What's Your Word

2019. A brand new year. Isn't it just fully pregnant with oodles of possibilities and millions of opportunities.

I truly love this time of year.... the wondering of what this brand-new year will bring. What lessons will I have learnt? What people I would of connected with? What facet of God will I discover? What roads will I have journeyed? Are you not just ridicously excited?! I have been thinking about my WORD for the year. One that will intertwine throughout. One that will wrap moments high and bandage moments low. I am an inkling of what it is, but I need to be sure.

Last year's word was "strength". Of course, when you embark on the year you don't exactly what that means. But as I look back to the year that was...I most certainly had to have strength to carry our 8th baby, for her journey earth side and to walk the healing process. To walk through the challenges that teenagers, pre-teens, and small kiddies bring. To find strength in the culling and pruning back of things, roles and identities that I once tightly held on to. The strength to admit to and to seek help for anxiety, PTSD (from Charlie's birth) and almost burnout....to move forward to good healthy mental health. To see the end of our home-schooling journey and embrace the 'school mum life' again. To wave my husband off to Indonesia on a mission trip. To bear the sadness, the hurts and hopelessness of stories told by the mums we help through Loving Arms.

But in all this it has not been my own strength...but His strength I have sought out. Purposely seeking out His face and His Word for guidance and strength. For in all things God is gracious. And merciful. And strengthening.

God is good.

But this year.....its so brand spanking new....and I am excited.

Do you have a word?

Self Reflection

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Galatians 6:4‭-‬5 MSG

I don't know about you, but I find this time of year has a soft, dreamy feel to it. It's like God has given us a gift, a chance to sit and take stock of the past year but also to project forward into the coming year. Most of you would probably know that this is my jam.... a queen at reflecting. However, this year I am finding it a trifle hard to slow my mind and my body and embrace this. I am struggling to make sense of all my thoughts and wants that is in my head and put it so even I can understand them. How did 2018 change me? What is it that I want from 2019?

But alas God is good and I have found this!!! A gorgeous way of putting all that is in my head on to paper. Thank you @jenniesallen Now I can be excited! I just love the above scripture that she included at the beginning of this

It cements the need for good reflection and purposeful planning and fully living.... otherwise, life just happens and I end up meandering along.

If you want to join along with me, please do. If you do tell me how you get on

Summer and Books

Eek! The beginning of my summer reading haul and I am so excited! I love a good novel but find ever so hard to find decent reads. I tend to lean towards historical stories that are based around actual events.... got any other good recommendations? I love to learn new things along the way, and I get very frustrated with a lot of novels that have weak and predictable storylines. The book on top I plan to save for last, but it looks to be a real goodie (think of the movie The Help it's set in a similar era). I am determined to get a bit lost in reading this summer. I need to.

Honestly, I cannot remember the last novel I read...it's been that long. Most of the time books that are stacked on my bedside table are personal growth, church/community growth, ministry and leadership books. (I am seeing you all yawn over there) I have been listening to a few books of late as I put Charlie to bed at night or am travelling in the car. The latest one was "Everybody Always" and am now in the middle of "The Broken Way". Both EXCELLENT reads (or listens) and both mind- blowing and challenging in the own right! Both get thumbs up from me!

So, show me what's on your bookshelf this summer!

So Much Cuteness

 WARNING

***CUTENESS OVERLOAD***

Our wee bonus baby Charlie Grace is a whole 7 months today! She truly is such a blessing not only to us but to everyone she meets. Being a ministry kid she is loved on and cuddled by oodles of "sisters", "aunties", "papas " and "nanny's.....she's a pretty blessed wee girl. I mean just look at her.

Charlie Grace - 7 months

Rolls upon rolls, two teeth, little hair and cheeks for Africa.

Loves mama snuggles, mums silly songs, big brother Jesse's funniness and hugs with Tom. Christmas lights, paper, baths and kitchen utensils.

Hates food, carseats, getting frights, getting out of the bath and not being heard.

Can roll from back to front, sit and shuffle forward to get to things she's not supposed to have.

Charlie Grace .... you are such a delight! A beautiful bookend to our family

Living in Peace

Helping out a friend with decorations for her tree at our church's pop-up Christmas tree forest. This is surprisingly quite therapeutic. I think it's the enforced sitting down and unhurried pace of it all. I don't have to think too hard...just focus on the job at hand lest I stab myself with a pin. After a tough week it's clearly what is needed.

