Full of Joy

Iced Lavender Cream Soy Matcha is back at Starbucks! To receive this email in my inbox was an unexpected burst of happy in my day. I had forgotten about this treasure of a drink from last spring, and wasn’t even anticipating its arrival. I have been a fan of the “Iced Green Tea Latte” for yeaaaaaars. It was first introduced at Starbucks in 2006, and yes- I was working there at the time. Upon doing a little digging, I learned that was the first time matcha became popular in North America. Knowing I had $6 in my wallet to burn, I zipped over to Starbucks the first chance I got yesterday. The sun was shining, the air was warm, my mood was light. Taking that first sip of the lavender cold foam was such a joy. Not only do I savor the taste, but the purple color is so pretty. A delight for all the senses. The first time I tried the drink last spring was with a gift card from my dear friend, Kate. I text her to spread the good news of its arrival. Then it hit me. Kate had given me a St...

Can you hear the sound of heaven? Can you hear the angels’ song? Calling us into His Presence Drawing us to sing along We gather here to bring You Honor Our blessed hope to see Your face Spirit, Son, and Holy Father Come make us now Your resting place He is wonderful! He is beautiful! He is radiant! He is Jesus! (He Is Wonderful, by Jesus Image) A new song popped up on Spotify this past Friday. While driving to Aldi the lyrics and music filled my senses, and quickly moved to my spirit that day. Tears came rushing to the surface. The Spirit was moving. Powerfully. I told Chuck about it during dinner Friday night, and couldn’t stop the tears. We listened to the song on the way to our kid’s school carnival a little later, and I wept again. Over the next two days I played it over and over. Almost every time I would cry, but I couldn’t articulate why. A fire was rising up in my spirit. Later that night, Chuck and I listened to a live message online...

I can imagine all of Heaven rejoicing when a miracle happens on earth. Miracles are happening every day- even in our family this week! We have another story (the Word of our testimony, Rev. 12:11) of God’s healing taking place. When my oldest daughter, Basye, was one year old she got her first pair of glasses. For the previous 18 months she had been wearing a helmet for 23 hours a day. The day after she was cleared from wearing her helmet, we were told she needed eye surgery and glasses. 8 months later, her big brother started showing signs he needed glasses, too. Jase got his first pair of glasses on Valentines Day of 2017. He was three years old. For the last 7 years we have prayed healing over both Basye and Jase’s eyes. Two different times, our pediatrician suggested our youngest daughter, Tatum needed glasses, too. We stood in faith, refusing to believe the words spoken over her. We asked friends to stand with us in faith and prayer, as well. She has seen an ophthalmolog...

(For the full scope of this story, first check out my previous post, “Last Day”.) A couple months ago, my older brother and one of my nephews stopped by our house for a few hours. They had been visiting my parents in PA, and were making their way back home to NC. They brought a bunch of stuff with them, including a large bag my Mom had sent containing special items she had saved for me (and my kids) from my Grandma’s house. I sifted through the bag and looked at a couple items, but got so overwhelmed with grief I set it aside. It has sat in my room ever since. I walked by it multiple times a day for weeks, but was never ready to look through it. All this time, it was a comfort for me to have it sitting there next to my bed. Until today. As a family we were purging a bunch of stuff and organizing things in our attic. Maybe because our bedroom was finally organized, it felt like the right time to look through the bag . I closed our bedroom door, lifted the bag onto ou...

“Where is my Starbucks Iowa coffee mug? I’ve used it every morning for the last 4 months, without fail. I don’t want to drink my coffee in anything else. It’s probably dirty, and in the dishwasher. I need to tell Chuck not to put my Iowa mug in the dishwasher. Oh, the dishwasher is clean. There it is.” This morning I mindlessly filled up my Starbucks Iowa coffee mug, added my Silk Mocha Almond Creamer (that sounds so extra!) and continued putzing around. I pulled out my prayer journal intending on spending some time with my Big Papa (AKA: God), and noticed a little flaw in my mug I hadn’t seen before. In a split second, I was flooded with sadness. Grief gripped my heart and squeezed. I knew what to do. “It’s ok. Let the pain come. Feel the sadness. Cry the tears.” It wasn’t about the mug’s flaw. It was about my Grandma. The last time I saw her…. *** “Hon, I think you should fly out to Iowa to see your Grandma…” It had been my Mom on the phone. “Your Aunt Sara called, and it s...

