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!!!

Bubbles in the Bathtub

Tonight I sat in a bath until all the bubbles were gone and the water was luke warm. At one point I actually fell asleep in the tub and woke with a splash.  I suppose that is one indication that this momma is beyond tired.  Did I mention that I am writing this post with absolutely NO caffeine in my body because I decided to go on a 10 day detox with my sisters? Well... if this post doesn't make any sense at all and sounds more jibber jabberish than usual, you now know the reason why.  It's crazy how tired a person can be, and not even realize it because they have so many ... what's the word Sedatives? NO no no... Stimulants coursing thru their veins.  9 more days to go without caffeine, this should be interesting. Where was I ? Oh yea being tired... It feels like since mid-November this house has been a revolving door. To this, I am NOT opposed.  I love having company. Family and Friends truly are what this life is all about, so to be surrounded by them day and night is one of my favorite things, also brown paper packages tied up with string.  But, the aftermath of that kinda busy is that I fall asleep in bath tubs and I have no energy what so ever to even think about the piles of laundry that need to be put away. Hey... at least they are clean and folded. Ok, so not all the piles are folded. Or clean. Let's get back to my wonderful bath tub shall we. Tonight while I lay in the tub praying for people, myself included, I thought what a luxurious  treat a hot bath is on a cold day. I have been watching a lot of shows like Downton Abbey, where the time frame is set when hot running water was non-existent.  To have a hot bath drawn up was such a laborious endeavor that usually it was for the whole family to bathe in.  Could you imagine if you were the last one in that mirky, dirty, luke water tub? Bleh! Hurry quick let's not think about that. Side-note *If you have not seen this PBS show, Downton Abbey go right now and get it, for real... GO!

Tonight, I was so grateful for my big, warm, bathtub full of bubbles that I think a tear may have leaked from my eye.  Or that could've been when I startled and splashed myself? Hee hee hee Either way I was grateful beyond words for this simple thing;  a warm bath on a cold winter night.  And I thought, it is the simple pleasures like this that remind me of how truly fortunate I am.  My strong feelings of gratitude made me think of an old Petra song, called Thankful Heart.  I wonder how many of you remember this song?  It's an oldie but a goodie, because it says the very reason I have this thankful heart is because of you God.  Every good and perfect gift comes from you, Father of Lights.  Thankful hearts come from you. Detox with sisters comes from you. Downton Abbey comes from you.  CAFFEINE comes from you. (Can I get a witness) Old Petra songs that make me smile come from you. Even warm cozy Bubble baths come from you.  If you haven't heard this old song in a while or ever.... I think you should give it a go. I need you all to know, this song right here is putting me in the WAY back machine. I wonder, did that make any sense at all?

Did I Tell You ?

Did I tell you I got a new camera for Christmas ?

Hmmm... I'm sorry I forgot to mention that.

Well, I probably didn't mention it because I've been so busy taking pictures of these beauties.

I'm pretty sure that I could take pictures of little cuties, all the Live Long Day!!

In fact, I think that I might just do that. 

Ok, now that we covered what I've been doing with my new camera let me tell you, that although my camera (A Nikon D3100) is a fancy pants camera,  I'm pretty sure It couldn't make these cuties any cuter even if it tried.  Say that five times fast!

Don't you agree? Aren't they just  SO  Ca HUTE !! I'm talking  Cute with a capital C. Now that I don't have babies of my own I enjoy the time with other peoples babies immensely. Could you tell? It's not at all obvious is it?

The Sweetest Things

I get a whole weekend away with this guy.

I am beyond excited about it.

He's still my favorite.

I can't disclose what we will be doing, I'm sworn to secrecy.

But I will say we will be in California. 

Palm Trees here we come.

This Giant of mine turns 41 this week.

I remember when he was 21 and we got engaged. 

"A blue eyed boy meets a brown eyed girl"

I was only 19.

We have been besties for 20 years.

He's my pal.

He's my lover.

He's my 24/7 comedian.

I feel pretty blessed, really blessed to be his Brown Eyed Girl. 

More On My New Years Word, Yoga, and A Book Review

They say that to be really good at Yoga it's all about balance and flexibility. Maybe that's why I have always loved this practice. From the very first time I experienced a Yoga class I was hooked, because I had finally found an exercise I could be good at.  You see, I've always had really good physical balance. I remember being a young girl in gymnastics class walking across the balance beam just for fun and challenging myself to different balance exercises.

