Friday Favorites...the fort and the week

A trip to the fort... 

 

the precious helping of a big brother

old gates

climbing the "walls"

yep, the rolling began :)

sweet moment caught

he was the chasing lion-roar and all!

This week we've been blessed by a visit from my dad and stepmom.  We haven't seen them in 4 years due to life flying by so quickly but also illness-serious illness, and the Lord has worked mightily in the healing process.

Another huge blessing of the week- taking time off from the usual work routine and being home.  I can't say how much the Lord has laid upon my heart gratitude.  Being grateful in the moments we have together.  Being grateful for my husband, our children, growing belly with a precious new life, a home, food on the table, peace in our home, baseball games with healthy little ones, sunshine!  After a long winter, though it was mild, the sun and the gentle warm breezes can do wonders for a weary heart and soul.  Life is good :)

It isn't that we have to look to find the joy in our situations...it is that we have to have joy in our situations.  Being joyful in what we have and in what we have to get done as well.

A sweet friend let me borrow the DVD, Tea with Michelle Duggar and she was speaking about their early days as a young family and having 5 little ones ages 5 and under (something close to that I believe.)  Michelle Duggar was up late, weary, mounds of laundry looming and she was questioning the Lord and His choice to allow such a big and young family and He spoke to her heart.  She began singing the Joy of the Lord is my strength, over and over.  And as He is faithful in all situations, she found peace and joy in that moment and later was blessed by a neighbor providing help with their everyday routine (laundry!)

I've so much enjoyed reading the many different blogs.  They range from the beautiful words of a writer, a homeschooling mom, art teacher, friend sharing everyday life, cook, knitter, quilter, photographer...a huge and lovely range!  And I'm humbly and with joy able to say I can finally just enjoy them.  We rejoice in our own and others gifts, knowing we are each fearfully and wonderfully made (our sweet boy repeats this at night- "I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God!")  How our Father can use all things to His glory!  We go forward in Him, His strength and not our own.  For....

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!



But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. ~Acts 20:24

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