Choosing Gratitude

Holding On... to Gratitude

2018-12-12T12:47:00.003-05:00

Once again my family and I find ourselves in a holding pattern - waiting to hear if Grant will receive another year of CAP-C services (Community Alternatives Program for Children).

It is easy for my mind to drift to the many "what ifs"... What if we don't get approved again - how will we provide all things Grant needs? What if we have to stop all his therapies? What if we aren't able to afford all his medication? What if? What if? WHAT IF?!???

My thoughts swirl quickly out of control as I look down on our situation. But then the still, small voice stops me and reminds me to combat my fears by looking up - away from our situation and towards the God who provides. Jehovah Jireh.

With a deep breath, I invade my fear with blessings. We have SO MUCH to be thankful for... God provided before CAP-C and He WILL provide again (through the program or another way).

So, let me count my blessings through pictures - my Ebenezer stones...

I am thankful for...

~ silly boys with bright smiles

~ a sweet puppy who happily joins in the fun

~ a handy husband who tackles home projects (even if it is just before getting a lot of out-of-town company) :-)

~ thoughtful, selfless in-laws who drop everything to care for the boys so we can get work done

~ bodies that can move and play

~ family to spend time with

~ plenty of food to eat

~ the ability to smell and savor food :-)

~ companionship

~ messy faces and belly-deep laughter

~ joy beyond technology

~ loved ones who get on their knees to help and serve

~ for accomplishments

~ fresh air

~ the beauty God displays in nature

You wouldn't know it by watching the men play sand volleyball, but it was COLD on Thanksgiving Day. I'm still shaking my head over that sight.

~ helping hands

~ traditions and memories in the making

~ brotherly love

~ my family

~ a warm home and snuggles

~ the ability to read and worship

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fall Film Photos

~ by HIS grace & for HIS glory,
Karen Mayes

Pumpkin Patch 2018 {Film Journey}

2018-11-19T10:09:00.003-05:00

The annual visit to the local pumpkin patch is another fall favorite. A wagon ride, petting farm and pumpkin-picking with Grandma and Grandpa Mayes all make for a great family outing.

At one point we lost Grant. It happens so quickly. My stomach lurched while yelling his name and frantically looking around. Naturally, he had simply followed one of the farm dogs to the little stand and made friends with one of the farm owners. (SMH)

Sometimes I feel like Mary searching for 12-year-old Jesus when I find Grant (he is always with a dog). I imagine Grant looking up at me and replying to my frazzled state by saying, "Didn't you know I would be with a dog?"

Wesley is pretending to ride a bucking bronco and Grant is waving his hat while yelling, "Yee-haw!" :-)

OK, so these pictures are clearly not from the pumpkin patch, but they were on the same roll of film and I wanted to share them.

Wesley had a fantastic fall baseball season. His team got second place. Woohoo! Wesley greatly improved his swing and continued to play great defense at second and shortstop.

by His grace & for His glory,
Karen Mayes

Raising Boys {Film Journey}

2018-11-15T08:09:00.000-05:00

Our backyard woods: My boys enjoy exploring, climbing and getting messy while playing in dirt. I love it. What wonderful play!

The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful. - E.E. Cummings

The photos in this post are from my latest set of film scans. I am getting much more comfortable with using my incident light meter and confident in the outcome of my shots.

My next step is to work more closely with the lab to fine-tune the coloring I am trying to achieve. The whole film process is fascinating.

SHILOH UPDATE: Shiloh is scheduled to get a set of shots on Friday -- and some more a couple weeks later. Then she can begin the first stage of training.

I can sometimes resist temptation, but never mischief. - Joyce Rebeta-Burditt

Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it. - Not Your Average Dictionary

Every puppy should have a boy. - Erma Bombeck

GRANT UPDATE: In most areas, Grant is thriving. We continue to get very positive reports from school and therapy about how he is more focused and progressing well in each subject. PRAISE THE LORD! Along with completely removing screen time, I know that Shiloh has played a part in this.

Also, Shiloh has helped Grant fall asleep at night. As many of you know, falling asleep and staying asleep has always been a major hurdle for Grant. Medication helps, but doesn't totally fix the sleep obstacle.

But now... Shiloh has been cuddling with Grant as he settles down to bed. Most nights he is comforted that she is near as he drifts off to sleep. Pretty incredible.

PRAYER REQUESTS: We are nearing the time of Grant's yearly assessment with CAP-C. Each year we have to go through an evaluation process to determine if Grant qualifies for another year in the program.

