Waves of Mercy...

I took this image, while at the Oregon Coast with my family a few weeks ago.  It was a beautiful day, filled with adventure, discovery and pure rest.  The kids climbed and then rolled down a huge sand hill for what seemed like hours. My husband dozed in the warm unexpected afternoon sunshine near my side. I sat watching my family enjoy the day and also watched a man as he rowed about on his paddle board.  At times the waves would move in such a way, it actually looked as if he was walking on water.

He would paddle and paddle and from where I sat on the shore, it looked as if he where standing perfectly still. "Where does he think he's going?" I thought..."He's working so hard for nothing it seams." Boy isn't that how we can so often feel?. Can you relate? Day in and day out, spinning our wheels, paddling our little ores. For what? To where? Why?

As I sat and watch him the Lord spoke to my heart... I heard him say, "Do you see how small man is, do you see how emence I am?  I delight when my children enjoy my all that I have made. I made it just for you.  Be still and know that I am God that I am with you in the storm and also the calm smooth waters. Come to me and let me be your strength to press on each and every day.  You are on a journey toward home, home is with me and I long to be with you. Be still and know that I am God. For now, enjoy, give thanks...for the tide of life will ebb and flow but I remain constant and faithful always.

It has not been till these past few years that I feel as if I am actually cluing into the purpose of life. Do Tell....you say...well it is not for the labor, it is not for the seeking after the wind, it is ALL for God's Glory!

I think the guy out on that paddle board might just have a few major things figured out. As I watched his figure glide across the water, It was if I saw a painting that revealed Gods Mercy and Grace. As people we often try so hard in our own strength and end up going nowhere. We push ourselves to try to know all the answers and figure things out and in our pride we often fall into seeking glory for ourselves. We try to control the world and those around us. We fool ourselves into thinking that we are headed in the right direction and we fail to even ask God if we're on the right course. In Gods divine Love for us it seams that even when we fail and get off coarse , he is merciful to provide the right current to send us right where he needs us to be.

I encourage you to take a moment to ask God if your headed in the direction he intends for you? If you find yourself drifting and unsure, be still and know that He is God, wait upon him to guide your path. Trust in Him, he is Faithful. Once you know that direction God intends for you,  with His help than paddle with all your might to and for the Glory of God.

This images also prompts my spirit to pray for Japan (03/11/2011)...Lord let your Mercy Flow.

Choosing Thankfulness at ALL times...

I absolutely love the huge tree planted in our front yard. It's a vivid reminder of each season transitioning into another. I can truly say I enjoy each magnificent display of change it offers. The Winter months can be desolate, cold and often unrelenting with wind, rain, frost, ice and snow. The branches are barren and lonely from loosing their colorful display of crimson red, burnt orange and vibrant yellow leaves of Fall. Winter eventually gives way to Spring. The small determined buds begin to appear in abundance. Hope is in the air once again as we see the sun shining between the rain showers and rainbows. Summer brings lush green refreshing beauty, as the tree beckons children to climb, find safety and mystery in it's height and strength. Then just as every season comes and goes. Autumn appears in all it's glory and graces the world with a canvas of watercolor. To pear up to it's branches is like an invitation to breath deep, enjoy, reflect upon all that we have to be thankful for.

As the leaves fall the clean up begins and the cycle starts all over again. As I looked at these leaves twinkling in the sunlight, I felt my spirit reflect that I have as much and more to be thankful for than this tree has leaves....My heart is full of gratitude too numerous to count!

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

                                                                                                                       Colossians 2:6-7

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven...

the Words of Ecclesiastes 3 says it best.

  a time to be born and a time to die, 

   a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

  a time to kill and a time to heal, 

   a time to tear down and a time to build, 

  a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

   a time to mourn and a time to dance, 

  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 

   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 

  a time to search and a time to give up, 

   a time to keep and a time to throw away, 

  a time to tear and a time to mend, 

   a time to be silent and a time to speak, 

  a time to love and a time to hate, 

   a time for war and a time for peace.

