Look for the Rainbow

In April our themes at Sunshine Day School are "Under the Sea," the Bible story Noah, and that "April Showers bring May flowers."

Last year for the Spring bulletin board, I borrowed an idea from the former teacher and made a pot of gold at the end of the handprint rainbow with the words. "More precious than gold." 

This year, as I began to work on it, I had only the sky up, and the teacher across the way suggested making it like a beach. I loved that idea, and from it came the pretty waves, fluffy clouds, and words "written in the sand." I know seeing it will brighten my day as I come into work, and I hope the children and parents will vow it just as much.

In April our themes at Sunshine Day School are "Under the Sea," the Bible story Noah, and that "April Showers bring May flowers."

Last year for the Spring bulletin board, I borrowed an idea from the former teacher and made a pot of gold at the end of the handprint rainbow with the words. "More precious than gold." 

This year, as I began to work on it, I had only the sky up, and the teacher across the way suggested making it like a beach. I loved that idea, and from it came the pretty waves, fluffy clouds, and words "written in the sand." I know seeing it will brighten my day as I come into work, and I hope the children and parents will vow it just as much.

My favorite housewarming gift and spring cleaning smell

Yesterday, we spring cleaned this transitional apartment that we are calling home. It was MUCH needed for many reasons... Ansley and Patrick suffer from all kinds if allergies and with the unknown tenants before us combined with paint overs, we are certain that we are dealing with pet dander, remnants  of cigarette smokers, and mold/mildew... (Patrick can't build this house fast enough...ahem)

That said, we spent the better part of yesterday cleaning every inch of our small space, washing bedding and stuffed animals and cleaning bath toys. It was starting to smell amazing...until we made hamburgers... And even with the doors open and vents blowing, the smell would NOT got away...

I pulled out my secret weapon:

This is my favorite gift to bring to friends who are settling in a new home and my favorite neutralizing/purifying smell. I call it the Williams-Sonoma smell.

Here's the trick. Fill a pot with a shallow amount of water. Add 1 sliced lemon, 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, and 1-3 Tbsp of vanilla. ( I go a little heavy on the vanilla.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer. Add water as needed and enjoy for hours!

Yesterday, we spring cleaned this transitional apartment that we are calling home. It was MUCH needed for many reasons... Ansley and Patrick suffer from all kinds if allergies and with the unknown tenants before us combined with paint overs, we are certain that we are dealing with pet dander, remnants  of cigarette smokers, and mold/mildew... (Patrick can't build this house fast enough...ahem)

That said, we spent the better part of yesterday cleaning every inch of our small space, washing bedding and stuffed animals and cleaning bath toys. It was starting to smell amazing...until we made hamburgers... And even with the doors open and vents blowing, the smell would NOT got away...

I pulled out my secret weapon:

This is my favorite gift to bring to friends who are settling in a new home and my favorite neutralizing/purifying smell. I call it the Williams-Sonoma smell.

Here's the trick. Fill a pot with a shallow amount of water. Add 1 sliced lemon, 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, and 1-3 Tbsp of vanilla. ( I go a little heavy on the vanilla.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer. Add water as needed and enjoy for hours!

Food for the Soul

Last night I gathered around a dinner table with some of my favorite women in the world. We feasted on shrimp and grits, and the warmth and richness of the smoked gouda and juicy bacon set the tone of our monthly ritual.

I've been gathering with these women for years in this way, and our group is composed of girls who grew up playing softball and taking beach trips together, girls who married some of our favorite guy friends, sets of sisters, and newer friends and family we have assimilated along life's journeys.  

We meet under the pretense of rolling dice and winning prizes and yelling "Big Bunco," but many times we end up drawing names for our coveted prizes and laughing that we still call it Bunco.

These women are my soul sisters.

Around our dinner table just last night, we joked about old crushes on A.C. Slater and Jose Canseco, giggled like school girls while hearing about Jenny's budding romance, rejoiced in prayer over Leslie's Cancer-Free pathology report after her double mastectomy last month, laughed about tae kwon do classes our kids take, shared recipes, recapped 1st birthday parties, reminisced about American Girls, and shared opinions on paint and granite colors.

And that was just last night.

