Simple {Easter} Sunday

Holidays change as kids grow.  Long gone are the days of dressing my boys up in cute Easter rompers and bow ties.  Baskets have evolved from stuffed with toys and furry animals, to pastel grass and candy-filled, to baseball caps stocked with teenage faves.  This year, after Noah mentioning wanting peanut butter, Tim brought home a pack of Reese eggs.  And this morning, because everything is now half off, he put two sacks on the table for our towering guy to later engulf.

Yesterday was our first Easter that Noah didn't accompany us to church.  He worked 12-hour shifts this weekend, at his new job, though we did drive by to say hello after service.  Seeing him in his element, so happy and fulfilled, took away any longing for him to be by our side in the pew (at least a bit!) 

New joys were having what family attended the sunrise service come back to our house for breakfast.  We lingered over omelet muffins, fruit salad, coffee and other yummy snacks before returning to church for early service. 

We were home before 10 am with the rest of the day free, other than Tim having to sleep in preparation for his night shift. Between our crack-of-dawn alarm and not feeling well, neither of us had any difficulty in taking naps!  Hubby slept much longer, but I welcomed the quiet time it gave me to rest, reflect on the meaning of the day, and cook a small dinner for the three of us. 

The three of us ate at the table, watched a few comedies and retired early. 

To the outside, it might seem we didn't even observe the holiday.  Just a typical Sunday but anything other than simple when I humbly dwell the reason for the day.  Sometimes celebrations aren't festive or elaborate but rather quiet and intimate.  Without all the fanfare it allowed me to pause in worship for the gift that Easter truly is. 

Prayers your Easter was gentle and filled with JOY!

2015 Rewind

Every year on January 1st, I make black-eyed peas.  And every single year, I'm the only one who eats them.  Some years I manage to get the family to choke down one fork full.  This year, I'm excited to try a new recipe.  

I've been rethinking our menu anyway, since our traditions need to be tweaked a tad.  Normally, on NYE we lounge around, eat appetizers, watch movies and ring in the new year.  This year, as both my men will be working, we'll have to celebrate the day after.  

So, I have decided to transform new year staples of black-eyed peas and cabbage into appetizers.  This morning, while watching GMA, Trisha Yearwood showed a yummy dip using the peas that she claims even the biggest critic will enjoy.  It's topped with cheese.  As my guys think cheese is a food group, I'm convinced it is a win.  And for the cabbage, I'm going to try my hand at homemade egg rolls.  I know they won't compare to my Aunt Sandy's, but I am up for the challenge.

While I'm already thinking of the first day of the year, I have also been reminiscing on the past twelve months.  2015 was filled with unexpected events, a year of great changes within our family.  Come along with me as I recap and look back on the past year.

January 2015 - the birthday month for both Noah and me.  This year, we surprised him and in the midst of it found a sweet hello from his big brother.  I set my word of the year as SOAR, though I'm not sure we took off as I envisioned.

February - This month would see changes in how I cared for my family's health forever, as I began using doTERRA essential oils.  Over this year, I've continually been amazed at their power and am so grateful to God for the gifts he provides to the earth - and for leading me this direction.  

March - I was especially grateful to see spring arrive, after the winter we had.  Sixteen years of being spoiled with snow days found me knee deep in reality - wet icky snow!  I had to learn to not just drive around on it but walk through it while doing home visits.  Coming home to a warm meal was a little easier though, due to a grandma contraption we purchased.  

April - We enjoyed a mini vacation in Nashville, let the kids experience the Grand Ole Opry, and Noah discovered a love for hot peppers.  Our home saw a big change as 15 year old, worn and ugly green carpet was replaced with plush and fluffy flooring.  

May - As school came to a close and summer began more changes occurred in our home.  Noah, at only 15 would secure a job.  It has become such a blessing for him, allowing him to be in the kitchen, (a passion he loves) and is shaping his character.  In the midst of turmoil within our family, God revealed an answered prayer I'd whispered for years.  

June - SOAR would come back to haunt me, as I flail off a set of steps.  Actually they disintegrated beneath me and flung me into the yard, breaking a rib.  Essential oils would once again come to the rescue, healing me in record time.  And an impromptu silly post would become a reader's favorite.  Who knew?!

July - Injuries would continue, as my hubby hurt his leg.  At first we were told he broke his fibula.  Thankfully it turned out to just be a bad tweak.  We hobbled and wobbled into our anniversary and created a staycation to celebrate at home.  Austin's 21st birthday  - a day filled with bittersweet tears and a beautiful remembrance from his brother.

August - A new roof and a prayer this one lasts longer than the one we put on just a few years prior.  God sends me just the needed message at 2 am.  And I had a goosebump hug from above from Tim's mom that was heaven-sent in timing.

September - After a stressful summer, I gladly welcomed fall with open arms, high up in the sky.  Our family participated in Operation Inasmuch with our church and I had the honor to see God's plan from start to finish.  And I learned that although I'm busy at work, with frequent up/downs, in/outs, I really don't take the necessary steps.  Something to work on for 2016!

