Time flies!

Time certainly does go quicker these days.
It seems as if I just started teaching, and now I am getting ready to say goodbye to my much bigger babies.
It seems as if Sophia were just born, and now she's walking and talking.
It seems as if we just moved into our house, but we've been here over half a year and still have too many boxes sitting around, not to mention zero bookcases! What's that all about?
It seems as if we just started going to our wonderful church, but it's been nearly a year.
Michael has a Smart Car, but I'm not convinced that it's so smart! :)
I have no guaranteed job offer yet. That's not very cool. :(
Erin might move in with us. That should be interesting, and I hope a great experience. ^^
Jennifer has decided to move to Egypt for two years and then to Cuba for??? !!!
Hannah and Dustin are trying to qualify to buy their first house. /\
Wow! But ONE thing is as s-l-o-w as ever.
I just pulled out something that I started writing a year ago.
Maybe I'll have time to finish it before Jesus comes, and I'll publish it here.
So much for a blog that helps me to write more.

Following hard after God

I thought that I had let go. My beautiful, grown-up daughter, so independent, so smart.
A different state. That's ok.
And then the trips started.
Lots of trips.
To an unstable country.
Why does her heart have to go there?
But she always came back after a few weeks.
That's ok. God is using her there.
She's always home in a few weeks after all.
But then today...
It's a different country.
Another unstable part of the world.
It's for two YEARS.
I thought that I had let go. But I'm her mom.
God, thank You that she follows hard after You.
God, thank You that if I have to let her go, it's to You I'm releasing her.
God, help me to let go every time I want to take her back.
She was Yours first before she was ever ours.
I know how much You love her.
Take care of our baby girl.

Front and back porch views

Stormie

Stormie
Beautiful little one
So afraid that I wouldn't like your present...
Locked up in the bathroom until I opened it.
Stormie
Beautiful little one
Don't you know that your book
Crayon marks and all
Was a gift that shot like lightning straight from your heart
Into mine.
You know how much your teacher loves books...
But do you know how much your teacher LOVES you?
O, Stormie
Beautiful little one
Never fear
Never fear
I like your present
Forever
Always.