Over the years, these women have celebrated weddings, births of babies, new jobs, and small victories; they've mourned miscarriages, battles with infertility, heartbreak, and death; shown up at the hospital rooms of for heart transplants and new babies and everything in between; and prayed over each other's struggles with parenting, marriage, family, and life. During my most trying and celebratory times, these women have been my champions.

We've even created cookbooks for the basic element that brings us together: time around the table, a shared meal, an open invitation to come as you are and be fed. These recipes are my most cherished because they carry with me not only the taste, but the memories.

Last week I finished reading Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist, and it touched my soul. It made me crave community around the table and it made me celebrate the community that I have. Put it on your list.

Below are some pictures taken from our most recent cookbook, and of course they were all taken when I was pregnant... cue the puffy cheeks...and they capture the spirit of our group--at a wedding, at Halloween Bunco, and--of course--at White Trash Bunco. ;)

Last night I gathered around a dinner table with some of my favorite women in the world. We feasted on shrimp and grits, and the warmth and richness of the smoked gouda and juicy bacon set the tone of our monthly ritual.

I've been gathering with these women for years in this way, and our group is composed of girls who grew up playing softball and taking beach trips together, girls who married some of our favorite guy friends, sets of sisters, and newer friends and family we have assimilated along life's journeys.  

We meet under the pretense of rolling dice and winning prizes and yelling "Big Bunco," but many times we end up drawing names for our coveted prizes and laughing that we still call it Bunco.

These women are my soul sisters.

Around our dinner table just last night, we joked about old crushes on A.C. Slater and Jose Canseco, giggled like school girls while hearing about Jenny's budding romance, rejoiced in prayer over Leslie's Cancer-Free pathology report after her double mastectomy last month, laughed about tae kwon do classes our kids take, shared recipes, recapped 1st birthday parties, reminisced about American Girls, and shared opinions on paint and granite colors.

And that was just last night.

Over the years, these women have celebrated weddings, births of babies, new jobs, and small victories; they've mourned miscarriages, battles with infertility, heartbreak, and death; shown up at the hospital rooms of for heart transplants and new babies and everything in between; and prayed over each other's struggles with parenting, marriage, family, and life. During my most trying and celebratory times, these women have been my champions.

We've even created cookbooks for the basic element that brings us together: time around the table, a shared meal, an open invitation to come as you are and be fed. These recipes are my most cherished because they carry with me not only the taste, but the memories.

Last week I finished reading Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist, and it touched my soul. It made me crave community around the table and it made me celebrate the community that I have. Put it on your list.

Below are some pictures taken from our most recent cookbook, and of course they were all taken when I was pregnant... cue the puffy cheeks...and they capture the spirit of our group--at a wedding, at Halloween Bunco, and--of course--at White Trash Bunco. ;)

Reflections on a life well lived...

Little did I know...

Little did I know that when I freaked out that the predictable course that my life was taking--going to Harding, rooming with my best friends, even having a guy (or two) picked out as possible potential mates--might not be what I really wanted or needed, that God was about to lead me on my greatest journey...

Little did I know that when I begged my mom to take me to see Alabama and Auburn's campuses in February of my senior year, that not only would I really like both of them, but that the Holy Spirit would convict both my mom AND me through tears of wonder and peace at a Sunday night church service that Auburn would be my new home.

Little did I know that the next morning I would be sitting across the desk for the first of hundreds of times from a man who would be my strongest influence, mentor, teacher, truth speaker, encourager, friend, champion, spiritual brother, ministry partner, and beloved campus minister...

Little did I know that when my dad and I visited Auburn a month later and went to Tuesday night devo that I would be sitting at the feet of my most influential teacher, that I was listening to a man who would teach me more about Jesus than I would ever dream possible.

Little did I know that when I got home from class one day, that a voicemail from Jim would change my course in the profound way it did, "Kristy, this is Jim. Is there any way that you can meet me right now at the Student Center. Someone called me and asked me to give them several names of candidates to interview for a youth ministry internship. I gave them one. Yours. Please call me, okay. God is pursuing you."

Little did I know that the summer adventure that I had never even dreamed of would introduce me to my best friend who would become my future husband, that it would awaken a desire in me to go into full time ministry, that it would change my life's goals and dreams.

