Yoked equally with the Lord

As I was kneeling in morning prayer, I was thinking about the last week, the last month, the last few months, and marveling at the the amount of change in that time.  I have been on and off not writing in this blog because I have been having a lot of negative emotions.  I have been having a difficult time finding purpose right now.  There are some days I feel like I just go through the motions of life - make breakfast, take care of patients, take care of kids, homework, bed.  I don't feel like my heart is in it.  As I was reviewing the past several months in my mind I realized how much truly has changed. I am more comfortable in my surroundings, we have come to find a new routine (some of our favorite friends and activities still seem to be missing from that routine), but I am finding more balance and peace.  I have yet to understand why we needed to move and that is frustrating to me.

I have always looked on trials as a way to grow, but I know I've not really had any significant trials.  I feel like this is one and I wonder if I am responding as well as I had wished to the growing opportunities.  I feel like I am trying my hardest to do my best even though I'm not sure of the hows and whys, and in the moment I was thinking of doing my best - I realized why I am so frustrated... because I am focused on doing MY best, I haven't thought to yoke myself equally with the Lord.  I am a stubborn oxen pulling as hard as I can to lift/move a load that is frankly just too big for me.  I need a strong oxen next to me to pull much more than I could and basically to lead in the direction I need to go.


I still need to pull (I don't want to be drug along the trail mind you) but I need to let go of the control freak side and let my heart open so I can allow the Savior's grace and power to make all my efforts stronger.  At this time of year as we focus on Christ it is grand to think of all he has done, is doing and will do for us.  I feel his love as we study, but frankly it is much easier for me to think about his love than allow him to actually take the reins and lead and guide.  I like to think of the peace and comfort he gives, but somehow I still want to do things my way and pull my own load.  So I know I won't be perfect, but I am going to try to allow the Lord to be equally yoked today - I will try to listen to the still small voice and not do things my way but his way ... just for today.

   

Learning

Fall at the nearby lake - so serene

Isn't it funny how you think you've learned a concept or life lesson and somehow there is always another facet or greater understanding.  I've been reminded this week of the importance of a balance in mind, body and spirit.

Boo!!

I know you good people that get up and work out every morning probably already fully understand this but frankly - I want to sleep in sit and read I don't want to get up and sometimes well I just don't, but this week I have been dedicated to starting my day with spiritual strength through the scriptures, physical strength through yoga and and intellectual strength through ongoing studying and my day has frankly been absolute chaos.  I couldn't have had a worse week at work - got home late twice - was running an hour behind, complex cases and through it all - my week has been absolutely wonderful.  Despite these challenges the strength I have had through my commitment to my mind, body and spirit has carried me through.  I think our heavenly father knew I would need extra fortitude when the holy ghost whispered to my little mind sunday night - get back to work on your strength, because without it this week would have been a curled up Nisha crying on the floor.  I am thankful for a gentle reminder that when we put first things first all else falls into place.

On a side note I would really like to hear from some of you so if you have thoughts or comments please post - I am starting to feel a little marooned out here without any family and still not a lot of close friends.  Facebook and instagram are fun to peruse but they are o generalized and out there for everyone this feels more like a nice chat amongst friends.

Also I am trying to post regularly but still not that great so follow me if you want alerts that there is something new

Love ya all

Fun to watch the cranberry harvest

Nisha

Updates

So... it's been a while since I have blogged.  Several reasons for that. With the start of school the kids have been more busy and there is a lot more busy work out here - they come home with a lot of homework (personally some I find to be fairly pointless) but all the same a lot of work for them is a lot of reminding and checking off for me.  Also I was... okay I'll say it... a little disenchanted with my situation and homesick.  I was having a hard time moving forward and needed to right myself and fix my balance before posting.  Also I didn't really have any cool pictures to post.

Now I have new material and new pictures.  The kids are in full swing at school.  Adderly has made quite a few friends and one she has been hanging out with quite a bit.  She is in the school play and seems to be enjoying herself.  Kyler seems to be struggling a bit with friends at school, but I'm never sure as he doesn't tell me a lot.  He recently got a phone that can text and as I review it weekly per our agreement to learn texting etiquette, I have found a few friends he really hasn't told me about so that gives me hope he's branching out.  McKye sweet guy is friends with everyone.  He loves school, he loves all the new people he has met and is quite the little leader.  He is "the teacher" on the playground, he helps kids learn tricks on the bars and then rewards them for their best behavior.  He keeps me laughing with all the "unique" ideas he has.  

