On the move...

The last 14 days I have been reading Isaiah 58. Verse by verse. Reading. Meditating. Learning. Seeking. Listening. I haven't done that in a while. Actually study a verse out of a chapter from a book of the Bible. That was my fast. Giving up my words. The words of the world. The noise and the distractions of what was happening around me. And focusing on His Words.

And those Words were a feast for my soul. Filling me to overflowing. Humbling me. Teaching me. Exhorting me. Encouraging me. I learned more in these last few days than I could ever convey in my human efforts, but this is a small attempt at what I feel like I heard...(warning: this is long) 

Read Isaiah 58:1-10. The chapter begins with these words: "Shout it aloud; do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet." When I read this, I laughed. I felt so sure that He told me to fast from words and this is what His word says? Shout it and don't hold back? As I studied that first verse I realized that it was talking about hypocrisy. The kinds of hypocrisy that is seen as self-love. The kind that comes from those of timid faith. The kind of faith that speaks in judgement instead of humility. A faith that is fueled from the voices of the world instead of the still small voice. It was in the fasting from those words and images and influence that I got quiet enough to hear.

When life gets so busy and we feel so pulled in all directions, that is when we tend to shut down. To get overwhelmed and become stagnant. Usually it is because we begin to move and work and even minister to others out of our own strength. When that happens, it will slowly suck us dry. Emptying the very cup that is supposed to be overflowing with goodness and mercy. But the word is very clear that we should live our everyday lives out of His strength. His Spirit is where the power lies. My time, my counsel, my prayers, my money, my opinions and my guidance as a parent or a spouse or a friend should be offered freely when prompted by the Spirit. I cannot judge or expect anything in return. God does the work. I am simply an instrument. Pouring myself out;  fully expecting Him to fill me back up.

But how do we get to that place? That place that just loves and keeps moving. That offers what I am prompted to give and waits for the next thing. That place where I freely plant the seeds and wait for Him to produce the harvest. 

Then I got to verse 8. Any verse in the Bible that begins with a "Then" is proceeded with an "if". It says in verse 8 that "our light will break forth like the dawn and our healing will quickly appear." So, if we are living verses 1-7, then our lights will break forth. Not just appear, but dart forth like the rays of the sun through the clouds. Our light will shine through any difficulty as we live in His Light.

When we are:
Voicing articulately who we are in Christ (v.1)
Truly seeking God and listening for His answers and exhortations (v.2)
Taking time out daily and on occasion for an extended time (v.3)
Treating those around us fairly and with mercy (v.4)
Fasting for a change of heart not for just a blessing (v.5)
Allowing God to work in our past and break the fears that cripple us (v.6)
Living a life of hospitality and loving our community well (v.7)

THEN... Our lights will break forth and shine under any circumstance. Nothing will be able to block who we are in Christ. And He will have our back as we move forward in Him. When we continue to move forward is when we are truly able to seek Him. While we are working to do the things in these 7 verses then we are in a mobile state. It is in the moving forward that we learn to hear Him. It is in the idleness that the noise of the enemy gets a foothold. But as we actively persue His righteousness then He hears us and responds.

It is in the moving forward that we find rest. As we knock and seek, He hears and answers.  Verse 10 says: "and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." If we open up our souls as if we are opening a store full of all the things that would satisfy the needy and the hurting and we share what we know as well as feed and help them then our light will rise up out of our own dark places. In our own affliction Peace like a river will flow forth and there will be no doubt where it is coming from.

The darker our circumstances become the more we should serve and love out of what is buried in our souls. Moving forward is how we heal AND how we touch others. All at the same time. We don't stop and become idle in our lives. We rest at times to refocus and refuel. But we keep moving forward. Constantly moving away from the darkness and toward the light...

I am on the move today. Into a new season. Moving out of major change and walking toward the next thing. We must move toward healing and wholeness. It does not move towards us. Keep moving today, sweet friends! 