But balance in life is a completely different beast than that of balance in the physical world.  In Yoga they are trying to get at the whole person when they speak of balance.
It's not just standing on one foot like a flamingo that is impressive in Yoga. Come to think of it, nothing is impressive in yoga because it's not about impressing, but rather being able to be so completely focused on what you are doing that you can close your eyes and your inner world is in balance as well.
I suppose one of the reasons I have chosen the word Balance for my New Years word is because the older I'm getting the more I'm realizing how vital it is to have balance in ALL things. So much of life, and it's hidden treasures comes from when I keep things in Balance and have flexibility. 
The world around us is in a constant state of motion and chaos, and it's so very easy to get off balance. Just when I think I have one area of life all neatly wrapped up and manageable, there comes another area of life to smack me in the face as a wake up call. Those smacks are painful, and I don't always handle them well.  Remember when I heard we were moving back to Nevada? SMACK!! And, I'm sorry to say my reaction (at first) was not all that balanced. Those are the kind of moments in life that I want look back on and know that I handled them well, or at least better than I have in the past. 

One of my new favorite quotes that I  recently read in the book, Room by Emma Donahue is  "The world is suddener than we fancy it."  The quote is originally from Louis MacNiece, but Dr. Clay in the book says it in response to something the main character, 5 year old Jack, says to him.
The book Room is about a 5 year old boy named Jack, who was born inside a tiny room that his mother had been kidnapped to as a 19 year old girl. That quote is taken from a blurb in the book where Jack, the little boy is trying to explain why he doesn't like the outside world as opposed to the Room he was born into. Imagine, if all you ever knew as your existence was a teeny, tiny room that nothing ever changed in? I mean, a spider was the highlight of this little boys day!
It is the perfect quote to say to Jack, who is having a hard time getting used to how fast the world around him just keeps coming at him.  By the way, this book Room is without a doubt a fascinating read. It's not one I would have chosen myself because the topic is very dark, but it was a book club choice.  I'm telling you, you won't be able to put it down. 
Back to the quote in the book,
When I read it I thought about what a true statement that is because in life things are always changing and most of the time we receive no warning.  To stay in perfect balance when all the rest of the world is in chaos is truly a gift. For me THE only time this ever happens (perfect balance) is when I practice keeping my eyes on my Creator.   "You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."  Isaiah 26:3
To me, this is the epitome of balance.
A steadfast mind and a heart that is in a constant state of perfect peace despite the chaotic world around you. It really doesn't get anymore balanced than that.  It begins by trusting someone greater than yourself. Knowing full well that although I don't have all the answers to life's unrelenting questions, I can trust fully that someone does.  Like a new born baby trusts that his parent will nurture, care, and protect them. I have seen a baby fall asleep at some of the most chaotic, noise filled, concert-like events.  And yet, the baby sleeps. Trusting that all the crazies running around them won't bother them a bit because they trust whoever is holding them.  It makes me happy to think about things like this. It calms my soul to know I am being held like that infant child.  
                "Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony."
 

Happy New Year Ramblings

Happy Happy New Year Beloved Reader! I sure hope your holidays were filled with love and laughter.  Mine were filled with love, laughter and a whole lotta busy! I feel like I have been running full speed ahead since middle of November and let me remind you this girl doesn't like to run. In fact my New Years word is Balance due to the fact that I feel I need to balance all this busy in my life that 9 times out of 10 isn't even my own busy.  Ya know what I'm saying? Any momma of more than a couple kids gets it. I feel like I'm constantly running everywhere for everyone but ME, and most days I don't mind that. I'm thankful my life is full of busy, because that means it's full of beloved people, but I also know that running all the time is not good. I don't know how I know this since like I said I'm not a runner, but I just know it in my knower. So part of finding balance for me in this New Year I think is going to look like planning to do things that I want to do.  Things that feed my soul. Things that make my heart sing. Things like NOT running. Although this girl doesn't like running..

She does however like to write and today feels like a good day to check in and write a few things here with you.  Where should we start? Let's have a conversation about the aftermath of Christmas decor.  Am I the only one who feels a tad bit resentful about the after clean up process of Christmas? I feel as though decorating for Christmas is a task that primarily falls on the woman and the aftermath of Christmas (aka what to do with the Christmas tree) should fall on the man. Call me old fashioned, but I'm so glad my Giant takes care of getting rid of that big gianormous tree that is now dropping pine needles left and right.  But I have to say that after the tree is gone and I take a look around,  I'm a tad bit overwhelmed by all the fun I had putting tinsel on everything and ornaments everywhere. Every year when I bring out the ahem... 8 or 9 boxes of Christmas decor I think to myself... "Self... ya know this is going to take all of January to clean up." But I put it all out anyways because the kids love it and well... I guess I must too.  How do you feel about it all?

