Tag: truth

Lessons From My Hedgehog

Hopefully you’ll be able to watch this video—if not it’s of our hedgehog, Pixie, in her little activity area, almost in panic mode with a toilet paper tube stuck on her head as she scurries around.

Before anyone thinks they should call the animal abuse hotline let me set this disclaimer: our hedgehog will repeatedly put herself in this predicament. Within seconds after I free her, she typically runs straight back to a nearby tube, shoves her face in and then scampers back and forth with her head and the protruding tube swinging side to side, just like the hundred times right before!!!

Because hedgehogs are curious and like to explore I had read somewhere of providing them with not only their caged habitat but an extra space to play and “nose” around.

Pixie’s playpen includes a bridge made of popsicle sticks my daughter and husband created for her, a pvc pipe, plastic Easter eggs, and of course the empty toilet paper rolls.

Why our hedgehog chooses those cardboard tubes to mess with over everything else, I’m not sure but it is entertaining to watch.

It’s interesting though because, at times, she’ll have a tube covering her head and will calmly walk around this way. Other times she even falls asleep with one on. But nevertheless the freak-out moments always give way—where Pixie seems to go into panic mode probably wondering how she ended up like this and it’s then that I remove the tube and she relaxes once again…before eventually going back.

Like Pixie aren’t we sometimes prone to live in the moment, running to the things that we think are good and will satisfy, only to wind up in a frenzy?!

We’ve committed to a new diet but a handful of Doritos won’t hurt anything…until we’ve finished off the bag.

We’ve promised ourselves to save money but then the clothing magazine we’re subscribed to arrives and we “innocently” browse…and a shopping spree and overstuffed closet ensue.

We’ve decided to take a social media break, but when we find out our family reunion invite and details are posted on Facebook we intend to log-in and “just” quickly check it out…only to get distracted by the dozens of notifications we’ve missed over those weeks of absence…hours scroll by.

Ugh!!! And we were doing so good!

Let’s take a look at Proverbs 26:11 for a little insight on this:

‘As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.’

Disturbing and to the point but attention-grabbing, especially when we realize we have a situation of our own that’s maybe not in our best interest but has taken hold of our self-control and led to foolishness.

God never leaves us stuck though. He always provides a way out just like I do for Pixie.

1st Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you’re tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Such hope in those words! God will speak rationale over us and our choices but we must have listening and obedient hearts before our choices make us out to be fools.

Check out Ephesians 5:15-17 with me:

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

WE CAN KNOW HIS WILL BY—

  • Being in the word
  • Communicating to Him through prayer
  • Holding one another accountable
  • Slowing down, listening, and following His guidance through the Holy Spirit

My hedgehog will likely continue to return to the cardboard toilet paper tube time and time again because she has a bittersweet relationship with it and also because she lacks human wisdom.

We on the other hand, as Christians, are equipped and able. God’s word has zero error along with never failing direction so we are without excuse. Yes sin exist, but so does will-power and God desires to love and lead us in overcoming. I don’t want to make a fool of myself so I’ll humbly accept His offer.

Spiritual “Wrestling” Lessons

Girls high school wrestling became an official sport in Nebraska this past school year with over 700 young ladies across the state joining.

My daughter happened to be one of them.

Sitting in the crowd learning and observing this aggressive sport was a new thing for this mom. I sat in the bleachers every meet I was able to make it to, squirmishly and anxiously watching as my girl wrestled, and really every time I’d watch any of the kids wrestle; it’s an intense sport and I could hardly handle the nerve-racking human-pretzel-like shapes they’d sometimes end up in. Doublemint gum became one of my closest companions as I’d smack on it to try and “bridge” the stress.

One particular match we went to included both boys and girls wrestling. There’s an image instilled in my mind in which this young man was held down in a headlock position. His opponent, nor the ref, showed any mercy as the kid strained with every ounce of energy trying to free himself while his neck was twisted to the side, against the mat, in the most awkward placement.

I kept my rookie-fan thoughts from slipping from my lips but I could barely contain myself. And finally the man seated behind me, who I would guess was probably a seasoned onlooker, spoke aloud, “he’s gonna break his neck!”

And seriously it truly looked that way.

Maybe it was the prayer I whispered, but miraculously the kid was able to remove himself from what looked like a certain loss and went on to defeat his neck-holding opposer.