"if I open up my heart and soul so that I meet 

the needs around me out of what is inside of me 

then no matter what the problem or the situation

 or the affliction is, the Peace of Jesus will prevail 

and my life will shine forth in that strength. 

And in the process I will be able to love well 

those around me and make a difference."

 ~ my journal, 8/24/12

A Fasting Perspective

It has been 7 days. No social media. No Facebook. No Twitter. No seeing what's going on. No images to make me assume what is going on. And we all know what happens when we assume...

A phone call. From a child. A quick accusation. Did you see what she said? No. Then she is gone. A friend sends a text. Did you see that cute picture on Facebook? No. Oh yea, I forgot you gave that up. Another phone message left. I sent you a message on Facebook but then I remembered you won't see it. So please call me as soon as possible.

It seems silly. But some of us are driven by social media. By what we see taking a toll over what we hear. By what we assume taking precedence over what we know. By believing a lie because it looks glossy and perfect in a picture.

Maybe no one else ever has these thoughts. But maybe someone is struggling because they are believing something that they see instead of holding on to the Something that they know. Maybe new perspective comes when we take a little break. When we seek first the Kingdom instead of the smart phone. When we hit our knees instead the send button.

Maybe we learn a little more about who we are and what we really believe when we have to wait a while to "see" the world around us. When we have to trust that He really has it all covered. When we have to be still and listen because we have no other choice.

Lately, I have been bombarded by people who have allowed the enemy to gain a foothold in their thinking. Because they believe what they see on a computer screen. They believe that their friends are made up of the number of names in a list instead of the hearts that they connect to. They think that typing their opinions or their thoughts or their anger somehow heals them. But I am not sure that those same words would be spoken face to face.

I even know of people who think that sharing a part of themselves through a computer somehow isn't crossing over the line. But there is an emotional line. An affair of the heart and thoughts is no different than a physical one. And I wonder if that line would be so easily crossed face to face.

I have been asked some questions that I don't have answers for. And I have heard some comments that I feel like I need to have an answer for. So that is why I am taking a little break. I am reading Isaiah 58. There are 14 verses in that chapter. One verse a day. Studying their meaning. Asking my own questions. Then waiting to hear the answers. Because He has them. I just need to take the time to hear. With no distractions. No opinions. No assumptions.

Another 7 days and I will be back in the swing of things. Honestly, I can't wait to catch up but for now I am being still. Listening. Learning. Being loved by the Creator of the Universe... because I am so thankful that I am on His friend list.

P.S. ~ these thoughts will post to Facebook and Twitter through networked blogs. So when you see it don't think I am cheating. It is an automatic post. Someone asked why I was doing this so these are my thoughts. I can't see your comments so take these words for what they are worth... just a few humble thoughts from someone looking for a few answers.

Something new...

Today is a day of new things for the Spinks girls. I have been praying for each of them specifically this morning as they each begin a new adventure. Something they have never done before. Something that has made each of them think. Think about who they are. And what that means for their new adventure. As their mom, it has made me think about each of their bent and how I pray so differently for each one. 

My oldest is starting a new job. She is thrilled for the opportunity but nervous at the same time. It is in a school. In education. In a middle school. All things she is trained for and has a degree in. But the job itself is not anything she has done before. I prayed this morning that she would just be herself. That He would go before her with favor and give her strength. She will do great. And everyone will love her. They always do. She just has to do the something new first...

My middle one is starting the first day of sorority rush. If you have never experienced rush at a large university, you might not understand her nerves. It is not for the faint of heart. She can't decide if it was harder last year going through as a freshman or this year being inside the house welcoming all the freshman. Both are exciting but hard. This time she has the inside view. And it is not always fun. I prayed this morning that she would just remember who she is in all of this. That as the world creeps in during this process that she would allow Him to guide her and to give her strength. I prayed that she would bring her thoughts captive and ask for His discernment in it all. And she will try. She is strong and she is tough. But this is something new...

