right where we need to be

I've had a lot of revelations in the last year or so.  I look back and see how God has prepared us in so many ways for the life we are now living and for little things along the way.  Just this week, again, I was reminded of God's perfect placement and timing.

Over the weekend, one of Miss K's friends wanted to come over and hang out but, we had an extremely busy weekend planned.  Instead, I told her Monday would be perfect because it was a holiday and we had nothing on the books.  So, we picked her up Monday and stayed busy all day having fun - shopping, Wii, crafting.  At lunchtime, she told us her grandma was having surgery that day and the hospital wasn't allowing any visitors under 18 due to the flu being so rampant.  She explained further that it was surgery for breast cancer and Miss K perks up and says, "My grandma had breast cancer too."  Friend's mother texted me later to thank me for keeping her girl busy and her mind off things.  And it occurred to me that God put us all where he wanted us to be on that day.  We helped her, she helped us.

I haven't talked to my brother since we were home for the holidays.  He started a new job with crazy hours and no one's really heard from him.  So, I texted to ask him something and inquired about his new job.  He explained it wasn't his ideal job - long commute, in the city - but he was making good money.  We talked about how money isn't everything and I told him God has a way of putting us where He needs us, even when it's not always where we'd like to be and it isn't always comfortable but, God stretches us and it all works out in the end.  I know he's aware of these things but it's always good to hear them again, to know that other people have been there, that they're rooting for you.

Miss K and I had a talk not long ago about one of her friends and how this friend's life would be changing in the future, much like ours did.  I told Miss K that this was her chance to be supportive, encouraging and mindful of the changes that'll take place.  In my eyes, she has a bag full of experience in life changing events for someone of her age and it's her chance to be a mentor of sorts.  Again, God's been preparing her to help others and placing her right where she needs to be.

God's timing is always perfect and He's constantly stretching us and forming us for His glory and to serve others. 

Vineyard Keepers 1st Annual Retreat

We started out by settling into our cozy little cabins at

Rapidan Baptist Camp.

They're new, ya know?

And quite comfy.

Each cabin held 14 ladies.

Included, were 2 bathrooms, a front and back porch, and a loft.

"For such a time as this" Esther 4:14b -

our theme this weekend for the Vineyard Keepers 1st Annual Retreat.

We spent countless hours preparing for this retreat

and while my family has dearly missed me,

~ I don't say that lightly ~

(they ran to meet me at the door tonight)

I am not remorseful for the time I spent in fellowship with our "creative design team".

Or quitely in prayer and fellowship with my God as I labored away

in the stillness of Miss Nancy's "Craft Wonderland".

It filled my soul working my fingers to the bone for the glory of our LORD and Savior.

And in the end, it was all worth it.

We pooled together our china, antiques, quilts.

Anything and everything vintage.

For the first time since my grandma gave them to me 9 years ago,

I proudly volunteered my china, and silver from my great Aunt Anna.

It was stunning.

And thanks to Kelly and his staff,

we definitely ate like Queen Esther!

We read Psalm 84...

(this is the New Century Version)

Lord All-Powerful,

how lovely is your Temple!

I want more than anything

to be in the courtyards of the LORD's Temple.

My whole being wants to be with the living God.

The sparrows have found a home,

and the swallows have nests.

They raise their young near your altars,

LORD All-Powerful, my King and my God.

Happy are the the people who live at your Temple;

they are always praising you.

Happy are those whose strength comes from you,

who want to travel to Jerusalem.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,

they make it like spring.

The autumn rains fill it with pools of water.

The people get stronger as they go,

and everyone meets with God in Jerusalem.

LORD God All-Powerful, hear my prayer;

God of Jacob, listen to me.

God, look at our shield;

be kind to your appointed king.

One day in the courtyards of your Temple is better

than a thousand days anywhere else.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the Temple of my God

than live in the homes of the wicked.

The LORD God is like a sun and shield;

the LORD gives us kindness and honor.

He does not hold back anything good

from those whose lives are innocent.

LORD All-Powerful,

happy are the people who trust you!

Is that not powerful?

Does that not rock your world?

Oh, it sets me on fire!

And if that's not enough,

try reading the NIV!

It's ab-so-lute-ly beautiful.

Just like the decor.

It was amazing how the LORD pulled all of this together.

We still can't get over it.

Every little detail just fell into place.

Just like He'd planned.

Our speaker was amazing.

Her testimony was moving.

Her faith, unshakable.

We even had an afternoon tea.

Complete with hats, scones and all the proper finger foods.

As I wrote in an email this evening,

"It was an awesome weekend filled with spiritual growth,

fun fellowship, and amazing food!"

Blessed be the name of the LORD.

birthday bliss

Saturday night we celebrated the man's 5th birthday and it was a blast.  We carried out the whole pirate theme and had his favorite meal - pancakes, sausage, bacon, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, orange juice, milk, coffee, hot chocolate and some soda.  The weather was perfect, cool yet sunny.  I had given up my desire for warm weather, I found peace and contentment in the fact that there was no rain.  Clouds loomed overhead, but I didn't care. We were all snuggly inside.  I had decided, coffee and hot chocolate put ease to the cold and it did.  Inside, the carport was warm with the many small bodies and affectionate friends that had gathered to celebrate our son.