I have really settled into work.  Have a few families I would call my own and can wave and smile when they come in.  We've now met 3 parents in the area so at least feel a slight connection to our lakeville residence.  

My sister came out to visit and we had SO MUCH FUN.  We went to Salem - ON... halloween!!  It was like one giant costume party and we were the stars.  I'm not sure if it was that our costumes were really that amazing or that the size of our group made us impressive, but we were literally stopped at least every block to have our pictures taken - we may even be on the web or Facebook with the number of shots we had taken.  While Salem was a blast, it was just nice to sit and talk, and spend time with my little sis.  

We are settling into fall and I can't believe how quickly I have come to understand why so many people here say that fall is their favorite season.  I have never seen anything so beautiful.  The trees are in full color, and as almost every street is tree lined it's like enjoying a sunset at every turn.  Also the air is so clean and fresh there is a crispness that seems to speak of hopes and dreams and new things to come.  

As we were in Salem there are a few places that talk about "the old beliefs" How their religion cycled around the seasons, and this is the season of the harvest.  Not only a time to collect what you have sown, but to plan for the future.  A time to reflect on the past, realizing that as some doors close a vast number of doors open.  

I have always loved Spring for the rebirth of the world from plants to animals to the resurrection, but fall has taken on new meaning.  Not just that things end, but they more so go through a time of waiting or hibernation, this season speaks of a time of reflection and gratitude.  Even Thanksgiving has new meaning when I think of a season of reflection and work - getting everything ready for the winter storms, making sure all is prepared so that with spring there will be a renewal.  That preparation and cycling of the seasons fits so in tune with the gospel as we learn and grow, take time to reflect - go through the storms of life and if we have prepared we can be reborn again with a stronger knowledge of eternal truths.  I can't quite put my feelings into words, but I feel encompassed about in the arms of love as I watch the sun filter between the falling crimson leaves and look forward to the next season of life.  

While reflecting on life's seasons, I have found myself thinking about my friends and family in Utah. Ways that I can continue to stay in touch.  Obviously this blog is one and I have repented of my ways for now and am determined to write steadily (at least for a little while hee hee).  I am so grateful for the conversations I had in my office with my nurses, the friendship we shared, all they taught me about life and how we treat others.  I am thankful for my patients that loved me even with my human frailties.  I am thankful for the neighborhood friends we had, the fun times in our backyard and the familiar faces of my children's friends.  I am thankful for my family.  We siblings are so different from each other, but I love the unique nature of each one.  

May this season reach each of your hearts as you reflect on the past and make plans for the future.

Fresh starts and self discovery

With school starting things have settled more into a routine but we also aren't doing as many activities so I don't have many pictures to post so might only write every 2 weeks or every other one with pictures.
So as I was doing yoga this morning it gave me a chance to quiet my mind and go over the last few weeks.  School is going good, the kids have met some friends but it is quite different.  They aren't used to so many people cussing, or the fact that all sports are played on sundays but it opens the door for a lot of conversation regarding the uniqueness of each individual as well as the choices we make - if we are going to be our best self that day or go along with a crowd.
The most fascinating part to a fresh start is not all the new things around you but what you discover inside.  I'm often pulled back to the fact that we need to have balance in our lives.  So often I find when something is off, it isn't vastly off but ever so slightly out of balance, from diet, to activities, sleep, thoughts; it amazes me.
So as I was lying thinking I had to be thankful for my husband and children and I realized I am shifting a little too much towards the serious aspect of my personality and missing out on the laughing for no reason and just being silly part.
As the kids have started school and we have had conversations regarding who they are, what they believe, its been fascinating to watch their little personalities unfold.  We are all so complex for every "trait" or word we or others use to describe us their are 5 more that could be used.  I let my mind roll over the aspects of all the personalities in my family and realized how wonderfully we balance each other out.  Sometimes I get frustrated that Stuart isn't taking life seriously enough- after all we are in a war mentally and emotionally not unlike that of the 2000 stripling warriors, but as I lie going over his personality I realized how his free spirit balances my often too serious nature and how I can put a little reality into his child like fun to make sure we are having fun while at the same time learning a lesson.
So for this week I want to find a different "word" or "trait" each day for my family members - open myself to a broader view of what they each bring to my family as well as what I can bring.  With my own traits I want to make sure I am maintaining balance, to step back and laugh at myself a little if I am being too serious, to move a little if I am being a little too relaxed - to find that balance where I am all of me, not just a part of me.  What balance will you find this week?