My little one has begun her first week of 10th grade. She likes her classes. The school year is going great so far. She will go tonight for training at our church to be a student leader for the  middle school program. She was not able to be one last year because of schedules. So this is her first time. We have talked the last few days about what kind of leader she wants to be and what that will look like. I prayed this morning that she would be who she was made to be. Not try to copy her sisters or look like someone else. She has so much to offer but she is quieter than the other two and has sometimes gotten lost in their shadow. I prayed that He would give her confidence and that she would be placed right where He wants her to be. She knows most of the other leaders but for her it is still new...

What a privilege it is to pray for my sweet girls. I am the one that ends up being blessed as He reminds me of their strengths. Of their talent. Of how He made them just who He wanted them to be. They are all at a place in their lives that does not require my physical presence or my help. So I hold tight to my job as their prayer warrior. That, I can do. That, I will do. For me, being on my knees and in the gap for them is NOT something new...

She is clothed in strength and dignity,

 and she laughs without fear of the future. 

Proverbs 31:25

Tumbling into a new season...

I feel like I am getting ready to say goodbye to an old friend. Today feels like the end of a season. Actually, I guess for me it is. The last three months have been packed full of memories. Full of changes. Full of laughter, tears and heart tugs. I haven't really stopped long enough to process the fullness of it all yet. I think that may come next week. When the house is quiet. And the chaos begins to calm a bit. But for now, I am going to spend the weekend saying goodbye properly. Unplugging. Renewing. Refueling with my family. Burying the memories deep....

There are only 2 Spinks girls under our roof now but sisters are connected at the heart!

She said goodbye to her college season. Well done sweet girl. You finished strong!

They said goodbye to their beloved Athens. They loved that town well. You both left an impact there.

We celebrated one grandmother turning 70! We love you Maw-Maw!!

And the other grandmother turned 75!! Love you too Nana!

We moved them to a new house!

We moved her to a new house!

We are moving her to a new room!

She moved into a new place in his heart!

And we are learning to be parents to new son. Parents to newlyweds. Parents to a college student and parents to an almost 16 year old all at the same time!!

There is a time for everything under heaven. A season for it all. As I head into yet another season of being a mom, my heart is mourning the season I am leaving behind. But He is Faithful to move with me. Taking the next step. Allowing Him to lift my chin and look up so that He can show me the way... 

Praying for you, sweet friends, as you prepare to begin a new season. His plans are perfect. Trust Him!

When in Rome...

Yesterday I headed off to Rome to visit with my daughter and son-in-law. We took Nana and Walt along with us. They were so excited to visit the newlyweds and see their new home. It was a great day of exploring, food, fellowship and lots of laughter. We shared a birthday meal. We took the tour of their new city. We drove through the Berry College Campus. It is one of the most beautiful college campuses I have ever seen. We had a great time talking and laughing and enjoying each other. I love family days like this one!

Nana and Walt loved spending the day with their grandchildren. The newlyweds love and honor their grandparents well!

They love her so well! It makes my heart smile to watch them interact.

Mr. Walt loves my mom well. She deserves it!

They all love me well. Counting my blessings!

So today, sweet friends, count your blessings too! Name them one by one. Love well. Laugh often. Live fully. Learn something new everyday. And let it all be done to the glory of the One who gave us this day. Rejoice in it!!

This is the day the Lord has made. 

We will be glad and rejoice in it. 

Psalm 118:24

The Blessings of a boy...

Unless you live in a girl house, you have no idea how crazy it can be. Emotions. Hormones. Craziness. Tears. Giggles. Everyone talking at once. It can put a poor boy over the edge. But our sweet son-in-law has handled it like a champ. At least in front of us. : )


Katie and Trey first met in middle school. It was a love/hate relationship. The friendship had its ups and downs. It actually stayed down for most of middle school and high school. There was even a time period when the "T" word could not be used in this house. But then things changed.


Trey asked Katie to go to their senior prom. The relationship blossomed from there. Even though we had known Trey for many years at that point, he was such a gentleman from the start. I am not sure if it was because he knew that Danny knew everything about him or if he just thought he would start off on the right foot. Either way, we were impressed.


