled.... something he had never seen before in other "side hustles"... that he had tried.    And, my feet?  

Well, that evening... with the Naturopathic Doctor explaining everything... I was told that the feet are the last to "be addressed"... that there was going to be a lot of detox happening in between.  What?!?!  Truthfully, by now, I didn't care.  I was ready.

Of course.. truth be told.  She was right!!  Just now... three (plus) years later... I can tell you that my feet are happy.  NOT PERFECT!  I am sure I still have a bit of ways to go.  But, to go from hard, HARD calloused, shoe-leather like feet - with painful, pinhead warts... shooting pains with every step... to that feeling of soft and pliable (I mean, I rub my feet together and I'm experiencing new "sensations"; of things I haven't felt in my feet in a long while) and while there are a few spots here and there... it is nothing like ever before.  I almost do not know what to think.   I am so happy!!

You ask.  All by simply and consistently addressing gut health, reducing inflammation and balancing blood sugar...?  Yes!!!  Consistency is key!!  You may wonder if I did anything else, to help?
Yes...I did.
I would often soak my feet in Epsom salt water, with ACV and sometimes essential oils.  (mostly that was for relief... from and while going through some of  my painful times).  Lots of lotions and creams... I tried everything.  Some things helped and other things didn't.

Do you know what, though?   Between my hubby, the kiddos and myself...the list of things that were addressed, alleviated or helped - from day one, of starting these products - till now... is significant!!  I knew we ALL needed these products, as a family.   The feet, for me, is simply just one area...

Connect with me in the comments - if you would like to hear more. 

Can I just say... I love my happy feet!!   

You have to realize this really and truly is a BIG deal, for me.   It makes me tear up!!  And, if you know me well, at all, you know I do cry easily, but... this has been life-changing for me.   I'm so, so grateful to have finally found something that works.  It truly continues to be a health journey for me.  I often wonder what would have happened IF I had not said yes.

I, also, honestly wonder how many other people are longing for hope in their health. I'm sure I'm not the only one.  Whether its you or someone you know... people are starting to wake up and recognize their need for a change to be had.  Let me encourage you.   

If you are one of those left wondering if there is any hope for you... 

there is!!  What if.  What if... this could change everything for you?  It's a good question.  Have you ever thought about this... How much is your health worth to you?  Its truly something to think about.

These feet are meant for walking!!!  The journey continues...with or without you.

***

Following along with Five Minute Friday.  No five minutes here.  Today's word prompt: IF

  Thank you for reading along today!!

fmf | Ocean

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You might simply flip when you read this next line, but It's true.

Our kids have never walked the shores of the ocean.  

They've never seen its massiveness nor smelt its salty smells.  They have seen plenty of shells and have heard many a story, but to experience the hot sand between their toes and to hear the constant lapping of waves....?  Well, they haven't.  Not yet... anyway.  That actually may change later this summer... as we, Lord Willing, head to NC and VA for a week of much anticipated vacation.

***

Our kiddos have been enjoying a week of Vacation Bible School at their Grandma Rhoda's church.  Last evening, we had some time to kill.  Mind you, we live 40-45 minutes away from her church - but due to another time commitment we were actually early (for a change!)... and we needed something to do.  Honestly, someone needed to use "the facilities"- QUICK!! ... and this is what immediately came to mind.

It was an easy choice.  The Fishing Pier of Lake Nockamixon.

Now... we've been here before, but its been awhile.  There definitely was a fresh draw and an intense awe.  If you know what I mean?  You would have thought we had found a "treasure chest"...everywhere we looked.  From skipping stones, to finding "seaweed", shells, spotting a heron, and fish bone/skeleton ... oh, and the fistful of flowers... are always a treasure in and of themselves.

Enjoy the photos of our brief visit to the lake/"ocean".  I wish I had gotten a few more photos with the kids in the frame...but, we'll take what we got!

The moments sped by and we needed to head off to VBS.   Where we continued to learn more about God's Creation.   Oh, the depths of his love....

PS:  Do you know how many times I heard the begging to go back to the water, again...today?!??

***

Joining up with Five Minute Friday - on the prompt word : Ocean.  

Thank you for reading my thoughts here, today!!

fmf | restore {It's time to move!}

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Joel 2:25a... So, I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust have eaten...

Today. This weekend.  It will be exactly one year ago... that our lives would be ultimately changed.  I don't want to say "turned upside down"...but, at times, it sure has felt that way.

On these dates, back on

June 16-17, 2017

Our family had just purchased our first home and had plans to move (on the 17th) and the night before, our move, I was in a pretty much head on collision (my girls were with me, our vehicle totaled... and I sustained a fractured sternum.)  This was not planned!!

Albeit to say.  I was no help with the move.  I was the "last thing" moved out of the old (farm)house and the "last thing" settled into the new one.  I had to sit and watch others settle my new home for me...

Oh, I healed up - but it took time.  And, to this day... I can still feel the effects.