I only checked the weather once Saturday and left the rest to the Big Man Upstairs.   I trusted He would take care of it and He came through.  I had worried for nothing (isn't that always the case, I worry when He's got it all covered.)   So, I spent the entire day Saturday in praise of the wonderful weather conditions.  And, I didn't fret when I had to leave the man's game early to bring home a pale and weak K, who got sick just as we pulled in the driveway.  (She showered and thankfully, she was fine afterward and for the rest of the day.)  As I gaze outside now, I am thankful for the rain. Thankful that He held it off until our little party had wound down to the last few guests. 

You probably expected to see photos of our party, but ya know, throughout the entire epoch I didn't even think about my camera, not once.  There have been times when I felt regretful, guilty even, that I didn't catch precious moments "on film".  But after it was all said and done, it didn't bother me one bit.  I have learned, sometimes you must live in the moment and immerse yourself in every last second of joy and tenderness, and not feel guilty about it.  And that is exactly what I did.  There are times when I can't stand to stay behind the lens for all of the excitement happening in front of it.  I adored watching the minis delight in each other as they played.  Only for minutes, did they stop to devour their food and return to their fun.  I too, relished the time I spent with family and friends, deep in conversation about life as a mom, life in general and all things in between. 

It always amazes me, how enthralled I feel when we're entertaining.  Surrounded by the people we love, all having a fantastic time, immersed in conversation and good food.  I never want it to end, but eventually, we all get tired, our minis wear out, and it's time to clean up and put everyone to bed.

Thank you, Lord, for a terrific evening spent with loved ones.  It couldn't have been better. 

faith for thought

Tonight, we had dinner out with PopPop. It was nice. We talked about life. The present, the future, things now and things to come. Decisions, opportunities, pros, cons. Adventure, excitement, fears and unknowns. I don't know what is to come, but I have faith in my God and in our family. You lead and I shall follow. We are all in this. The current ratio is 2:1. Some opinions have not been clearly expressed and so, our total population is not accounted for. But, I stand ready, I stand waiting to be cued. Is this the time for change?

With so much on our minds, I turned to my study journal to read through all that we have learned about Sarah and Abraham. Our faith has been tested, but now, will we put our trust in the Lord and take a leap of faith? "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! " ~Isaiah 30:18. Maybe the Lord just might be trying to show us some graciousness? Is it that we've learned, we've become more than we ever dreamt? Is it that now, He wants to put all of that to the ultimate test? While our minds full with questions, guilts, and shortcomings it is He who says, "Be still, and know that I am God!..." ~Psalm 46:10. And to that, I reply, "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." ~Psalm 31:3.

Romans 4:20 says, "He never doubted that God would keep his promise, and he never stopped believing. He grew stronger in his faith and gave praise to God." This verse refers to God's promise to Abraham that he would have have children, too many to count. To me, this verse simply says, if you have faith in Me, I promise to provide, to pour out my blessings upon you and my faith has been unwavering and He has delivered on His promises. I am now seeking His direction and asking that I would be bold and courageous in following.

Primping or Prepping?

primp (n.) [primp] (primped, primping, primps)
- to groom yourself, somebody, or something in a fussy way

prep (n.) [prepped, prepping, preps]
- preparation for an activity


 Today was a half day for K.  Threw me off a bit, not so much that I couldn't get back on.  I flitted from room to room straightening up.  It's the day before the big day.  I am used to be somewhat obsessive when it came to events and such.

primp - At one time, I wanted everything completely perfect...clean sheets on all the beds, carpets cleaned, dogs bathed, everything in it's place, every square foot polished and spotless.

I have since moved on from that notion. 

prep - Understanding that children don't notice dirt, they're just too busy (OK, unless the dirt is really bad) and if adults do, they should realize that maybe something happened during the course of the day that prevented everything from getting done.

While stating this, there is a little part of it that still lingers inside, that makes me want to clean like some kind of freakish animal.

Today, I find myself busy, relaxed though.  While in the basement, I stopped and sat down for a minute at the puzzle table, delighted when I put a few pieces in. 

Content that I was assisting our general population, I, then,  grasped the reality that time waits for no one and proceeded with my chores.

I even stopped this morning to watch a dust particle glide by.  These small gifts catch my eye, a bright smile graces my face and I feel as if I'm glowing of joy.

Yesterday, I couldn't have been happier to receive a card from my friend P in MN.  I had been wondering how she was doing.  She wrote...

Dear MK, -
First of all I would like to wish you and your family - including your mom - a very blessed and healthy new year.

I also wanted to thank you again for all your prayers and words of encouragement - they really did help me a lot as I (we) faced the diagnosis and thought and finally the actual surgery.  I am feeling stronger every day.

I also used your words of encouragement to get through this past week when my father passed away after a cancer diagnosis and hospice care.  I know that my dad is with God and is no longer suffering.  So again "thank you" you really helped me through a rough time. 

Love P

I picked up a card yesterday, so I sat down last night to write her.  I reminded her to delight in the small things...a front row parking space, a ray of golden sunshine, the sweet song of a bird outside the window.  These minute God-given gifts are, sometimes, the only thing that get me through days when it feels as if the world is on my case, gleefully bouncing up and down on my shoulders, trying harder and harder to bring me down.  Instead, I give thanks to my God for these tiny miracles.

"...and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."  Ecclesiastes 3:13

Happy Friday all!