Little did I know that when my world came crashing down from my experience in ministry in so many ways, when I had lost hope and trust in elders, the church, ministers, men, and was questioning if I ever could entrust my heart to a man in marriage, that his words would be the ones that healed me, and his words confirmed what I wanted so badly to believe. "Kristy, you have to know that Patrick's heart is good. He is kind, and he loves God. He chose you. You can trust him with your heart."

Little did I know that Patrick and I would quote his words from our premarital counseling almost weekly in our household and that his and Mary's instant love for and adoption of Patrick into our Auburn family would impact Patrick as profoundly as it has.

Little did I know that when he called me years later, that his gentle breaking of bad news would help me have closure and forgiveness and hope.

Little did I know that when Patrick and I went through the most difficult time in our marriage, that my husband would lead us to Jim for counsel, and that once again, his gentle and firm truth would affirm us and confirm us and reset us.

Little did I know that even after years of leaving Auburn, the consistency of he and Mary checking in on Facebook to "like" and acknowledge me and my family would mean so much to me.

Little did I know that I would be mourning his earthly loss this week.

Little did I know that I could experience the heartbreak I feel over his death at the same time that my soul rejoices over this good and faithful servant achieving his ultimate goal.

I would not be who I am today without Jim Brinkerhoff. I would not have dreamed the dreams I have dreamed. I would not have seen people like I do. I would not have been courageous and taken risks in the way that I have. I would not have known how much God was pursuing me. I would not have gone deeper. I would not have worshipped as wholeheartedly. I would not have known how to study the Bible with the lost. I would not have understood the Holy Spirit. I would not have as high of expectations of Heaven. I would not have gone to Auburn. I would not have met Patrick.

I am one of thousands who feel this way. Jim, introverted and quirky as he was, opened himself up to invite his college students into his family. I am forever grateful.

His legacy is eternal.

Last night, after sharing many tears and memories and lessons, Patrick and I fell asleep listening to one of Jim's sermons on Heaven. I can't think of anyone more excited to be with God, and I can only imagine how proud God was to welcome Jim home. Well done, good and faithful servant.

I will miss him every day, but I will remember him.

"Marriage is hard work."

"God is pursuing your heart relentlessly."

"I take joy..."

"When you make your choice based on your prayers and your convictions and your desire to be in the center of the will of God, God will bless that choice. Take courage, my friend."

"All you can do is be at peace as far as you are concerned."

"Welcome to ministry."

"We are heirs of the father. We are joint heirs of the Son. We are children of the Kindgom. We are family. We are one."

“There is one place I want to see that can be more than you can ever imagine. God purposely invites us to imagine what heaven can be like. We can only desire what we can imagine. God graciously gives us glimpses into heaven through the scripture….through valid references and concepts and clues….like gardens and cities and resurrected bodies and a new heaven and a new earth. How we will have new and energized responsibilities so tailor made and will resonate with you personally when we get there. All of our views of heaven are incorrect because none of them are good enough………………….God gives us glimpses of heaven because He doesn’t want you or me to settle for this fallen world. Our identity is not determined by our history but by our destiny. I wanted to do this series on heaven for my parents. This next year both of my parents will reach the wondrous age of 80 years old. We are reminded we are on the last stages of our journey – and the destination becomes a lot more important to us. I wanted to do this for them and give them hope. But also for you. This is a road that is paved only by grace. Stop bringing your efforts as you approach the end of your journey. You must embrace in your desperation, and there you will find your joy, that is only through Jesus.” Jim Brinkerhoff, "Imagine", October 2, 2011


http://auburnchurch.org/2011/10/03/imagine/

Little did I know...

Little did I know that when I freaked out that the predictable course that my life was taking--going to Harding, rooming with my best friends, even having a guy (or two) picked out as possible potential mates--might not be what I really wanted or needed, that God was about to lead me on my greatest journey...

Little did I know that when I begged my mom to take me to see Alabama and Auburn's campuses in February of my senior year, that not only would I really like both of them, but that the Holy Spirit would convict both my mom AND me through tears of wonder and peace at a Sunday night church service that Auburn would be my new home.