Well ... so Christmas clean up, not my favorite, but in the end I feel only slightly resentful about it for a minute until I remember how nice it is to have a nice clean, crisp, streamline, simplified looking house.  Psh.... that's funny! I don't think my house and simplified are two words that would ever go together. No, because after December comes January. And we all know what that means decor wise...  I bring out the snowmen ;)  Yes, I decorate with snowmen in January. Doesn't everyone? I suppose I just can't say goodbye to all the fun so quickly and so I prolong it with cute little snowmen. Speaking of cute little things my niece Sophia just turned two.  She's aka Last Minute Biscuit (to me) because her birthday falls on December 31st .   She's the cootie pa tootie in the Minnie Mouse ears! Ugh... isn't she just scrum diddly ump tious? I get cuteness overload every time I see her sweet little face.

We had her party here right after Christmas. It was such a treat to be here and not be a part of this event via Skype. We had all the cousins together again which was a real treat. These two young men were babies just like yesterday! Now they are only months away from entering the teen years, and I have to say my heart just about skipped a beat when I saw this picture. This is cousin Jaydn and my son Solomon. Gah... cuteness overload again!

I'm in for a world of hurt when these Fab 4 kids of mine start flying from this nest. Lemme, just go on record now and say, that nothing will ever prepare this momma for something like the ugly words;  EMPTY NEST, BUT when I read things like this;  Geocashing with The Grandkids well it makes me smile. Stephanie is the bomb diggity! If you haven't discovered Honey(that's what her grandkids call her) well then your life is just not fully, full yet!! She is handling the empty nest phase of life, like a champ! And every now and then I need to go read her stuff to remind myself that there is life after the nest is empty. She has three grown daughters that are Be You Tee Full! And this reminds me that when I'm finished raising these beauties they WILL come back to me ;) This is a picture of cousin Brenna, cousin Breezy, and my oldest Daughter Emma. Did I mention these beautiful young ladies were babies just yesterday?  Sigh... cuteness beauty overload!

I'm not sure why Chloe wasn't in this pic, maybe??  Oh yea that's right.. not only did we have the party here, but my 13 year old Chloe made niece Sophia's Minnie cake. Can I just brag for a minute? My Sweet Lo lo is an aspiring baker.  I think she has proven time and again that she is quite the artist when it comes to all things pastry. I'm so very proud of her.

Oh, and Did I mention that not only does she make beautiful cakes she is an amazingly, stunning 13 year old girl that has legs for days and isn't even in High School yet? Eye cahrumba !! I'm in trouble! I mean would look at those two beauties below!!! Cuteness, Beauty, LEGS overload! Ok, I'll calm down now.  Deep breaths.  I do take comfort in the fact that their dad is a ... well you know I don't call him My Giant cause he's teeny. So at least there is that.

Well now that I have done my fair share of allotted bragging for the month of January I should probably go so you don't start to tune me out. I have missed you beloved reader. I'm hoping to be back into a better blogging swing soon, but in the meantime know that there is ... For YOU!!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

I realized something while taking our family photos for Christmas cards this year and that is,

 Cyndi Lauper was right.

We girls really do just wanna have some fun,and also we don't mind photo shoots as much as the men folk in our lives.

You would have thought I was asking my boys to clean the toilet, go to the dentist, and rake the leaves all just to get a smile out of these fellers. 

Now, to be fair My Giant was sick, but then again so was Chloe. The other two though... well they have no excuse for pictures like this;

Notice the joy and elation on the fellers faces.  Kinda lacking in the joy department don't you think? And then compare that to the lovely smiles on my girls faces.
I mean, I don't ever expect much from Solomon he has since the time he was a wee lad HATED, with a capital H, taking pictures. But usually, I can count on Isaiah to help out when it comes to looking somewhat happy. In this picture though, notice the arm over the banister. Don't you think it just screams of PHOTO EXHAUSTION. It's like they have PPTS. Post Photo Traumatic Stress.