I was reflecting on the happenings of my life yesterday as I drove to the dentist .... we often think if I can just get through this next little bit or if I just get on the other side of this storm THEN it will he smooth sailing and I can enjoy life or all will be well. You know what God showed me.... life ALWAYS throws things at you, there is ALWAYS speed bumps, challenges, sickness, deadlines, ages and stages. There is very rarely a smooth road. Um gee thanks for sharing that with me I hear you say.

I think the secret is finding joy in amongst those hiccups. Seeking His face, finding rest in His peace and not looking for the world or your life to give it to you. It's in Him and in handing over every part, every hidden hurt, every secret challenge to Him and resting in the knowledge and assurance that He holds it all in His palm and that "He works all things together for good for those who love Him" - Romans 8:28

My life can truly attest for that time and time again. So now I will choose to live in His peace while the sometimes chaos of life threatens to topple me.

"Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

More Word Less World

Unapolegictally scaling back this December. I am seeking wisdom, strength and guidance in the Word. Sometimes the world is crowded with too much noise and too many well meaning voices and its especially true come December and I am tired.

Yes, 'tis the season and all and I am no grinch but this year I want to reflect more on the season of advent, be present more with my family and expend my time and energy on things matter and I can't do that if I am running around like a crazy woman

Simply Gorgeous

Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.

These were a thank you from one of the beautiful and one of the most humble families that Loving Arms has helped. We don't usually get gifts ....in fact I don't think we ever have in the whole time we have been operating. Although everyone we help is at least on some level thankful...most are very much so. Sometimes I guess I lose the momentousness of what it means to be on the receiving end of the help we give. Today not only did the Loving Arms team get the opportunity at telling our story on camera but I got the chance to catch up with one of our past mums and see her wee boy.

She's has done remarkably well for herself and for her wee man. I am so proud of her. She told me how much it meant to her and her family that we helped her to the extent we did...how much pressure it took off them. Its connections like those and stories like that that will stay with me forever and that I will hold on to when times are tough. Loving Arms started as a God given prompting, to help one mum. Its was birthed during a very dark and extremely difficult time of our lives for our family. I remember how much it impacted me to be able to help this one mum...how much joy and satisfaction...how much blessing I got out of it.

Isaiah 58:7-12...is one of my all-time favorite passages in the bible and I believe that this time is a clear illustration of it.

"Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house - when you see the naked that you cover him.... Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose water never fail."

We are never going to be fully healed, and perfect.

God is real. His love for us is real. And his Word has stood the test of time in my life, time and time again and it will continue to do so. God is Good!

Six Months Today

Charlie Grace 6 months old today and has her Christmas outfit all sorted...!

Guys if this doesn't make you feel at least a wee bit Christmassy then I don't know what will!

She seems to be rocketing through her first year at lightning speed.... slow down already. I can't imagine life without her as she has just slotted on in like she's always been here. She is very well loved by everyone that she meets.... her squishy-ness quite possibly has a lot to do with that.

Charlie Grace

Lover of snuggles and nighttime drinks, food and sitting with her toys, bath time and her jolly jumper. Loves to give sloppy kisses and one-toothed grins.

Dislikes being in the car too much, sweet food and sudden loud noises.

Full of joyful faces, da-da-da, chunky rolls, and quiet and contemplative chilled moments.

Growing out of size 1 clothes and into 1 1/2s. These 6 months has been full of huge changes for us as a family and for me personally. Our family looks different now and certainly feels different. I am slowly getting my head around having the kids in school and Kindy and all that encompasses.... mufti days, homework, class trip and book character days.

I am sensing that God is really working in me at the moment as I am processing these momentous events, working through physical and mental remnants of a very difficult birth and adjusting to the changing seasons of roles, responsibilities and relationships. I see that God is removing and scaling things back.... but at the same time amping things up in other areas. I am spending a lot of time alone and in conversations with Him....so much so I am beginning to wonder if He ever gets sick of my voice. I don't think the process is over yet. But I do know that if God is in it...then it can only be good.

God is good. So good. All the time.

A Leap of Faith

Taking a leap of faith.... scary right? Sometimes it's just darn right petrifying. By nature, I am NOT a risk taker. I like to be comfortable and feel safe and secure. But if I have learnt ANYTHING at all about our journey over the past seven years and being in ministry is that being comfortable gets you nowhere. Being uncomfy in the stretch is where it's at people....and I am feeling the burn.

