Whew...

I've been meaning to hop on here and write, but it seems that every time I do, the words refuse to come out. Either I forget what I wanted to say in the first place, or I get scared all of a sudden to expose those thoughts to the world. Not that the world reads my blog... probably only a very small few... but I think the world of those very small few (eh-hem... Lauren!).

It's been a RESTLESS few days, but here I sit, relaxed as ever. I'm thankful for the Lord's goodness, and for His CONSTANT faithfulness even in those moments when I think my heart may just explode. Mom was home Wednesday, and Thursday morning while we worked with blood, sweat and tears (sometimes literally) to get some very scattered paperwork together and partially organized. I don't know that I ever want to see a highlighter, or a copy machine again.

If I'm being honest here, I have to say that I'm not the most pleasant person to be around when I'm stressed/overwhelmed... but in the words of a friend "The Lord grants repentance during our fleshly moments!".

I wish I could come away from these past two days with profound instruction, but all I can say is this: during times of weakness, the amazing character of my Lord is more evident than ever, and as a I said earlier... I'm thankful.

Well, I'm off to finish the housework to the oh-so-peaceful sound of Chris Botti and his trumpet.

"... I know there's so much for me to catch up on. Each of you has your own little nuance... your own precious gift. Each has a different smile, and a beautifully unique personality. I want to know those things about you well: Lauren's quiet grace, Becca's infectious laughter, Alex's pure innocence, Carly's random, adorable comments, Lindsay's mature confidence, and Reagan's sweet, creative spirit. I can't believe we're not only related spiritually to one another, but physically! What an amazing gift the Lord's given to me!"

I didn't know I'd get so attached to these girls. I went down for a visit on the 18th of this month, and it was... to say the least, incredible. I don't know that it's enough now to see them every 5 to 6 months...

Little ladies... :)

Here's a snippet from the photo shoot with the Corder girls! I was able to see Becca hold Ruthie for the first time... Let's just say that her excitement made it pretty easy to get some good shots of her and her new little sister... :)

Looking Back

I’ve been spending some time these past couple of days reading my old Xanga entries. It’s as if I’m looking into the life of someone else. I was once passionate… lively… and expressive. I wonder what happened to that girl who, at one time, threw all caution to the wind, and just simply bore all. I used to love to write about those amazing things that my Father was teaching me at the time. I would say those things without abandon, clinging to Him alone without fear of the thoughts of others.

My speech has become trite and lazy, without freedom… or passion… or anything of the sort. Those once lengthy explanations are now condensed and dry. I must admit, I’m not sure where to go from here… Hmmm...

Good Times with the Fam

My New Favorite Place...

Coffee shops and I sure do get along well...

I have allowed my affections to wander. I have set up rivals. I have grieved Him. Sweetest and dearest of all beloveds, I have treated Thee as an unfaithful wife treats her husband. Oh, my cruel sins, my cruel self. What can I do? Tears are a poor show of my repentance, my whole heart boils with indignation at myself. Wretch that I am, to treat my Lord, my All in All, my exceeding great joy, as though He were a stranger. Jesus, Thou forgivest freely, but this is not enough, prevent my unfaithfulness in the future. Kiss away these tears, and then purge my heart and bind it with sevenfold cords to Thyself, never to wander more.
-Charles Spurgeon