It is very nerve-racking. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to find out the results of the evaluation.

CAP-C helps provide Grant's therapies (occupational, speech, feeding, and physical therapy), medicines, diapers, foot orthotics and the CNA (certified nursing assistant).

Will you pray? Please pray that Grant will qualify for another year of CAP-C.

by His grace & for His glory,
Karen Mayes

Backyard Fun {Fall 2018}

2018-11-12T20:53:00.001-05:00

We have been enjoying the cooler afternoons and spending a lot of time outside. It is common sight on Sundays to see Aaron & Wesley (and now Shiloh) play football in the backyard.

Grant cheers on the Daddy-Wesley football game.

Grant and Shiloh continue to bond. It feels like she has always been part of our family.

Cooler evenings also equal time together around the fire pit.

The boy and his dog. XOXO

Apple Orchard 2018

2018-10-26T16:39:00.001-04:00

Every year my family treks up to SkyTop Apple Orchard with dear friends (Mike & Courtney Schnee and kiddos) for a fun day at the orchard. We pack a picnic and hike to the farthest end of orchard to get the exact kind of apple we like (pink lady). Of course we end the excursion with apple cider doughnuts.

Normally this trip is prime time for me to take beautiful pictures of my family. But this year I was in charge of Grant AND puppy Shiloh while Aaron and Wesley focused on picking apples. Pictures didn't quite happen as anticipated. Oh well. We have the great memories. :-)

AND!!! Thanks to my dearest friend, Courtney, I still have some photos because she was thoughtful enough to grab my camera and snap a few pictures.

~ A few FILM pictures I took ~

I know this picture is blurry. But I still really like it. Proof that a picture doesn't have to be perfect to be favored.

Summer MISC {Blog Catch-Up}

2018-10-24T21:51:00.000-04:00

Minnesota Landscape

Summer has come and gone, but many of the great memories linger. I didn't take many photos over the summer months ~ however ~ the whole family captured and stored up countless snapshots of memories from our summer of fun.

   Pool time.
   Slowing down.
   Family time.
   Trip to the family farm in Minnesota.
   Family vacation to Joni & Friends Family Retreat.

Here are a few VERY random photos collected from the summer...

Batman - in shorts. It is summer after all. :-)

Meet the Lone Ranger Batman mash-up

The daily RUNNING OF THE CHICKENS!!!!

Happy hens... UNTIL...

… the neighbor's dog gets loose.

It was a personal joy seeing Wesley engrossed in the book series that began my love for reading:
The Susie & Johnny Series"

Grant's Olaf Birthday

Until next summer :-)

Life lately through film {Film Journey}

2018-10-19T20:45:00.000-04:00

I received my second set of film scans back from the lab. I must say I was extremely disappointed in myself. :-(

It is clear that I need to vastly increase my exposure. Sigh...

My goal for this roll of film was to capture movement while working on my camera settings - and trying out my incident light meter. I shoot with Fuji Film 400 and Fuji film is known for being very "light hungry".

Film and digital photography are different in many way. One big difference is where the "information" is stored in a photo.

When shooting digital, I usually err on the side of underexposing - because the info is stored in the shadows/dark areas of the picture.

Shooting film is the opposite. I need to overexpose more because the info is stored in the light areas of the picture. Interesting!

Anyway... moving on to more photos!

I caption this photo: "Expressed Joy!"

Grant is singing "blue" at the top of his lungs while wildly swinging. Lately Grant will sing a single word - usually about something he really likes. I want to be more like that. Lean my head back and sing loudly about something that brings me joy.

"Sunshine!"

"Autumn!"

"Sleeeeeeeeeep!!!" :-)

Wesley is determined to learn how to skateboard.

After watching a YouTube 'intro to skateboarding' video, he donned on pants, a long-sleeve shirt, his safety gear and marched into the hot afternoon to conquer skateboarding.

And conquer he did. He is learning at an impressive rate.

In fact, watching him made me think that I could also pick up the skill quickly.

Not so. I fell. Hard. I'll leave the skateboarding to Wesley.

(One more picture of Grant swinging a couple days later.)

Glimpses of my garden:

Right as I was going to take a picture of the spider, a grasshopper jumped into the snare that would end it's life. I witnessed the spider capture, wrap and drink it's lunch.

On to the next roll of film!