I have been learning a lot about myself over the last few months.... about where I fit, my weaknesses and my strengths. What I am ok with and what I am not. And I am not ok with being complacent and resting on my laurels.... not when there is such need still out there. I have been working with some fantastic people who are calling me forward as a I seek to grow the reach and portfolio of @lovingarmsnz

Words like '5-year plan, forecasting, key goals, mission statements and key values' are now part of my vocabulary. Who even am I? Today I took one of those scary steps.... I pressed the send button on something that is now open to the ears and eyes of some key people. Can I just say I am freaking out? Again, who even am I? I do not like being in the centre of attention, do not like leaving myself open for criticism or negativity. All the 'what ifs' are flying around inside my head right now.

But I take my strength and comfort in one of my life verses....one that's seen me through HUGE tests and leaps.

"So do not fear for I am with you;

do not be dismayed for I am the Lord your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Is 41:10

I may be afraid, but I am still walking forward.

Coffee Time

Well, this is new. Coffee in the quiet.

Frankie is at her official day at Kindy today. I am not going to lie I am feeling quite lost. She more than happily went bouncing off not at all aware of the momentous milestone this is for her or for me. "Bye Mama see ya later!" No hesitation, no extra hugs, certainly no tears not even a second glance. Just pure joy!

I know I should be pleased...pleased that she is super confident and secure....and I am. I truly am. Still, I feel.... strange.

So, I have come back home to just 3 kiddies...2 of which are pretty self-sufficient and a baby and as I sit here sipping my coffee all I can here is the soft baby babble, the murmur of the 13-year-old as he works through math's problems, the drip of rain outside and the beep of the washing machine telling me it's done. I wonder how long it will take me to get used to this quiet empty space?

I am not holding on to any false ideas that I'll be resting on my laurels now. Nope....this season will be just as productive and full as the last as I move forward with @loving_arms_nz and other roles I find myself in. As you do.

Right...now to finish my coffee, message the caterers and order more vacuum bags!

Look at Him Go!

I am having trouble finding the right words to express how I am feeling about seeing this photo that was posted on our church page by our senior pastor

While we have been in the midst of all these new beginnings and big changes...my husband has been out of the country on a mission trip. It's his first time in Indonesia, his first time preaching through an interpreter and his first time being away from us for such a long time. We miss him. I know the kids miss him and can't wait for him to get back so they can share their excitement in starting school.

I have truly felt the faithful prayers of the saints during this time. Knowing that I have such an amazing church family, awesome friends and supportive family has made this huge mountain a mere grassy knoll.

I was really challenged watching a documentary about the Hillsong worship team where they were interviewing one of the wives and when asked about how she felt about her husband being gone for such long periods of time she simply said, "I see this as my sacrifice for my God...to let him go and for me to stay and to do my role (as a mother) well". As she said those words, they jolted through my spirit...for this is to be my sacrifice too....to stay and do my role the best that I can. Mother, home maker, leader, friend, daughter, event organizer, school mum.... I will do my best..."as unto the Lord" Colossians 3:23

Happy School Days

Schools in!

First day of school done and dusted! I am so proud of these three as they handled it like pros!

I feel very blessed that we have such an awesome support network. I really struggled with the thought of having to do the first day without Jamie by my side and not around for the next few weeks. But with the help of awesome family and friends and the faithful and powerful prayers of many we made it and I say not only made it but I reckon we aced it!

We are very blessed to have an awesome Christian school here where we live. I am in love with the learning environment they have created for the kids.

So, here's to our new season!

Ps I only cried once and that was when I walked through the door at church after being called in "urgently " only to find a bunch of awesome friends who threw a surprise morning tea and sung "Happy School Days" to me!

Little Shoes

In a little over a week these sandals will be occupied by the two small feet of my youngest son as he embarks in his first day of school.... like actual school.... you know the one you go to not just do at home with mum. He is excited. That makes me happy and sad. And I am feeling more than a little reflective about that. Sometimes being such a reflective person isn't all that great as one can get caught up in their own thoughts as one digs and digs around asking questions of oneself like "why do I think that?" or "what is the real issue here?" or more importantly "God what is it you are trying to teach me?"

