Animal sounds

Addison loves to read! She will bring us book after book and say, "mooore?" One of her favorite books is about animal sounds. So, now she knows some animal sounds. If we say, what does a kitty cat say? she will say, "meooow" in the cutest, most high pitched voice. If we ask her what a cow says she will say, "mooooo". We ask her what a dog says and she says, "dog". Haha.

I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful daughter. She is not only beautiful on the outside, but she has a beautiful personality, too. I am able to see it more each day. Children are the most amazing blessing, but such a big responsiblilty. I can not help but think to the future and how important my actions are, because she is watching me. How do I teach her to be confident, but humble? How do I teach her to be authentic? How do I teach her to love Jesus? I pray that God gives me the wisdom to be able to teach her these things not only with my words but with the way I live my life.

My dear friend, Mrs. Helms, read this to me from her devotions yesterday. I asked her to send it to me and I thought I would share it. This has truly been an encouragement to me during a difficult time in my life for me and my family.

"Rest with me a while, You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.
I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all of your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you whenever you go.
Psalm 143:8; Genesis 28:15"

I am asking for prayer from friends and family that the Lord would be working in my mother's heart. Please pray for strength for me and my siblings and also for wisdom and grace in a time of extreme hardship.

God sometimes allows us to endure challenges so that we learn to depend on Him instead of ourselves. In the moment, it seems unbearable and it is extremely frustrating because we do not see how it could ever work together for good, but then God chooses to reveal a part of his plan and we can breath a sigh of relief because in that moment, He reassures us that He is in control.

So... if you are feeling like your world is out of control, remember that someone does control it. It is just not you. The people in your life will make choices that disappoint you, hurt you, and make you angry. I am speaking to myself too when I say, do not be discouraged, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28