Little did I know that the next morning I would be sitting across the desk for the first of hundreds of times from a man who would be my strongest influence, mentor, teacher, truth speaker, encourager, friend, champion, spiritual brother, ministry partner, and beloved campus minister...

Little did I know that when my dad and I visited Auburn a month later and went to Tuesday night devo that I would be sitting at the feet of my most influential teacher, that I was listening to a man who would teach me more about Jesus than I would ever dream possible.

Little did I know that when I got home from class one day, that a voicemail from Jim would change my course in the profound way it did, "Kristy, this is Jim. Is there any way that you can meet me right now at the Student Center. Someone called me and asked me to give them several names of candidates to interview for a youth ministry internship. I gave them one. Yours. Please call me, okay. God is pursuing you."

Little did I know that the summer adventure that I had never even dreamed of would introduce me to my best friend who would become my future husband, that it would awaken a desire in me to go into full time ministry, that it would change my life's goals and dreams.

Little did I know that when my world came crashing down from my experience in ministry in so many ways, when I had lost hope and trust in elders, the church, ministers, men, and was questioning if I ever could entrust my heart to a man in marriage, that his words would be the ones that healed me, and his words confirmed what I wanted so badly to believe. "Kristy, you have to know that Patrick's heart is good. He is kind, and he loves God. He chose you. You can trust him with your heart."

Little did I know that Patrick and I would quote his words from our premarital counseling almost weekly in our household and that his and Mary's instant love for and adoption of Patrick into our Auburn family would impact Patrick as profoundly as it has.

Little did I know that when he called me years later, that his gentle breaking of bad news would help me have closure and forgiveness and hope.

Little did I know that when Patrick and I went through the most difficult time in our marriage, that my husband would lead us to Jim for counsel, and that once again, his gentle and firm truth would affirm us and confirm us and reset us.

Little did I know that even after years of leaving Auburn, the consistency of he and Mary checking in on Facebook to "like" and acknowledge me and my family would mean so much to me.

Little did I know that I would be mourning his earthly loss this week.

Little did I know that I could experience the heartbreak I feel over his death at the same time that my soul rejoices over this good and faithful servant achieving his ultimate goal.

I would not be who I am today without Jim Brinkerhoff. I would not have dreamed the dreams I have dreamed. I would not have seen people like I do. I would not have been courageous and taken risks in the way that I have. I would not have known how much God was pursuing me. I would not have gone deeper. I would not have worshipped as wholeheartedly. I would not have known how to study the Bible with the lost. I would not have understood the Holy Spirit. I would not have as high of expectations of Heaven. I would not have gone to Auburn. I would not have met Patrick.

I am one of thousands who feel this way. Jim, introverted and quirky as he was, opened himself up to invite his college students into his family. I am forever grateful.

His legacy is eternal.

Last night, after sharing many tears and memories and lessons, Patrick and I fell asleep listening to one of Jim's sermons on Heaven. I can't think of anyone more excited to be with God, and I can only imagine how proud God was to welcome Jim home. Well done, good and faithful servant.

I will miss him every day, but I will remember him.

"Marriage is hard work."

"God is pursuing your heart relentlessly."

"I take joy..."

"When you make your choice based on your prayers and your convictions and your desire to be in the center of the will of God, God will bless that choice. Take courage, my friend."

"All you can do is be at peace as far as you are concerned."

"Welcome to ministry."

"We are heirs of the father. We are joint heirs of the Son. We are children of the Kindgom. We are family. We are one."

“There is one place I want to see that can be more than you can ever imagine. God purposely invites us to imagine what heaven can be like. We can only desire what we can imagine. God graciously gives us glimpses into heaven through the scripture….through valid references and concepts and clues….like gardens and cities and resurrected bodies and a new heaven and a new earth. How we will have new and energized responsibilities so tailor made and will resonate with you personally when we get there. All of our views of heaven are incorrect because none of them are good enough………………….God gives us glimpses of heaven because He doesn’t want you or me to settle for this fallen world. Our identity is not determined by our history but by our destiny. I wanted to do this series on heaven for my parents. This next year both of my parents will reach the wondrous age of 80 years old. We are reminded we are on the last stages of our journey – and the destination becomes a lot more important to us. I wanted to do this for them and give them hope. But also for you. This is a road that is paved only by grace. Stop bringing your efforts as you approach the end of your journey. You must embrace in your desperation, and there you will find your joy, that is only through Jesus.” Jim Brinkerhoff, "Imagine", October 2, 2011


http://auburnchurch.org/2011/10/03/imagine/

The Mom who said "No" to EVERYTHING

Oh my goodness, has this been me lately.