We have always talked to the girls about marriage. About ours. About how we met. About our first date and our relationship. We also told them the story of their daddy asking my daddy for his blessing  before he proposed to me. The expectation that the boy that they wanted to marry would do the same was set at an early age. There was never a question that daddy would be asked first.


So when the phone call came from Trey asking Danny to go fishing, we had our suspicions. It took most of the day to work up the question, but when they returned the discussion had taken place. The blessing was granted. Katie was out of the country at the time so she had no idea what was happening. Trey came back over to the house the next night and had dinner with all of us. The sisters got their turn to ask questions and talk to him. It was a precious time of a family of five preparing to add another. The night ended with us praying over our future son and future brother. The thought of that night still makes my heart smile.


Soon after that the proposal took place. But as the summer came to an end, there was an opportunity for Danny and Trey to go on a trip to Israel together. It was an amazing time of bonding and growing in their relationship. They got to see each other without the girls. Without the distractions. Just two men sharing their stories and their lives and their thoughts. A gift from the Father for a father.


Today I am heading to Rome to celebrate our new son's birthday a day early. Tomorrow we will celebrate his life. The way he loves our daughter. The way he leads his new family. The way he shows our other two girls what a Godly husband should look like. Thank you for the way you love us. For your character and your integrity. For your acceptance of this girl family. For your respect for us that makes it so easy for us to respect you. For the man that you have become and for the husband that you are. We love you and are thankful you were born. You are a true blessing to so many. What a joy and privilege to call you our son!

I have no greater joy than to hear 

that my children are walking in the truth. 

3 John 1:4

Ready or Not...

As we were laying in bed last night, exhausted from the day, Danny looked at me and said so matter of fact: "this all happened so fast". I knew exactly what he meant. This summer turned our world upside down. Again. And yesterday, we moved into yet another season.


I love being a mom. I enjoy the challenges of parenting. My heart sometimes struggles to keep up. But life just doesn't give us the luxury of stopping. As parents we have been entrusted with a life. A soul. A human being that is fearfully and wonderfully made. Not in our image. Not with our bent. Not someone to mold and force into our own ways. But an individual that was created with a purpose. With a plan. And with a choice.


My middle one looks the most like me. She acts the most like me. She struggles the most with me. She can make me laugh the most. She can make me cry the most. She is strong willed. Opinionated. She is logical and she is fearless. She is matter of fact and she is stubborn. Just like me. But, she is not me.


We have had a great summer. She pulled in and was really there for all of us this summer. She was a sounding board for her sister during the wedding chaos. She loved her so well. She encouraged and helped and challenged her. And she so seamlessly stepped into the different big sister role when our house changed after June. Her maturity and her growth became so evident as she took on those roles. Her father and I have truly been blessed by her this summer.


We moved her into her sorority house this weekend. She is ready to tackle her second year of college. She has a plan. She has a passion. It is out of the norm and it is bold. But it is hers. And as we allow ourselves to parent her with His perspective and His eyes, that plan becomes exciting for us too. I am so thankful for her life. For what being her mom has taught me. For how God has used her personality to grow me as a parent and as a person. My heart is missing her already but I am so excited for what He has planned for her this year. 


And now we move into the next season. Ready or not. Here we go. My prayer is that all my girls continue down the path that was designed just for them. With a passion and a purpose to run hard after the One that created them. Making wise choices. Following their dreams. And loving well as they go.

And this same God who takes care of me 

will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, 

which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:19 NLT

Life's a dance...

Today is one of those days where I am wrestling with some heavy stuff. A comment. A judgement. A chastisement. An opinion. All causing me to have to look deep within. And I finally am at a place where I consider that a blessing.


Danny and I have learned so much about each other and about ourselves over the last ten years. We have grown in our walk. In our relationship. In our confidence. In our convictions. We have learned from first hand experience to take words and comments from others with a grain of salt. Hearing them and receiving them for what they are worth. Trying hard to learn from each situation.