Recently I read an encouraging Word from Nate Johnston . In it he mentioned, “So set the table by faith.” I kept thinking about it, and pondering what the Lord might be saying. The next day, our whole family trooped into Costco. I saw a big pack of popsicles, and snatched them up right away. I knew it was God’s idea for us to keep popsicles in the freezer so anytime we have kids in the backyard, we have a fun treat to offer. Over the next couple of days, I also began to sense the Lord prompting me to buy supplies for S’mores. I even mentioned my intentions to Chuck and the kids. We were all excited about the idea! Again, I knew it was God’s leading for us to have S’more supplies on hand so we could whip up a fire at a moment’s notice when friends or neighbors stop by. It crossed my mind multiple times, but I hadn’t gotten to the store to purchase anything. Then it happened. Tonight after dinner two middle school neighbor boys knocked on the back door, and asked Chuck if they cou...

Do you ever have a seemingly silly dream? Years ago our kids started talking about RV campers. The kind where they could “run around while Papa drives”. One of my favorite shows of all time is Frasier . There are a couple episodes where Martin- the Dad of the main character, Frasier, gets a Winnebago. He calls it the Road Warrior= RDWRER on the license plate. That show makes me laugh out loud so hard! Anybody else? Recently our dear friends purchased a camper, and my dreams clicked into overdrive. I think seeing it as a reality for my actual, real-life friends made me think of the possibility of it happening for our family. Now don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely no desire for camping or the outdoors. The problem is Chuck and the kids are all so crazy about the idea of camping together. I just can’t get myself to do the tent thing. This is why it’s our big “silly” Family Dream to have an RV. We can all go “camping” together, while Mama spends her days “indoors” if we had one. ...

"Jesus saves my life every day." I have spoken this statement to family or friends on more than one occasion these past 9 months. Compassion for the weak, the wounded, and the hurting has grown in my spirit. People deal with their pain and heartache in vastly different ways. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and walk in pain. Sometimes grief and pain leads us to toxic patterns or debilitating addictions. It makes sense to me why some would take pills, or drown their sorrows from a bottle. People who are suffering are constantly trying to find a way to anesthetize their pain. I have longed for the same. But what I have experienced is that there is Jesus. I've been slightly disappointed to discover that He doesn't anesthetize my pain, but He shows up every day with me in my pain. I recently read a quote by Dr. Larry Crabb describing this very concept. It oddly brought me hope. I quit looking to Holy Spirit to remove my grief, but instead started to look for H...

Last night we visited our local county fair. It's a pretty big deal around here. Our first summer in the area, we were invited to the fair by a local "Big Wig". Chuck had been working at Lowes, and met this generous man who treated our whole family to the fair. We were spoiled forever by that experience because the kids got to ride on as many rides as they wanted, as many times as they wanted! It was really special. As much as we enjoyed that experience, we didn't know if we'd ever go back because we knew it would be pretty expensive, and really- what was all the hype about?  We're about to hit our 5 year anniversary of living in The Valley. As we were walking around the fairgrounds as a family of 5 now, plus our niece last night, I spent a good deal of time reflecting. For me, it wasn't about the (cheesy) rides, or infamous fair food (cotton candy, snowcones, deep fried oreos, and funnel cake were our treats of choice!), or even the shows (the wolves ...

"The mountains and hills will burst into song before you!" (Yes, Isaiah 55:12 again!) This morning I sat in my usual spot at our dining room table. You know the spot- it looks out at my favorite tree. Well, today I was compelled to move just one seat over. The perspective was completely different. This view still includes my tree, but also has the added benefit of the glorious mountains in the distance. There is a perfect break in our backyard between two other houses where the mountains absolutely burst into song. They reflect God's glory, and His creative power every single day. Anytime we travel, there is something deep inside me that longs to get back to The Valley where we live. I miss those mountains when we're gone. We're coming up on our 5 year anniversary of living in this area, and the views all around us never, ever get old. I never get used to it or take it for granted. The mountains around us are a tangible reminder to me of God's presence her...