In each season of life, there is an unveiling of life's,  joys or sadness, griefs or celebration. It is so good to know that God walks with us through it all. Storm or Stillness, God is with us, teaching us His will and His ways season by season.

My husband and I love to reflect upon this poem called the Paradox of man...no mater what season we are in we try to be....

Strong enough to be weak;
Successful enough to fail;
Busy enough to take time;
Assured enough to cry;
Leading enough to serve;
Serious enough to laugh;
Rich enough to be poor;
Victorious enough to lose;
Important enough to be last;
Loving enough to be angry;
Wise enough to say I don’t know;
Right enough to say “I am wrong”;
Compassionate enough to discipline;
Conservative enough to give freely;
Mature enough to be childlike;
Righteous enough to be a sinner;
Courageous enough to fear God;
Planned enough to be spontaneous;
Controlled enough to be flexible;

Free enough to endure captivity;
Knowledgeable enough to ask questions;

Great enough to be anonymous;
Responsible enough to play;
Industrious enough to relax.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Light in the Darkness...

My husband and I went to the coast for a short get-a-way a few weeks ago. It was a stormy night and I found myself sitting on a balcony in the dark, looking out over the rough sea. It was a rare moment, to be alone, quite and still. My thoughts were swirling about all life has brought to our doorstep lately. I was comforted to be sitting in the presence of God, who is all knowing and is much bigger than any concern of my heart.

As I prayed and lifted my eyes out to the black edges of night before me. I saw a tiny light flash on the horizon. It flashed once and than the sky became black once again. Then out of no where the light flashed brightly again, making it's presence clear and visible for all to see.

The Light in the Darkness was a Lighthouse in the distance! In that moment, I felt the Lord allowed for me to see that light in the dark of night, to remind me of His power and His presences in the quite or in the storms of life. I was reminded that even when all seems dark in our lives, He is there. It was as if He spoke directly to my fear and said, " I am here in the darkness and the unknown of night, I will shine light into all of darkness and hidden shadows. It may seam as though I have retreated at times and the darkness may try to prevail. I have not gone away, I am here, I am at work, I will return and continue to shine light for all to see and the darkness will be known and will be no more. Darkness, can not exist where I am. Those that are lost in the blackest of night will come to find shelter, healing and rest only if they recognize and love the light."

"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light." 
Job 12:22

I know lighthouses are often photographed and paired with Bible verses about Christ being our light, but it's with good reason. I was not able to take any pictures of that lighthouse the night at the ocean, but I happened to have been gifted a lamp recently. Amazing theme going on in my life lately! I love it when God does that! The lamp has helped remind me on a daily basis of Gods promises. I choose to place this lamp next to roses as a symbol of the unfolding of beauty that comes in time as light helps things grow, change and become more beautiful because it receives light.

"The Buds and the branches were all one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold." 

Exodus 37:22

Just as a lamp is used to shed light only a few feet before us, a lighthouse is used to warn ships of dangerous coast lines or reefs, unsafe waters, or other dangers. They both shine light in the darkness in different ways, but both allow for us to see and follow it's path. The lamps light is consistent but only shows us a few step at a time. A lighthouse guides ships safely into harbor with short burst of light and then dissipates. This is where walking by faith comes in. There is so much unknown before us and it is our choice to keep moving forward, even if the light seams to have gone dim. Before all our fancy technology the lighthouse was perhaps the only guide on a dark night. I trust you see the parallel to Christ as our lighthouse. Like a ship ignoring a lighthouse, we run a terrible risk if we choose to ignore Christ's guidance or warnings.

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

Isaiah 42:16

As the weeks have passed since I sat in the glimmer of the lighthouse on that stormy night, I have spent time searching the scriptures for verses having to do with darkness and light. It seams the two go hand in hand! I am intrigued by light not just as a guide in our darkness, but also by it's power and beauty. I have found that light is often most powerful, gentle and beautiful when in contrast to darkness. The darkness is not fun, it is not pretty on it's own...but all in all the darkness seams to have it's purpose to ultimately give Glory to the Light!