End of summer fun

Well here we are at the end of summer.  So much fun and interesting experiences this season.  We're going to get one last beach day in this week and we had a nice time at plimoth plantation with the kids.  

Kyler and Stuart hadn't been yet, so it was fun to take the whole family.  We were so inspired by the Wampanog Indian site that we decided to make some canoes' ourselves.  We hollowed them out in Wampanog fashion with fire, then chisel then more fire.  

We're going to miss the warm summer nights at the baseball fields, but we've been enjoying the change of weather as it has gotten cooler, the frogs have been out more and the kids are catching a few each day.  We also caught a cool caterpillar with some awesome mimicry - what appears to be snake eyes to scare away other insects.  Now he's in his chrysalis and we'll see if he comes out this year or next.  

We loved our summer outings, from home to Maine: beaches, baseball, bugs, swimming, hanging with family and day trips.  

We're excited for school to start back.  The kids have been to tour the middle school, McKye had back to school night.  Kyler is missing Tanner quite a bit, but I'm hoping he'll make friends as he starts his classes.  He's been having a good time with the boys in Young Mens so hopefully he'll make some closer to home as well.  

Addie is missing Emily and Payton, but she too has enjoyed starting Young Women's, and has been making friends.  She's super excited to start middle school so she can get into drama and arts.  She's also quite the little baker.  She's been fattening me up with all her treats and snacks, they taste as good as they look, and she loves to decorate them all fancy like.  

A Great Week

Glass blowing pictures perfect for this post.  Talk about
potential.  clear glass puddle turned to useful colorful
piece through a master's hands.

So, this post will be late because I have to load photos and with family time, don't have time tonight so will do so tomorrow.  The writing will be tonight.  I have to say I am starting to love my blog.  I wish I were more faithful about daily journal writing, but feeling like maybe my family and friends want updates gives me the incentive to at least keep up this weekly writing and even if I find that not a soul has read this, I feel like it is my spiritual journal, a way for me to rededicate myself each week, and by re reading it, remind myself of what I find important, and also kind of map my progress.  At times I feel like oh my goodness when am I going to learn patience.  When am I going to be a better wife, a better mother.  Because others might read this, I feel like I am putting my best self out there.  Not a fake self, but my best- when I read it, it reminds me of my own worth (in a humble way) and makes me want others to feel the same way.

So any who.  This week was awesome - it's not always wonderful to have few friends especially when your a budding teen, but it does make for a lot of family time.  We went to the mudflats - yep just what you might picture, an endless area of mud in which you dig for clams, clam worms (totally gross), moon snails (my favorite - google them they are soooo cool), crabs and other small creatures.  Unfortunately I was so transfixed with our finds, I totally forgot to take pictures (duh!!)  We went to the temple as a family - minus sweet McKye.  Doing baptisms with my kids was such a sweet experience.  The temple here is very small, so the ordinance workers basically go wherever the people are, so we had some sweet workers come to help us.  It's so awesome to see the way the spirit transforms you.  You could tell a difference before and after in the mood, patience level and love.  The hour drive home was calm and peaceful and just well different than the hour ride to the temple.  I think Kyler even commented on how the ride went so much more quickly going home than going to the temple, I think the spirit makes all the difference.
We then went to a primary activity with McKye and went on a nature walk where we found the coolest caterpillar.  We're going to see if he'll make a chrysalis and hatch into his beautiful butterfly.  Church was great today - even the ride home, it got a little rocky when we hit some traffic, but we watched a mormon message and the kids settled back down.  I think most of all, I was determined to have an awesome week and with an attitude of awesome, I didn't let the little things stand in my way.  There were still some ups and downs, but I focused on the ups and didn't let the downs get me down.

