Happy Anniversary

14 years ago these 2 kids decided to become 1

(look how she has to keep him from sticking out his tongue)

they danced to “A Whole New World”

(and look there are bubbles)

they “ate” cake

(yea, they shoved it)

it was such a fun day

What great memories I have with you and what great memories are still to come.

I love you always, babe.

Our story

“I speak to you from deepest heaven. You hear Me in the depths of your being. Deep calls unto deep. You are blessed to hear Me so directly. Never take this privilege for granted. The best response is a heart overflowing with gratitude. I am training you to cultivate a thankful mind-set. This is like building your house on a firm rock, where life’s storms cannot shake you. As you learn these lessons, you are to teach them to others. I will open up the way before you, one step at a time.”- Sarah Young “Jesus Calling”

I am a mother of 5…

4 here with us…

and 1 who is already in our forever home…

This is NOT the story I would have chosen if I had my way.

It is the exact opposite of what we prayed for, for 62 days.

But here we are living on this side of death. Trying to figure out “how to do it”.

We mess up.

We try again.

Through it all we KNOW that Lulu was given to us for a specific reason.

And we choose to trust that He knows, He cares and He heals.

So, what is your story?

Dear Lulu

Dear Lulu,

Daddy & I started this morning with a couple of these…

And one beautiful sunrise.  Yes, it was cloudy, but it was also calming. Just to sit with daddy & talk about heaven.

Your home now & our home to be.

I still can’t help but wonder what the oceans look like from where you are, when I see the sunrise, are you watching it set?

Your grandpa sent me an email & I have been thinking about it A LOT.

 He said, “I heard from one preacher that we are building our heavenly home by how we live here on earth – the love, peace, longsuffering, etc. that we manifest here on earth are the only things that will be taken with us to heaven, as much of God’s attributes that are manifested in us…so I have a little thought (and we know that God is able to do more than what we ask or think) that maybe Lulu is being raised by your motherly feelings you have for her here on earth. It is a thought that I had and I think God can do all things…”

Not being able to raise you here with our family is such a hard thing for me, as your earthly mama. I long to hold you, feed you, kiss you & watch you grow.

I don’t know if I will get to do any of those things when I see you next (and honestly will it even matter, I mean we’ll be standing in His presence), but it is something that breaks my heart every day.  This thought, from grandpa, (whether it is true or not) has given me some comfort.

I love you sweet baby & I will sleep with you in my heart tonight…

August 4

“Hold My hand, and walk joyously with Me through this day.

Together we will savor the pleasures…

 

and endure the difficulties it brings.

Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you: stunning scenery…

 bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary…

 and much more. I am your Guide as well as your constant Companion.

 I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven.

You don’t have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course. Since I am the way, staying close to Me is staying on course. As you focus your thoughts on Me, I will guide you carefully along today’s journey.

 Don’t worry about what is around the next bend. Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me.” — Sarah Young “Jesus Calling”

P.S. You can tell my brain is on vaca, too. My devotionals are so good this week, it is just easier to post them (hopefully to encourage you, like they are me) than try to write something new myself. And it is always fun to add relaxing pics…

 Like my friend Melissa said, we are here to make memories.

Beach & Blessings

“Bring Me the Sacrifice of your time; a most precious commodity.”

 “In this action-addicted world, few of My children take time to sit quietly in My Presence.”

“But for those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water.”

 “I, the one from whom all blessings flow, am also blessed by our time together. This is a deep mystery; do not try to fathom it.”

 

 “Instead, glorify Me by delighting in Me. Enjoy Me now and forever.” – Sarah Young “Jesus Calling”

It’s stuff but it’s HER stuff.

Tonight we started packing for a trip & I was looking for a bag to use…

I knew the perfect bag would be the diaper bag I got for Lulu.

I hadn’t unpacked her stuff from it…

her extra pink clothes

her tiny diapers

her pacifier

her stuff…

It was really hard to take her stuff out and put my stuff in, Jason had to help me.

I want to use the bag, so I can think of her, but I don’t want to use the bag.

Does that even make sense?

I know it’s stuff but it’s HER stuff.

Hope in Him

I want need to share an encouragement; not just for my eyes to see & my heart to feel (because I need it today), but also for you… the ones who may be struggling today, the ones who may be facing mountain-size trials, and for those of you who just need to be reminded that He is still God.

“Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you. I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me. Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road. You are reminded that the road we’re traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven. When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes less significant. I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continual Presence and the hope of heaven.”  -Sarah Young “Jesus Calling”

I believe there is still hope today…