I have been reminded time and time again of this truth. When I look at the moon and the stars in the sky, their beauty speaks volumes of our creator. Even when they disappear behind the clouds.. I know they are still there and God is still powerful! The mountains hide some days, but they are still strong and beautiful.

When I helped paint a house recently. I noticed that when a light color is painted over dark....it bleeds through....it took hard work and persistence to cover the darkness. This is how Chirst covers our sin. With His love and mercy He pursues us and covers our sin. The light then shines out of the darkness.

There are many descriptions of Darkness and Light in the Scriptures...some warnings, some... full of hope and healing... all worthy of our humility and surrender from darkness to light.

You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 22:29

Cover Me...

I woke in the middle of the night last night. The Lord spoke to my heart and brought this image to my mind. The image is of me sitting in the middle of a river. It's a photograph my husband took just a few months ago.

It was taken as a self portrait to go along with a series of photography assignments I've been participating in over the past year.

With the business of summer and all that life has had for us, it is not till now that I felt the nudge to reflect on all this image holds for me. I feel that it represents so much of what the Lord has taught me and brought me through in my life.

Before I elaborate, I would love to share this song that has been my prayer.

May you be blessed as you read these words and may The Spirit of God flow into your heart!

Let the River Flow

Darrell Evans

Lyrics:

Let the poor man say

I am rich in Him

Let the lost man say

I am found in Him

Let the River flow

Let the blind man say

I can see again

Let the dead man say

I am born again

Let the river flow

Let the river flow

Holy Spirit come

Move in power

Let the river flow

As I sit in the midst of the river. I look back at the smooth glassy water, giving thanks for all that the Lord has covered in my life. All He has forgiven and restored. He alone surrounded me, healed me and redeemed my life with His love. It was not until I recognized my need for a Savior and surrendered my life to Him that I found myself standing on a solid foundation. God became my Rock, my All, my Everything! He turned my sorrow into joy, my pain into dancing, my weakness into strength. He turned my life upside down and inside out and I am forever and eternally grateful. He has taught and continues to teach me

how to turn from myself and run to Him.

The warning in Scripture if we choose to live without God:

"The waters of the river will dry up,

the riverbed will be parched and dry."

Isaiah 19:5

It is by Gods Grace:

"He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light."

Job 28:11

It has been a journey with many twists and turns, bumps, bruises and detours along the way. I have stumbled, been broken and bloodied. There have been times when I felt helplessly pulled under and swept away in the rushing unrelenting waters. At times I truly thought I might drowned. I have found myself flailing, gasping for air and struggling in my own weakness.

Why is it we try to do so much of life on our own, forgetting about the one who is life? It is He, I want to reach for and trust without hesitation or fear.

It is His Strength, Mercy, Love and Power that we ALL need in our lives.

"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells."

Psalm 46:4

It is not the approval of others, it is not the list of laws we need to "do" just so,

it is the Love of Jesus Christ we need to set us Free.

The Lord Himself is here, ALIVE and ready to

rescue and strengthen if we would only surrender ALL!

"Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree."

Genesis 18:4

He wants the GLORY and He Deserves it ALL...

after all He alone is God and we are not!

All we have to do is turn to him completely and turn away from anything and everything that pulls us or holds us away from knowing Him. This is easier said than done. But when you do, the living waters will change you forever and you will never be the same.

You will be Alive in Christ and there is nothing more beautiful than Him.

"He opened the rock, and water gushed out;

like a river it flowed in the desert."

Psalm 105:41

In all of our lives, the waters continue to flow, every day, through every season the waters push forward. Sometimes gently, sometimes with much fury and force.

As I prayed in the darkness of night...I heard the Lord softly remind me:

Come to the water, you who thirst and you will thirst no more

Drink from the Love that is pouring from my hands

Come to the river, be filled

Turn to me, wait on me, Trust in me,

I will guide you.