Looking back, this was a pretty stressful year.  Up until this point we had been on an AMAZING health journey, since 2015 - where we felt like we were in our early twenties again, even though - truth be told I literally just turned 45 years of age...this past Sunday.  I would have easily told you, before all this happened, that I felt like I was 23, 24... something like that?  It was incredible.  This part of "going back" is different as in, its a way of going forward.  I think you know what I mean.

However, stress can really, really play havoc on a person's body.   To the point where you just "wanna go back".  Give up!!!   Back to where life was "easier".   Back to where life "wasn't bumpy".  Where is wasn't "hard"...

(cue.  the story of the Children of Israel - in the desert - wanting to go back to Egypt.  Remember that story?)  The thing is... Stress, in this context, for me, made it feel like I literally was going backwards in my health... and I think I did.  It wasn't fun. Or, impressive.  To gain weight again, again?  To not have the same energy and zest that I had just experienced months prior.

This health journey we're (still) currently on, though... wow!! If it wasn't for these products and such, over the course of this past year... I honestly DO NOT KNOW where we would be, right now.  They have helped us, get through, so much.  So, so much.  It would have only been worse..

In a different aspect... because, it is also a nice little side-hustle for us... and in building this business (which, it is growing, by the way!!)... but, it too has been hard.  And, stressful at times.  What business isn't, right?

So - through out this year, the theme of my heart has been the word - Grow or Growth!!  It has been that one word, for my year! and if you've been reading here for awhile or even if you're new... you know I've talked about this... word!!  Quite a few times...

Well. I wanna switch gears here for a second and I hope you stay with me... I promise I will bring it all back around.

You know the thumbs up/like button on social media?   I wanna talk about this for a second, but in a different sort of way.

So, with our side business and health journey... My hubby and I were able to attend our second convention, this past weekend.  Held in Orlando.  Obviously, we flew.  I have only flown a handful of times.  And, I'm always grateful that I am with my hubby - that he's by my side.  (On a side note... the day I fly solo - without him - I will know I have grown a "couple of inches" in my confidence.  Wow!!)... anyway.  SO,I'm not real confident and we're about to take off.   The plane is full... and I have to tell you.  Where I happened to be sitting... I could see straight into the cockpit area.  For whatever reason the cabin doors were open still and I had a small window to see into the cabin area.  I could see the Captain's head looking over towards his co-pilot...and then next thing I saw in that little window; my little line of vision, was The THUMB'S UP to the air-traffic controllers!!!!

This meant the Captain was ready.  The plane was loaded and ready.  And - we began the motion of going and moving forward and upward.

That momentum propelled us to leave behind where we were and move on the greater heights.

Thumbs up - meant it was all Okay!!

It was a very powerful moment for me... and it still is as I think about it.  (yes, there are tears as I'm typing.)   Why do I think I ever want to go back... "back to Egypt"?

I want to live my life in such a way - that others feel the "thumbs up".  That they will see and feel a positive influence.   That they will be encouraged by my SMILE and words offered in hope!!  That they will want to hear what I have to say and will love me for it.

Whether it is in their health; their finances; their various opportunities.... as a ticket agent of influence I'm moving forward and upward... and folks are welcome to come along for the ride.

Obviously, we cannot control our destiny.  That is in the hands of GOD Almighty.    But, I believe he calls us to walk through hills and valleys.  He is the God of the Mountain as well as God in the Valley.   Sometimes, it will be those two steps forward, that one step back.

But... when we trust the process.  I'm going to say it again...

BUT, WHEN WE TRUST THE PROCESS... we can rest confident  our life is in his hand!  He's got big things in store for us.  Changes, planned or unplanned, on our behalf, are all still part of HIS plan.  No matter what we feel about it.  Whether we like those feelings or not.  Or, if we have to "stop" and let others do for us, for awhile.  

I just want to add this at the end, real quick.  That Thumb's UP motion from that Captain spoke volumes to me.   I felt a peace wash over me... Something I was surprised by.  To me it was a signal and sign of  "agreement".  All was right, and okay!!  It's time to move.  It's to keep going.   

IT'S TIME!!!

Thumbs Up!!

*** 

Linking up with Five Minute Friday - for the prompt word : restore - I have taken liberty to go beyond the five minutes, with my own theme, yet in keeping with the prompt.   Thank you for reading!! 

First Day ~ Back to School!

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Here they are!!  Our First Day - Back to School! - photos, as promised.

Caleb, 5th grade - Aubrey, 3rd grade and Jayne - 1st grade!!!

Prayer of Blessing!

Boarding a packed Big Yellow - 29!

You only get to do that "first day" one time... so, I suppose by hanging onto these photos for a day, or so, and sharing them later - spreads out the moments, right??  For our family, our First Day - is extra special in that we have entered the doors of a BRAND NEW, to us, SCHOOL!!

That's what happens when you move to a new location.  Our kiddos seemed quite nervous about it. Trying to imagine life at a "new" school.  Missing their old friends and well-known faces... 

