One Month Later

One month ago- almost to the hour (as I write this), Drew placed his feet on Colorado soil once again.

Overall the month has been amazingly smooth. I have told more than one person (and heard from Drew that he feels likewise) that it feels as though we are picking up right where things were left in May. The months between and the struggles we faced are quickly fading as we relish being together again. The last month has not been perfect, but under the circumstances I couldn't have asked for anything more. Though there have been a few misunderstandings and banged elbows as we adjust to sharing our time and space, they haven't been anything worse than what any married couple might experience at any given time.

The girls have delighted in all the time with Daddy, as he has been on leave for most of the last month. Naomi has been thrilled that Daddy could take her to and pick her up from school, that she could show him her classroom and introduce him to her teachers and that he was able to go to her Christmas class party. For Noelle, things have been simpler (as is often the case when you are only two). She and Daddy have enjoyed much time playing pretend, reading books and building with blocks. Of course both girls also have had to adjust because Drew is still Daddy and not just their buddy, but we have made it through that initial shock and struggle and things are leveling out for them there as well.

There have been so many moments that just cause me to pause and give thanks to God. Moments like this:

Moments that cause me to stop and just look at him, watch him, my heart swelling with happiness and love. Even as I write this, I can't help but pause to consider him again and as I do, tears of joy and gratitude come to my eyes. God has granted us more time together- for which I am forever grateful. He has granted us a wonderful, solid marriage and a beautiful family life. He has given us strength for today, courage for tomorrow and hope for all eternity.

What a wonderful month it has been!

Beautiful Footprints

One year ago tomorrow, a dear and precious woman left this world for her eternal home. I was blessed to have known her, to have sat at her feet watching and learning, and I was honored to call her Grandma.

My Grandma and Grandpa Griner- celebrating 60 years of marriage

Last year I spent weeks trying to find the right words to express all that I felt about Grandma and her passing. No matter how many times I sat down, I never felt the words fully expressed what I was thinking and nothing definite came of it.

Yet every time I sat down and tried to put pen to paper, there was one memory that always came back to me. I would have been younger- probably in my pre-teen years. I remember sitting beside her during a worship service at a NACC convention. During the service, I remember listening to her while she sang two songs: “Give Thanks,” and “Find Us Faithful.” (I'll be honest, this may be two separate memories that have merged into one event, but either way, I remember sitting next to Grandma during both of these songs.)

For me, both of these songs will be forever tied to Grandma- both because of the memory and because of how well she exemplified their messages.

Give Thanks

“Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us.”

Grandma’s gratitude and devotion to God as well as her care for those who were weak or poor were undeniable.

Find Us Faithful

“We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful”

Without a doubt, Grandma has left behind some beautiful footprints- footprints that tell of her faithfulness, her devotion and service to God and the undeniable love she had for all.

Sitting next to Grandma, listening as she sang praises to her Lord and Savior- I can't think of a better memory for Grandma, and I look forward to the day when we will once again stand together, worshiping our Lord and Savior and the God of all that has been created.

This I Know

Planning ahead typically eases my stress,

But there are times, you need to take it one moment at a time.

Going home!

Feeling alone is a choice I make; 

God has given me His body for support and encouragement, guidance and love.

First morning home

Independence is lauded as a sign of strength; 

Relying on God is the only true source of strength.

Helping Naomi with her reading homework

Happiness isn't always possible; 

Contentment and joy are always a choice.

Drawing a picture with Noelle

The world may only see two in my marriage, but it was always made for three- 

Drew, myself and God above.

My love and I

Life is hard; God is my refuge.

Life can hurt; God is my joy.

Life has its share of sorrows and fears; God is my peace.

Life also has it share of joys; God be praised!

Our first photo as a family of four in seven months!