Come to the banks and be washed in the flow of my Mercy and Grace

Yes...Turn to me, Trust in me and I will show my unfailing

LOVE, HEALING and POWER

My streams of MERCY are Flowing Full Force.

I am the light in the darkness, I am with you in stillness or storm.

I will meet you in the calmness of morning and be with

you in any shadows that taunt or waves that try to

overtake you.

Just like a new day comes, so will trials make themselves known.

Let it not surprise you when battle and heartache erupt.

"When the river rages, he is not alarmed; he is secure."

Job 40:23

The past is behind you,

today is upon you and tomorrow is before you

I am in the midst of the current of life.

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:3

I am life itself, I am living water that flows about you

Hold onto me, my strength is sufficient.

I will provide, protect and guide.

"Let the rivers clap their hands,

Let the mountains sing together for joy"

Psalm 98:8

No matter what is behind or what is before you...I am here with

you... you have stolen my heart and I am

yours and you are mine!

"He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:8

Remembering Dennis...

I know that Memorial day is a day to remember and honor fallen soldiers, these are some photo's of a very special man and soldier in his own right. He never served in the military...He was one in God's Army... Brave and True!

His name is Dennis.

I had the privileged and true blessing of taking these images of Dennis and his mom one year ago this month.

Dennis went to be with the Lord....this past Wednesday evening

May 26, 2010

We love you and we will miss you Dennis!

His mom knew that Dennis' health was quickly deteriorating and had asked if I would be willing to take his picture before things got to difficult for him. We had to rescheduled several times and finally had the opportunity to take a few moments after church to snap a few pictures.

I remember taking Dennis' frail hand and leading him to stand near a shady tree, near some flowers that he liked. He seamed truly delighted to be the center of attention and stood so tall and proud. I knew in my heart as I peered through the lens of my camera, that these images may soon be some of the last that would capture Dennis' sweet smile.

I think deep down Dennis new it too.

To the very last moments in life, Dennis was always thinking of and caring for others... He shared Gods love in only ways that Dennis could. Unique, Beautiful, Quite and Humble ways. I think that I and my family learned more about who God really is by watching the Love shared by Dennis and his family. Through the pain and the suffering, through the illness and disability...Christ has been Glorified through Dennis' life in amazing

and uncountable ways.

Any of us still this side of heaven can only hope and pray that our lives can shine so bright for the Glory of God!

Be at Peace with Jesus Dennis...

We celebrate your life and we now rejoice that you are free at last!

We Thank the Lord for sharing you with all of us...dear friend and brother!

Week 2: Through the Lens of Worship

I went for a walk with my precious four your old son today. We were both so excited to get outside and feel the warmth of the sunshine on our faces. My son's main goal was to hunt for ladybugs...These shiny red and black polcka-dotted critters are his absolute favorite thing in all creation right now.

I was looking forward to bug hunting too, but also thought it would be a perfect opportunity to bring my camera and see what God might reveal to my little man and me.
I decided to make this my second entry for Through the Lens of Worship .

As we walked together, we noticed all the new buds on trees and shrubs. We began looking for all sorts of shapes and colors too. It was so much fun to watch Luke, seek with such enthusiasm for all the little treasures that nature has to offer. The tiniest blue flower popping up amongst the grass was his first a delightful find.

Then it was on to a pretty purple flower that had a little critter buzzing around inside! Luke had so many questions about this little bee. We sat for quite some time and watched this little fella as he flew from flower to flower so heavy with pollen that he practically crash landed as he darted from pedal to pedal.

The scripture that came to mind as we enjoyed God's Creation: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

Romans 1:20

The Lord Blessed Luke with the swift capture of over 20 ladybugs!

Each one was placed gently into his yellow lidded bug cage and are now safely placed on his bedside table for the night.

As our adventure came to a close Luke was joyfully singing a song he had learned at preschool earlier in the day. With no prompting from me, I heard his little voice singing, "Our God is an Awesome God, He reigns over Heaven and Earth...Our God is an Awesome God!"

