From Entry To Entry

I just recently finished my old journal.  It's start date was June 16, 2013.  I don't know if you are the journaling type, Beloved Reader but this girl has journals that date back to the 80's.  Yeah, I'm old... see post below ©

Here's the thing, whenever I finish one journal I have to, no I am compelled to look back over the old pages and reminisce. Above all else,  this heart of mine, is so darn sentimental it's downright mushy overload up in here sometimes.   But, this time through this old journal I was reminded of God's faithfulness, and promises to me in the past year. I felt him remind me that  From journal entry to entry, From glory to glory, he is faithful to complete this work He started in my heart long ago. Instead of getting all weepy and mushy, I was inspired and reminded of this scripture;
"But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." 1 Cor 3:18


The first entry from my old journal was actually on Father's Day last year, and I was bemoaning the fact that Moses wasn't with us. It's hard to have Fathers Day when the Father of the house is 700+ miles away. There were so many things I didn't understand at that moment, why others close to me had lost their Father for good, and still others Fathers had just checked out. I was grateful that my Giant was only leading a path ahead of us in a move back home to Nevada that was for our good. Still, my heart was weary with questions, worries, and concerns. We(me and my Fab4)were in Washington finishing up the school year there, and he(My Giant) had already started working in Nevada.
The reason I wrote a journal entry that day was because I started to feel sad, and overwhelmed at the prospect of moving my family to Nevada all by myself. To say I was a tad bit emotional, would be quite the understatement. I was all over the place as this BIG move was approaching.  Ya see, a big move wreaks havoc on us sentimental types.
To be quite honest I was having a pity party and I may have had some words in said journal that weren't so nice. I also may have had some not so nice words written all over our moving boxes that My Giant later read. Hee hee hee... Ahem... note to self don't take out your emotions on the boxes that others will later read.  The point is...
I started to feel very much alone.
I had been packing for weeks all by myself. I had been going to baseball games by myself. I had been going to end of the school year parties, all by myself. I had been saying goodbyes by myself.  I had been having sleep overs, parties, hikes and a whole long list of to do's by myself. I had been doing 4 kids, ya know that whole raising a family of 4  thing, by myself for one too many weeks, days, hours, too long.
And at the moment of this entry I was feeling what my friend Louie likes to call, "Whelmed!" Ya know, so overwhelmed that you can't even muster out saying the whole word.
In that moment God gave me this scripture,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
He was reminding me that I was not alone! He was reminding me that even in this move back to Nevada He had a plan for my life and it was Good. He was reminding me of His faithfulness, that He would never leave me or forsake me. He was there in that moment, and I was no longer feeling alone.
And now almost one year later, as I look back over this past year I can see so clearly like in a mirror, that He was doing something so beautiful, so good ... he was filling my tank from 1/2 empty to overflowing.
My only regret, is that I didn't run to Him quicker.
From journal entry to entry,  From glory to glory...
"You have called me higher, you have called me deeper and I'll go where you will lead me Lord."

God Is Good

I've got one hour to snuggle up with you, Beloved reader. I've got my cup of coffee in a cute little birdy cup that I found at the Salvation Army yesterday, and my brain is full of topics to talk about, and in the end I think we should have a toast. Be thinking about what it is we should toast with our drinks in hand. Yours might be wine by the time you read this or it might be a smoothie tomorrow morning, but I feel a toast coming on. 