This morning God brought one of my favorite backyard trees to my spirit's attention. He shared with me how before my big, beautiful tree was even a little seedling, He had me in mind. As this big tree has developed over the last forty years, He always knew it was for me. He created it just to delight me. As I delight in the tree He delights in me, and I delight in Him. As I was thinking about all the ways this tree brings my spirit such joy, I knew I had to write about it.  The tree is just beautiful. I sit at the table **almost** every morning talking to my Father (God, not my Dad. Although I do love talking to him, too.), journaling, praying, and spending time together. The tree reflects His glory, beauty, and creative power. The green leaves brighten up my view. They bring refreshing shade to our deck and yard. This summer Chuck strung pretty bulb lights on them, so even at night my tree twinkles and delights me. It offers security to me, somehow. It's strong branches h...

In February of 2021 I read a book by Annie F. Downs called, "That Sounds Fun". It was a huge motivation for me to start a summer book club- just for June, July, and August of '21. God led me to a bunch of ladies who were just as interested in reading books together as I was. We've had some ladies come and go, but there's been four of us who have stuck with it for over a solid year now! Something that was going to be summer fun turned into a year of fun and keeps going! Our friend hosted us on her screened in back porch the other night. There is nothing like sitting outside on a hot night, taking in all the sweetness of summer. We got to witness the pink hues of the sun setting over the mountains, and the bugs serenading us. Sipping tea and munching on chocolate cake, our discussion flowed easily from "Miss Buncles Book" to "The Swiss Family Robinson". As the evening got darker, the little lights strung on the porch got brighter. There is ne...

Since March, God has been leading me to "Look at what is before my eyes" as Jesus did (I have this reference underlined in one of my Bibles, but it's upstairs so I can't remember the exact verse. I believe it's somewhere in the Corinthians. =). This means I look to face each day with my spirit aligned with His spirit, with my eyes  off  my circumstances. There is much to be thankful for each day, no matter how bleak things may appear.  Even when life takes drastic, unexpected turns, there is always a constant flow of joy built in with the sorrow. I really love the little things in life, those "Sweet Things" from God that remind me of His deep affection. Last night I called a friend to ask her a quick question. During our conversation, she shared a need her family had. They needed someone to stop by and help move a couple couches from their basement to their living room. I easily volunteered Chuck for the job ;) so we loaded up our family and h...

This morning I was reaching for something in the drawer of my bedside table, and noticed two books I had started but never finished. (1 fiction, and 1 non-fiction) Then downstairs there are three books I'm reading sitting out on a table next to the couch. Hmmm, that makes FIVE books I have started but not finished! There have been times in my life where I have read hoards of books in 1 week. When my family lived in Iowa, between my 4th-6th grade years, my Mom would take us to the library all the time! She'd let us go our separate ways, and choose whatever section of the library we wanted to pick books from. I'd go home with stacks of books, and read for hours on end. In sixth grade, anytime we finished a book in school, we'd get to put a sticker up on a chart. I read so many books that year my stickers went off the chart (literally). I began to worry my teacher wouldn't believe me. These days I tend to only finish the books I listen to on Audible (an app...

This rainy afternoon makes me so happy- and not just because we're sitting around watching the Brady Bunch together. Over the weekend, my sister/brother-in-law gave us 5 baby trees. Chuck planted them across our backyard to eventually create some privacy. We've been faithfully watering our little additions to the family, but I think they needed a good, hard rain. I believe there's something really special about the water in the sky that comes straight from God. I'm also thrilled that our veggie garden is getting a good soak. The lettuce, squash, cilantro, and mint already have sprouts. When I first planted those seeds, I prayed over them and asked God to bless the "fruits" of our labor. I committed our first "fruits" to Him, and I'm already excited about seeing what grows to maturity first, and who He leads us to give it to. I've had a desire for years to try my hand at gardening, and this is finally the year! It's been surprising...

We became homeowners for the second time in February of 2020. (A year and three months ago from the day I'm writing this post.) In August of 2017, almost four years ago in PA, we sold the first house we had ever owned. We had searched for the right house for the better part of two years. Our search stopped when it got too close to Basye's birth, and started back up again when we got our heads ever so slightly above water. Back then we had two babies well under the age of two- 16 months apart, to be exact. Looking for the right house at that point in time meant all bullets on the list pointed to helping me find sanity. a fenced in yard: so the babies could play outside, but not run off into the street in a neighborhood with sidewalks so I could buckle the babies into our double stroller and go for walks a place to store the stroller so it was out of the way bedrooms that were not on ground level (I hate sleeping in a bedroom with windows on ground level) an area for guest...

39 Weeks, Jase (6) My two baby girls, Basye (5) Acupuncture I hit 39 weeks this past Tuesday. A full-term pregnancy is considered 40 weeks. At my appointment Wednesday, the midwife said they'll let me go until at least 41 weeks before they'll do another ultrasound or anything. As I type, I'm even boring myself to tears. Bless any of you who are actually reading this. Last night I went to the chiropractor to have my back adjusted, and she offered to do acupuncture to try and induce labor. It was so great for me mentally because it made me feel like I was actually doing something besides waiting around. On Monday (IF nothing has happened by then), I will go back so she can add electricity to the acupuncture. I know it looks super creepy, but it's really not bad. Our big excitement for the weekend has been joining Disney Plus for the FREE week! Tonight we will finally watch Frozen 2 with the kids, then later Chuck and I will check out the new Lion King. We enjoye...

WHAT A WEIRD WORLD! I got a call from my midwife's office yesterday informing me I am now required to wear a mask to my weekly appointments. Later in the day a friend was dropping off some books so we got to stand in the driveway for awhile and chat. I shared with her my mask-dilema, at which point my neighbor heard me (not hard to overhear conversations when you're practically yelling at each other trying to have a talk from a distance). She then graciously brought over TWO masks for me! Thankfully her friend had sewn a few, and I was blessed by her generosity. I really am grateful. As silly as it feels wearing a mask, it would have felt even sillier wearing a bandana, which was my other option. I wore the mask to my appointment today, then through the CFA drive-through (per my midwife's orders!). I ending up receiving not ONE, but TWO compliments on the mask. The nurse who gave the first compliment said, "I can't believe that's something I'm say...

Jase was practicing his photography skills. 38 weeks today, due in 2 weeks- OR LESS! =) All my Honey Bunnies. Hey all! How was your Easter? Our little crew had a fabulous day together. We ended up being able to Zoom with a lot of Chuck's side of the fam (Did you know he's 1 of 7 kids? I've never actually been with Chuck's entire family at one time YET. Hopefully that will happen in the near future.), and my side. It's a lot of fun to "see" everyone and have some form of connecting besides text. The four of us ate a big brunch, and then had a nice supper in the evening. It's the first time in almost 11 years Chuck and I have had our own (major) holiday together, just us. Plus the first time since having kids we've had our own family celebration, just the 4 of us. What a special blessing. The great thing about holiday cooking, even though it's loads of work, is that you get to eat the best leftovers for several days. MMM! Good food and ...

Hello World! I started a post yesterday, the pictures got complicated, Chuck fixed it for me, and now it's 24 hours later. What can ya do? Today it has taken me WAY.TOO.LONG. to create our meals menu for the week. This also includes special Easter food. As if I don't loathe meal planning, cooking, and grocery shopping enough, now I have to explain it all and type up very detailed notes so Chuck can pick up the stuff we need. He's super positive about it, and such a huge help, but food/meals/menus/shopping just make me cranky. (I do realize I have a CHOICE NOT TO BE CRANKY . I am fully empowered to DISagree with crankiness, and receive Jesus-peace instead.) I don't understand when people "love to cook" or call it "relaxing". Are you one of those people? Please explain this phenomenon to me. My midwife doesn't want me to leave our house. One of my only outings for the week was for groceries, so now I am down to just once-a-week pregnancy ch...