Now any mother can relate to my rant here, because to get a good family photo is a task that is not for the faint of heart. But, I mean, I really thought that as my Fab 4 got older I wouldn't have to rely on photo shop so much. Well, and then  a picture like the above photo pops up. 
U G H !! I mean, seriously?
What am I supposed to do with the Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins on the end there? Everyone in this picture, even my Solomon is smiling so nicely, and then there's Mr. Grinch on the end. So, I decided to roll with it this year.  He asked me when I put the word Naughty over his head if he was going to get coal in his stocking and would Santa understand that it's a joke? I assured him he didn't need to worry. His status of naughty or nice wasn't really in true jeopardy from this PHOTO BOMB!
I sure hope your Christmas photo shoot went a little better. If not, keep in mind that a good sense of humor and a hint of sarcasm can go a long way. 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Beloved Reader!!  
 

On Turning 39

Hello There Beloved Reader Yesterday I turned 30+9.  It kinda snuck up on me this last year of my thirties, and to be quite honest I had a bit of a melt down last week with My Giant. 

It was a low point of self-loathing and self-pity and frankly, just all around selfishness.  I'm not proud about it, but I am aware I'm not alone in these type of moments.
My Giant handled it like a champ and patiently waited for the bubbling brook of tears to stop and then, somewhere in the midst of my blubbering like a big Ba-foon, My Giant said, "Do you think this has anything to do with you turning 39?" Sheesh... why does he have to be such a smarty pants!

SO of course I replied like any mature grown woman would and rolled my eyes, grunted and said, "Psh... of course not!! Well... maybe just a little."
But really, I knew somewhere deep down in my knower, that all that blubbering did have something to do with turning 39. My self awareness can be lacking sometimes. Anyone else feel me on that ? 
Ya see, I seem to always get hot and bothered by the year that comes before the BIG year.  So when I turned 29 I had a similar reaction, and of course now here I am doing it again. There is a bit of a pattern going on here, thank God My Giant has been paying attention.
The thing is, that I really have looked forward to my 40's for quite some time.  I have many women who have gone before me as a beautiful example of what 40's can look like and I've always thought that it's a decade of prestige, wisdom, and elegance.  Or maybe that's what I've told myself as I've slowly crept closer to that year. 

All I know is that I'm going to Carpe The Hell out of the next 364 Diems and enjoy my last year of the 30's.
I know that my 40's will come with it's own set of joys and sorrows and if I have learned anything at all in this 30 + 9 years it's that each year is a gift to be celebrated. LIFE... all of it,  the ups the downs is truly beautiful and not to be taken for granted.
I feel extremely grateful for this life and I don't want to waste a minute, not even a second worrying about wrinkles, and age spots, and varicose veins, and grey hairs... Or....  wait... remind me again what I was talking about? Oh yeah, the key to a happy life... Gratefulness. Because no matter what there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

Calling All Book Nerds

Hello there beloved reader.

We are now full swing into the busiest month of the year and I'm wondering if you will find yourself resting long enough to read a good book, or if your calendar is so jammed packed this month that all books are pushed aside for now?

Out of total curiosity, I would like to know how many books you are reading at the moment? Do you only have time for one (if that), or like me do you feel the pressing need to conquer "the list" in your lifetime so you read at least 2 to 3 at one time? I was telling a friend recently that if I don't read at least 3 books at a time I start to panic.  I'm not kidding people. I'm pretty sure I would never make it through the list of books I want to read in my lifetime if I only read 1 at a time, so 3 seems to be my steady rate. Ya know because, that list gets longer every year because there are just SO many great reads out there.  If you don't feel this way, and can't at all relate like My Giant who is not a big reader,  this might not be the post for you.  Move along now to a fashion post or a DIY!!

But if you are not offended by being deemed a book nerd then let me pick your brain for a minute. I'm currently weaned down to 3 right now after finishing Caterfly by Lara (see book review post below). My book club is going through Jane Austen's, Emma which I have already read so I loaned out my copy. Instead of reading that, I've got My Life in France, Julia Child by my bedside. It's a fun read and light hearted which is perfect for me right before bed.  That brings up another question about reading, and reading styles.  Do you read certain books at certain times? I can't read anything scary or intense before bed so I generally choose light and fluffy before bed. But like, then there are times when you want something a bit deeper, so I have a book in the bathroom right now called The Explicit Gospel by  Matt Chandler. It's a great bathroom read because I can pick it up and put it down and not miss a beat. Every sentence is one to ponder and so what better time to sit and ponder than when you are on the throne (wink wink)