Confessions of a... DOG LOVER! {Therapy Dog Saga}

2018-10-12T14:28:00.000-04:00

Yup, you read the title correctly. While I have no problem declaring my love for cats (see post: Confessions of a Cat Lover), I have now fallen head-over-heels for our new furry family-member.

Week One with Shiloh

Unfortunately, the timing of getting the puppy for Grant coincided with a HUGE work deadline. Between family, work and taking care of a new puppy, I have not had time to take pictures. So I decided to take a quick break from work this morning to snap some photos of our beloved labradoodle.

Here are a few...

While crate training is going very well, Shiloh also loves to sleep under the coffee table.

We love her personality. She has a great temperament. When the trainer came to our house to meet Shiloh on Monday (the day after we brought her home), she immediately did the "puppy test" and was thoroughly impressed. The trainer kept commenting that 'Shiloh is a gift' - she has no idea how true that statement is. :-)

God provided, through the amazing Body of Christ, a very special gift - Shiloh.

Shiloh is mesmerized by the chickens. The chickens are not so sure about her yet.

Like the rest of the family, Grant is completely smitten with his new puppy. What a joy Shiloh already is to our family!

MANY more pictures to come (including photos of Grant with Shiloh)!

My New Journey with Photography

2018-10-04T09:08:00.002-04:00

Recently my passion for photography has pushed me to fully embrace a new challenge... FILM!

I'm in love. :-)

For quite some time I've been wanting to transition to film/hybrid photography - and now I've taken the plunge.

Film photography certainly takes a different mindset than straight digital photography, but the images... oh my the images - such a rustic, pretty look.

Because you can't just "click-click-click" all you want when shooting film, it forces you to connect with the setting and the subject. (AND, the editing time is greatly reduced. YAY!)

I just got my first film sets back from the lab. Boy, do I have A LOT to learn... but I am definitely going to have fun doing it!! :-)

Meet Shiloh {Therapy Dog Saga}

2018-10-01T21:17:00.000-04:00

Great news! The puppy has been selected for Grant!

Introducing Shiloh:

Shiloh means "a place of peace" in Hebrew.

Shiloh is a female labradoodle who has already warmed our hearts - even though we have yet to meet her (these pictures are not mine but were sent to me from the caretaker). Shiloh was selected for Grant due to her calm but fearless demeaner and, after going through some initial training, was determined to have a high level of intelligence.

The person who recommended Shiloh to be Grant's dog has experience selecting service dogs.

We are planning to pick-up Shiloh this weekend. (Eeeek! We are so excited!)

Shiloh's trainer has already been very involved. Thankfully, the trainer is guiding us every step of the way to ensure Shiloh will be the helper Grant needs her to be... What a blessing!

So now we wait. And stare at the three pictures we have over and over. :-)

Confessions of a Cat Lover {Therapy Dog Saga}

2018-09-24T21:02:00.000-04:00

Yes. I admit it. I am an unashamed cat lover. :-)

We lover-of-cats often get a bad rap. Cuddly, soft, independent - what's not to love?!?
(Don't answer that.)

Anyway. What does this have to do with a therapy dog? Well, the story began a year ago.

My two boys have always been afraid of dogs. Very afraid. While I don't want them to be scared of our canine friends, it didn't really bother me either... After all, we are a cat family.

But then came the Joni & Friends Family Retreat 2017. We were THRILLED to go!!! We met wonderful families who could relate with our situation, we were sacrificially served by an amazing staff of volunteers, we were loved and restored.

AND, Grant fell in love with Ruby.

Ruby was a sweet service dog. The golden retriever faithfully served his handler, an adorable boy with autism. As we watched Grant spend time with Ruby, it was clear that dogs could influence Grant for the better. The calming effect Ruby had on Grant had only been witnessed before when Grant interacted with pigs.

Yes, pigs calm Grant.

Here's a little pig detour:

I grew up on a wonderful family farm. My parent's and brothers all still farm together. It is a huge blessing to escape to Minnesota in the summer and spent time together on the farm. Grant spends HOURS with the pigs.

Grant also gets his fix of pigs when we stop by a local NC farm.

Circling back to Ruby...

It was amazing to see the transformation a dog could have on Grant. Because of Ruby's gentle nature and training, Grant was able to warm up to dogs. Now he can't get enough of them.

Grant quickly became friends with my parents' farm dog, Liesl.

Balto, our neighbor's rescue dog, now has a special place in Grant's heart.

