More Harvest

With the generousity of friends

and the help of little hands,

this is now 3 batches of jam:

sweetness!

New J



It thrilled my heart to hold the littlest J
before she was even 24 hours old.

Here she is 4 days old,  and wearing a sweater that I knit for her.

You know,  babies have a special place in my heart.

It's just such a wonderful thing:

God has answered!

Harvest

As I worked in short shifts to get my peaches canned this year, there were many comforting thoughts for me to meditate upon. Who knew that the sights and smells of canning would have such a place in my heart?

I feel connected, rooted. I grew up canning with my mom and siblings....peaches were always a grand effort, done all in one long day. But even farther back, these golden delights have a tie to my great-grandmother, Grammy, who served them fresh on her homemade ice cream.

I feel postive about the future. By lining my pantry with bright and beautiful jars, I am providing nourishment and comfort for my family during the gray days of winter that are coming.

{Proverbs 31:25}

I feel hopeful. Fall is a time of abundance, the harvest. The God who governs the seasons of earth, giving harvestime after the summer of labor--- He is the God of my heart. He will bring fruit into my life again, if I do not become weary in doing good. {Galatians 6:9}

p.s. I'm now 14 weeks! Not that anyone's counting!

Dream Date

At this beautiful place, on a perfect day...with this wonderful man,
celebrating 10 years.


Though there has been more pain
in our 10 years than I ever imagined,
the joys of marriage to Mr. Wonderful
are all the sweeter.
I love you, sweetie!

12 weeks

I am praising my God, the God who keeps, holds and sustains me.

His power is displayed best in vessels of absolute weakness.

I have never felt weaker.....but by His grace and mercy,

I am not consumed.

I may be exhuasted, hungry, weepy and {just a little}whiny,

but I am still alive.
He has given me just what I need for each day:

the wise council and generous comfort of my wonderful husband,

kind inquiries and listening ears of family members,

the diligent prayers of our friends.

God is good.

Sweet 7

You can imagine our shock and surprise when we found out in July that I am pregnant with our 7th child. You have read the glut of emotions that have followed. It has been a battle, a struggle, a wrestling match of fear vs. faith.

And faith is not believing that everything will go our way, but instead, that God loves us, is still in control and is working in my body (for His glory and our good).

Even if He asks us to say good-bye again.