And then I have a book in the car for those times that I'm waiting on teens. I have said it before and I'm gonna go ahead and say it again, to survive the taxi cab drop off and pick ups you have to equip your office (aka your car) with some essentials and a great book is one of them. Then you don't get so impatient while sitting and waiting for a half an hour when your teen told you they would be out in 2 minutes.  The books I usually keep in the car are ones that I can't read at night because they are too intense or scurry, and also the ones I need at least 10-20 minute increments with.  Right now, I currently have the old book The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay in my car. It is SO intense but came highly recommended so I knew I needed to push through the intensity to get to the good. And then finally I keep a self-help/ spiritual book near my bible to read a bit in the morning when I first wake up. Right now that book is Life Overflowing, by T.D. Jakes.  Man I love me so T.D. Jakes!! Ok so just to re-cap, I just realized that is a total of 4 books. And if you count the bible which I try to read on the regular that would be 5. Clearly, math was not my strong point in college ;) How about you how many are you reading? What are you reading? How long is your list? What's on your list?

Oh and btw, I love you ... You Beloved Reader Book Nerd!!

Caterfly Identity - A book review

I'm sitting here on this beautiful fall morning, and the music in the back round being played by Spotify is Possibility by Lykke Li. 
You know that famous song from Twilight? "There's a possibility" I used to make fun of this song with my teen girls like when they would ask me  "Mom can I go over to so and so's house tonight?" I would bust out singing  "There's a possibility" They would then of course go "Ugh... Ma!!"  And the rolling of eyes would of course concur.  I kinda even became annoying to myself with that song. It makes me giggle just thinking about that.  I suppose it's not really nice to tease your teens, but I have to admit I find great pleasure in it. Am I alone in that guilty pleasure? I bet not.

Ok moving on, I really came here to tell you about my sister's friend Lara's new book Caterfly. You can read more of Lara's heart  here: http://caterflylara.wordpress.com/ If you haven't heard about this book though, I would like to be the first to tell you it is a great read for any and all ladies in your life and even the men folk are enjoying it, so I've been told.
The book is about finding our true identity as women.    As women we have been forced fed with lies about what we should look like, act like, talk like, even eat like to be beautiful and Lara bust open these lies and brings the truth home in a very poignant way. She shares personal stories of her journey in finding her true identity and how that didn't come until much later in life for her.  She talks about the natural process of struggle that a Caterpillar turning into a Butterfly has to experience in order to be able to fly. And this correlates with how we as women have to struggle to get to the place where we realize our true identity and beauty is found in only one place. She is passionate about encouraging women and young ladies to look to God's Mirror rather than the Mirror on the Wall or the Mirror of the World. 
If you have any ladies in your life I would strongly encourage you to get them a copy.  It is packed full of encouragement and reminders from God's word that we are all unique and dearly loved children of God.

Speaking of children I just want to say that, that child of mine up there, well she's getting all growed up right before my very eyes, and I can hardly believe the young woman that is before me now. She asked if we could go pick up a drivers ed manual this weekend. Eeeek!!! I'm taking deep, deep breaths kind of like in labor only this time what's being birthed in this house are young adults and I'm extremely aware of how fast the time is flying by. I wonder how long I will be able to tease her with silly Twilight songs?
She's reading Caterfly, along with her sister Chloe and even my son Solomon expressed an interest in reading the book. They think it's pretty cool that their mom is quoted in it and their Auntie Jenny. I'm  so thankful to Lara and her commitment and hard work to write this book that I'm able to share with my children. I know these words and the words of many others quoted in the book will be life changing for them. 
Go out and get your copy this weekend, meanwhile I'll be picking up a copy of DMV drivers manual. 

Hope

“Hope is not pretending that troubles don't exist. It is the hope that they won't last forever. That hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome. That we will be led out of the darkness and into the sunshine.”