October - Noah and I checked off a food bucket list by attending our first Nut Club Festival.  And the three of us enjoy our first vacation together in four years at a tiny schoolhouse.

November - a cloudy month for us, darkened even a bit more by watching someone we love struggle with deep depression.  But true to tradition, our acts of kindness to remember Austin would send just the needed help for our hearts.  On the cusp of Thanksgiving, I'm filled with gratitude for the blessing of two amazing sons.  

December - And here we are again.  A new job for Tim.  And a month of upside-down traditions, but a reminder that no matter how Christmas finds you, He is ever-present.

At times 2015 felt like more lows, than a year full of soaring.  Looking up the meaning of the word this morning though, I'm drawn to this one...

to fly without power

The year had dips, swings and unexpected paths, but throughout 2015 we most definitely were carried by His great power.  May I remember that wherever life's journey takes us we will always be soaring because we're beneath God's mighty wings.  

Prayers that JOY, peace and strength find you in the New Year!

Seasonal Sentiments

If you're bone-tired from a day filled with festivities this Christmas, count your blessings, momma.  If you're home is a wreck and wrapping paper still litters your floor, look at it lovingly and smile.  And if your babies are drifting off to dreamland after a day of joy, linger a bit in their doorway tonight.  Kiss them extra tonight and tuck this memory away.

Soak it up, for it so quickly fades.

From a momma who remembers those moments misty-eyed, Christmas changes as they grow.

Our little house has felt extra big the past few days.  Just the three of us, Noah on the heels of sixteen.  Holiday plans spread out through the course of several days so no big crowds to go and see today.

The magic of the season is somewhat harder to hold, when the mystery has gone.  No more platters of cookies left for Santa.  Early morning squeals replaced with sleeping in.

Even Noah has realized this.  Our past three holidays, he's commented how different things feel.

"It just doesn't seem like"....  he will say as each one falls on the calendar.

The other night in the car he shared, "I guess it's because I'm growing up."

And this momma had to work extra hard to choke back the tears that followed.

Change is inevitable.  You can't bottle the little and push pause on life.  Babies grow.  And some leave this world too soon.  Futures envisioned don't always arrive the way you imagined.

Being a mom big on tradition, the changes have been difficult to swallow this year.  As I write, alone in this big bed, it dawns on me I've never spent a Christmas night apart from my husband.  But jobs change and duty calls.

Today wasn't anything like usual.  Instead of a big country breakfast from years past, I had a donut stick from my stocking.  We visited Tim's side of the family, which was nice, but I still missed mine.  I imagined June smiling down, seeing all her boys together though.  Instead of lingering for a visit, we returned quickly home so Tim could sleep a bit before work.

It was a treat that our nephew came back with us and hung with Noah all evening.  They played pool and Xbox, as if they were little again.  He leaves for basic training Sunday, so I'm extra grateful for the time they shared.  The cousins then all went out for a movie, leaving me home alone.  I decided to clean and nap with my sleeping hubby.  We then shared leftover pizza for our Christmas dinner.

Anything but normal.  Yet, it is where we are at this time in our lives.  Life finds you at various stages.  Some you expect, some come as a surprise.  And some surprise you even though they should be expected.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Not our typical Christmas but thankful still.  We have each other, our health, a warm roof over our heads, and most importantly the joy of the Lord in our hearts!

Faithful Friday: New Attitude

When life is less than lovely and then a peace comes, do we ever see it in the moment?  From the point where you can't breathe to normal, can we notice the switch?

I don't know that I ever recognize the transformation as it happens, but I do try to gratefully appreciate the change once I realize it.  In the peace, I look back and am thankful for the relief. 


Perhaps peace comes with the passing of time.  Reflection, prayer, processing.

  Maybe...the long, holiday weekend on the water. 
Rest for the body, as well as the soul.

Or, it could be the chopping off of my hair.  A physical symbolism of starting this next phase of my life anew.  Doubtful, but I did leave the salon with a new attitude!

All those things may help ease stress, but I know where my peace comes from.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. 

Not as the world gives do I give to you. 

Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

But beyond just surviving the storm, I work to learn from it.  What was God showing me in those moments when I was weak, incapable, and frustrated?  Who did I turn to or lean on when life was swirling out of control?

Summer 13' was anything but what I imagined or dreamed it to be.  Yet, as the end of the season came, the only pressing upon me was the sweltering heat.  All summer long the weather has been beautiful and bearable, life had been anything but.  In the end, the weather was miserably hot and oppressive but life was going to be ok.  Whatever outcome the future held, I was at peace.  Despite a week or two of weakness, I'd finally given it God.  Whatever will be, will be...

So the question now is, "What do I want to be when I grow up?"
Or rather, what does God want me to be?

Prayers appreciated for direction, discernment, and devotion to God as I navigate through this new chapter.  With each step, I'll continue to see the JOY in the journey.