The other morning by 9 a.m. I had this pit in my stomach as I realized that I had already said "no" more times than I could count.

"Can we play with play-doh?" 

"No."

"Can we get out our dress up trunk?"

"No."

"Can we paint?"

"No."

"Can we have some gum?"

"What!?! Uh...no!"

With our house on the market and 31 showings under our belt, I am exhausted with keeping the house "Show Ready" with my 3 and 5 year olds under foot. Getting things out like paint and play-doh and Legos and puzzles make me crazy because I never know when the phone is going to ring...

It got the point where I felt like I had preprogrammed myself to say no just for the sake of saying no. Oh, I was being "that mom." Gag...

It's certainly not fair to my little girls to hear "no" over such unnecessary things... Since they hear it plenty with the non-negotiables... 

So I decided I better change my tune...

"Mom, can we play your guitars???"

"Yes! I can't wait to hear your songs!"

"Mom, can we stomp through the creek?"

"That sounds fun, my nature girls!"

"Mom, can we play dress up?"

"Yes, lovely princesses."

"Mom, can we puh-leeeeease paint?"

"Yes, you creative artists!"

"Mom, can we learn about the pilgrims and Indians and do Thanksgiving crafts?"

Er... That might have been my idea... ;) but aren't they cute!?!

But seriously, saying "yes" has made our days fuller and richer. I have taken pleasure in their good pleasure.

It made me think about how God views us... And how He lavishes in our God-honoring good pleasure... And how He loves to say "yes" to us so that we may have life and have it to the full...

I'm going to try to do better about making my "no-s" mean something... And my "yes-es" more fruitful...

Oh my goodness, has this been me lately.

The other morning by 9 a.m. I had this pit in my stomach as I realized that I had already said "no" more times than I could count.

"Can we play with play-doh?" 

"No."

"Can we get out our dress up trunk?"

"No."

"Can we paint?"

"No."

"Can we have some gum?"

"What!?! Uh...no!"

With our house on the market and 31 showings under our belt, I am exhausted with keeping the house "Show Ready" with my 3 and 5 year olds under foot. Getting things out like paint and play-doh and Legos and puzzles make me crazy because I never know when the phone is going to ring...

It got the point where I felt like I had preprogrammed myself to say no just for the sake of saying no. Oh, I was being "that mom." Gag...

It's certainly not fair to my little girls to hear "no" over such unnecessary things... Since they hear it plenty with the non-negotiables... 

So I decided I better change my tune...

"Mom, can we play your guitars???"

"Yes! I can't wait to hear your songs!"

"Mom, can we stomp through the creek?"

"That sounds fun, my nature girls!"

"Mom, can we play dress up?"

"Yes, lovely princesses."

"Mom, can we puh-leeeeease paint?"

"Yes, you creative artists!"

"Mom, can we learn about the pilgrims and Indians and do Thanksgiving crafts?"

Er... That might have been my idea... ;) but aren't they cute!?!

But seriously, saying "yes" has made our days fuller and richer. I have taken pleasure in their good pleasure.

It made me think about how God views us... And how He lavishes in our God-honoring good pleasure... And how He loves to say "yes" to us so that we may have life and have it to the full...

I'm going to try to do better about making my "no-s" mean something... And my "yes-es" more fruitful...

Our escape

In learning about myself, I have discovered that I withdraw when I feel things closing in on me... 

And I like to run...away.

October, usually my favorite month of the year, was just a rough one for me. I struggled physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I felt like I was drowning in a dark abyss, and my hopes were dashed, and my dreams crushed. These feelings used to be alien to me, but over the last year in a half, they have crept in with cycles. The end of October brought everything to a head, and I was desperate.

November washed in with good news and renewed hope, and my sweet sweet husband knew that if I was going to run, that he and the girls should run with me. So he swept us away, and whisked us in the middle of the night to my happy place. Oh, how I love him.