And then there is Peanut.

My dear friend and neighbor, Roseanne, is getting up in age, so we gladly help out by walking her precious Peanut and dog-sit him when she is away from home. (Actually, I think Roseanne is doing us more of a favor than we are doing for her.)

Peanut is incredibly patient with Grant and allowed us the opportunity to teach Grant how to handle and care for a dog.

Just being around Peanut, Grant becomes a calmer, less-anxious boy. And Grant communicates more when he is around dogs. It is incredible!

However, the tough part is when we have to take Peanut back home. Grant sobs when it is time to say good-bye.

After months of researching, seeking the advise of others and praying, we have decided to pursue a therapy dog for Grant. Because of allergies in our family, we need to get a hypoallergenic dog.

Will you support us in prayer? Please pray that we will find the right dog for Grant.

Thank you!

North Carolina Snow Day

2016-01-25T11:01:00.000-05:00

Yes, here in the southern part of North Carolina we swoon and shut everything down when a light dusting of the precious white powder falls on our landscape. This Minnesota born and raised farm girl rolls her eyes a bit when it happens, however, after witnessing the shouts of glee and sparkles in my boys' eyes you won't hear me complain.

Wesley was made to experience nature. He whole-heartedly spent every moment he could outside.

Between rounds of sledding, Wesley engorged himself with snow.

Grant, on the other hand, needed to be bribed to come outside. He preferred to relax by the fire.

Marshmallows were his reward for braving the cold. :)

But of course, along with hours of outside fun in the snow, there is much fun to experience indoors...

Family movie time, playing cards, hot chocolate, painting and lots of snuggle time added to some great Snow Day memories.

Marshmallows & Sparklers

2015-07-04T07:01:00.000-04:00

Enjoying the annual Independence Day Parade in Waxhaw

This was Grant's expression when he saw his school teacher during the parade.

The wider the mouth, the happier he is... He was really excited and happy to see her.

Cousin Bonding

"Don't forget to take a picture of the Grandparents with all the grandkids!"

The good, the not-so-good and the funny.

Moving Forward & Catching Up: more spring memories

2015-05-29T21:18:00.000-04:00

Scattered pictures... Alone they are not enough for an individual post, but they hold sweet memories I still want documented so I threw them all together. :)

Flowers for Mother's Day

Rain has been limited this spring so each drop is greatly appreciated and celebrated.

The chickens are growing! We moved the girls outside and they are very happy.

Quiet. Peaceful.

Spring Happiness 2015 {Beauty & Joy}

2015-04-30T11:53:00.000-04:00

I enjoy every season. I don't prefer the cold and the shorter days of winter, but I see a purpose in it. Everyone and everything was created to have a time of rest. And yes, it has its own beauty. Some days it is harder to see the beauty in the dreary, but it is there - if only to provide contrast to the surrounding seasons.

But spring...Oh how I love spring time. With new found exuberance we dig our hands in the soil and spend nearly every waking hour outside. We all seem to breathe deeper; an ongoing sigh of contentment and happiness.

Here are a few captured moments of our Spring Happiness:

For weeks Wesley proudly boasted to everyone he knew (and many that he did not know) the news that he is a chicken farmer.

A couple weeks later...

We added a couple kittens to our little backyard farm. They are dearly loved by the boys and provide hours of entertainment.

My boys. So much love.

This Lone Ranger Chicken Farmer had just informed me that he was NOT tired. :)

"God has made everything fit beautifully in its appropriate time..." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Wesley's Fifth Birthday Party - Lone Ranger Style

2015-03-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

It only took watching one episode of The Lone Ranger and Wesley was hooked. Naturally that is the theme he chose for his fifth birthday party.

[Side Note: I've always admired the moms who throw beautiful, elaborate birthday parties for their children; they are so creative. But that's just not me. Oh I love to have a little creative-fun with party planning, but mostly they are simple. Actually, I prefer them that way for my family; sweet, fun, full of laughter and simple.]

Grilling hotdogs and roasting marshmallows was fun, but the best part of the party was the game. Aaron and I planned a bank robbery theme scavenger hunt. I made a wanted poster using a picture of Aaron - which Wesley did not recognize - hehe. :) Then we made clues for the boys to find as they hunted down the mean bank robber to secure the loot (aka: candy).

Winter 2015 {Beauty, Silly Joy & Snuggles}

2015-02-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

Hi! Welcome to my happy place. :) As silly and cliche'-ish as that sounds, it's true.