Afterwards, though, he sat in the stands rubbing his neck for comfort. The pain he must have felt in his neck, I felt in my heart. Yes, I was happy for his win but watching the grapple to get there was harsh and I felt sorry over the pain he was in.

Looking back on this I’m reminded of the way Satan similarly works.

Negative thoughts or spiritual warfare step across the boundary line of our Christian life as Satan urges them on from a ref’s standpoint. With all relentless effort they go in for the “shoot,” and if we’re not prepared, at times, we get knocked down.

Y’all satan’s efforts are real and they are strong, he wants us away from Jesus—plain and simple.

He “shoots” to fill us with lies. The weakness he overloads us with can sometimes cause us to feel like we’d make a great contender for the heavy weight class regardless of our physical appearance. His hope is to place us in the bracket of vulnerability without our consent. He’s not a fair player. Ruthless and sneaky.

From a humble crowd watcher, though, we hear these straightforward words: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

This (Holy Spirit) fan has given us honest but serious words as an explanation of our predicament but then takes care to go on with the answer to overcome our troubled situation, boldly chanting: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

It’s the encouragement and prompting we need for the perfect pin, at just the right time.

WE ARE NEVER TOO FAR FROM OBTAINING A WIN.

I love what Lysa Terkeurst (Proverbs 31 Ministries) wrote in one of her past blog posts: Sin—recognize it, reject it, replace it with LOVE.

What a great mindset and way to quickly and efficiently ward off Satan’s attempts before they have a chance to put us in a “cradle hold.”

The lies we sometimes believe, the embarrassment we might feel, or the negative peer pressure we face…ALL Satan’s game, ALL SIN…and ALL must be refuted!!!!

We must be aware of the evil Satan causes, and learn the truth to winning that Jesus coaches. This way we are mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared.

And as we focus on Christ (through the thick and thin) we trust the victory is ours every single time because He’s already won the championship by defeating sin and death on the cross and we are truly within His divine circle. He pulls us together to declare the perfect win—filled with glorious celebration for His purpose.

In God’s Heavenly championship, no longer do we sit anxiously in the stands or at the risk of a full nelson…instead He holds us closely, proudly, calmly, victoriously.

Classroom Lessons of Hope

I finished up the school year substitute teaching for a junior high class last week.

Beforehand, as the time grew closer to that particular sub day I thought to myself, “what on earth was I thinking taking that sub job? School lets out for summer break two days later and those kids are gonna be filled with anticipation!”

Alas my too-late-to-back-out-now teaching day arrived. I made sure my most optimistic attitude wouldn’t be counted absent and I shot up a prayer for a sweet day to take place…

As kids gradually trickled in for the morning to begin I was surprised to be met with a classroom full of quiet, ready to learn kids!!!

What!?? What is this??!!

I was grateful and humbled because this certain grade can be a bit unruly. God was offering His blessing over my simple but genuine prayer request.

After a few classes had rotated through a new one came in…

Amongst them a group of three boys sat at a table in their assigned seats. They quietly talked among themselves which I allowed because they were keeping busy on schoolwork all the while and no one else in the classroom seemed bothered by it.

One of the boys in that group of three is charming but also has somewhat of a bully reputation. I could hear their conversation and it grew intriguing as he made a comment that sounded very far-out and supernatural. Without delay the other two boys (who happen to come from Christian homes) spoke up, kindly disagreeing with him, and channeled straight into their faith and backed up their beliefs by defending the Bible and poured into this misled kid with so much truth…it was seriously a beautiful blessing to witness!! God was glorified!!

Afterwards, because we live in small town USA and everyone knows everyone, I reached out to the mamas of those young evangelists. I wanted them to know of their son’s bold but patient and caring words to this boy and it in turn blessed both moms to get a glimpse of their son’s faith in action.

1 Peter 3:15 is such a good reminder for us to ‘always be ready to give a reason for the hope in us.’

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God can use any one of us at any moment, in the most unexpected of ways. Because of this we have so many opportunities to point others toward Jesus but we must be familiar with what we believe. We dig into the word with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn and grow. We come to love our God with a committed relationship and we speak to others sharing about His goodness. As we do so we fulfill our end to 1 Peter 3:15…just like those two boys did.

Our world is much like a classroom…just waiting for answers…let’s show and teach them Jesus.