Let's start this conversation off with this quote;
"God is great in minuteness as He is in Magnitude."
This is an anonymous quote. The first time I read this I giggled out loud aka GOL'd.  Get it?   Instead of LOL'd I GOL'd.  Ok that wasn't funny. Moving on. I GOL'd because I read the word minuteness wrong. I thought the writer made up a a new word like minute to minute, hour by hour, minute-ness.  Then I realized when I read it again that I just don't know how to read apparently, which made me LOL.
After GOL-ing and LOL-ing this quote also made me remember going to Foursquare church camps where at the end or beginning of most church services someone would say; "GOD IS GOOD" and then the kids would reply "ALL THE TIME" and back and forth the chant would go. 
It made me thankful that I have this perspective about God, because I know some people don't think He is good. But He really is so good, and wanting to be so involved in our everyday lives.   In the minuteness of them. And the Magnitude of them. In the good times and the bad. In our quiet moments  and the loud excited ones too.
This really hit home yesterday, when I was doing some shopping at said thrift store, where I found that little cute mug up there, I realized once again how very true this quote is.
You see even in shopping God meets me in the minuteness of finding a coffee mug so cute, and so unique, and so on sale ... that I know it was intended just for me.   Do you know that even when I'm shopping I feel there are special bargains that I find only because God is looking out for me? That might seem silly to some of you who are thinking more that God should be paying attention to all the worlds tragedies and not finding bargains for his kids, but that's just where you are wrong. Somehow, God is able to do it all.  That's what the above quote speaks to me. 
I know He cares about the fact that I'm trying to raise a family on a limited budget and still be resourceful, and shop at second hand stores. Quite often the very thing I need to be shopping for will end up being on sale. Like yesterday the color at the thrift store that I go to was Grey. Now, anyone who has shopped Savers or Value Village knows those colors are important. They make it so that what ever color it is that day will be 50% off. That's quite the savings on something that is already cheaper because it's used. So Grey was the color and I kid you not everything I picked up was tagged with a Grey tag.  How cool is that?  It was a reminder to me that even in little things God cares and is moving in my life, if only I have eyes and ears to see and hear.  It's not just finding cute coffee mugs on sale that God is so good for. In the moments of this life where I just don't understand the pain and suffering, the sickness and sadness, the despair and darkness that can sometimes cloud over this world... HE IS THERE. He reminds me that this world is passing away and someday HE will answer every question and wipe away every tear from every eye.  HE right NOW is preparing that place. And in the meantime, only HE can provide some heaven on earth for me, and I'm beyond blessed to have Him in every moment of my life.

"I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too- your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in! " Psalm 139:5-6
With that being said, I think it's only right that we Toast to the God of the universe ... Who's with me? Raise your glass... To Yahweh  Who is always, always, always Good. Who never fails. Never gives up. Never slumbers nor sleeps on the job.   HE is worth all our glasses raised don't ya think?
Cha Ching!!!

God Is Good

Good Evening to YOU Beloved Reader. I'm not sure what to begin with. What a strange course this post has taken. I started it this morning when I read the quote below, and then came back to it this afternoon after the Boston bombings. And now here I sit this evening with this post that in a matter of 8 hours has taken on a whole new meaning. If you want the bullet point version of this post here it is; -God is good. In every season. -God is still good. - When bad things happen,God is still on the throne. -In the Winter and in the Spring,  one thing remains; God and His faithfulness.
Here's the quote that got this train of though rolling;
"The joyful birds prolong the strain,  their song with every spring renewed; the air we breathe, and the falling rain, each softly whispers: GOD IS GOOD." John Hampden Gurney

The above quote reminds me of two things; 1.)Seasons are important,  and B.)The present moment is a gift. Whether it is in the Winter or the Spring. Present aka Gift.
Oh and  D.) Am I listening long enough, well enough to always be hearing the soft whisper that indeed says, God Is Good?
There is a renewal process that happens every Spring that gives birth to new life. But, what we want so desperately to forget in the Spring is what caused this life to come to pass.  The Cold, Dark Winter.
We even whine and complain if Spring starts to change it's mind and head back into those symptoms of Winter we are trying to forget! Can I get a witness those of you who live in Minnesota terrain?
With the cold dark days of December behind us now, it's easy to shout the praise from the mountain tops. We get a spring in our step, A spring in our song,  Heck even a spring in our cleaning!! And that's great.  It's the way it should be. I'm just reminded by this quote to think a little deeper. Because although, its easy to say God is Good when things are coming back to life, it is a very hard position to take when death is on the line. ("Never mess with a Cecilian when DEATH is ON THE LINE!!" You're welcome Princess Bride fans)
So I ask myself what was      my song,  my step,  and even the cleaning of my own heart like this winter? I can honestly say that this Winter was a lot better than those that have gone before it. Still, there was some lag in my step. But as my kids went on Spring break this past week I had the thought that I could hardly believe it was over.  The Winter is over. Spring is here. It didn't seem like some Winters that have gone before it to be so long that I wondered if there would ever be a Sunrise AGAIN!! Ya know what I'm saying?  I guess that's a good sign. I bet by now you are gathering that Winter is not my favorite?! Yer, A smart one young whipper snapper !!