I love how personal God is. This morning, as I opened my journal, I read the following:
"Remind me to pray before I speak. I need to be patient, not letting my mouth run ahead of You."


Life can catch you off guard sometimes. Things come at you that you didn't see coming. Words are said. Judgements are made. All while the everyday decisions and responsibilities are expected to be continued. It can cause you to spin out of control if you don't have a center foundation.


So this morning, I am choosing to stay centered. On the foundation that I know to be solid. Sinking to my knees instead of rising to defend myself. As much as I wish that life could be easily navigated by a set of rules that everyone follows, there are people involved. Relationships at stake. Hearts that can be wounded by words. Paths that can be altered. Parenting decisions to be made. Choices to be transparent and move forward. Choices to learn as we go.


My prayer is that our family continues to live transparently. Seeking His truth. His word. His leading in all that we do. Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we lead the way. Sometimes we have to take a stand. Sometimes we humbly bend to wise counsel. Sometimes we do it wrong. Sometimes we learn a new dance step. But we live each day by the Grace and the Mercy and the all-consuming Love of the One who gave us the chance to dance.


Sweet friends, may we dance today with the One who delights in us. And may we be open enough to learn as we go. He might just teach us a new move.

Life's a dance you learn as you go

Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.

Don't worry about what you don't know. 

Life's a dance you learn as you go.

~john michael montgomery

Past Perspective...

Today I began my 6th year of daily journaling. I have always enjoyed writing but never really took the time to journal. I made a decision six years ago to be intentional with my daily devotion and journal. It has been a true blessing for me.

I have several journals now with pages and pages of my thoughts and fears and prayers. I started at the beginning today. This is what I wrote on that first page of that first journal: "I do not need to worry about how I fit into Your plan - You have that covered. And if you have me covered then You have my girls too!! Forgive me for being anxious. Help my unbelief. Thank You for the glorious plan You have for my life as a wife, a mother and a friend."~July 19, 2007.


The journal prompt for the day was "Life is a journey that begins and ends with God." The scripture reference was Revelation 21:6. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End."


My sweet girls were 16, 14 and 11 at that time. I think I blinked and we ended up where we are today. But the blessings of looking back over all those days that I journaled in between are priceless. Faith is believing what we cannot see. And everyday I believe God for their future. For mine. Having my thoughts and my fears written down has helped me to see why I believe that.


Jesus Calling says this: "Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality; perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses." As I look back over my journal entries that is what I see. Confirmation. I can read the words and I can feel the fear or the pain or the joy or the amazement at answered prayer. Through the lens of what has gone before, I am convinced of God's goodness. Of His sovereignty. The conviction of Who He is.


Faith is hard. Sometimes we struggle to believe God. To truly trust His plan. Write down your thoughts. Your fears. Your questions. Your dreams. Share them with Him. You might be amazed at all the answers that come too.


So, I encourage you today to write some things down. On paper. On your computer. In your phone. Wherever. But make notes about your thoughts today. Write down what you are praying for. Listen for the answers. Then write them down too. He is Faithful. When you can see it written down, you will be convicted of that reality. Even when you can't see where you are going.

"Faith expects from God 

what is beyond all expectation." 

~ Andrew Murray

Move in a direction...

Yesterday was the one month anniversary of my first daughter's wedding. As I looked through some of the pictures and remembered the emotions of that wonderful day, I could not help but realize that life just has continued going. My heart swelled to overflowing, felt like it burst with emotion and then deflated with exhaustion. But everything and everyone around me kept right on going.


Life is like that, isn't it? We have these huge life events. Marriage, death, sickness, graduation. Or middle school. Or transfers. New neighborhoods. New friends. Our children keep moving in a direction. And sometimes we are left feeling like a dream. You know the one where you are opening your mouth to scream but nothing comes out. We are screaming from the depths of our souls for things to slow down. To stop. But no one hears us.


