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