Joyfully Weary

A weekly reflection inspired in part by  Bob Bennett's song "Small Graces" . Sometimes they slip by without notice Sometimes they're very hard to see Other times it's all so clear When they're happening to me 1- Cheetah ears and blue eyes.    2 - Hip Hoppers and the prettiest little ballerina. Plus Mini Man's tough/cool face - this kid is a hoot 😂   3 - Ninja climbing skills. 4 - Nutella grins.  5 - Sour cherries and plenty of pitting help.  6 - Sweet corn with the most amazing seasoning. Seriously, if you live by a Trader Joe's you have to try it.    8 - Local waterfalls.    9 - Huge frogs and other nature wonders like crayfish, minnows, dragonflies, and natural berries. All which left Mini Man in awe, "Mommy, nature is so amazing!" 10 - Fourth of July decorations. Well, really just any decorations - we like flair in this house.  ...

A reflection on recent life, inspired in part by  Bob Bennett's song "Small Graces" . Sometimes they slip by without notice Sometimes they're very hard to see Other times it's all so clear When they're happening to me 1 - naps with sweet babies 2 - mud puddles and big brothers who show you exactly what to do   3 - finger paint     4 - spring walks, river islands, and nets   5 - vibrant tulips   6 - friends who bring their new baby for a visit and boys who just can't get enough    7 - notes from the husband     8 - kiddos who like doing the dishes   9 - soccer Saturdays... 10 - ...especially when all the shots on goal are stopped 11 - textured walls and a mini ninja warrior These are the small graces The little moments when the miracles come These are the small graces Small graces pointing me to the larger ones Small graces Little glimpses of t...

A weekly reflection inspired in part by  Bob Bennett's song "Small Graces" . Sometimes they slip by without notice Sometimes they're very hard to see Other times it's all so clear When they're happening to me 1 - fresh snow 2 - watching the delight the crosses Baby Z's face when he experience/discovers something new 4 - indoor waterparks 5 - great friends to share the experience with and who make everything more fun 6 - birthdays 7 - candles 8 - cinnamon cake 9 - matching outfits 10 - watching these two grow in friendship and work as a team. 11 - subscription boxes that bring something new and exciting every month.  These are the small graces The little moments when the miracles come These are the small graces Small graces pointing me to the larger ones Small graces Little glimpses of the kingdom come From unexpected places These are the small graces

A weekly reflection inspired in part by Bob Bennett's song "Small Graces" . Sometimes they slip by without notice Sometimes they're very hard to see Other times it's all so clear When they're happening to me 1 - quiet moments to study God's word 2 - and enjoy some coffee with a caramel wafer 3 - kids who are healthy enough to go on errands with their daddy 4 - a husband who is more than willing to take them along and who  never ever refers to it as babysitting 😙 5 - Baby Z's cool kid pose 😂 6 - ice skating 7 - kids who are excited and happy to help 8 - valentine decorations 9 - candles to light up dreary days These are the small graces The little moments when the miracles come These are the small graces Small graces pointing me to the larger ones Small graces Little glimpses of the kingdom come From unexpected places These are the small graces

Christmas trees just scream happiness, there is something just warm and comforting about them. This past Friday we went on our annual Christmas tree hunt. It's become one of our favorite traditions. Jeremy grew-up cutting down a real Christmas tree so in his mind fake is not even an option. There were plenty of years were my family didn't have a tree; so, it took me awhile to understand what the big deal was. But now I'm in full agreement - real trees are the way to go! There is a huge part of me that loves Christmas - the celebration of our Lord Jesus choosing to be our Immanuel! If I'm honest with you though it's not always the easiest time of the year for me. Growing up the holidays were always a chaotic time. Instead of being full of celebration and joy they were tense and sometimes explosive. It's been a struggle to not continue to carry this baggage. I can get overwhelmed with trying to make everything perfect. My desire to give my kids better...