Birthday Boy

Today:
schoolwork done with the boys,
several household projects completed....
but I would have prefered....

~reaching greedy arms for my baby boy
~crying tears of joy at his breathing
~inhaling the wonderful scent of life, newest life
~hearing his funny croaking cry
~posing for the best photo in the world...baby (minutes old) and mommy (delirious)
~watching Daddy meet his boy for the first time
~introducing my boy to his big brothers
~calling Grandma's and Grandpa's with happy news


I'm still whispering "Happy Birthday, Benjamin!"

Falling Apart

It is with tears,
and a shattered heart and mind that I realize,
(through my husband's gentle words)
that this is more than just a battle over my emotions.
It is a battle in the spiritual realm,
and Satan wants to destroy our family and our faith.
If I let the seeds of anger and bitterness towards God take root,
it will bring a harvest of destruction for us.
God has allowed this season,
and though I cry to Him continually for compassion and mercy
{for our season of pain to end},
He has not promised me any timelines....
Only that Joy comes in the morning.....
and my morning may not be until heaven.
I may not see the end of this suffering any time soon.
And I HAVE to trust that God knows what He is doing,
and most importantly,
He is not angry with me,
or punishing me,
or just being mean.
He has a purpose.
And His purpose is Good!
That is the challenge of my life;
to keep breathing,
trusting
there is a reason.

A Place to Stand

Ellie's August Roses Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,

arm yourselves with the same attitude,

because he who suffered in his body is done with sin.

As a result, he does not live

the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires,

but rather for the will of God.

1 Peter 4:1-2

~

Supports have been knocked out, and again,

I am forced to look at my sinful dependence on the

things of earth instead of God himself.

This continuing struggle is

{at least}

a part of God's purpose

in suffering:

to wean us from our own desires,

from attachment to temporary things,

and help us find a place to stand.

Here:

the promises of God's eternal plan,

His work for our good,

His tender care

and compassion,

even in the midst of yet more pain.

What God Intends

I would like to do nothing but what I was made to do. I am sure this is what God intends. How shall I know what that is except in quietness? How can I listen if I am full of talk? I must cease the rehearsal of personal wants and feelings, willingly release things that seem important but in fact have nothing to do with my true goal. The itch to know and to have and to be anything other than what God intends me to know, to have, to be must go.

A Path Through Suffering, Elizabeth Elliot

Summer Pleasures

Fair Time

Nathan had two entries to the county fair.

His camp scene, featuring a man in blue pajamas

roasting a marshmallow for his breakfast;

and best of show dahlia's,

which he started from seed.

He was estatic to receive 3 ribbons!

Just Make It!

Our family motto, it seems.

Braden decided to make a guitar

for his entry to our little county fair.
It was a very ambitious idea,

started just 3 weeks before.

Another family trait....

working against a deadline!

Big Boy

This week Ian has tackled learning to ride his bike.

In the past he hasn't shown much interest.

Now, every day after his morning chores are done,

he heads out to the driveway.

Funny thing, it's the brakes

he needs to practice
the most!

Garden (Finally)

There are some mysterious pests getting into the blackberries...

good thing this is looking like our best year yet,

so there are plenty for hungry boys.

We've been eating cherry tomatoes for about a week now.

Our other varieties still have a few more weeks.

C'mon, salsa!!

This is our first year trying watermelons,

and this is the biggest one so far

(about the size of a lemon).

I love rhubarb, and of course, we have been harvesting that for
a while now. I've even had enough to share!
The herb garden's first year.
I am really enjoying it, but I need to find more uses
for each herb.


We've also harvested some of the Yukon gold potatoes,
Purple Queen bush beans, and a few raspberries.
It's been a slow year, but the heat is finally
getting things moving.

Happy News!

My dear friend, Molly, gave birth to her beautiful and healthy twins yesterday. Go welcome their sweet faces!

Engaged! Sneak Peek!

My little sister is getting married!

Our photo shoot this morning was so much fun!

Blessings, Grace and Tyler!!