Week in Review

Happy Mom's Day to some wonderful mothers. We love you!

My mom

My mom-in-law

Our church's Mom of the Year

We love you too!

We were all enjoying tea at the parsonage. Although, I was inclined to go in a ball cap or my cowboy hat - it really was fun. I need to be more in tune to my feminine, refined side :o)

Life can be a bear....

But sometimes being a bear is not all that bad...

We had a beautiful day for the zoo last Saturday. We so enjoyed it!



This character erupted into being one night during a Clue game. I really do believe it was the Mrs. Peacock - maybe looking for a tea party?? Lauryn and I had a good laugh. I should fear for my life after posting this.

My thought for the week was taken from the book The Shack by William P. Young. I was reading it one day and these words hit me like a lightning bolt and have been with me ever since. The lead character, Mack, has been tormented by some devastating happenings involving his little girl. Life for him and his family has never been the same. After receiving what appears to be an invitation from God to come back to the shack, he makes his way back to this haunting place. God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit await him. This passage is part of a conversation between Mack and Jesus.

"Jesus?" he whispered as his voice choked. "I feel so lost."

A hand reached out and squeezed his, and didn't let go. "I know, Mack. But it's not true. I am with you and I'm not lost. I'm sorry it feels that way, but hear me clearly. You are not lost."

I know I've heard similar words again and again, but it was a comforting reminder. Like shattering glass, sirens, and blunt force trauma I heard the words anew - God is with me and He's not lost. I can feel lost. Can't see the end or know which way to turn, but God is not lost. Hear me clearly - you are not lost!

Thank you for the helpful suggestions regarding my aching head. I am happy to report that my head is feeling much better and is still attached. After five days of unprecedented headache I went to see the Dr. A Toradol shot and MRI was on the orders. The Toradol treated the symptoms but I know that God treated the cause. Let me share the blessing...
After the shot my headache broke but pains would come again and hint of worsening especially if I let my mind dwell - can I just refer to my current rough times as the Darkness. The Darkness would overshadow and I would feel my head and spirit begin to spiral downward.
We unexpectedly were treated to a trip to North Carolina. You better watch out what you write in the comments. We just might take you up on it - Candy. Thanks to my in-laws for letting us tag along. And thanks to our family in NC for a wonderful wknd. I was distracted from my darkness during the wknd and upon returning home felt it suffocating me again. Tuesday I was near despair, careening for air, enveloped with the darkness when God spoke. If it had been audible it would have been no more clear - I will give him perfect peace who's mind is stayed on me. Peace. How I wanted peace! Think on Him. He will give me peace. Him - the giver of true peace. Darkness waning.... Him - creator of me. He cares about my hurt, my helplessness. Him - I'll think...I'll surrender to Him. The clouds break. A flood of peace surrounds, embraces me. I feel set free from the darkness. For the first time in days I feel the burden lifted.
I have since then felt the chill of the darkness - the glare of Satan as I bask in my new found peace but I think on Him - I dwell on Him and the burden comes not to rest on my weary soul but is held at bay by the Protector of my being. I cannot explain nor comprehend the power of God, but I know once again God has extended to me only a mere strand of what is available in His stores of peace, grace, and love. On that strand I have been lifted above doubt, turmoil, and despair. God is so faithful. I can't begin to adequately tell of His goodness to me.
You are getting the real me. I'm not one to fake all is well when it is not - I'm in all honesty just not very good at it. It is easier to just be real and hope that in being yourself and telling of your struggles - as we all have sooner or later - someone will be aided in finding their way back to peace and happiness through God.
I would like to thank my dear Aunt June for handing me a devotional the other day - Meet Me at the Well. What timing! She said "I think you'd like this". So far, she's right. What mom, wife, woman in this day couldn't use a dowsing from the Well. I feel I have been to the Well and what a difference it makes.