While I had to slip away for awhile to devote every nook & cranny of my moments to being mommy, wife and entrepreneur, I am delighted that I can now be here again - to share my heart.

...To reveal my happy place so full of beauty and joy.

And so I will pick-up where I left off, documenting little pieces of my family's winter happiness.

{Stay tuned for additional updates coming soon!}

Wesley is always game for an outdoor adventure, in whatever weather.

In extreme heat or cold, Grant prefers the view from the window. :)

Cold weather means it's time for hot chocolate, reading more books, snuggles and, of course, fort building.

Christmas 2014 {sweet moments}

2014-12-31T12:28:00.001-05:00

This Christmas was filled with the joy of cooking and hosting some family events. I loved it! (I think I have finally developed and mastered a great gluten-free, casein-free stuffing recipe.)

With my hands busy prepping food, I didn't have the time I normally do to take pictures, but I did occasionally pause to take mental pictures and give thanks for the sweet time with family.

Building airplanes and "vrooming them as fast as they can go." I loved watching their creativity in action.

Chinese food for dinner, a Mayes family Christmas Eve tradition

Christmas morning was welcomed with a pancake breakfast, presents and more fun with cousins.

As the rain cleared away, there was a unanimous heralding cry to break-in the new trampoline.

Christmas night the cousins were enraptured by "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

More family time around the table. After much research, Aaron settled on two marinades for salmon and grilled the fish to perfection. An encore has been requested.

Each evening after the dishes were cleared and the kids were tucked into their beds, the adults would gather around the table for a [friendly] game. This family likes to compete. :)

The finale to every family gathering is the grand attempt to take a [nice] picture of the cousins/grandchildren on the couch. It is always a memorable closing scene.

Bittersweet good-byes

Until next time...

Fall 2014 {beauty & joy}

2014-12-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

This has been an autumn to remember. Between the fall-time craziness of my photography business and with the local fun family activities, we enjoyed all this season had to offer. Apple picking, visiting the pumpkin patch, Thanksgiving Day and playing in the leaves always make great family memories.

Interestingly, one memory I will forever cherish was made on a day I didn't dare bring out my camera. We visited Sky Top Orchard with close family friends and it rained all day. Torrential rain. ALL day. It was great! We had the place to ourselves as we picnicked, slid around in the mud, ran and laughed in the rain and, of course, trudged across the orchard seeking our favorite apple - pink lady.

I guess some memories are best documented solely in the heart. :)

But here are a few pictures of the rest of our autumn joy...

Learning to fish and exploring the pond

Pumpkin Patch 2014

...with Grandpa and Grandma Mayes

cherish now

2014-10-10T17:27:00.000-04:00

Wesley raced past me, laughing while asking me if he was as fast as a cheetah.
I smiled and answered, "Almost."

Grant, while jumping high in the waves, giggled his delight and yelled "FUN!" with full gusto. I stared at his profile and wondered the age old question of mothers everywhere, Where did the time go?

Right then and there, I renewed my vow to cherish every moment.

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Early Autumn at the Beach

Collecting Seashells and Memories

Reunion {the journey continues}

2014-10-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

You and me. It has been a reunion long in the waiting. This place, such a sweet place of respite, has never been far from my mind.

For months I tucked myself away into my corner of the world. I needed to step away. My role as a mom craved every crumb I could feed it.

A year ago marked some increased strain - Grant's anxiety spiked and his sleep plummeted. I struggled daily, hourly, moment-by-moment to know how to help him. It had been years since Grant had really, truly slept well. And it was affecting all of us.

Then came a reprieve. In addition to his current diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome, Grant was diagnosed with MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase). One of the symptoms? Severe insomnia. We started treatment immediately. And Grant started to sleep. Praise the Lord!

While my family's daily life is far from easy, sleep has helped to ease some of the strain. We are so thankful for the blessing of a good night's rest when we receive it. We continue to learn how to cherish every blessing.

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Here are a few pictures of the past few months... I hope you will join me again as I continue this incredible journey of discovering beauty and joy - through the eyes of gratitude - along the path God planned for my family.

A quiet moment

The joy of a childhood unplugged

beauty & joy {lately} photographs

2014-03-11T14:37:00.000-04:00

I reminded myself: It is in the hurried days when it is most important for me to take the time to pause and look with expectation.

I don't like to be rushed. It is no longer alluring to me. But, at times, it is a reality.

