ireland

I never meant for so many weeks to pass without writing. We've been squeezing every last ounce out of summer that we can and I just haven't known when to stop that to sit down and write. So, I hope you haven't minded too much :)

Before weeks turn into months, I just have to share about a little trip we took this summer to meet up with a dear sister of ours. We were there just 4 days, with 2 years to discuss, plenty of beauty to explore, laughs to be had, and much to soak in.

Dublin, Ireland

Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough

Howth, overlooking the Irish Sea

Since this is a "gluten-free blog," I have to give big kudos to Ireland for their wonderful selection of GF foods! Our B&B baked GF bread every morning and scones for afternoon tea just for me. I am overwhelmingly thankful for these pleasant surprises, such as the below restaurant. (GF lemon crepe recipe to come...we're officially addicted :)

So many memories...like who would have thought Irish black and white pudding is so very different than it sounds? I am so thankful for this time, for face-to-face conversation with her. But I realize to journey with someone doesn't mean to walk side-by-side for a few days then send them back off into darkness as I return to my cooshy little life. But to labor with them, in the same calling that they have received. For how can we not share the hope we have, if He truly is our only Hope? To labor for them, begging the Light of the world to make His light shine bright in the dark. 

Just 4 days. But things have changed.
I used to feel a little let-down after times like these, after looking forward to it for so long then returning to normal. But something happened on that plane trip home. I was reading Bob Goff's thoughts on the bigger/better game. You know, the game where you start with a small object such as a penny and knock on doors, asking if they have something "bigger" or "better" to trade for your penny. I can't possibly do his thoughts justice to try to explain it all, so here you go... 
Jesus is asking us to play Bigger and Better, where we give up ourselves and end up with Him...He's asking us "Will you take what you think defines you, leave it behind, and let Me define who you are instead?" The cool thing about taking Jesus up on His offer is that whatever controls you doesn't anymore. People who used to be obsessed about becoming famous no longer care whether anybody knows their name. People who used to want power are willing to serve. People who used to chase money freely give it away. People who used to beg others for acceptance are now strong enough to give love. When we get our security from Christ, we no longer have to look for it in the world, and that's a pretty good trade. ~Bob Goff, Love Does

I used to think we had to go somewhere exotic or different for the bigger and better, but now I see He has brilliant and beautiful things right in front of us, if we are willing to do some knocking.

You make known to me the path of life; 
in Your presence there is fullness of joy; 
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 
~ psalm 16.11 

silver stars

Ok.  So Monday morning came around, dad was on his way out the door, and a moment of panic may have washed over me, wondering if I can do this.  Deep breath.  Self-talk...something about you can do this, sure there's 3 of them and 1 of you, but the days may come when being home on a Christmas break is the last place they want to be, so make this count.  Consult the chalkboard {our list-full of ideas for break}.  Ah, yes...  

Salt dough.  2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt.  Mix with enough warm water (about a cup) to the consistency of play-doh.  Roll.  Cut.  Bake at 250 for 2 hours.  Follow it up with coffee and catching up with a dear friend.  And, we're off to a wonderful start!

I don't know what tomorrow holds.  But I know His mercies are new.  And, I'm gonna count them.  Because He is so gracious...
~ the dear faces who have graced our days and blessed our hearts
~ this gingerbread I have made 3 days in a row {substituting GF flour for regular, oil for butter, and adding 3/4 t. xanthan gum}
~ large pieces of paper that make even learning cursive fun
~ little eyes that light up when I squeeze their shoulders and kiss their forehead
~ this song - cannot get enough of it, turned up all the way
~ holiday trail mix
~ family game night
~ planning an 11 year celebration with my love next week!!!
~ boys delivering moose munch to our kind neighbors (which is all of them :)
~ Miles telling me when he's married, he's gonna stay up until 11 with his wife and play bey-blades (now I know what to buy for a wedding present :)
~ Jack in tears tonight over the presents he has under the tree and the kids who don't know when their next meal will be
~ Jude's little winks, and his smile, and his hugs...always his hugs

~ wrapping up the last of our house projects...and consequently wrapping gifts in caulk boxes with painter's tape
~ this on my mind:

I am the Light of the world.  

If you follow Me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, 

because you will have the Light that leads to life!

~ Jesus, John 8.12 {NLT}

I pray this is the Light that captures our attention this Christmas.  

That our hearts prepare Him room...that He may shine bright in our lives!

Thanks-Living

We come to the end of it all, and our hearts are full.  Grateful and blessed.  Determined that this will not be the end of our thanks-giving.  That it would be more than a day to list all that brings us joy. But a life that bends its knee to the joy-Giver.  Looking up from the gift to the Giver and growing in adoration for all that He is by noticing, and giving-thanks for all that He gives. 

The holiday came and went.  Friends gathered.  House filled with laughter and joy.  Turkey carved.  Dishes washed.  All tucked in with smiles on our faces, gratitude in our hearts.  Recalling the words exclaimed by our boys: “this is the best day of my life!”  

Thanksgiving Round 2.  Family gathered.  House filled with hugs and sentiment.  Turkey re-heated.  Dishwasher loaded.  Puzzles and airplanes put together with grandpa and grandma.  Memories made.  Bey-blades ripped.  Walks to work off the seconds of pumpkin pie {and flourless nutella cake – oh my!}

Pictures from the weekend faded from doilies and leaves to bows and pine, as we prepare for celebrating the ultimate Gift.  And this is just a continuation of thanks-living…

Always be full of joy in the Lord.

I say it again - Rejoice!

philippians 4.4 {NLT}