Lately...

The past few months have been a whirlwind for us in terms of everyday life. We've packed...again. Meaning, we've moved...again.

We are in transition as we find more permanent living arrangements in Auburn.

Here's a little something that I wrote on my private blog that sums up my heart:

"We enjoyed hearing a refreshing dose of The Good News on Easter Sunday. Our life has so many uncertainties right now. It has thrown us back in forth in terms of our life situations. I feel as though I shouldn't complain since no one I know has cancer or is in the military, but truth be told, this is hard. We are in a tough, uncertain spot right now. But thankfully, He understands the hardship because He orchestrated this journey. Even though no one has cancer or is in the battle ground overseas, my sinful heart can be cancerous, and I am fighting a spiritual battle everyday. Life is still hard, but I can still go to Him for comfort, for He is victorious. Every time. Every day. Hallelujah."

John Henry, Easter week 2014 

We look forward to having more "regular" everyday life, if that ever comes. And I told myself that I will not take for granted the mundane days and duties that regular life brings. They are a blessing that many of us long for. 

To be continued....

Lent, a new meaning

Lent. 

I've never been over the moon about it. Especially growing up in south Louisiana with Mardi Gras being my favorite holiday. Lent means all the fun has come to an end. 

But with my walk with Him having grown in maturity, I know it means so much more than "what are you giving up?" and silent lunches in the school cafeteria. And don't you dare bring meat in your lunch on a Friday. 

The time of Lent has taken on a different meaning for me. It's a sweet, wonderful, fulfilling time where we can grow deeper in our relationship with Christ, together, as one body. It's a time of dying to self for further growth in Christ. 

Whether it be the tangible "what are you giving up for Lent" thing or that possible more weighty thing of giving up impatience, anger, gossip, or control. 

We are in the post winter/pre spring season in the calendar year, and I feel that same season in our circumstances for Andrew and me. We are waiting for God to move in big ways; waiting for decisions and new opportunities. 

I can't help but make the connection between the season of winter and bursting forth in life in the springtime. I told someone the other day that I anxiously await springtime because we will have answers by then, or so we hope. 

So we are wondering how many more "weeks of winter" we'll have to endure before coming into a more beautiful springtime of life. But God does such a work in us during the dry, cold, dead times; the Lenten times of seeking His face before we celebrate His risen life. 

I am grateful for this special time of waiting for Him to answer our "post winter 2014 prayer requests" and this Lenten time of reflecting on Him and His victory over death. Which means life eternal. How beautiful. 

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain. 

Then bursting forth in glorious Day up from the grave he rose again! 

And as He stands in victory 

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,For I am His and He is mine -Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

In Christ Alone

On being an adult

"I've always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner tool-box full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools--friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty--and said, Do the best you can with these, they will have to do. And mostly, against all odds, they're enough." Ann Lamott, Traveling Mercies

Praying for our country...exciting stuff

Andrew and I watched the movie, Mitt a few days ago.

Ah, what could have been...

It is so interesting to see inside the campaign trail. And while it was a great documentary, it left me feeling defeated with them and their campaign. So much so, that I told Andrew, "Never do this to me. Never run for office." What a shame, since Andrew would honestly be a great man for public service. (Notice the word service).

So while I forbid my fully capable, service-minded, well-liked, patriot of a husband to run for office, I felt as though I needed to do something. 

I texted my patriot-friend, Dorothy, and said, "Let's pray." We decided to pray everyday at the same time for our country.  She's on Eastern time, so she prays at 12:30 pm everyday, and I pray at 11:30 am. We set a timer on our phones, and say a simple minute prayer together, but apart. 

I swore I would do this years ago, but the intent faded. 

Seeing this documentary has put my hope in Him again for the future of our great nation. 

And as I was thumbing through the books at the thrift store, I came across a prayer book for our country. The $0.99 was worth it.

I was so excited that I told Andrew what I had found and to my delight, "No one has even written in it!"

Sarcastically, he responds, "I have no idea why..." 

Well their loss is my gain. And apparently yours too if our country turns around due to prayer journaling! Kidding. 

So if you have the want, pray with us at lunchtime. 

The website that corresponds with the book is here. And here is the prayer wall if you want to say the prayers that others wrote. 

I love our country. I pray it can be used for His glory.

This Ain't Rocket Science

This idea was birthed out of thriftiness. 

I don't like to waste food, and when I see food turning sour, I mash and freeze into pucks. 

Apple and banana pucks

Like I said, this is ain't rocket science, but I figured it may help some of you momma's out there!

John Henry thinks they're popsicles. 

I don't tell him anything otherwise. 

2014 Book List

Here is my reading list goal for 2014:

1. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

2. Miracles and Massacres by Glenn Beck

3. The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller

4. Reliable Truth by Richard E. Simmons, III

5. America the Beautiful by Ben Carson

6. John Adams by David McCoullough

7. Think Big by Ben Carson

8. The Whole Brained Child by Daniel Siegel - finished half. Will pick up again when JH is older. 

9. Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh 

10. The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis

11. French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon

12. Disciplines of the Home by Anne Ortlund

13. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch 

14. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle

15. The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle

16. My Story by Elizabeth Smart

I hope to add fun reading to this list too. Any other suggestions?

Snow

We survived the Birmingham Snowpocalypse of 2014. Andrew's 20 minute commute to work took 4 hours. And that's one of the best scenarios I've heard all week. We were fortunate and didn't even know how so.

I would go into all of the unbelievable stories that I've heard, but I don't think you need a recap from "Whitney, news anchor." Just know it was bad, and we are warm in our home with wine.

Snowpocalyse was pretty from the inside. We don't have any "playing in the snow pics" because we don't do that. We'll go to Beaver Creek if we want to play in the snow. With snow gear. 

Moving on. 

During the last few months, I've had to say "no" to some events that I wouldn't have minded participating in. It's not like me to say "no." I like to be in many groups, bible studies etc. I like to fill up my day. But while John Henry was still wanted a morning nap and those events would have conflicted with his "schedule", I decided it was best to take a time out. 

It was important for me to be at home. 

While he is 17 months now and still wanting a morning nap most days, I felt like it was time that we could start to do a little more. He started "school" one day a week, I went back to bible studies, and story times. 

I think we go through many different seasons, so each one won't look the same. I like to gauge what I can take on and what I can not through the lens of motherhood. 

And I can not take on playing in the snow. 

Fortunately, it's all melted. Moving on to a new season...