I love this anonymous quote for several reasons. The main reason
I love it so much is because it's content is so very true. There is something in this quote that reminds me that this world is not my home. No matter what the trouble is it won't last forever because nothing ever does last forever. The only one who lasts forever and who is worthy of all our hope and trust is Jesus. He said he would never leave us or forsake us, and that is something that gives me a tremendous amount of hope. I suppose the funny thing is that when I am going through hard times I seem to forget all those promises and good things. I forget that my Heavenly Father is right there willing and waiting to help me through. Hard times have a way of making you feel like it will last forever, but it never really does.
The other reason I love this quote is because it uses a word that I love so very much;
H O P E.
I have hung out, lingered long, and truly studied the word hope. Most of you know that I am a words person and one of my all time favorite words is hope.  I am also a very hopeful person in nature. The eternal optimist that is what I have self proclaimed myself to be. I suppose that is why I love the word hope.  But through the years I have come to understand this word so very differently.  My own journey views about hope were confirmed recently in an anointed lady who spoke at church a few weeks back. She shared the message of Hope and what that looks like for a child of God.  Our hope is different than the way the world hopes. The world knows hope as a word that has a lot of meaning. Kind of like how Love is used so flippantly in the English language, Hope is used in the same way. We hope for a raise, we hope for a new car, we hope to fall in love, all these things and so many more we put our hopes in.  Hope in God is so very different though.  It doesn't change with circumstance.  It remains through the dark nights of winter. It is the candle in the window that brings us home on a dark night.  Hope in God reminds us that we have nothing to fear. The bible says that perfect LOVE casts out all fear and I believe HOPE comes right behind that perfect LOVE and makes that casting out process stick kind of like glue.  Hope is the glue that keeps up going. And hope doesnt' have time for fear.

In recent talks with friends and family I am realizing something that seems to be a current theme in conversations regarding our country and the world at large, and that is fear. WE are afraid of the future instead of hopeful because we seem to be placing our hope and our trust in something that is temporal.  As big changes are coming for this country we are afraid of the unknown and how it will affect our everyday lives. It makes sense that we would become fearful when we look around. To really see the world all around us and take in what is happening I think  you would have to be a robot to not be afraid or at least keenly aware that very bad things are happening. It's also easy to become fearful when bad things have already happened to you and your own.  But OH beloved reader, we cannot remain in that place of fear because it means we've placed our hopes in something that isn't long for this world. 
There is only ONE eternal HOPE in this life. He is the lover of your soul.  He keeps reminding me to NOT be afraid.  To look to Him for all things and to not give up hoping for a better tomorrow.  Isn't that the gospel?  The good news?   That someone loves you, every part of you, and wants to give you a lasting HOPE. That there is someone we can place ALL our hope in and HE won't disappoint.  He knows exactly what we need and knows exactly when we need it. 
"Fear NOT, for I am with you; Be NOT dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with  my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
That is balm to my anxious, tired, weary heart.   No matter what you may be going through, I think those words right there bring such comfort.  Who at this present moment in life doesn't need strength, help, and support to be upheld in all of life's ups and downs? He promises to wipe every tear dry, heal my wounds, help me in difficulties and lead me from the darkness and into the light. 
Can I get an Amen?

And Then....

I have a real treat for you all this morning.  Trust me on this Tuesday morning you are going to want to watch this lil video it will give you a good chuckle.  And then.... see what we have been up to over here at MoNoSco head quarters. See, I told you it was funny. Ok so... Is it just me or did the month of October just fly right by us without even stopping to say hello? How RUDE you are October!! I think that's kinda how this time of year goes for everyone, but let me just explain how crazy busy it's gets over here once October comes we have nothing but, Birthdays, Parties, and Holiday right through until January when My Giant kinda seals the deal with his birthday on January 23rd. But until we get to that finish line it goes something like this; Seems like two seconds ago I was celebrating this dashing young man turning twelve on October 4th...

And then... 

We had company come from Seattle and L.A.

And then...

We were off to the Fall Ball Baseball tournaments

And then...

I had a whirlwind week of getting ready for the first Craft show of the season.

And then...

The Bo Sox won the World Series

And Then...

It was the play dress up and eat lots of candy day.

Which was an awesome day for me and my clan.

How was your dress up, eat lots of candy day?

And Then .... We had a pie party

And Then... Yesterday was my parents birthday 

And Then.... Today is my brother Greg's birthday Happy BIRTHDAY GREGIE!! And Then... We will celebrate their beautiful lives this weekend. And Then... We have more company coming in all the way from Gulfport Alabama. Woot Woot!! And Then... Thanksgiving And Then... My Sister Beans Bday  And Then... Tanya's Bday And Then... MY BIRTHDAY.... (stay tuned for a giveaway around December 17th) And Then... Christmas And Then... Niece Sophia's birthday And Then.... New Year's Eve And Then.... You can stop me anytime ;) "NO and Then!!!" Happy Tuesday Friends