I must have a lot of lessons to learn. Along with the purchasing of three school uniforms, school bags and lunch boxes.... (because who has those things when you school at home and a giant family size chilly bin does the trick when you go out as a family) .... I have slowly started to de-homeschool and purge things, books, activity sheets as I move from area to area. Part of me wants to keep everything just in case. Just in case what...I don't know. Perhaps I secretly think it might not work out and that I can always go back? But like Elisha burning his plow and slaughtering his oxen as a sign of 'there is no going back now!' .... I won't be. This is it. God has made it very clear that I am not to do this anymore and that our season is over.

He has other things for me and homeschooling just doesn't fit our family anymore. As a recovering 'care-what-people-think' girl I am fighting hard against worrying about what other people might be thinking or saying about the reasons why we would make such a sudden change. I KNOW that we are walking in obedience and that is all the matters. But can I just say that sometimes even when we know it's totally the right thing to do...it's hard...so hard. So, at the moment as we count down the days until school start, I am just doing one moment at a time, one step, one day keeping my eyes solely on the One who loves me and my family.

"My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth" Ps 121:2

A Mumma's Heart

Oh be still my mama heart!

We visited the younger kids' school yesterday so they could meet the teachers and see their classrooms and officially hand in our enrollment forms. Jesse clearly fell in love with where he would be....so much so that he has asked to go NEXT term with the girls instead of waiting until next year like I had planned. But he's so little!!! I couldn't really say no now could I.

So today we headed up and fitted the three of them out in school uniforms. How cute they looked too. Honestly though one half of me is struggling (possibly the flesh side) the other side feels very excited as we embark into this new season.

There are of course things that I am worried about as we venture forth...they are never far from my mind BUT if our God is for us then who and what can stand against us. I think what I love and most definitely what God loves more is my utter dependance on Him. Him who holds my hand, Him who loves my children even more than I do, Him who provides, Him who comforts and gives me peace and Him who calls me out if the boat and guides me with His voice and His Word. One can't help but feel comfort in that don't you think?

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8

Oh, My Heart

Unsubscribing

Slowly, slowly, I have been unsubscribing myself to ALL the unschooling and home-schooling emails, sites, blogs, pages and unfollowing accounts. Sorry folks...it's not you it's me. This new season calls for me to be 150% walking forward and not looking backwards or longing for what was once occupying every thought I had. I was finding it difficult and feeling incredibly sad and guilty for having decided to send the kids to school EVEN though it has been very clear that this is what God was asking us to do. So, I am removing myself from those things that are no longer beneficial for me...not at all bad things but they aren't good for me.... right now.... in this season of saying goodbye to the homeschooling mama part of me. Like I said it's me not them.

I will never be anti-homeschooling just as I was never anti-school...it's about doing what's best for you and your family in the current season that you are in.

I remember feeling quite lost when we brought the kids home... out of school.... feeling like I had no "group" that I could be a part of or identify with. But I didn't need to worry I quickly became the 'homeschool mum'. Weirdly I never thought I let that title define my identity, but it's become apparent that I had. And now that I have been called to give up that identity I have felt lost again.

We all find so much solace in these identities which come from what we do but not in who we are. Maybe if we walked more in who we are we would be unshakable when change comes a calling.

Hello, I am a daughter of the most high King, Jesus follower, fearfully and wonderfully made, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

Nice to meet you.

And Breathe!

 Yesterday I shared that we as a family are going through some changes and are facing some more time of transitioning from the old season into a new one. ** please someone remind me to breathe** As part of this new season God has been prompting us but mostly me into sending the kids back to school. I say mostly me because Jamie has felt this for a while...I well I just didn't want to admit it if I was completely honest. (And that is a whole other story) For me it screamed failure.... which I now know is a lie. It simply means that now the season is over.

When Jamie got ordained in July it signaled the end of one season and the beginning of a new one. While he was the one that was ordained as a pastor the ministry got both of us....and that partnership comes with its own expectations, challenges and opportunities. Loving Arms is growing busier and expanding at a rate far beyond my expectations and vision....and it's nowhere near finished yet....and honestly, I have felt like I am drowning at times. The to-do list is an arm's length. Don't get me wrong I am definitely not complaining about it....it's a good thing. It's a God thing.

There is so much more I could share in and around this decision...far more than this space will allow. I have a huge bag of very mixed emotions that need sorting through as I journey through this time of transition. Let's go!

I hope the school is ready for us! 