Several of my close friends have laughed at my "southern" sayings over the years. Most of them are not from the south and find some of my comments quite amusing. I have always told my girls to move in a direction. Make a decision. Put one foot in front of the other. But move in a direction.


God calls us to go. Move. Walks towards Him. Life is ever changing. Ever moving. We have the choice as to whether we go along for the ride. There are big events that happen along the way. Big emotions. Big obstacles. But He says don't stop. Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving towards Me. I am the prize. I am the answer.


So today, sweet friends, move towards Him. Seek all that He has for you. For your family. For your marriage. Things change. Life looks different. But He has a plan for you. Don't miss it by stopping. Move in a direction!

The Lord will guide you always; 

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame. You will be

like a well-watered garden, like a spring

whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11

Make a run for it...

This has been a really long week. We returned from vacation. Visited our daughter. Returned to work and emails and phone calls. Tackled the laundry room. Had a few doctor's appointments. Grocery shopped. Cleaned. And got very little sleep.


The last few nights there have been "incidences" in our neighborhood. We had someone come to our door in the middle of the night. We had some late night fireworks in the middle of the street. Just enough out of the norm stuff to keep you awake for a few nights in a row.


This morning as I was going through some paper work and organizing the dreaded college bills, I noticed on the calendar that today is Friday the 13th. Of course it is! What a great ending to an already long week. It made me chuckle a bit.


Life is like that sometimes, isn't it? The enemy creeps in when we are tired. When we are overloaded. When we are lacking sleep. He throws in just enough out of the norm stuff to rattle us. Just enough doubt to make us believe a lie. He brings up old thoughts and fears that we know aren't true. He surrounds us with days of clouds and darkness. He tries to hide the light from us.


But Jesus says, "Do you finally believe? In fact, you're about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I'm not abandoned. The Father is with me. I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." john 16:33 the message.


So today, sweet friends. Make a run for it... right into the arms of Love. Run like crazy to His word. To His Truth. To the things that remind you that you are unshakeable. There is Peace there. Peace like a river. Everlasting. Unyielding. Overflowing Peace. That Peace is a Person. Hold tight to Him today.


Prayers for a peaceful Friday. Don't let the enemy get a foot hold. Make a run for it!!

Peace I leave with you;

 My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives 

do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, 

neither let them be afraid. 

John 14:27

A Father's Love...

Driving home from my married daughter's house yesterday, I was looking at the pictures of a sweet young couple who just welcomed their second child into their family. I just loved looking at all the pictures and the smiles on all the faces. I so remember those feelings each time we welcomed another Spinks girl into our family.


We had gone to Rome to celebrate the birth of our oldest. And looking at all the pictures made me remember the day that she was born. I mentioned on my last post about the waiting room being packed full of family. I remember all of them wanting a glimpse of our sweet girl and coming into the room to see her. We have pictures of the great grandmother's first glimpse and all of our parents holding her. But there is one picture that is etched in my heart.


My daddy had bought two huge stuffed bunny rabbits. One with pink on it and one with blue on it. He waited patiently throughout the night to find out which one he would present to his first grandchild. As everyone piled into the room to see her, there was a picture taken of the crowd. Everyone is looking and smiling at the baby in my arms. But at the foot of my bed, looking straight at me, is my daddy. The father looking intently at his child holding her child. I cannot find the original picture right now but the look was one of pride as he made sure that I was alright. That picture will always be burned into my heart and forever in my mind. I think of it every time I think of her birth day.


Isn't that the perfect picture of our Heavenly Father? Always there. Looking intently into the lives of His children. Waiting patiently for us to see Him. Making sure that we are alright. Loving us in the good times. And the bad. Knowing us so well yet willing to wait for us to look to Him. 


Know that you are loved like that. You are loved by a Father that knows you. Accepts you. Is concerned with your well being. And celebrates with you in the good times but weeps with you too. Hold on to that Truth this week. How great the Father's love for you!


