Kisses From Heaven And Sweet Reminders

God's grace...in the midst of an emotional conversation where tears were flowing, I was walking to Macie's school to pick her up. From a distance I see her radiant smile, I hear her joyful laugh. She is saying 'goodbye' individually to all her friends boarding the bus. She wishes them a wonderful afternoon and 'see ya tomorrow!' Her light is bright. She brings happiness to those she's around. My soul gave thanks to God for this kiss from heaven; in the midst of my emotional turmoil, He reminded me there is still so much to give thanks for, there is still so much to be happy about. He is teaching me so much through my children.

And tonight...ahhh tonight. It's 10:30 p.m., my boys have been asleep for a bit, and my Macie-Mace is full of energy because she took a nap (something she does not normally do). I needed alone time tonight to complete chores and school work. As I am busily working, she's standing by my side, chattin' away; telling me stories and plans and parties she's planning with her friends - oh, and this big camping trip! She is wearing the biggest smile. She wants me to record her. I do for a while. What is more important than this? She won't be this little for long. She may not always want to be with me, under my feet, by my side, or laying on my back. She is so close to me right now. I need to soak this in.

Ahh, my sweet Macie-Mace.

As I write this, she is recording herself on my phone (I showed her how through selfie-mode). The stuff she is saying...this girl is sweet. So sweet. She brings so much light to our family. What a blessing she is.

Favor

I love when we are reminded of something, when we see God's handiwork. It's like everything has come full circle.

I was talking with a friend this morning and it reminded me of this. What a good reminder for me! 

About 10 months ago, I started praying a new prayer I've never prayed before. I was asking for favor...for my kids and self, in the eyes of teachers, fellow students, employers, etc. There were big changes taking place in our lives, and I felt like this is something we really needed, especially considering we did not have a home church, or the close friends we once had in Georgia.

I've seen this favor take place in some friendships. A change of heart. The prayers coming for friends on the behave of my little family -- I can tell they are sincere and heartfelt. I can tell their hearts hurt for those of my children's. My kids have been blessed with amazing teachers this year. Seriously, every single one of them deserve a gold star; could not have asked for anyone better than the teachers they have. One of my college teachers (she is the teacher for 3 of my current classes) has been so amazing kind, helpful, patient with me. She has gone the extra mile to tutor me and explain things. She's available via e-mail, phone, or in person. I am so grateful to God for her. She has lent me encouraging words regarding my situation and efforts. She is the first teacher I've had to come along side me and help. For the first time I feel like I will actually (and finally!) graduate with my college degree. And for my kids and the fellow-student front, for the most part, things have also been going well. 

Those things alone are incredible and amazing, but one of the most important arenas for needing favor is the job front. As a mother in a town with no family to help, it's important I be able to still parent my children. If my kids need me during the day, I need to be able to be there for them. If I have to call out because a child is sick, I need to be able to do that without worrying if my job is on the line. I've had some harsh employers in the past. They've kind of scarred me. How I landed the job I currently have is a complete God-thing, and my boss is an answer to prayers. I've been impressed with her and how she runs things from the get-to. How she listens and cares about her employees. How prayer is involved in work meetings (I do work at a church daycare center). She has worked with me on days when my kids don't have school, allowing them to sit in the fellowship area, enabling me to be able to work. 

The other day, she said something to me about "you're a mom first" and I was like, DID YOU JUST SAY THAT? I've had so many employers straight up tell me that my job should come first, period. And those same people had kids of their own! I may stay at this job forever just because of my amazing boss. ;) 

So back to this morning, I was telling my friend about my prayer for favor. And it hit me! God has totally answered it! Look at all the things above and specifically, my job. I mean, wow! I love when seeing things come full circle. We start with a hope and prayer and with time and through trials, God is faithful. This lets me know He saw a need for this in our lives and look how He provided! Amazing! 

Halloween 2015

Saturday October 31, 2015

We were gifted with the opportunity to go to Kansas to visit our dear friends, The Otts, for Halloween. We left Friday after school, the drive was about 12 hours. We left 3a.m. that Monday. My kids had an allergist appointment in Fargo so we got there just in time for that. Turns out Zeke is allergic to, like, all trees, grass, dust, mold, etc., also cats and dogs, coconut, peanuts and tree nuts. Phew! That poor kiddo.