This sight greeted me on my first morning out on the balcony.

And with it, this verse resonated in my soul... "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and The Lord will protect you from behind." ~Isaiah 58:8

There's nothing like a change of scenery to bring you out of yourself and into the heart of your creator. At home, my spiritual disciplines had left empty coffers, my spirit dulled, but this morning, the Lord opened me up to hear and feel and be filled with Him.

And I returned to my favorite of the Lamentations...

21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

My girls joined me on the balcony for some quiet time as well...

while Patrick went to Publix for some groceries. We ate our breakfast of champions, brown sugar Pop Tarts, and then headed out to the beach...

This was our family's first voyage to Orange Beach, and we loved it. We have always been Destin/Seaside/30A people, so this uncharted territory made our adventure even more healing. A college ChiO girlfriend gave me lots of recommendations for food and fun, and we set our course with no agenda except for healing and bonding.

The girls amassed a seashell collection unlike any I have ever seen. They made seashell soup, "under the sea" Birthday cakes, and they adorned their sea sand creatures (in lieu of castles) with seashells.

We swam in a heated pool for hours...

And we dressed for dinner and sunsets...

and Breathtaking views...

The first night we tried a restaurant called Fisher's at the Marina. The ambiance was fun and relaxed and the food delicious. We even ran into another Auburn friend there whose husband was the general manager of the restaurant. I enjoyed Shrimp and Grits while listening to good music and watching Auburn roll over Arkansas.

The next morning was the first day of Daylight Savings time, and my big girl woke me up at 5:30. Groggy as I was, I am so thankful that I managed to capture this image before I sent her back to bed.

After we woke up and had some breakfast, Addison and I escaped out to the balcony. I did not know that Patrick took this picture, but I am so glad he did. My big girl and I are kindred spirits in so many ways, and this captures a unique aspect of our relationship. I think I will cherish it for years to come...

Little sister is never one to be left out on any action, so she soon joined us as well...

Then we went back to play on God's most beautiful playground. I loved that this was my view for much of the morning.

It was a little bit chillier on this day, so Patrick dug them sand holes to play in.

I went for a walk with my girls...

And enjoyed a day with my three favorite people in the world...

These three kept burying each other in the sand and making "sand blankets."

We trekked a little bit down the beach to eat lunch at "The Gulf." The atmosphere was so relaxing. We could have stayed there all day long. Patrick and I both got grouper sandwiches and sea salt fries here, and our simultaneous moans as we devoured each bite had our girls giggling.

After lunch, we reclined in this comfy spot and watched our girls play.

Then we headed back to the beach until sunset.

That night we got ready for dinner again...

And went to Cosmo's. Patrick and I shared a Savory appetizer: cheesecake with blackened fish and shrimp; I ordered blackened mahi mahi with parmesan risotto, and Patrick got a shrimp po-boy. It was delicious as well!

The best part of the whole night though was when the Auburn Women's Soccer team walked into the restaurant. At Patrick's urging, I mustered up enough gumption to start approaching them with my big soccer girl who was mesmerized by them. Thankfully, the coach saw our advance, intercepted us, and organized these athletes around us for a picture. They were super sweet to Addy-belle, and they told her to keep practicing her soccer skills so she could play soccer at Auburn too. It is all she has talked about since.

Our last day at the beach was overcast, but my girls still insisted on their sunglasses. I love these shots of them as such sweet sisters...

We got every ounce of playing out of our systems that we could and enjoyed another family walk on the beach.

That afternoon, we showered and packed up and stopped for lunch at Bravos Tacos for our last seafood--we got fish and shrimp tacos, and made the trek home.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to run. I am so thankful for the healing power of the salt water and sand. I am so thankful for new perspectives and fresh mercies. It is hard to come home and keep the worries and fears and pains from seeping back in, but thankfully I can bring these images to mind, reread those verses, and feel the peace I felt so clearly.

In learning about myself, I have discovered that I withdraw when I feel things closing in on me... 

And I like to run...away.

October, usually my favorite month of the year, was just a rough one for me. I struggled physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I felt like I was drowning in a dark abyss, and my hopes were dashed, and my dreams crushed. These feelings used to be alien to me, but over the last year in a half, they have crept in with cycles. The end of October brought everything to a head, and I was desperate.

