Sunday, January 20, 2019

Are Ye Able?

I hesitate to write and fumble over the appropriate words. I shy away from saying "I heard God’s voice, today". But. I did just that. And I think it’s ok to say so. I don’t think I want my kids to feel shy when God shows up so I’m going to try not to. Yes He’s always there, but every now and then, he makes His presence known and palpable. And today, not once but twice, during our church service,  He sent me the very same message. So, I know, without a doubt, He was right there, making sure I got it. And got it I did. 

It’s not a secret that grief has been a huge part of our life the last 6 months, but often grief can have many different facets, and with a death like my brothers...so many unanswered questions and so much to wrestle with. And wrestle I have. And yesterday, God, as plain as day, said it’s time to give that up. Stop worrying. Stop the what-ifs and trust Him. Stop needing all the answers. And today, I have been gifted an unmistakable peace that I am so beyond grateful for.  Once in Sunday school and again in the midst of a church hymn, God said "I am able." And I trust Him.

 So today, I share, because if there’s something in your life that’s hard to swallow or casting a constant shadow on the day, or you just feel like you NEED answers...in the midsts or your wondering and wrestlings, keep praying and trusting and rest assured, He is able! He is able to take care of the things that worry us. Is able to give us peace even without all the answers. He is able. 

"Are ye able to remember, when a thief lifts up his eyes, that his pardoned soul is worthy of a place in paradise? 

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are thine. Remold them, make us, like thee, divine. Thy guiding radiance above us shall be a beacon to God, to love, and loyalty. 

Are ye able when the shadows close around you with the sod, to believe that spirit triumphs, to commend your soul to God?"

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Ella Twirl and Charlie Tinguin

For 5 years, we have had little elf friends come visit at Christmas. Ours got their names from the children, Ella Twirl and Charlie Tinguin. Grayson's, Mac Jingles, retired after last year to train other elves ;) It's not your traditional, we tell Santa if you're bad elf, but more just a fun way to celebrate, and they often leave little reminders of what Christmas means to us and remind us to do for others, shine our light, and celebrate Jesus. It's a fun time for all of us. The elf helpers enjoy helping, and the kids love waking up to find them in their new spot. 
Each year, they arrive with a "North Pole Breakfast". This is when the kiddos get their matching Christmas PJ's and too much sugar for breakfast. Ha. They came as shepherds this year!


Tin foil shoes got lots of giggles!

They always leave a note of encouragement on piano recital day...Ada was looking forward to seeing Ella Twirl play again this year!

Grady's favorite day was when they left the "skittle experiment", as he called it. It didn't actually have the awe factor that it was supposed to, but I'm glad he enjoyed it!

They even rode along for minivan express night!

Sewing was my favorite this year! ;)

Countdown and Legos!

Tiny Gingerbread houses were a morning of fun!

And a farewell with baby Jesus!

They always get a tiny Christmas Eve hug good bye! They all three look forward to that. We look forward to seeing them again next year, and Analeigh might just have her own to name...and if it's anything like her fashion, it's going to be a good one! ;)