So no deep wondrous thoughts, just happy thoughts for today
Over and out
Nisha

Faith

I was looking for photos to post on the blog and this one caught my eye.  One because I can't believe how big Addie is getting, but two because the vastness of the ocean is just so amazing. 

 Something about the stars at night, the ocean depths, and the grandeur of the mountain peaks; while making you feel small, they also speak to the heart of our eternal potential.  At church yesterday the question was posed: what is the worth of a human soul?  

I was thinking it is greater than, it is more than.  The profound answer given from the heart of the lesson:

The worth of a human soul is it's capacity to become like god.  

Kyler gave a talk in Sacrament meeting on how repentance brings us closer to Christ, and he started his talk with the meaning of faith - for his talk faith being trust more specifically trust in Jesus Christ.  Trust that he loves us, wants what is best for us, and of course in the venue of repentance: that he will forgive us.

As I was thinking about this definition of faith - Trust in.  I wondered if I was living a life that gave other's trust in me.  Can my children trust me that I have their best interests at heart, do they really truly know that.  Do they know they are loved unconditionally and when they desire to make a change along the roads of progress, do they know I will quickly forgive them and do all in my power to help with that change.  

Well I certainly hope they know, but by asking the question I wanted to make sure the answer was one I wanted.  So this week I am going to show and tell my children about their infinite worth.  As vast as the ocean, the sky at night, and the mountain peaks, is the potential I believe they have - that every human soul has, but as they are in my care, I'm going to focus on them.  That doesn't mean I will give them everything they want, but I will Love them without boundary and I will make a greater effort to make sure they understand the limitless love I have, that they may more easily feel the love their savior has for them.  As I work within the walls of my home, I will then extend this to my coworkers, my patients, those I meet on the street, my ward members - so that each person I meet has a glimpse of the worth of a human soul by the way I treat them.  Those that are in a place to trust me, can put that trust in me; fully knowing I will serve them in whatever capacity I am able.

So this week, What do you think is the worth of a human soul, who puts their trust in you and what do you plan on doing with that trust?

Full senses

Well what a wonderful day.  I love when you can get so much accomplished and you're just on a spiritual high.  I just got put in as the primary secretary and went to town revamping the schedule to include children giving talks and having opening exercises, and completely organized the primary cabinet.  On top of that we had some wonderful talks on family both ancestors and are posterity.  We had a great time playing a game after church and we are really getting into the swing of things as a family.  We're back on track with a reading schedule, chores, piano, and family fun time.

We went rock climbing and boating this weekend.  The lake was SOOO-OO awesome.  The water was warm and I went surfing (wake surfing) which I hadn't done before but absolutely loved.  The only down side was I forgot the camera - so I am posting more from our Maine trip.

While we were rock climbing, we were unfortunate enough to stay a little too late and some of the fellow users of the quarry had a little too much to drink.  They started throwing rocks in the pond next to us, started getting a little close with some of those rocks and when we asked them to please watch out they used a few colorful words and threats thus precipitating our leave from the mountain.  The kids were a little scared, but it was a great jumping off point to discuss the value of having all our senses about us and not using substances that would blunt our own common sense, or lessen our enjoyment in our situation.

While we were enjoying testing our strength against the wall and fully experiencing all the experience had to offer, others were blunted.  I am truly grateful for the opportunity to experience the full sights, sounds, tastes and emotions the world has to offer and to share that with my children.  Instead of judging the rock throwers, I asked the kids to think about what they might be missing out on by having their senses dulled, and how we could act if we ran into them on the way out.  It was a great what would Jesus do moment out in the real world.
I love finding and interacting with those from other walks of life, for what it teaches me and the love I have for those around me.

I miss all those at home, but hope I can find positive points here as well.

who, what, when, where, why?

Over the last few weeks it feels like we are all adjusting and getting a little used to our own skin.  Kind of like when you bring home a newborn baby - you have to adjust to the new member of the family, on little sleep, your getting used to your post pregnancy body - realizing there are little adjustments that need to be made in multiple areas of life in order for everything to fit.  It's been about 2 weeks now that our entire family has been together, all kids are home from scout camp etc...  and we're sort of in the getting to know you stage all over again.  

Overall the kids are doing pretty good, they're finding new hobbies, have even made a few new friends, but sometimes the emotions get running high and they have a toddler time tantrum.  