November washed in with good news and renewed hope, and my sweet sweet husband knew that if I was going to run, that he and the girls should run with me. So he swept us away, and whisked us in the middle of the night to my happy place. Oh, how I love him.

This sight greeted me on my first morning out on the balcony.

And with it, this verse resonated in my soul... "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and The Lord will protect you from behind." ~Isaiah 58:8

There's nothing like a change of scenery to bring you out of yourself and into the heart of your creator. At home, my spiritual disciplines had left empty coffers, my spirit dulled, but this morning, the Lord opened me up to hear and feel and be filled with Him.

And I returned to my favorite of the Lamentations...

21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

My girls joined me on the balcony for some quiet time as well...

while Patrick went to Publix for some groceries. We ate our breakfast of champions, brown sugar Pop Tarts, and then headed out to the beach...

This was our family's first voyage to Orange Beach, and we loved it. We have always been Destin/Seaside/30A people, so this uncharted territory made our adventure even more healing. A college ChiO girlfriend gave me lots of recommendations for food and fun, and we set our course with no agenda except for healing and bonding.

The girls amassed a seashell collection unlike any I have ever seen. They made seashell soup, "under the sea" Birthday cakes, and they adorned their sea sand creatures (in lieu of castles) with seashells.

We swam in a heated pool for hours...

And we dressed for dinner and sunsets...

and Breathtaking views...

The first night we tried a restaurant called Fisher's at the Marina. The ambiance was fun and relaxed and the food delicious. We even ran into another Auburn friend there whose husband was the general manager of the restaurant. I enjoyed Shrimp and Grits while listening to good music and watching Auburn roll over Arkansas.

The next morning was the first day of Daylight Savings time, and my big girl woke me up at 5:30. Groggy as I was, I am so thankful that I managed to capture this image before I sent her back to bed.

After we woke up and had some breakfast, Addison and I escaped out to the balcony. I did not know that Patrick took this picture, but I am so glad he did. My big girl and I are kindred spirits in so many ways, and this captures a unique aspect of our relationship. I think I will cherish it for years to come...

Little sister is never one to be left out on any action, so she soon joined us as well...

Then we went back to play on God's most beautiful playground. I loved that this was my view for much of the morning.

It was a little bit chillier on this day, so Patrick dug them sand holes to play in.

I went for a walk with my girls...

And enjoyed a day with my three favorite people in the world...

These three kept burying each other in the sand and making "sand blankets."

We trekked a little bit down the beach to eat lunch at "The Gulf." The atmosphere was so relaxing. We could have stayed there all day long. Patrick and I both got grouper sandwiches and sea salt fries here, and our simultaneous moans as we devoured each bite had our girls giggling.

After lunch, we reclined in this comfy spot and watched our girls play.

Then we headed back to the beach until sunset.

That night we got ready for dinner again...

And went to Cosmo's. Patrick and I shared a Savory appetizer: cheesecake with blackened fish and shrimp; I ordered blackened mahi mahi with parmesan risotto, and Patrick got a shrimp po-boy. It was delicious as well!

The best part of the whole night though was when the Auburn Women's Soccer team walked into the restaurant. At Patrick's urging, I mustered up enough gumption to start approaching them with my big soccer girl who was mesmerized by them. Thankfully, the coach saw our advance, intercepted us, and organized these athletes around us for a picture. They were super sweet to Addy-belle, and they told her to keep practicing her soccer skills so she could play soccer at Auburn too. It is all she has talked about since.

Our last day at the beach was overcast, but my girls still insisted on their sunglasses. I love these shots of them as such sweet sisters...

We got every ounce of playing out of our systems that we could and enjoyed another family walk on the beach.

That afternoon, we showered and packed up and stopped for lunch at Bravos Tacos for our last seafood--we got fish and shrimp tacos, and made the trek home.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to run. I am so thankful for the healing power of the salt water and sand. I am so thankful for new perspectives and fresh mercies. It is hard to come home and keep the worries and fears and pains from seeping back in, but thankfully I can bring these images to mind, reread those verses, and feel the peace I felt so clearly.