I hate making decisions. I do. I have so many days when I wish God would just come and sit right next to me and tell me what to do. Oh, that’s right, He really is there! Maybe He just needs to shout a little louder so that I can hear Him better. Ever wonder why they say He has a “still, small voice?” I do! Some days I wish it were a noisy, loud voice….one that I can hear loud and clear with absolute clarity. Ha! Wouldn’t that be lovely? And easy.
But, the journey was never meant to be easy, was it? It’s in those moments when we’re pressing in, listening intently with everything we have, that we grow to know Him so much more. It’s in those times when we long to hear Him clearer and we lay aside all our own agendas that He shows us His faithfulness to lead and guide us.
He is just so good like that.
Recently we have been in that place. The one where we have laid aside all our own dreams, our own desires, and our own agendas–simply to be able to hear what HE has to say. It has been hard! The Lord has given us His answer. He has directed our steps.
And sometimes, dear friends, the answer is not the one we were hoping for. Sometimes our answer from heaven is no. Sometimes we look back and see that God has just taken us on a little detour–only to get us to where He needs us to be. Ultimately, it’s always for our good….and more importantly, for His Glory.
The times, they certainly are a changin’ for our family. I’ll share more in the days to come.
One of my favorite places to be is outdoors. We all love being outside. When life just feels so crazy and we need a breather–out of the house is where you will find us. We love it. You will hardly ever see my kids with shoes on. Even the littlest feet around here are dirty during the day. Grass is meant to be between toes, we think.
We love dirty feet. And arm chub is quite delicious too. This picture makes me smile. Hailee is a new creation!
This week we have had the most glorious weather. Fall here is so stunning. Our leaves are just beginning to turn and it is wonderful. I love how God did that just for us–for our pleasure.
We’ve escaped our busy schedule for group hugs.
And tickle time.
And a little more tickle time….because the tickle bug is so, so fun. Once he comes out, he has to do it over and over and over again.
One little lovie in our house is all about repetition these days. Like, a LOT of repetition. Once she starts something, she simply cannot get enough. Over and over again. One of Harper’s favorite words is “more.” It’s the cutest thing–she says the word and does the sign at the same time…just to get her point across. Girlfriend knows what she wants! And if she thinks we’re not noticing her, her voice gets a little louder and more adamant until she gets her way.
Sweetness.
In case you didn’t know, this month is National Down Syndrome Awareness month. I’ve been thinking about that a lot recently. What would I say to someone who just got the diagnosis most moms in the world dread hearing? How could I possibly persuade her to keep her angel baby? How I wish I could let the whole world know that…
Down syndrome is a BLESSING!
Never a curse.
Speaking of blessings…
One of ours has recently hit the three-year anniversary of being home.
Three years! Where has time gone?
I simply cannot even begin to tell you how far this girl has come. But I will. Soon. This week we celebrate her sweet eleventh birthday. I can’t wait to share my beautiful treasure with you.
And she really is absolutely beautiful.
And amazing.
I also wanted to say a huge thank-you to all of you who have supported these fundraising families. Still the donations are coming in. What a huge blessing you have been to them! I appreciate you all so much. Someone wrote and asked me if I will allow people to donate for a while longer. Of course! No problem at all. I will only draw names for the prizes later to give more people a chance to donate and be entered into the drawing.
Monkey see, monkey do.
I hope you all have a happy SONday.
May He be your more than enough this day!