At first I was all set to staunch any such behavior, but then I realized I needed to help them work through negative emotions not just suppress them.  In an effort to do so, I've been asking WHY a lot.  It's so fascinating being a parent, because as I ask them WHY, it makes me ask myself.  Such a small word but so profound, why do we do the things we do, feel the way we feel, act on those feelings, say certain things.  Is it part of our makeup, does it just happen, how much do we control, how much is an effect of our environment and the things that surround us.  As I was pondering on the WHY's in my life, it made me think of the W's.  The who, what when where and why.  Sometimes I get going through the motions of life, and don't really stop to make sure I am driving the boat and not just lazily letting it drift here and there, to and fro.  So my self pondering questions for my life direction will follow the W's this week.

Who am I?

Who can I help?

What would the Lord have me do?

When and where am I needed?

Why am I where I am, doing what I am when I am at this very moment?

I'm sure somedays I am fully aware that I am a beautiful daughter of God, where i am to learn and grow, to help those around me.  But somedays I think I could throw a tantrum to make a toddler proud.  I'm not sure who I am, or why I am going through the motions, what am I supposed to do and where am I headed in life.  Luckily I have this lovely blog to bounce ideas off, rediscover the answers to the above questions and then move forward.  I hope you pick a W this week and ask yourself a who, what, when, where why question, just to make sure your directing that boat and not letting the waves array you into waters not of your own making.  

On that note: the where and when of the last week has been fun.  We went up to Maine for our anniversary/Addie's birthday.  We only stayed 2 days, but it was so beautiful.  While the water is pretty frigid, it is so Wicked Gorgeous.  The water is clear and the coastline is breathtaking with Rock formations jutting out and up.  I can't imagine landing on that shoreline and starting a life in a new colony, but I am thankful for the chance to bask in the beauty of it now.

All is Well

I just read a great article in the Ensign by President Uchtdorf - All is Well.  In my course of work I see many parents, teens and children that can't seem to grasp and hold onto happiness.  In my own life I am often wondering if I am doing enough, which then leads to --- am I enough.

Tenants to live by: FAMILY. Stu is
waiting patiently outside a dressing
room as Addie tries on several out-
fits.  Welcome to preteen girl!!

"It is one of the great ironies of our age, that we are blessed with so much and yet we can be so unhappy."  It makes me wonder what brings lasting happiness.  It certainly doesn't come from circumstance.  As the above statement indicates- the pioneers circumstances were anything but joyful and yet in their hearts they found joy.  While many people have ease and "fun" things, the deep joy is missing.  "They (the pioneers) woke up each morning with clearly defined purposes and goals that everyone understood." I think (now you can think different but it is my blog - so I get to type my opinion- feel free to comment and share yours) ... I think happiness comes from living in accordance with those defined purposes - but the goal that we live towards is what makes the difference.  If our clearly defined purposes are transient - such as success in something transient - then that happiness is not lasting- we must win another trophy - get another A - earn more money etc...

So what is lasting?

We can't wait for more family
adventures in New England

I came home yesterday and Adderly said she just couldn't keep helping Stuart with the pool it was taking too long.  I asked how long and she said 5 minutes.  --- Now if that isn't indication of transient.    The ability to call or text someone without putting thought into what we say - to live second to second instead of planning out our day, our week etc..  brings irritation and angst.   In the course of my studies, child development has fascinated me.  Infants need to know they will be fed and taken care of, toddlers need to know that the world has order - consequences - both natural and imposed that come from the choices they make.  When the world has order, they can then move forward knowing what their purpose is.  As we move into adulthood we start to create our own order and purpose - we define our own goals and standards and therein lies the worry, the irritation and the angst.  If we are not bound to something more lasting to determine our order- our mindset and goals we live in constant flux and irritation.  While it is important to live in the now- we want to be alert and present in each situation and not so focused on the future that we don't take joy in each little period of our life, we not to live now with

a mind on the future.  We live now with the DEFINED PURPOSES AND GOALS OF ETERNITY.  Happiness comes when our ultimate goal is based on deeper meaning and purpose - we can then enjoy all the little 5 minute periods that bring us closer to that goal, that help us learn, that bind us together as eternal brothers and sisters.

So what brings you lasting happiness, what rocks or tenants of life do you live by?  Our you true to them?