A Cord of Three Strands

This morning my oldest daughter, Paige, had asked if I’d braid her hair. She’s going out for girls’ wrestling this year and has practice today (even though it’s Thanksgiving break) so pulled back hair is her preference.

I found it interesting because at the time she asked, I was reading and studying over Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which says this:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

When it comes to my daughter wanting her very long hair braided she always requests the help of either her sister or myself. It takes another set of hands to make it happen. It’s teamwork.

Today as I got the privilege of braiding her hair, with some new and fresh insight, I thought about the last part of the verses I’d just read, ‘a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’

Interesting given the fact I’d just woven three sections of hair together similar to a cord formation. The weaving and intertwining of the hair strands keeps it stronger and serves the purpose for which it was meant—to hold together.

Keeping these verses in mind we can circle the encouragement found here—there is strength when partnering up.

Last weekend I tested positive for Covid and to say I accepted the circumstances to follow with ease would be a huge falsity. I was not impressed and am still struggling. Plans were tossed and negative feelings pursued.

My “quarantine” time doesn’t end until Sunday evening. There’s nothing normal about being isolated from family over Thanksgiving break especially in my own home.

Out of respect for my husband and kids I’ve tried to stay to my room but I was really “wrestling” with depressive thoughts so I’ve graduated a bit more to the main areas of the house while wearing a mask. I know this probably doesn’t meet CDC recommendations but out of the personal health of my sanity it is what it is.

I admit this isn’t one of my most happy-go-lucky-post. Actually I always aim to just be as transparent as possible. I share all this though because I’ve been able to reflect on how much people matter to me.

God didn’t design us to be alone. In the beginning of His Word we read in Genesis 2:18, “The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” God created woman in effort to reinforce that idea. We know sin ensued shortly after and humanity has suffered the results since. But God didn’t leave us without a Way to overcome…His name is Jesus.

When we include Jesus in our life, and in our relationships, that cord we read about in Ecclesiastes exist with the type of supernatural strength that points to Him.

Life is for us to do together. To lift one another up. To encourage. To cheer one another on. To smile. To hug. To laugh. To cry. To fellowship. To be in communion.

So even though Thanksgiving has definitely looked and felt very different and has not been my first choice of creating memories in this way, I can focus on the fact that I am blessed beyond measure—I know the importance (without a shadow of a doubt) of how beautiful life is when we are fulfilled by relationships. And the best is with Jesus laced right in the middle.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken…

I pray your Thanksgiving was blessed and (even if it may also look different like mine) that you can turn your focus to the positives with an attitude of gratitude. ❤️

He’s Perfectly Writing Our Story For His Glory

Something that’s making me laugh at myself as I write this is that my post from last week—I changed it up—not even an hour after hitting publish. And I ended up changing not just some of the words but the title as well…

I’d written an analogy regarding T-Rex arms vs. chicken wings (weird, I know…you’d have to read it to get the full idea if you haven’t already). Anyway in the original published post I referred to chicken wings as chicken arms instead…not even thinking twice about it. A little later when I went back to read the posted copy I thought to myself, “Chicken arms? What in the world?”

We own chickens and never on God’s green earth have I ever said to my husband, “Hey honey, the chickens are flying out of the coop again, would you go clip their chicken arms?”

Never.

So I decided, rightfully that chicken WINGS could not be referred to as chicken arms…and therein lies the reason for my change-up with last week’s post!

Okay I’ll get to the point of today’s post…

…As the author of my blog I get to write how the story goes. I can go back and edit and make corrections or improvements if needed.

Authors do this quite often, it’s the reason we see books that sometimes have the words “updated edition” or “revised copy” across the cover. Alterations have been made or research has allowed for more thorough information or a better explanation so the author provides a modification of the original.

I’m reminded how God is the ‘Author of our Life’ when we choose to put our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 that idea is worded like this— “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

At that moment we start becoming a better version of ourselves; and rather than trying to write our own stories we learn to surrender the pages of our life to God along with the publishing rights.

With that truth in mind, a plot twist happens within us. Suddenly our “character” is thinking and doing differently in accordance to God’s will. Ultimately, however, He controls and knows what may come or go, just the same way as an author of a book does.

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As God continues to write our story He may include plot twists and turns that we weren’t or aren’t expecting—He has every right to do so, after all He is the one creating and we’re the characters in HIS story. When the unexpected comes up in our lives this doesn’t mean God made an error, rather God sees the climax and the purpose those trials, along the way, may serve.

As our character-being learns to trust and interact with God, our love for Him grows and we learn peace in the rising and falling action of life.

No matter the setting or theme of our current story, we can rest in the comfort of Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Such powerful, hope-filled truth for even the darkest of chapters.

Through scripture, we’re given the resolution (the ending of the story) —as God has revealed to us the beautiful promise of eternity spent in Heaven with Him when we choose to believe in His Son as our Saving Grace. Praise God that when we make that life-changing decision, we open the pages to a never ending sequel that’s perfectly written by the Author of Life and we get to be a part of it! The goodness of Heaven.

…In the meantime we can trust in the assurance of His flawless Word. All glory to Him!❤️

T-Rex Arms VS. Chicken Wings

I’m a week and a half past surgery and as much as I want to move beyond writing or sharing about this chapter in my life, I’m not able to just yet because it’s not quite over. God is still providing teachable moments in this and I feel like it’s not for me to keep for (only) my own growth in faith.

For those who are reading this and missed my post a few weeks ago, I’ll do a quick update. The beginning of September I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Appointments and treatment plans have moved along quickly and I’m now on the other side of surgery.

A friend asked me recently how I was feeling and I explained, “I’m ready to be past surgery limitations and be on the go but my body is so achy from some doctor restrictions that are in place…” After I finished my usual, overextended words she quickly drew up her own simple words, “so you’re feeling like you’re energy is back, but your strength isn’t?!”

“Exactly!!” …couldn’t have said it better myself.

And her words are spot on. My energy is there. I’m ready to lift some weights again, get back over to the nursing home to do hair, and take advantage (with a bike ride) of these 70 degree days we’re enjoying here in Nebraska currently.

But with my doctor’s orders (ten pound weight and range of motion restrictions) in place and his timeline in respect—the time is not yet.

I’m gonna give you a quick visual and you can thank me later for the image and laugh! …One of my most important restrictions is that I’m supposed to keep my arms tucked close to my body, no reaching out to the sides.

My doctor, and he’s hilarious, demonstrated how I should keep my arm movements within a limited range. Upon showing and explaining this to my husband to help get the point across of the importance the two of them then concluded that “I need to be using T-Rex arms!!”

So I’ve kept T-Rex arms in mind as I’ve went about my days…did you know you can actually sweep the house using T-Rex arms? Me neither but I learned that!!

Let me let you in on a little secret.

T-Rex arms are not natural. They make a person feel confined. They also leave you feeling stiff and sore from the waist up. Especially after a full night’s sleep in that position.

There’s a reason God allows chicken wing movements. It feels freeing and refreshing! And not so constrained.

Chicken wings aren’t in my care plan just yet though—therefore T-Rex arms it is.

It’s ironic to me just how symbolic this is of the Christian walk.

Chicken wings are like those beautiful moments in life where things feel on track. Our relationships are healthy and whole. Our jobs are appreciated and secure. Our bodies are nourished and thriving. Our faith is strong and vibrant. We feel we can confidently stretch and strut over God’s good blessings.

On the other hand, there are times in our life when our hope spirals out of control as we allow fickle, negative feelings to take root. Our prayers go up but sometimes we wrongly deem them as unnoticed. We feel tied down by undesired wrongs that have happened in our life and we’re just waiting to be released from the burden and trials. We feel trapped or restricted.

By analogy this describes T-Rex arms.

Here’s the solid truth though, over any and all things—God gives us restrictions for our own good and within His perfect timing He leads us to the other side of adversity.

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For some of us that heavy load may not be lifted until we’re Heaven-bound. Likewise, for all of us, perfection in every single area and detail will come to fruition when we’re Heaven-bound as well.

The wonderful thing is, however, there’s taming available even in the midst of T-Rex arms…

Consider the way the arms are tucked in close at the sides, no flailing allowed. Now picture Jesus as He comes at your side, wrapping His caring arms around you. You’ve ached for so long that His gentle touch feels welcomed and comforting, merciful and grace-filled. His care is more than enough to sustain. No matter your mindset, His love is humbly fiercer than the pain. His steadfastness eases the harsh mentality. It’s His loyalty that calms the rigid edges.

No doubt, He is more than powerful enough to settle even the unruliest of all T-Rex’s.

Hope in Jesus is key.

And the beautiful thing is—hope is held in our hearts not our arms—whether we’re in a place relating to T-Rex arms…or chicken wings…

Have a very blessed weekend!!

Breast Cancer Awareness and Sharing My Story

I wasn’t sure if any of this was ever going to make it to the blog but when the Holy Spirit prompts I’m understanding it’s probably a wise choice to follow suit…

The beginning of September I felt a lump in my armpit area and wasted zero time having it checked out. The nurse practitioner I saw was on top of things and ordered blood tests and a mammogram which led to an ultrasound and biopsy.

When the results came back the next week I was asked to come into the clinic so they could go over them with me. In my typical-quirky-impatient-Alicia manner this was my response, “Oh man! Isn’t that not a good thing when you call me to come in and discuss results!? Can’t you just tell me over the phone first?”

A clear but gentle “no” followed, and within 20 minutes I learned (in person) the biopsy showed stage one breast cancer.

I’ve had several doctor appointments in the time since. They’ll remove the tumor and whatever necessary lymph nodes this Wednesday and then I’ll have radiation for a treatment plan.

It’s been awkward knowing when or if I should tell people because I’d strongly felt like Satan was whispering ‘if you tell people then you’re seeking attention, and it’s only stage one anyways.’

With a welcomed exchange, however, I’ve recently felt God’s nudging—‘don’t waste an opportunity for people to reach out to Me in prayer’…and I definitely want to be respectful of those who want to do just that.

God deserves the outreach of prayer and also the praise that it’s only stage one and the other blessings I’ve counted!

I’m thanking Him for this cancer being caught so early, for my husband’s amazing insurance that the kids and I got on just this year, for the caring doctors and nurses I’ve met so far and for God working in me in the area of patience—I’m finally grabbing onto that fruit of the spirit!! Patience has never come easy for me but I’m now noticing how valuable it is!

My journey in this is (looking) much shorter and milder than what so many others experience and while I’m thankful for an easier diagnosis than what could be, I also don’t want to miss the chance to grow from it either. I want to be mindful of others who are going through the same process or whose results are much more advanced and less tolerable.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been guilty in the past at almost becoming passive in recognizing its public campaigns.

This disease can wreak havoc in people’s lives and now that I’m on this side I’m appreciating things I overlooked before like Breast Cancer Awareness artwork on some of the local business windows in our small town, and mammogram advertisements in news articles and magazines, and the encouragement to get checked because ‘early detection is best.’

I’m pouring out sensitive, direct prayers over those struggling with cancer of all kinds. Their families need lifted up in prayer also. No more of those generic “God, be with those who are dealing with sickness” prayers.

Sometimes you don’t realize the depth of another’s hardships until you walk in the trenches of a similar path.

It’s in the trench where your eyes need to be lifted—your hope fixed upward toward a way out. A Saving Grace—His name is Jesus. He leads and answers in His own perfect way but we must choose to trust and follow along with His plan.

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None of us are immune to difficulty…whether it’s cancer, losing a loved one, relationship-conflict, financial hardship, whatever it might be—the trial may be different but the feelings we experience are relatable. Opening up and lifting one another up in prayer is a beautiful regimen offered from the Great Physician—let’s not miss the opportunity.

Sweet weekend blessings as always.❤️

Sweet Sixteen

Paige (my oldest daughter) recently asked me if I’d made a birthday post for her since she turned 16 at the end of September.

“Uh…no,” I answered half sheepishly and the other half feeling pleased that she’d want to be included in a blog post.

With all due respect we actually only had her birthday celebration just last Saturday—so in order to give the full effect it’s better that I waited until now to write this—that way I can include all of the fun from her party!

But before I share those photos I want to first say how much I love this girl with a little encouragement…

To you Miss Paige:

If music counts as a love language that’s yours! Your love for music is truly a gift from God. The way you include a melody in almost every conversation is music to my ears. I know you didn’t get your voice talent from me (LOL) but it’s a beautiful part of your character. Never stop singing girl!!

On another note your laughter is contagious and I am so thankful to be a part of it!

Your dream, since age 5, to become a veterinarian one day has been sweet to see you hang onto. I’m thankful our special-needs-Yorkies haven’t exhausted that interest!! Your love of Science, learning, and animals are keeping you headed toward the goal. Keep those awesome grades up, you’re doing amazing!!

You get giddy talking about our large family—all of Papa’s siblings and the dozens upon dozens of cousins you have as a result. The way you get excited about family is heartwarming to me.

And within our own home, even though you pick on your siblings you have a sweet spot for them too that reminds me you’d go to bat for them every time if ever needed. It’s the big sister cliche that says, “it’s okay if I mess with them, but no one else better!” You have that down well but you can lighten up on the first part. 😉

You are a spitfire for sure and goodness we butt heads at times but I know God has big plans for you girl. He will use your ambition for His glory!! Continue reading His word so you know Him better and love Him more and live out His example.

May your faith become completely and solely your own—which I truly believe you’re understanding this concept well. You’re not saved under anyone else’s doing—Dad and I can lead and point you to Jesus but you must claim Jesus as Lord and Savior by your own will (for eternal salvation) as you’ve already done.

We’re here to help encourage, build you up in your faith, and hold you accountable but your responsibility is to never let go of Him.

As you grow I’m so thankful to be a witness of your testimony. It is my prayer that you always walk closely with Jesus, clinging to the hope only He offers. Remember that in this world you will have trouble but Jesus has overcome, the victory is already His and you are a beautiful part of His glorious kingdom!

We love you like ‘crazy’ girl!!!

Oh and one more thing, you’re driving has come a long ways…Praise God for that!!!

To my sweet blog readers, thank you for helping celebrate Paige with me. Sweet weekend blessings y’all!!!

The One Who Never Changes

I took one week away from blogging and every time I do this it always seems funny to me on where to pick back up…but a few things come to mind…

First of all WordPress notified me that I’ve been blogging for four years now! Time goes so quickly!!

Along with that the blog has over 700 followers, there’s been 10,000 plus visitors, and I’ve written over 173 posts—so crazy to me! Praying hearts would continue to be reached For His Purpose and I’m also incredibly thankful for the fellowship happening through the blog! Thank you all for being a reason to share my thoughts and share Jesus.

Moving on…

The past few weeks have brought some changes and if I’m honest I’m not a huge fan of change.

Change.

My grandma has been in the nursing home for months now and unfortunately her home must be sold to offset the necessary fees there.

I was offered the chance to choose some of my grandmas things from her home of over fifty years and it was such an uncanny experience rummaging through the house as many things are being sorted and boxed up. Her house was always so cozy and very orderly and now it is anything but.

The turntable pantry that was notorious for its strong scents of ginger and cinnamon and all things baking has now faded to nothing more than an abandoned stale cupboard—not even appealing to a mouse.

The entire house is just so different, it feels so empty and sad.

Here are the few things I chose that are packed with personal sentimental value.

My grandma had a large chicken collection and this is Big Al, one of her favorites. ❤️

I’m gonna miss making memories in my grandma’s house but will hold dearly to the ones I’ve been blessed with over the years.

More change.

Here at my own home, our remodel is nearly complete and while I’m loving how it’s all coming together I’m still trying to bring in that old homey feeling we had before we started. I miss seeing some of the old base colors we had. It just seems so foreign to me right now.

Funny how we get so familiar and comfortable with things…but it’s a reminder to hold earthly things loosely—especially keeping in mind that a house and it’s features is just simply a temporary dwelling until the good Lord calls us to our permanent heavenly home. That’s where our excitement for character and charm should truly fall into place (not in decor and comfort of earthly homes) but instead with a focus upward and becoming more like Christ!

I’ll share photos of our remodel when it’s complete. I know some of you enjoy seeing those before and after house projects.

Changes.

Some recent test results with the doctor show that my health has changed and things will be a bit different for an unknown period. Although I wish it could be avoided, I have such a sweet peace from the Lord in this. I trust so big that He will heal and that I can look at this as an opportunity to grow even closer to Him.

I’ve never been great with patience but I’m praying to be teachable and maybe now my desire (and neglect) to becoming more patient won’t go unchecked, maybe God is using this very obstacle for such a time as this.

In this various season of change I’m holding on to the truth of Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Things change, it’s inevitable but God remains the same loyal steadfast God He always was and ever will be—no matter what.

In the areas I’m noticing change I remember that as Christians this earth is not our permanent home and these bodies that are wasting away will one day be restored in the most perfect of ways.

The assurance of God’s unchanging dedication and love for us is what can bring peace to unexpected and inevitable changes in our lives. He is solid and stable. He is wonderfully unchanging.

Weekend blessings to you all!!❤️

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