Changing Seasons

God has been teaching me a lot lately...well I should say gently nudging me in areas that I have needed to take a good look at.

If you have been following me for a while you'll know that we have been called into a new season and with new seasons some things from the old season cannot be brought along. Urgh sometimes leaving behind the old is so hard. So hard.

These flowers are from a beautiful dear friend from her mama heart to mine. From a friend who knows that change in seasons and all that brings is tough, a bag of mixed emotions and thoughts and is willing to hold my hand through this. I'll need A LOT of hand holding.

Charlie Grace Update

3 months old.

Charlie Grace. I simply indulge in her delicious every single day...I mean check her out! Today is not only her 1/4 birthday but also is the official end of our 4th trimester.... it's supposed to be now that I can jump back into the world with both feet. Hmmm I think I did that a few weeks back. Our not so wee Charlie is very much a blessing to our family. I melt at her smile, go nuts over her fat rolls and simply cherish her snuggly-ness.

As much as I love this girl with all of my being...recovering from her birth has been difficult and long. I am still having back issues, weakened stomach muscles and at times flash backs coupled with a bit of anxiety surrounding her birth. This has not only surprised me because I am completely ok with my decisions and can't fault my care but makes me sad as well. Obviously, it's something I still need to process and heal from. No need to worry though I will....I have a good good God.

Charlie Grace 3mths

Loves talking, smiling, baths, having no nappy on, being carried, snuggles and walks.

Hates her car seat, getting out of the bath and sitting down and still

Latch On

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week right here in my lounge with a #brelfie. Charlie Grace and I didn't make to it to our local 'Big Latch On' as I had a dentist appointment. I know what I would rather had been doing though.

Breast feeding has always been a top priority and I worked out that I have spent over TEN YEARS of my life doing it....and we are still going strong. That's a quarter of my life!!! I do recognize that I am one of the lucky ones and have never had any problems with breast feeding or getting any of my babies to latch properly...two of them even had a tongue-tie and throughout their time of feeding managed to stretch it and it's been no issue. I know every mum's journey is different, and it doesn't come naturally to everyone, but I truly believe that given the right support, education, nourishment, care and encouragement it's something that the majority of woman can do.

I wonder if I'll make it to next years "Latch On"?

The Giant Jam Sandwhich

Bedtime stories...I think you either love reading them or loathe them. For the most part I love reading them...Jamie loathes them. He will encourage the kids to pick the shortest story we have...usually a picture board book. When he does get caught with a long story, I catch him reading it as fast as he possibly can. Like I said most night I love reading bedtime stories...I definitely have my favourites and ones that I try to hide from the kids. Is that bad?! This book, The Giant Jam Sandwich is definitely a fav because I love the language and the rhyme it has. But tonight it took FOREVER to read it because I kept getting interrupted with questions and comments...such as these....

Frankie: Mummy...how do wasps have babies?

Jesse: What is salt made of?

Frankie: Mummy...where do wasps live?

Jesse: What's that word? And that one.... what about that one?

Jesse: Let me say the last word.... what's the last word again? (Jesse likes to say the last word in the stanza because it the rhyming one)

Frankie: Why are the birds flying that high? Where are they taking the sandwich?

Jesse: Suggestion....what's a suggestion? (Swinging from the top bunk)

Frankie: I don't like wasps they sting people.

Jesse: Mummy...knock knock...mummy.... mummy.

Let me read the flippin story man!

It truly drives me crazy. How can one read a really cool story with cool voices, expression and excitement when you are interrupted all the time? But the still small voice gently whispered...that I wasn't being fun and the story wasn't about me but about them and that we actually LIKE and encourage questions and discussion in this house. Ouch. Ok point taken.

Will do better tomorrow...different book though

Who's the Man

This guy!

He truly fills my heart.... has me in stitches every day. He started his 'schooling' at the beginning of the year, but he truly has me wondering how teachers cope with having half a class full of five-year-old boys. Jesse is not in slightest bit interested in holding a pen to do book work or sitting still.... nope not at all. I may get an hour if I am lucky...and that's spread out over the entire day. He has way too much energy to be sitting still.

Here's what he did today instead....

Made faces and figures out of quesinaires (rods), painted, play doh, stuck quesinaires into play doh and made hedgehogs, bounced on the trampoline, drew pictures while we did devotions, made bread buns, made cupcakes, wrestled, played play doh, and scooted around the block this evening, helped his brother clean the kitchen, unloaded the dishwasher and vacuumed the kitchen floor....and that's just the stuff I noticed.