 But... as the summer wore on and we ventured out to different community events (ie; VBS and Kids Kamp, etc.)... they were then able to interact with other kids and well, guess what??   They now have "new" friends at school, and some, even in the same classrooms!  Kids they met out and about over the summer!!   I knew it.  I tried to tell them. :)  This is, though, one of those things they have had to discover, on their own, and excitedly share with you - once they get home!!

I tell you what!!   As a mom, its a blessing to get back into some semblance of a routine. Because, as you can imagine our summer was just a tad bit "different"... then normal.  Oh sure, there are still bumps in the road, to be hurdled.   We had quite a few, just this morning... but, we chalked it up to "we're still working out what this new routine is going to look like".  We're used to being out the door by 8AM... here it's more like 8:15.   So, we have time...a few minutes, at least... to create some healthier habits.

We always have a time of family devotions in the evening before bedtime... but, it is my goal and prayer to add in even some MORE of God's Word... to our normalcy. 

Sitting to the breakfast table is part of that and a good place to start.  Hopefully, we have everyone's attention, right??

So, yesterday... beings it was the 28th of August, I pulled out two verses from Proverbs 28 to share with the kiddos.

I'd like to share them with you, too.. because of what keeps being mentioned ever since.   I love it!

Proverbs 28: 19-20

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies 

will have his fill of poverty.

A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager

 to get rich will go unpunished.

 You might be wondering how, in the world, do these verses fit in with a first day of school scenario??  Well, after some dialog, here is my son's deduction from these verses...

C: I get it.  So, working my land is like me doing my school work.

M:  right!!

C :  If I get distracted and don't pay attention I will become "poor".

M: right!

C: So, if I don't do my job (like, school, for me, right now, is like Dad going to work!) then I won't get paid.  Because, my pay is my education... ??

M: (proud moment) YES!!!!!

***
Let's just hope and pray this "new attitude and new thought" sticks
- all year long!!!!

When Push comes to Shove

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So. What's going on,with our housing situation?  I know a lot of you dear folks are wondering, interested and would like to know.

Push is coming to shove and changes are all around us.

Just a few days ago, the farm went under contract. Pretty much - it's been SOLD!   Let the cleanout - begin!!  We're not sure, but we think a small (larger home) housing development is going in. (Don't quote me!)

A short year ago... we had a farm sale here and that was a "sad day".  This is, in a way, almost sadder.  I had no idea there were so many treasures hidden, buried deep within the "guts" of this ole farm.   

Things that belong in an auction house - in my opinion.  :)

But even more - are the memories and stories that if only these walls could talk.

Honestly, this puts us (our family) in position for some immediate changes (at least, in the next couple of months) to begin afresh with our own "new adventures".

Lord Willing, we'll be buying a house... 

A home of our own... where out lives will continue on to tell our own stories.  

This place.  This farm was our home for the past eight years.  Our roots run deep...here.

Intertwined. And, this ripping and pulling away feels hard to bare.  Feels hard to face.   It feels like a birthing.  The pains are great.  
Taking our breath away...

We need lots and lots of prayer... as the days ahead continue. We ask for peace, patience, and God's continued providence... in our lives!!

**You know what else this will mean?  The nature of the photos/my photos, for this blog, are going to change.  And, see!!  Now, I made you sad too!  
I'm so sorry...

***

Celebrate

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Before another "normal" day slips by... I want to say....

We have had quite a few things to celebrate over the past several months.  Things that I've been just too busy (?) to share... and that is not my heart.  So here, we are...

Birthday's -  for all three of my kiddo's

One is now nine.  One is eight. and One turned five!!

And, then of course there is the entry to Kindergarten - for my youngest - that just makes my heart go pitter patter!!  I'm excited and yet, I can't believe it.

STOP GROWING UP! I want to say...

My husband earned his Wood Badge - with Scouts!

And, Caleb has advanced to Weblo's... we're looking forward to another great Scout Year!!

Most recently, something to celebrate is the Baptism - for both my son and my husband.

I know I'm a little like, way behind the times here - but wanted to at least get these special moments documented... so, forgive me for these being so "late in the game".  If you follow me on Facebook - you may have seen a lot of these photos, already... 

For the record!

Enjoy the photos!!

Caleb wanted to play "happy birthday" while we sang..

The eight year birthday - around here is a big deal!  There are so many photos I could share for Aubrey's birthday - as she had a special time celebrating with a sleepover, outdoor movie and lots of other fun!!  It was hard just picking only a few..

***

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Kindergarten has been such a blast for Jayne, this year!!
This photo was from her first day of school!

***

Again, there are (I'm sure) many other moments of things I could have documented here... where I've neglected to get them up on the blog here... but, such is life.

These are blessings just the same and I don't want to forget them - just the same!!  I love my family!!  I love what each one means to me in their own unique and special way...  I love seeing the way our family is growing, changing and coming into it's own.

:: I wonder what the next few weeks and months will bring!?!?!?    God sure has been so good, to us!!