Splash in the Rain Puddles

I've started and stopped several posts over the past week.  My thoughts were jumbled...filled with disgust and disbelief over the events in our country.  But in the midst of those emotions, a verse kept repeating itself over and over in my mind.   Isaiah 54:17.  "The weapon may be formed, but it won't prosper."    A few years ago, a song was released with that verse as its opening line and went on to say..."when the darkness falls, it won't prevail...cause the God I serve knows only how to triumph...my God will never fail." the song ends with, "You take what the enemy meant for evil and You turn it for good. You turn it for good."  And that is where I choose to plant my feet.  Because it's true.  If you have doubts that God will always prevail over evil, I hope you tuned in to Charlie Kirk's memorial service.  The thousands and thousands of people who heard the gospel....the many who gave their hearts to Jesus for the very first tim...

 Twenty one years ago today, Chad and I began our story together.  We knew so little about life and love and marriage.  But that's the beauty of it.  Learning and growing together.  Navigating each season with God at the center and praying for wisdom and patience through it all.  Sure, there have been some tough seasons....but never one that ever made me doubt that God knew exactly what he was doing when he allowed our paths to cross and led us into marriage.  Chad you provide so well....you work so hard...and it's always evident how much you love me and the boys.  Here's to 21 years my love!            

 It's August, folks.  It's now that I want to hit the pause button...hit the button and just stay right here.  The lull in between the busiest farming seasons...the last month of summer vacation for the boys...but what's really on my heart is the fact that my oldest boy is about to start his last year of high school and in just a few months, turn 18.  Shew.  What a jumble of emotions that statement brings.  The practical part of my brain knows he is ready...he loves Jesus, he is responsible, he knows who he is, and knows what he wants to do....it's the place we have prayed and worked so hard to get him to.  But the emotional part of my brain....that's the kicker.  My boy.  I want him to soar...but I want him to stay.  I want him to experience life as a young adult...but I want to protect him from the challenges that it will bring.  He is my home body....who loves the familiarity of what has always been....but I pray he is always ope...