I agree Son...I Agree!

Soaking in Summer

It's been a while since I've posted anything...I've spent these last few weeks of summer enjoying life and soaking up summers last bursts of sunshine and beauty! There's been lazy days spent at the river, camping, gardening, fun photo shoots and friends visiting from out of town. Now suddenly a chill is in the early morning air and September is here. School is about to begin and new routines will be underway. There are so many decisions to be made and priorities to be evaluated.

I have had a few weeks at home to process all the back and forth travel from Washington to Oregon that has occurred since January. Lets just say this has not been a typical year. It's been a time of crisis in which God in His Sovereignty has brought much growth, humility and strength into my heart and life. He has been my rock, my guide, my counselor and my closest friend. When everything in life is upside down and inside out, He alone was and is my strong foundation. He has taught me about letting go, about trusting him even if and when the worst happens. He has revealed hidden places that scream out for healing, restoration and growth. My need for God, for His love, forgiveness, protection, covering, strength, truth, wisdom, guidance and holiness has been my hearts desire more than ever before.

It's amazing how God has a plan...a plan in things great and small. From a seed bearing fruit to heartache bringing Glory to His name. I praise the Lord for walking with my family through the challenges, uncertainties and pain of this past year. I thank God for the support, friendship and prayers of others. There have been moments in these past months that I had the thoughts of "What's the Point!" What's the Point of Anything? of Life? of Living?of Loving? It's just too hard, too painful, too scary....It's at moments like these that God is so gracious and good...He is amazing and can speak to us in any way He chooses and often when we least expect it....Just look at this reminder He passed my way, right when I needed it.

How Cool is this! It's not every day I find a cross on my kitchen floor!

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28

God in His Mercy reminds me that I was made to Love Him and to be Loved by Him....It's really as simple as that!

For the love of ROSES....

In a rose I see the joy of the Redeemed, the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

I have always loved roses.... perhaps it's because of their color, or maybe it's their gentleness that has always appealed to me. We roamed a rose garden a few days ago and enjoyed taking in the many colors, sizes and fragrances. These are just a few photographs along the paths we wandered.

"Through him all things were made; apart from Him nothing came into being." John 1:3

A single rose reminds me of so much... Visiting grandma's, the first corsage given before a school dance and our wedding day. Roses arrived to the hospital room with the birth of both our children and have continued on birthdays, anniversaries and "just because."

" Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water." Ezekiel 19:10

Roses remind me that I am blessed...that I am in process... budding, blooming and will one day fade away back to the earth and into the hands of my creator.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5"

Just as a rose, I want to be beautiful yet strong, gentle yet bold, delicate yet vibrant...The strength, health and beauty of a rose is dependant upon the nurturing it receives. A rose matures from the inside out... from the soil it is planted, to the very nourishment it receives, from the vine to the branches, amongst the thorns and despite scorching sun, torrential rains and the many storms of life....(against all odds) something lovely eventually emerges.

Like the rose I want to be determined, to grow, to mature, to push onward and upward. As a rose my very being would bring Glory to God, our creator, our counselor, the maker of heaven and earth.

It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine." Ezekiel 17:8

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." John 15:1

Oh how I seek to be nourished by the gardener. True nourishment.... it is in God himself, in his presence, in fellowship and feasting on his word, delighting in who He is, in honoring Him in sencere worship. It is making choices to guard my heart and mind, everyday, in every way so that Gods Goodness and Beauty will spring forth.