This past week has been filled from top to bottom with nothing but goodness for me and mine.  A much needed visit from Momma Nash has been the main reason, as well as having some much needed time with my Fab 4 while they have all been on Spring break.
Do you ever have weeks like this? Where everyone is healthy, everyone is happy, and all is right with the world?
I can't help but sing God's praise in the midst of such goodness. So that's what I'm gonna do here for a minute. Listen real close. This is me,  singing God's praise.
As we are in full swing into this Spring season(say that five times fast for fun) I start to think about what lies ahead. The flowers are blooming. The birds are chirping. My kids will soon be wrapping up this school year and in less than 1 month I will have two teenage girls in my house. 1 in High School, 2 in Middle School and only 1 left in Elementary school. I'm coming up on a new season of life(BIG KID SEASON)
This Spring break provided such a wonderful time to take the pulse of this lil family we call MoNoSco and the pulse was strong. It was good. Because God is good. I give thanks for this.

*Now, as I sit here and type the news of the Boston Marathon bombing has just hit the airwaves and I'm praying for all those on the east coast that may have been affected by this. I have family on the East coast who thankfully are all okay, but I'm thankful with pause now. No longer a Spring in my step. Pause. Selah. It is a crazy thought that someone this morning got up, laced their shoes for a race they have been training for months, maybe even all year, and now finds themselves either injured, or worse gone forever.
Although it is Spring for all of us, someone over there has just headed back into Winter. The darkest one they will have ever faced. And I hope and pray for them even in the midst of this they are able to say  God is STILL Good!
It's hard to make sense of such senseless acts of violence. Try as we might, that is why they are appropriately named. So, I am not even going to attempt to make sense of the difference a day made in my heart. It started out with a spring and not a care in the world and has ended now here with extreme sadness for those in Boston. But one thing has remained; God in His Goodness. At the Foursquare Church youth camps that my husband and I used to frequent,there was a saying that would get said A LOT! The speaker would say,(or shout depending on how The Spirit was moving) GOD IS GOOD  and the people would say in return ALL THE TIME
And even though I don't understand days like today, somehow, by the grace of God, I do understand this.


It reminds me that life, the air we breathe when we wake each day is so very precious. The present really is a gift, not to be taken for granted.

I Will Wait

Hello There Beloved Reader and Happy Halloween!

I hope this evening or morning depending on when you read this finds you healthy, happy and dressed in costume. 

I also want to say before I start my rant for today that my heart is heavy for all of you out there on the East Coast. You are in my prayers.

The other day I was driving around taxi-cabbin it up.  Driving my kids from here to there, I'm sure.  One of my favorite things to do while driving is to listen to my favorite bands, and turn up the music. I sing like no one is listening, because... well no one is, except for one. I sing loud. I sing proud. AND  I turn a lot of songs into praise. Sometimes that is what the songs are. Sometimes they are not, but I make them my praise songs.

I Will Wait,  is one of my all time favorite songs right now. It's from Mumford and Sons.  Have you heard of them? Well if you haven't, do your ears a favor and listen to the song below.  The lyrics of this song talk about feeling heavy like a stone, and being in days of darkness.  Sometimes I feel heavy with the burdens of this life. Not so much my burdens, but the burdens of others. I feel deeply "my peoples" burdens. I have a sentimental heart and don't easily let these heavy things go without much prayer and a sad heart.  This song talks of a new day coming and these burdens will blow away "with this new sun." Um.. I'm pretty sure that sun should be spelled son, but okay.  Moving on. Then the song speaks of kneeling down and waiting. And this is where the song turned into worship for me. Did you know you could turn any song into a song about God? Well, now you know. And that's what I did with this song, I Will Wait  by Mumford and Sons  has a whole new meaning to me now because after listening to it the other day and feeling what I felt when singing it, I am changed. I feel renewed by this song that I am now singing as a declaration. I WILL WAIT. Because the one I wait for is faithful and he "raises my hands" as I wait on him. I try not to raise those hands while driving, but ya know on the inside they are raised. And I came home
Like a stone
And I fell heavy into your arms
These days of darkness
Which we've known
Will blow away with this new sun

