Back in the saddle

Wow! It's been a while, a long while...

But we're back.... back from our two gloriously restful weeks at the beach... back to life as we know it here in the burbs. And it didn't take long. In fact, as soon as our feet returned to northern Virginia soil, we hit the ground running. It's funny how it works like that... no gradual return to normalcy for us. Just vacation, then LIFE with no transition in between. And, much to my dismay, the home repair fairy didn't show up while we were away. No, the house is still a mess, and I am just as anxious as ever for repairs to be completely complete. Thankfully, three very kind gentlemen are here now-- they're starting from the outside in, securing new roofing, new windows, new flashing and the like. And hopefully, in a few more days, they'll head indoors: to my kitchen, to my pantry, to my laundry room... and the dust will really start to fly.

But God. is. good. So far the boys and I (after two and a half years with a little girl, I still say that-- the boys and I :)... make that, the five of us... have been able to function normally even as hammers pound and trim pieces fall. School is well under way, and the boys are swimming like fish once again. The beach is a far too distant memory (unfortunately) as World War 1, transitive verbs, and algebraic equations now take center stage in our minds. But fun we're having-- with a field trip in to DC (the Wright Brothers plane is at eye-level now, right on the floor... down from the rafters for a special display, and wow, is it cool!) and a special play date with no-longer-faraway friends. A leisurely afternoon in the woods with favorite people will truly do wonders for your soul! Ah, and lest I forget-- a new development on the home front since we've returned from vacation... Bub is now in the youth group at church (I know, will someone please tell me how THAT happened!), and this trying-to-be-brave mama is rejoicing with him over this very exciting time (as she clings to the Father and trusts that He really does have her boy in His hands).

And every day I'm being reminded... over and over and over again... that even though the pace is somewhat frantic at times, even though I can't always see the forest for the trees, even though I collapse into bed (often earlier than I'd like) at the end of another exhausting day-- these days are gifts. Gifts from Abba Father to be used for His glory as we study and work and play and pray. Gifts to be cherished, gifts to be embraced, gifts to be nurtured and savored and treasured. Gifts that rush me to the feet of Jesus and keep me there~

And that's a good thing... because isn't that exactly where I oughta be?

Happy Thursday, everyone... it's good to be home!

Oops! I almost forgot... congratulations Stephan & Jessica on your recent engagement... I am so very, very happy for you! May the Lord pour out His blessing on your marriage and your new life together, and may He be glorified through it all!