Even so, I combat it.

Today I set my timer to chime at odd times throughout the busy day, reminding me to be still. When the timer alerted me, I calmed my hands, took a deep breath, and stood motionless.

I prayed. I gazed outside. I watched the sunlight splash across the room. I closed my eyes and gave thanks.

I stilled myself with expectation. And I was rewarded.

It is a verse commonly quoted, but not so commonly practiced:

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 4:10

The reward? To know. To know that even through the craziness, through the unknown, through the good and difficult times, God is in control. He is sovereign. God is God.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hew are a few pictures from the past month featuring our Winter-Spring-Winter-Spring weather. :)

So much beauty and joy...

My colorful little boy who thoroughly enjoys being outside no matter how cold it is.

Outside time means nature sensory time for Grant.

I'll never forget the first time I saw North Carolina clay dirt. I was fascinated by it. Now I've become a master at getting it out of the boys' clothes.

Let it snow! Again!

Eating snow

While Grant endured some outside time, he preferred to stay indoors during the snow and cold. His body doesn't regulate "extreme" temperatures well. So he'd rather look at books.

Cold weather is also a perfect time for making indoor forts. :)

God is our refuge and strength,

    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
    though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    He lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations He has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    He burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46

Where to find strength {for the days you just want to stay in bed}

2014-02-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

I opened my eyes this morning to my screaming son and breathed a prayer, begging God for a reprieve. Waking early to grinding screams has been a daily ritual for weeks now.

Even more than usual, the past few weeks have been challenging. The steady drum of anxiety, cries and screams of frustration, and regression in eating, all rapidly beat together in a tortuous tune.

And we don't know how to help him. I think that is what wears me down the most.

It is evident that our family is not unique. As I scour the internet for answers, countless Facebook groups, blogs, support websites pop-up with questions similar to mine. The special needs world is very real and heavily populated. But no one has the answers I need - the answers my son needs. The replies to the questions all appear to be trial-and-error and shoot-in-the-dark type responses. There are no clear answers.

I feel strength drain from my body.

"Wise" platitudes cast aside, I beg God for strength to get through the day. I need a clear answer. Lord, where can I find strength?

Joy in Me.

I am reminded of a verse Aaron shared with me weeks ago:

"...do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Yes!

Once again my perspective is refocused. Shifting my gaze from my own tired self, I lift up my eyes and seek God. In the Word I am not given trial-and-error or shoot-in-the-dark tips. There I am always given clear answers. I am always given hope.

"...His delight is in the law1 of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither." Psalm 1:2-3

When I have joy in the Lord, it is joy in something unshakable, unchanging and perfect. While my day may be full of uncertainty and hardships, I can always find strength - and joy and hope and peace - when I seek after God and delight in Him. He gives me the strength to continue the good fight.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Are you curious?

Click on the titles of the following articles for guidance/wisdom on where to find joy and strength!

Where Does Joy Come From? by John Piper

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of His People by Charles H. Spurgeon

a winter calm

2014-01-21T15:52:00.000-05:00

Like a shy falling of quiet snow that blankets the landscape, so has a hush gently fallen over our household.

But to notice it, you must look closely.

In many ways the landscape of our day looks exactly the same. There are still the endless noises of daily life and daily needs. Indeed, the loudness of it all sometimes swirls aggressively around me, attempting to stir up emotions.

However, over the mountains and valleys of our journey, there is a hush of peace to our countenance.

This is the day - the life - the Lord has made.

Today, in spite of the noise - no, because of the noise and His presence in the midst of the noise, I will rejoice in it.

He has made me glad.

"For our heart is glad in Him,

because we trust in His holy name."

Psalm 33:21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

~ our bits & pieces of winter quiet ~

Wesley & Grant enjoy listening to music and stories on CD, a favorite indoor activity

Because sleep is a precious commodity in our household (sleeplessness is one symptom of Fragile X Syndrome), I cherish every second of it. And, like every mother, I love the precious scene of my boys sleeping.

~ a little bit of silly ~

Giggles and cute, funny faces

Wesley's groovin' dance moves :)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes, He has made me glad.

worth waiting for

2014-01-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for God's timing. Not because it fits with my "logical plan" and comforts - in fact, currently, it very much does not fit with my logic :) - but because His timing is perfect and it exhibits His sovereignty.

It forces me to lean fully on Him.

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope..." Psalm 130:5