And I'll kneel down
Wait for now
And I'll kneel downKnow my ground

And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

So break my step
And relent
You forgave and I won't forget
Know what we've seen
And him with less
Now in some way
Shake the excess

But I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

So I'll be bold
As well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So tame my flesh
And fix my eyes
That tethered mind free from the lies

But I'll kneel down
Wait for now
I'll kneel down
Know my ground

Raise my hands
Paint my spirit gold
And bow my head
Keep my heart slow

Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

U2 song- Whoa The Sweetest Things

It's not our anniversary, but it is the month of LOVE.
And so I feel compelled to tell you this LOVE story.
It's the story of when a blue eyed boy met a brown eyed girl.
Or the story of how a brown eyed girl stalked a blue eyed boy.
Either way, it's my LOVE story.
I wish that each and everyone of you had a blog where I could read your LOVE stories, because to me LOVE stories truly are "The Sweetest Things"
This Love story well it happened kinda something like this.

Well, about over 20 years ago.

I don't regret going to my friend Jen's youth group that night because not only was it a night that I would meet some treasured people that would forever be in my life, but it was the first time I laid eyes on him. (Enter the "At Last My LOVE has come along" song here)

Jen's Youth pastors at the time were a couple named Louie and Joni Locke.They were newlyweds. They were nice, but they were quickly forgotten once Moses walked through the front door.

(Can't believe I am actually going to use this reference, and I am sure my teenage daughter will never forgive me for ruining her favorite love story, but here goes nothing)

Enter Twilight scene where Bella first lays eyes on Edward as he walks through the door to the cafeteria at school. To those of you who haven't watched Twilight, I'm sorry. To those of you who have it really was pretty much something like that, only Moses wasn't a vampire and I am not named Bella. I quickly asked my friend Jen who that tall guy with Heather G was? She filled me in as best she could and then the stalking began.

I was 15 years old. He was 17. I was going to into the 10th grade he would be a Senior. CRAP I AM OLD!!

I thought he was already in college because he looked so much older, imagine my surprise when I found out I would be going to school with him the next year.
A few more details you should know about this story is that although he wasn't a murderous vampire, he wasn't a Christ follower at the time. I was trying to follow Christ's teaching a little closer than I had in my non-following Christ years, and so this posed a problem. Our lives were on different roads. He was listening to Nine Inch Nails, I was listening to Amy Grant. LOL. That is just a pretty damn funny sentence right there. And also a pretty good way of putting our past into a nut shell(Help, I'm in a nut shell!)

This is where my prophetic youth pastor enters the story. I had told no one, and I do mean no one about this high school girl crush. Although, those that were close to me I am sure had an idea or two. But, I certainly didn't tell anyone near or remotely close to my youth pastor. So there is no way he could have known what he knew. And basically, without leaving all you non-church goers in the dust here he did what the world would call a psychic reading on my ass, and it scared the crap out of me!!

So, due to my recent "Fear of THE LORD" I let all those high school girly crush dreams go and I forgot about the man-child! I did really forget about him until my Senior year in high school. Long after he had moved out of Carson City. Long after I had that amazing first impression of him. I forgot him. But then one day, there he was almost a year and half later.

This time it was no longer a crush, it was a reality. And by reality I mean he actually talked to me this time.
He came up asked me some questions and then disappeared again.
I forgot him again. (Fear of THE LORD thingy!)
Until a year later.
I looked him up.
He was looking for me.
We talked on the phone.
I invited him to church.
He came.


WE said I DO!

(For those of you new blog followers there is a very lengthy story of us under the tag monosco if you have an hour or two, JK, but really you will need at least a half and hour)