Great weekend....

Heather came home this past Wed. night! What a great weekend we had with her. On Friday, we celebrated 'Senior recognition night' for Lindsay at her volleyball game along with 3 other seniors. They won their game and it was quite exciting! I found out that Heather had called the Athletic director about a month ago and asked him if it could be scheduled when she was home...she sure does love her sister (and they are planning to room together next year at Liberty :-)
There were friends in and out throughout the weekend, lots of food, movies, and relaxation. This afternoon, Scott and the kids, are finishing out the weekend with their volleyball game tradition. Let me tell you, it is serious! Notice, I'm not in the pictures...they don't invite me to play :-(
The next time we see Heather will be the week of Thanksgiving. That sure does seem far away. As quickly as time is flying, it will be here before we know it.

Accountable?

It dawned on me this morning that I am a weak person (not just in the physical sense, but even spiritually). I realized that I have an accountability partner for just about every area of my life; dieting, exercising, my quiet time...
Since coming to Charlotte 16 months ago (hard to believe) I've gained 10 pounds. Of course, that's been my life with my weight; up 5, down 10, up 10, down 5. Only this time I can't seem to get the scale to budge. It's been one area that I've obsessed over for many years. Then there's exercising...yuck! And then having a consistent quiet time. For years I have wasted so much time on things that don't matter. Many nights I've crawled into the bed only to ask myself, "what did I do today that pleased God"? Often my answer has been, "nothing". How that breaks my heart. Broken promises!
I am so thankful that God doesn't look back. That he doesn't bring up my many failures...that He forgives me over and over. I'm so thankful that the older I get, the more precious He is to me. That I desire to spend time with just Him.
I am thankful that He sees my heart, that He keeps me accountable.
II Corinthians 12:10 "...for when I am weak, then I am strong".

It's official....

Lindsay received her acceptance letter from Liberty University. So, next August we will pack her up and she will join her sister. Caleb is already working out how he can use both their rooms :-)
It gives us such peace to know they will be at the same school. Two in college...hard to believe. We're relying on the promise that God will make a way!
We're so proud of them. Congratulations Lindsay!!!

My favorite time of year....

Fall is here! The air conditioner is off and the windows are open...well, they would be if I had screens. I love this time of year! My favorite place is sitting out on my porch...just me, my Bible and my cup of coffee. Each morning, that time allows, that's where you'll find me.
After reading my friend's blog this morning about 'quiet days', I thought "that is so me"...I love quiet (let me reiterate that I'm NOT quiet, I ENJOY quiet). My husband and kids get in the car and the first thing they do is cut on the music. It drives me crazy. When I'm with my family, I prefer to talk (I'm thinking now that's probably why they cut on the music :-)
Have you ever tried to turn off the music...the TV...and just listen? It's wonderful. That's the only way I can hear God's still, soft voice.

"Be still and know that I am God".

Trust...no matter what.

All things work for our good,
though sometimes we don't see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two sometimes blinded to the truth.
Our Father knows what's best for us,
His ways are not our own.
So when the pathway grows dim and you just can't see Him
Remember you're never alone.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don't understand when you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand trust His heart.

This is one of my favorite songs. I'm reminded again today that no matter what happens in our lives, we simply have to "trust".

Whether it's a husband or wife losing their job, receiving devastating news from a doctor, your finances, waiting on God's timing...whatever it is, God wants us to trust in Him. His ways are perfect!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope".