The Jogging Stroller

And just like that, it was gone … packed with 14 years of memories, thousands of miles, countless family walks through the neighborhood, over hill and vale, through forest streams and glades it wandered, goldfish crumbs crusted in the corners, it persevered through innumerable soccer and baseball practices and games, it has treasured conversations woven in its fibers never to be released, it faithfully cradled 4 mighty men and a multitude of other cherubs, it traversed through sun, rain and snow in route to Akron elementary school, it was a beloved family member on our family vacations, it was squashed, smashed and shoved in the trunk but faithfully remained strong and sturdy, 14 years ago the details of this 3-wheeled treasure were strategically researched by the soon-to-be-Daddy as the list of necessary criteria from the soon-to-be-Mama was not going to be an easy package to find. And just like that … it was gone! 

This season in life of saying good bye has brought many tears … most of them expected and anticipated.   However, tears like the ones I shed for our beloved jogging stroller as it rolled down the sidewalk to Tracy's house,
 were totally unexpected!  I pride myself in being sentimental over appropriate things.  Treasures from loved ones gone before, silly cards from my sista peg in my single years, the first picture of Daryl and I the night we dreamed about being hubby and wifey, the boys coming home hospital outfits, pictures and scrapbooks to record the ‘firsts’ that have faded from our minds over time… you know, appropriate sentimental things.  Not things like a 3-wheeled jogging stroller! Saying good bye to the memories of the way life was as we prepare to move to CR has brought a well of emotions flowing out of all of us.

See Ya Later
The excitement we feel about the new life we’re preparing for in CR is tainted slightly as we are wading through the waves of ‘see ya laters’.  We enjoyed one last relaxing cabin weekend in Belleville and officially said see ya later to our dear friends.  Knowing we will spend eternity together brings a sweet joy.  However, saying good bye to the growing up years these 7 boys have spent together brings tears. We are preparing to say good bye to Violet but thanking God there is a loving home waiting to welcome her.  The Ephrata fair became a sentimental event as we met many ‘old’ school friends inquiring when we’re leaving, sharing hugs and blessing us with prayer.  

God’s Peace, My Solitude
6:50 – 7:40 a.m. coffee with Jesus.  Each morning ‘He gives me word of His unfailing love’ … the Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the Word that sustains the weary … do not be anxious about anything … whatever is excellent or praiseworthy think on these things … fix my eyes on Jesus, he provides an oasis of grace in the desert of trials … be still and know that HE IS GOD!

Praises
-SAMSON - free tickets! Checked off the bucket list!
-a new home for Violet
-our supportive MST, loving us through the ups and downs of this journey
-home school routine established
-cabin weekend
-returning Corelle dishes for a better deal AND God's story being shared in that store!
-Delynn, Gloria, the van & trailer are safely in CR!

Prayers
-renters for our Akron residence
-$2900/month needed to complete our financial commitment for 3 years.    emm.org/donate
-His perfect peace to permeate out home
-strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
-a tree in our backyard in CR
-a tax consultant  
-restoration in relationships

Life Lessons from Jerome

How does one prepare a home for renters? Our cozy home has a lived in feel that comes from almost 14 years of raising 4 mighty men!  The walls are nicked, the carpet is stained, closet doors are removed, kitchen trim needs finished, walls need painted where electrical wiring was reconfigured, things placed strategically to fit just so, our house functions a certain way because we know how things work and that’s the way things are done! How does one begin to explain some of these ‘things’ to new renters?  We could just hand over the keys and let them explore how the house functions for themselves … but, this is our house! Or, is it?  Today as I read David’s prayer from 1 Chronicles 29:14-19 … “Everything comes from God … all of it belongs to You!” I am challenged to not worry about the details of who will rent our home, what they will think of its quirks and peculiarities and how they will figure the ‘things’ out.  Instead of holding tightly to this home, I will offer it back to the Giver, this home is His!  Thank you Father for this gift, use it for Your glory!

2 rolls: 12 ft x 18 ft ... rockin the Passat wagon!
Life lesson from Jerome (condensed version).  I met Jerome as he carried the first 12 ft x 15 ft roll of carpet to the front of the store for me.  As I wondered around the store processing if this was the right color, size and price, I encountered a large pile of carpet rolls ON SALE! I met Jerome again as I sheepishly told him I think I may want this one instead of that one … “OK, just let me know when you decide for sure.” After a few phone calls and a picture texted to The hubby, I decided to buy the one on sale AND another one on sale.  Jerome: “So you want both of those and not that one I already took up front?”  Me: “Yes, sorry, I just couldn’t decide.” Jerome: “Did you call your husband?” Smiling, I said, “Yes, he’ll be picking it up tomorrow.” Jerome: “What kind of car do you have? … I’ll fit them in your car today … Just do what I tell you and everything will work out all right.  Just trust me!”  Jerome knows nothing of our journey, why I was buying two new carpet remnants, and that he had now entered my world of blogging.  However, as I ‘high-fived’ Jerome for an awesome carpet car stuffing job, I thanked Father for the gentle reminder in my Spirit “just do what I tell you, just trust ME” … Our home is not in Akron or CR; it is forever with Father … Where You go, I will go!


Praises
-Celebrating 15 years of wedded bliss for only $9.00!
        We enjoyed a gift card lunch at Long Horn
         A gift of a Couples’ Massage
         2 free McDonald Frappe’s
-School is becoming a routine
-3 Free loads of dirt to seed where our pool was
-Monthly financial partners … we thank God for each of you!
-Come to Me you who are weary and I will give you rest! Matt. 11:28
Prayers
-Renters for our Akron residence ; )
-Tax preparer … knowledge of international taxes.  Advice?
-For God’s glory to be shown through compassion toward each other in the walls of our home.  Most days it’s easy to show and  share God with the world around us. However,  in our home where we can be real, it is a  different story.  This could be a whole other  blog!
-A new family for our cat, Violet … any takers?
-Monthly financial partners emm.org/donate
-Wisdom on how to process a matching gift fund