Back to Kansas, that was our first time getting to visit there and it was exciting! Amber cooked delicious foods and she and I ate on the porch for all except one meal. I love front porch eatin'! We took the kids trick-or-treating throughout town. Zeke was a gorilla, Asher was a muscular Spiderman, and my Macie-Mace was Olaf. After trick-or-treating, Amber's hubby and younger two kiddos went home. She and I and all my three and her older two then went to check out a haunted house that someone in town put on. She and the kids got out of the car to get in line while I tried to park. As I was doing so, I had my window rolled down and Amber and I were talking. I noticed a clown off in the distance walking closer...kinda like he was walking towards Amber and the kids. I'm like, GET IN THE CAR. Sure enough, clown dude comes to our car. He stands outside of my window and looks stares inside. I literally am standing in my seat (if you can imagine that) screaming on the top of my lungs. I was not the only one screaming! What felt like forever later, he walked over to Amber's side where he just stood there, peering into the car. She turned her gaze and was freaking out as was everyone else in the car. At this point, Zeke was pleading for me to drive off and Macie was in tears. Clown dude did a quick walk around the car, eyeing us all over, then he walked away. We left. We so left so fast. That was enough of a haunted house experience for us. We were content. (Well, really Bri did want to go back. That brave kid!)

Sunday if felt good to "sleep in."Amber took us to a nearby town and we did some shopping, sight seeing. It was a cute town! Very charming. And oh-my-gosh, they have a dedicated health food store! I miss having one of those!

Amber and I have been friends for 9.5 years. Zeke and Bri have been buddies since they were 2. Special friendships we have with these folks. The good thing about them moving to Kansas is now we are only 12 hours away as apposed to 26 hours! 

All the kiddos (except Paisley).

Macie and Amber.

Asher, Macie, and Kaitlyn making bead necklaces and bracelets.

Bri knitting. I taught her what I know. She caught on very quickly! Smart girl!

(Sunday) Our last evening in Kansas. 

Amber and I sat on the porch, sipping roasted dandelion root tea and chatting.

11-year-old Zeke and Bri.

They look good for 2a.m.!

Two-year-old Bri and Zeke.

Driving home. Somewhere in South Dakota.

Cast My Cares On You

I love this song by Finding Favour. I espcially love hearing my 4 year old sing it.

https://youtu.be/bKuAMmTqUbs


When fear feels bigger than my faith
And struggles steal my breath away

When my back's pressed up against the wall
With the weight of my worries stacked up tall
You're strong enough to hold it all

I will cast my cares on You
You're the anchor of my hope
The only one who's in control
I will cast my cares on You
I'll trade the troubles of this world
For Your peace inside my soul

This war's not what I would've chosen
But You see the future no one knows yet

And there's still good when I can't
See the working of Your hands
You're holding it all

I will cast my cares on You
You're the anchor of my hope
The only one who's in control
I will cast my cares on You
I'll trade the troubles of this world
For Your peace inside my soul

Im finding there's freedom
When I lay it all on Your shoulders

Cast my cares
I will
Cast my cares
I will
Cast my cares on You

Broken Foot

Tuesday October 13, 2015 

My poor Zeke broke his foot the last week of soccer. He was at practice when he hurt it. The coach sent him home early to ice and elevate it. At first I didn't think it was serious - neither did his coach - but hours had passed and it was still swollen and hurting. It was about 8:50p.m. when I decided we need to go to urgent care (which closed at 9p.m.). Thankfully we live minutes away and they had us in and out in 20 minutes. They xrayed his foot and told us it was in fact broken in one - possible two - places. They gave him an ace wrap and a boot. The following week he saw the podiatrist who confirmed broken foot and sprained ankle.

This kid has been such a trooper! He had to miss his last soccer game and has been unable to participate in certain activities due to his injury, but he's been a champ about it. We did go and cheer on his team at the last game.

This is our family's first time ever dealing with a broken limb. I'm kind of surprised it was Zeke!  But like I said, what a trooper! Love him much!

Church Tonight

I just finished Priscilla Shirer's Bible Study "Armor of God." It was uhh-mazing! I highly recommend it.

The past 7 weeks, while in the Bible study, I've experienced a lot. Attacks from the enemy and also learning a lot. Some things I learned about were attached to things God has been revealing to me over some time. Like the need to be in control.

It was a small group tonight, just three of us made it. But we got to talking about this (control). One of the ladies shared from her experience that God revealed to her that she just needed to trust Him. Wow, that hit me like a ton of bricks. I struggle with trusting in general, whether it's with people or God himself. Whether it's because I've been hurt, disappointed or just haven't gotten my way, I no longer believe or trust in the words of others and I just take things upon myself to handle - because it would be better for me to be overwhelmed handling things on my own than for me to trust someone and be let down.

We elaborated on this topic for a moment longer and she said something to me - and I may not be quoting it right but it brought tears to my eyes - she said something along the lines of, maybe God wants me to trust Him, that He is now in the role of my husband,  provider, protector. Oh man. How different would life look if I acted on that? Just wow.

I want to remember this, therefore I write. :) I have much praying to do on this. This gal also pointed out something else that ironically I hadn't thought of...it's regarding one of my prayers that I've been praying for years and yet the opposite of what i prayed for happened...she said, what if God had been knocking on that person's heart but THAT PERSON CHOSE NOT TO ANSWER???! It does happen. We all have free will.

So much to "marinate" and pray on right now. Thankful for these moments with my sister's in Christ!

Asher's Baptism

Sunday October 18, 2015