Honestly some days I struggle under the weight of responsibility of schooling him, but I notice that's after I have looked sideways and see what other little boys are doing in school. I struggle with what he is "SUPPOSE" to be doing but then I realize that is exactly why we chose to homeschool so they could be themselves, learn the way they learn best and not have the pressure of "SHOULD" and "SUPPOSE TO".

To not have the pressure of time to do but have the gift of time to be. What made me realize this again today.... Jesse spending a full 20 mins watching the dough being kneaded in the bread maker and then declaring that the dough looked "like a dog chasing its tail", then painstakingly kneading and rolling the dough into buns and having the satisfaction of serving hot buttered buns to his siblings. This is our why!

I need to remember this when he has tipped the couches on their sides and used foam mattresses and blankets to make a lounge- sized hut or canon balling out the window onto the trampoline.

Lord give me strength!

So Cute

10 Weeks

10 weeks!

Waaaaa how can it be???!!! Seriously though isn't she just the so delicious! I marvel at how well covered she is....and she is only 10 weeks, currently wearing 3–6-month clothes but almost into the next size.

Charlie is making herself known and is quite vocal about what she wants and doesn't want. Likes to be cuddled, to be carried looking outwards, to sleep late in the morning, loves people talking with her, is a very spilly baby (hold her at your own risk), HATES her car seat but loves to travel in the car, still loves a bath and HATES getting dressed.

We are enjoying her immensely even if the task of getting her to sleep at night is sometimes difficult. Once she's asleep though she's a gem. We love our Charlie Grace

8 Weeks Old

8 weeks old!

It continually amazes me how much one can change and develop in such a short time. All smiles, making "talking" noises and learning to reach and touch. She honestly is so delightful. We are having a few evening struggles but don't all babies....so we have started listening to the Word while we drift off to sleep and as I transfer her from in arms to bed. Either way it definitely that can't be a bad thing. My husband has been away for the past four days at a youth conference with our three older boys and twenty or so other youth...so my sister and her family have been staying. It was really nice to have her around and to introduce her to Charlie Grace. Plus, she did all the fun Aunty stuff with the kids. I am usually left hanging out with the kids when Jamie goes away so this was a real treat. Now it's back to normality guess.

What a Weekend

Well, our momentous weekend has been and is now in the throes of winding down. We will not ever forget this weekend and the significance it holds not only for us but our church family and those that have been and walked beside us from the beginning until now. I have said before that this does not just simply end our chapter or season, but it also marks the beginning of a new one.

As Jamie so passionately shared yesterday that "winter is no more and spring is here". We will look back on this winter season of our lives not with sadness or regret but remembering the hard times with thankfulness.... because it's in those times that we saw God move mountains and bestowed miracles. We saw His Love and His provision. We felt the prayers and the love of His people. It's in that winter barren season that we developed and grew the most.

We would not be who we are today if it wasn't for that season that six and a half years. God stripped us bare of friends, finances, position and material things to bring us to a place of total dependance on Him, to a place of humility and to a place where we can now see the world through his eyes and feel it with his heart. We can only be thankful for that. So from now on...it's all new...never been see before, it's good and it's ours .... ready to share. We are ready to not only move forward but to be used by Him, to love and to serve His beloved people. The person, the church, the community, and the world. All glory to Him...God, our heavenly Father.

Love This

One more sleep

 Time is ticking little one. Just waiting for her to fall asleep soon can take my husband pants up. New pants are for tomorrow but first I need to chop a whole 10cm off the bottom and hem them. It's the only sewing get time to do these days.

A momentous occasion for is as a family.....wee Charlie will be totally oblivious to it too. It feels a wee bit like a wedding. I know I am excited about it...Jamie on the other hand is a little nervous about it. I mean it's not every day one gets ordained. Whoop whoop!

Hands Free

This is the way we do dinner around here.... especially when dads out. Like most babies the evening is a cranky time of day and Charlie is no different. A crying baby stresses me out to no end especially when it's my own. Which is why I am totally in love with the ring sling. It's so easy and comfortable to use. Keeps Charlie nice and close and I am hands free because everyone knows you can't peel potatoes one handed. Well, I can't anywayyes, I have tried more than once.

This a pic was taken between crying spells! Urgh.

Evening meetings by like