Hi!

I know it has been awhile - a long while - since I have posted. The past days, weeks, and months have been great, yet exhausting. I've been immersed in a new job and community, and in helping the family to cope with change after change. And now, it is hard to believe that the boys have less than 20 school days remaining of their 5th and 7th grade years. I am so proud of them both: They are conquering a common fear - fear of change!

Knowing that it would be the hardest year of their lives to date, I prayed that this life change would give them confidence. Confidence in knowing that their world could be rocked, and they could find a new normal. I also prayed that their faith would be strengthened in the process. While I can not fully measure the outcomes of these prayers, I know that God is faithfully walking beside both T and T. I am exceedingly thankful!

In my readings of late, I've consistently found reference to a classic daily devotional book entitled, "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" by Sarah Young. After the title came up more times than I can recall, I finally purchased it on my Kindle (Oh, how I love my Kindle!). This little classic is a must-have, and I don't recommend with such absoluteness very often!

My lack of blogging may be attributed to high stress in the midst of change, or general fatigue from the daily grind and life's uncertainties, or a bit of spiritual emptiness. I am not greatly bothered by stress, fatigue, or uncertainty, but I am slightly bothered by signs of spiritual emptiness. Young writes, "Do not be ashamed of your emptiness. Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace" (January 14). Further along in the same entry, Young reflects, "Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood."

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your indescribable peace! Thank you for knowing us better than we know ourselves. Amen.