Hello World!

It is the end of summer and the beginning of a new chapter in my life!

Have you ever felt like the foundation of your life is rumbling, as though any moment something truly transformational can happen? And you just don't want to miss it! That is where I am at these days.

Its how I have approached many key moments in my life, not wanting to miss the really important stuff. To stop and see it and really appreciate it, and make the most of it. And then to be ready to embrace the next big thing.

I can remember many times even as a young child taking snapshots of moments in time in my mind, knowing these were pure gold and not wanting to ever forget them.

I remember a tea party with my mom on the back porch, I was around 4... she was quite pregnant for my little sister, and she sat down to a table I had set with a tiny porcelain tea set filled with tap water. So patient, she always made me feel ever valued and loved, and my roots grew deep and strong. Oh how I loved her!

I remember a time when I was around 7 sitting on a swing in my backyard looking at the starry sky and knowing God was watching down and had a plan and purpose that I was part of. The future was as big as that starry sky, and it was a beautiful, exciting mystery, and I can honestly say I was not the least bit afraid.

I remember that moment just before I walked down the aisle to be married, holding the arm of my father who I adored, and looking ahead to the man I knew was going to be my partner and best friend for life.
I had no fear, for I had loving parents behind me and a truly good man and good life before me.

I remember the night my sons were born, those precious and fleeting moments when you hold them alone in the hospital and begin their journey. I talked to them and told them how much their daddy and I love them. I thanked God over and over for them. And I prayed God's blessing for them, and even prayed for their future wives who probably weren't born yet, but I really wanted joy and the love of solid families for them too.

So my sons are now in high school and college. And I love them more than ever. My husband and I often talk with a tear in our eyes of how blessed we are with these boys. And as we grow older, we continue to treasure each golden moment of our lives, and look forward to what is next.

There have been many other moments, filled with challenge, fear, disappointment, failure and discouragement. But there is a faithful voice that whispers to me that somehow this does not have to end in defeat. I can learn from even the most difficult moments. I can face them with courage. I can ask for help. And in those really painful times, I can rest and just take it one breath at a time, and know that even in this, God is in control. He sees it all, while I can't see the big picture, He does, and He loves us. I can lay my troubles at His feet and trust Him, simply trust Him.

So I begin this blog as I look toward the future, ever seeking "Higher Ground". The horizon looks bright, and hope flows eternal. God has given me so many good people. My husband Troy, such a man of integrity and my best friend. My boys, Shane and Jake, who bless me every day as they are stepping towards the precipice of their own bright futures. My parents and my inlaws, who continue to live life to the full while continuing to reach out a helping hand to anyone who needs it. My siblings Doug, Susan, Kevin, Stacey and David. They are the best brothers and sisters on the planet. My dear friends... who are on this journey with me. And most of all, my Lord... from everlasting to everlasting, who formed me and holds me safely in His hand. Life is truly a good and precious gift.