Hello, friends! I have missed you all dearly, and hope you have all had a wonderful summer. It has flown by once again, leaving me to wonder what exactly we did with the days. Each season has it’s own beauty, though, and I’m trying to learn to love and appreciate each one as they come.
I haven’t written much lately, because not much has changed for us. We are still in a place of waiting, and learning to trust only in our Father’s good plans for us.
These waiting periods are the absolute hardest for me because there is nothing to lose myself in. There is no way around facing myself and the stillness, and having to go to the cross with everything. (It’s a horrible season, but it’s really a wonderful season too, I guess.)
I’ve never really been all that into meditation. Didn’t really understand what it was, and also, I’m more of a speed reader kind of gal. Recently, though, I heard a message on the benefits of meditating on the Word of God, and actually dissecting and digesting it, rather than just reading a certain quota for the day.
I chose Psalm 23, and after spending some time just mulling it over and over and asking myself what each word means and stands for, have been so blessed by some fresh revelations for this time in my life.
“The Lord is my shepherd…”
What does a shepherd do? He watches over the flock, making sure that they are well-cared for, that they have plenty of nourishment for growth and health, and that nothing and no one brings any harm to them. He spends his days with them, getting them to trust him and his good intentions toward them. He also guides them away from places where there might be harm or danger.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
If the shepherd is a good shepherd, what needs could the sheep possibly have? He makes sure that there is a steady supply of fresh, clean water; good, green, abundant grazing, and places of shelter and protection from the elements and predators. He anticipates their needs, and makes a plan to meet the need before the sheep even know about it.
Pause.
Why do we ever worry?
Pause.
Why do we ever worry?
This is where I still am. Real. Raw. Good days and bad days, but hopefully, drawing closer and closer to the One who is the greatest Shepherd of all. What an amazing Father God we have!!
I know there are a lot of words in this post, and if you actually made it to this point, you are to be congratulated. I would love to be able to update you all on some happenings around here, but as we have no word yet, I must be content to just let you know that I am still here, and am so grateful for your faithfulness as readers and followers of this journey of ours.
And, just to show you that we are, indeed, alive and well, I thought I would share a few photos of what we’ve been up to the past few months. Enjoy!
What is summer without watermelon, right?
I actually won my very own Epiphanie camera bag!! Yay!!
The girls LOVED going to the pool this year!
Not even sure what to title this picture…
The girls call these their “boings.”
These were Butter Pecan cupcakes with vanilla-nut frosting and toffee bits.
(yes, they were gooooood.)
The girls discovered my old tap shoes.
Pretty, new, Sunday dresses made by their great-grandmother.
Goat cheese and arugula homemade pizza. Delish!
Lego cupcakes for a party.
Me and my girlies. (love)
Date night with my wonderful hubby!
I pray that you have a wonderful weekend, and may you be encouraged by re-remembering what a wonderful God we have, and by reminding yourself again of just how much He loves you.
P.S. Hope to be posting some favorite recipes very soon!
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Great post! And thanks for the encouragement- you’re a blessing and a great inspiration
Your girls are beautiful- I love their hair! What a sweet family you have.