I’ve known the words I’ve wanted to give you here, this month, since February.
But, as the saying goes, “man plans and God laughs”.
Just two weeks after he came to me with the opportunity, my husband confirmed on Thursday that we’d be moving temporarily, in two weeks. Across the entire country.
Funny. Because, I have vacations and Vacation Bible School and soccer and swim team and girls’ nights planned. I have amusement park deals purchased and dates for my girls to volunteer on the calendar. Birthday parties to throw and gardening to attempt to upkeep.
So, here I am now without the words I’ve had since February, processing what’s happening.
Meanwhile, he already knew.
Inasmuch as I’m feeling all of my feelings, this change was and is for me and my family. I cannot see it, but it’s for an expected, known by him, end. And, along with the new we’ll be experiencing, that. is. exciting.
A move from my hands and my plans to his.
A move from my busyness to his pace and an expectation of his peace.
All of that—because of his devising—for me.
Someone also needs this. That thing that’s no longer happening, is making space for all that he has to give you. That thing that is unexpectedly consuming, is refining you to ready you for all that he has for you.
Sis, he is and is in the details. He knows. He actually already knew. For you, he has literally designed so much good.
This album, repeatedly.
My girls and I tagged along on my husband's last work trip, to Miami. What I did not expect my girls to enjoy as much as the actual vacation, were these bags (also in yellow) packed with travel goodies. They not only used them on the plane, but in the hotel, and carried them to every restaurant. They've dubbed the bags their “briefcases” and if I can get them to stop carrying them all around our house, I plan to hang them in our van on these hooks going forward.
We've made and personalized so many of these DIY booklets, to sketch and take notes in. Only paper and scissors needed! Thank me later.
I do not know what took me so long to buy these self-closing toothpaste caps for the girls. Game changer.
Even with all our failed attempts, my littlest's heart is set on growing fruitful a garden. Thankfully, the beauty and knowledge behind Nahtasha's Garden is my friend in real life and loves her so that she came over and started her garden with her. She found her first strawberry blossom a few days ago!
I've mentioned before that one of our favorite things to do is visit museums. And, especially so when we travel. To make it affordable, we purchase an annual Family membership at a local museum, who has reciprocity with both the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and Association of Science and Technology Centers. That gives us 50% or 100% off of admission to accredited/participating venues within the programs, all over the world. In our case, we hold an $89 membership for 2 adults + up to 4 children and were able to enter Frost Science Museum for free (normally $115 for a family of 4, daily) each day we went last week.
These markers are retractable, meaning no more lost caps or dried out color. They were perfect for our travel and are great for everyday.
This sugar scalp scrub got out every grain of sand and piece of shell that we (read my children) brought home 🙃
As my girls were gearing up to return to their swim team this summer, they pulled out this book that they've already read and enjoyed 72 times. Meanwhile, I read and enjoyed these three books in April: Maame, The House of Eve, Take My Hand, and am continuing to work my way through Create Anyway and The Deeply Formed Life.
I bought this pair of wide-leg linen pants before our trip, and they are everything.
Just before our visit to the Dogs and Cats Walkway and Sculpture Gardens & Frost Science Museum, Miami.
A breakfast date with my favorite people at our new favorite place.
The fulfillment of a desire he placed in my heart, in a picture. Grateful that I get to lead alongside these ladies to serve him in serving the women of my church.
I love to watch him parent. Especially, when that means I can sit and read and not parent.