"The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy." Isaiah 35:1-2

Holding on to HOPE

Update on my Dad: The infection in my dads hip has been determined to be non-life-threatening. However it is very serious and is being aggressively treated with high powered antibiotics (IV drip for at least 8 weeks) and ongoing antibiotics for the rest of his life. It's frustrating and so unfortunate that before the doctors figured out what was going on, several infectious disease specialists had given him nothing but worst case scenarios. This kind of news was just enough to tip my dad over emotionally. He said perhaps he would just be better if they just took his leg. To say the least it has been a tough week. It was such a huge step backwards after struggling to hold on to hope and work so hard to gain strength and get back on his feet and walk again. He is now down again and the road just got longer. The end of the tunnel out of reach without and clear view of the light at the end. The light is still there dad, you just can't see it right now. Hold on...Press on...NEVER GIVE UP! There is a grieving process that continues as the trail twists and turns. The highs very high and the lows very low. My heart breaks for my parents and I daily surrender them into God's care. My HOPE is in Christ alone. For those of you that have been so faithful to visit my dad. He is back at Ida Culver. Please call to make sure he is up for company before you go. Thank you so much for your love and continued prayers.

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Today I read somthing that was posted on a friends facebook page. It was a timely reminder of God's truth and promises. I love it when God gives us just what we need, right when we need it. HOPE!
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Question: "Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?"

Answer: One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.

As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever. Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good.

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).

Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Recommended Resource: When God Doesn't Make Sense by James Dobson.

We Flew the Coop!

We flew the coop for Spring break and it turns out we weren't the only ones sent flying! Not just the seagulls and the eagles where soaring about, but my dad was given an unexpected shove out of his nest as well!

Our Spring Break is complete as we just arrived home from another trip to Washington. This time we were able to travel together as a whole family and arrive home together. Our first stop was to visit my dad at the care facility in Seattle. The kids were so happy to see grandpa Doug and especially loved the ice cream cups that the nurse brought for all to enjoy. It's hard to believe my dad has been in a hospital since early January. A lot has happened since his life was nearly taken from us due to Septic Shock. Since than he has had two months straight of non-stop antibiotics to rid his body of infection and is now scheduled for another surgery on April 17th. Septicemia seams to be a concern of the past and now only time will tell the final outcome of my dads current circumstance. Will he be able to receive a new hip? Is there enough bone and muscle left? Is the infection really gone? Will infection return? Will they be able to save his leg? Will dad be able to walk again? How long will healing and rehab take? What is all of this going to look like? The questions in all of our heads seam endless. I am grateful for close friends who whisper softly - "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus....One day at a time."

The newest and most exciting, yet totally un-nerving news is that my dad was unexpectedly released from the care facility last Wednesday. We got the news of his impending dismissal on Monday (ya gotta love how insurance works) Yes, a man who nearly died several times over and who has no hip in place, (oh and did I mention he is 6'6" and 240 lbs.) was suddenly released to be cared for by my mom full time. As if she didn't have allot on her plate already. To say the least it put us all into a mad scramble. The logistics alone of transporting was stressful, not to mention trying to find the proper bed, chairlifts, walkers, wheel chair etc..etc on such short notice. Once again my uncle came to the rescue and helped with the transfer. The kids and I were able to lend a hand and hugs as you can see from the picture above, my dad made it safely to the back seat of my uncle's car. Dad was released at 10am and was on the noon boat to Orcas Island. He was in his own bed by 2pm. Unbelievable! It was a difficult and somewhat emotional for my dad to return to the farm after having left two days after the house fire.

My uncle drove my dad down the long driveway to where their home used to be. The rubble has been cleared now and only the foundation remains. My parents are now living in what used to be the guest house for Island vacationers. What a blessing to have a home to go to.

In the midst of all the transition for my parents the rest of us where busy tending to horses and various farm chores. One of which was mommy and daddy pretending to be horses and pulling the kiddos around for a ride in a horse carriage. As you can see from the looks on their faces the kids loved being in the drivers seat.

All in all it was a good trip and one step closer to some sanity and peace of mind. There is still a lot of clean up and work to be done on many different fronts. It is going to be a long, slow process that will take a lot of love, strength, patience, determination, communication, understanding, forgiveness, perseverance, faith, hope, trust and prayer.

The road is long and there are sure to be some unexpected waves. If only we could remember to give God the reigns one day at a time! He is sure to make the journey worth while!