Taking a Breath

A year ago we were traveling around the country visiting family. It was a fun trip, but during parts of it we experienced quite a bit of stress. I felt that our marriage was under direct spiritual attack. I was needing to take a deep breath and feel God's peace in my heart. Then, as we were traveling, God gave us amazing evidence of His love for us, and His watchcare over us. I know that I have shared these pictures in other places, but I just had to share again. God's timing is so perfect, and He knew just how to lift our hearts and gave us just what we needed. The amazing views in these photos took my breath away and overwhelming peace filled my heart. Praise the Lord!

Grand Tetons, October 2010

Jenny Lake (Grand Tetons), October 2010

Sabbath is a Happy Day

Today was a special day in many ways. When Hope woke up this morning, I went in and snuggled with her for a little bit. She said, "I love you," and gave me a big hug. I hugged her back and said, "I love you too." Then she said, "I'm a part of your life." Of course, I agreed wholeheartedly. I don't know where she got that from.

Before we got up and started getting ready for the day, I decided to walk Hope through what was going to happen. I told her everything that would happen and what I expected of her in each setting. Then we got up, ate breakfast, took a shower, got dressed and went to church (with a slight detour on the way to help a friend who was lost). At church, Hope sat quietly beside Robbie for the whole church service.

Then, Hope, Haven and I went to Hope's Sabbath School. I don't know if Hope remembered our conversation from earlier in the morning, but she behaved herself very well, and did not attempt to hug any unsuspecting children (she loves to hug other kids, and does it without their permission. We're working on that.).

After Sabbath school, we came home, ate lunch, read some stories, and Hope took a nap. I had told her all about needing to take a nap and that after her nap we would get ready and go to her cousin, Leila's, 1st birthday party. In our conversation in the early morning, I had told her how I expected her to act at Leila's birthday party. When she woke up from her nap we got ready and went to the birthday party.

Hope behaved herself so well. I am very glad that I prepared her ahead of time for today. We stayed late to watch the end of the Rangers game, and Hope did not have any major meltdowns until the very end when the cat scared her.

It was a happy day today. It was busy, but happy. So, I go from one day where the end makes me feel like an unfit mother to the next day feeling that with the Lord's help I am teaching and training my child well. I am sorry for yesterday and grateful for today.

Now for  a little bit of bragging:

Haven will be three months old on the first of November. Already she is smiling (since she was about four weeks old), cooing (for at least a month already), rolling over from belly to back consistently, rolling over from back to belly occasionally, bearing her weight on her legs while in standing position (being held of course, she still has no balance), laughing occasionally, and holding her head steady. According to one developmental milestone chart, Haven is extremely advanced in several areas. Oh, she also brings her hands together and bats at toys. We can see in her eyes, and how she is always watching and observing, that she is a very intelligent little girl.

Okay, enough bragging. But I am very happy with our children. I praise the Lord for giving such blessings in our lives. Father, please give us wisdom to raise these girls to know and love You. Thank you, Father, for this happy Sabbath day.