Happy Monday, friends.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, 

that we should be called children of God! 

And that is what we are! 

The reason the world does not know us 

is that it did not know Him. 

1 John 3:1

Birthday Blessings...

Today my oldest is having a birthday. But today is also the first time since her birth that I have not seen her face first thing in the morning. The first time I have not hugged her neck. The first time we have not gone to her favorite restaurant together.


She was my holiday baby. She was due to be born on the 2nd but waited around until the 6th. That year we did not do the regular 4th of July celebrating. We were waiting for a celebration of our own. Everyone was on call that week. There were no cell phones or email though. We had to be by a phone to get in touch with the doctor or our family. So we hung out at home that week. 


I was cleaning up from dinner. Danny was in our driveway talking with some of his friends. I bent down to put aways some dishes and it became very evident that we would be heading to the hospital later. I walked to the door and called out Danny's name. The group of big strong men turned and took one look at my face. The driveway cleared out quickly and Danny went into true man mode.


We called my parents. Danny's parents had gone to a Braves game. His mom, being the ever organized one, had left us the telephone number to the stadium with all of their seating information. So, we called. The guy actually took the seat number and went and found them. He announced to the entire seating section that there was a grand baby on the way. Cheers followed as they gathered up their stuff and left for the hospital.


The whole family eventually ended up at Northside Hospital. This was a big deal. The very first grandchild on both sides of the family. The hospital waiting room became a family reunion site. Katie's great grandmother came to the hospital. The great aunts and uncles. All of the aunts and uncles. Our cousins were there. At the time it seemed overwhelming, but looking back with the perspective I have now, it makes my heart smile.


Twelve hours later this little tiny, round baby was here. She was the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. We spent hours looking at her and taking turns holding her. We laughed and cried and loved. Loved in a way our hearts had never experienced. A love that was so all encompassing it rocked our little world.


I felt a similar feeling looking into that beautiful face a few weekends ago. That same feeling of overwhelming love. That all encompassing love that has no words. But this time there was another pair of eyes looking at her too. He had that same look. She would rock his world and together, one day, they will experience the same heart stretching feelings.


You are a true joy my sweet Katie-Bug. You were the first. You changed our lives forever. You so graciously let us "practice" on you. We are so very proud of you. Of the woman you have become. Of the wife you are. Of the friend that you are to so many. You and Trey will change your little part of the world and we are so very proud of you. You bless us and make my heart smile!!

Children are a gift from the Lord;

they are a reward from Him.

Children born to young man are like

arrows in a warrior's hands.

How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!

Psalm 127:3-5

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No Greater Joy...

There were so many blessings during the wedding weekend. But one of the sweetest and the most mom confirming moments for me was right before the ceremony. Everyone was upstairs. The music was playing. Our friends were being seated. The nerves were beginning. The time was upon us. But we stopped one last time to honor the One that had brought us to this point.


We were in a room downstairs in the church. It was just the bridesmaids, Katie, Amy and me. The girls gathered around the bride. Ansley raised up on her knees. She grabbed her sisters hand. She closed her eyes and began to pray the sweetest prayer.


She praised Jesus. She lifted her sister to the Throne. She blessed her new brother. She shared the heart of a young woman who not only knows what she believes but boldly proclaimed it over her sister. The words were a soothing balm to the very core of my soul.


It was a blessing that few moments can come close to. A glimpse into the heart of a child. An audible confirmation of who they are. A sweet aroma to the Lord.


The moment is etched in my heart and held in my mind by this picture. Not only did one sister proclaim truth and blessing out loud and in love, but one sister received the blessing well and one sister watched and listened to her older role models. A true joy for a mother's heart.

I have no greater joy than to hear 

that my children are walking in the truth.

 3 John 1:4

Launching a Daughter

A dear friend of mine shared her perspective of some of the wedding with me this morning. She said that she had watched a lot of parents work through the emotions of "giving away" their daughter. She said that most of them struggle with the concept because they are sad or haven't processed the idea. She told me that she felt like we did not struggle with the idea because we had raised Katie for that day. I took that as a huge compliment.


Not because I felt like I had done anything right or well but because I felt like our prayers for our daughters were honored in her statement. We made a decision a long time ago that we would not raise our children with closed arms but with open arms. We chose to look at each season as a launching not a losing.


So today I am thankful for the first day of my sweet girl's new life. She is back from her honeymoon and home in her own house. As weird as it feels here, I am so happy for her. Her new season has begun and with it comes a time of change for all of us.


But she is ready. So am I. My heart just hasn't caught up yet...

A man’s greatest treasure is his wife—

she is a gift from the Lord.

 Proverbs 18:22

How Great the Father's Love for us...

The emotions are still raw. The exhaustion has set in. But my heart is overflowing with thoughts and memories and blessings that I want to share over the next few weeks. There are so many things that happened. So many God stories. So many sweet interventions.


The overriding moment in it all though was that moment when the father of my children and my oldest daughter walked down that aisle toward her groom. The ceremony was not traditional in the sense of songs. There was no wedding march. No Bach or Beethoven. Just two of the most talented and gifted musicians we know. Their music and their voices singing in harmony~"How He Loves Us".


Oh, how He loves us. Oh, how He loves us. Yes, He loves us so!


The picture could not be missed on anyone that was present at that moment. The beautiful bride standing with the first man in her life walking toward the new man in her life with her heavenly Father right alongside. Trey representing the Groom. Katie representing the Church. The two becoming one. A union that will glorify the Kingdom. Two young believers who will be so much stronger knit together as one.


My prayer for you, sweet friends, is that you know this week that you have a Father who loves you so. A Father who adores you. Delights in you. Loves you no matter what. His Grace is sufficient for you. His strength can be your joy. His Spirit can teach you and bless you. Receive that love this week and simply be still and know...


Oh, how He loves you so!!!

"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! 

Just look at it—we're called children of God!

 That's who we really are. But that's also 

why the world doesn't recognize us 

or take us seriously, because it has no idea 

who He is or what He's up to." 

1 John 3:1 the message

And it begins....

The official wedding week begins today. I have mixed emotions. If I am completely honest, I am struggling with a lot of untruths and wrong thinking. Amazing how big life events can stir up so many conflicting emotions all at once. The good. The bad. And the ugly.


I struggle with being a pleaser. I want to be a good wife. A good mother. A good friend. A good steward. A good leader and teacher. But I sometimes let my barometer of those things be other people instead of the One I am doing it all for. The bottom line is that if I serve out of His goodness then I can't go wrong.


This week will be a roller coaster of emotions. The highs will be tear jerking. The lows will topple me without prayer coverage. The ugly will only come if I allow the enemy a foot hole. So as I sit here this morning, trying not to check the 5 day forecast for the 100th time, I find myself having only one choice. I am choosing to begin this week on my knees.


I am alone in the house. It is just me and my Abba. It is quiet and peaceful. I am focusing on His goodness. His provision. His blessings. It is overwhelming. Oh, how He loves us. He calms the storms in our heads. He speaks Truth over the lies. He upholds us and finds joy in who we are. He rejoices with us. And He walks beside us.


This week has been planned for. Prayed over. Provided for. The anticipation of it has been a year long. She is ready. I am ready. And He is ready to see a bride. Pure and ready to be joined to her groom. 


Please pray for all of our hearts. To be filled to overflowing with the Peace that passes all understanding. To be flexible and sensitive. To Love well each moment. And to bury the moments deep.


So many of you have sent emails and texts. Left Facebook messages and offered prayers of blessing and support. You will never know what your kindness means to me. If I could, we would just have everybody that we have ever known join us on Saturday. But realistically, that cannot happen, so please join us in spirit and in prayer. I covet your prayers and I am blessed by such an outpouring of love.


From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

For this reason a man 

will leave his father and mother 

and be united to his wife, 

and they will become one flesh. 

Genesis 2:24.