One of my tenants is compassion - I find when I start treating others (unfortunately and especially my family) unkindly, the unhappiness seeps in; and fairly quickly - because I am not living according to an eternal purpose.

Based on the article and my ponderings I am more determined to have a tenant of the day - to work towards a loftier lasting goal, to be in the moment with an eye on eternity.  What will be the tenant of your day so that you can awake with a defined purpose and goal?

Quiet

Well things are finally slowing down here and in the quiet moments I've been thinking: what you say Nisha thinking?  Ohh yesss.  So in my reflections I noted that it is almost the 4th of July and yet it doesn't feel like "Summer" to me.  That of course led me to the premise:  well, what makes summer.  As I was looking through photos to post, I came across several that portray summer.
For me summer is that lazy time of year, where you lie on the tramp and stare at the clouds as they pass by, you play night games with a dozen screaming kids in your yard, you watch a movie outside, and of course popsicles, lots and lots of popsicles.  So I realized that at least half of my list isn't really doable right now, we don't know a dozen kids to come over - and well frankly there are a lot of nocturnal animals in the woods behind my house - most; probably harmless, but still not quite the same night games chasing a fox per se.  Movies outside with only half my family and no Tanner Harward just wouldn't be the same.  So I took the time to lie on the tramp, but more importantly (in that effort to avoid being Lot's wife and looking back not forward), I started to dream of new summer traditions.  Summer camp (which is a huge thing out here).  Swimming in our pool, The BEACH Yippee, and ice cream stands - again one on every corner out here (you can even go to a couple of farms to see how the ice cream is made - might be a bit ripe in the summer if you know what I mean).  Regardless, I'm sure there is plenty of summer fun to be had in Mass as well as Utah.  I'm coming to realize, that while not always easy, life (summer) is truly what you make of it.  Inside each of us is the power to be.  The power to be wise, beautiful, funny, creative, HAPPY!!  So what will you be TODAY.

Pioneers, Pilgrims, and perspective

A few days ago we went to Plimouth plantation, a re-creation of the first settlement that came on the Mayflower.  Now I am not a history buff, so times and dates somewhat escape me, but the big rock says 1620.  I've grown up with stories about the pioneers, how they gave up so much to make their way out west, their struggles, and their strengths.  While I appreciated the legacy they left for their posterity I often struggled to feel a real connection, or to fully comprehend that strength they must have possessed to continue faithfully in their trials.

As we stood in Plimouth plantation, overlooking the vastness of the ocean I had such a deep sense of wonder over this colony - they gave up family or any comfort's they had in Europe for what?  Largely for the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own hearts.

Maybe we can't fully comprehend something until we need to, or until we are faced with something that ties us to another individual, present or past.  As I was thinking of the pilgrims, it led me back to the stories of the pioneers.  In some small sense I feel a kinship with them at this time.  I have embarked to take my family to an area we don't know, with little assistance from friends or family, to make (if you will) a new life.  As Lot's wife, I have been looking back quite a bit in the last few days, wishing for the house I used to have, the friends I used to have etc... As I stood looking out over a small colony overlooking the ocean,


contemplating what these brave men, women and children did for their God, I gained a greater perspective for my own life.  I was humbled to think, that while yes I am embarking into new territory, I am doing so with the comforts of life all around me.  I do not have a cow in my backyard during the heat of summer, muck in the streets or lack of any kind of coolant to keep my food.  I have a beautiful home, loving family and friends that are just an electronic wire away, and most important the love and assurance of the Lord.

I was grateful for the trip to Plimouth to remind me, that I am not alone, others have embarked on pioneering adventures before me and if I continue on in Faith, I need not look back as Lot's wife, but look forward with a steadfast fast in Christ, and all will be well.

The big move

So I had planned on posting every sunday, but unfortunately just got internet back yesterday - so updates:

And they made it

With no Keith around 4-wheel
moving becomes all muscle, no
trailer.  6 men later - oh yeah
They got this thing!!

I've decided moving... is like having a baby.  The initial idea is exciting but a little scary.  You start planning and the anticipation builds.  Over several months you start picking out new things for the house and getting ever more invested in the idea.  Then there are some bumps or scares along the road.  The actual move takes work and effort, you're exhausted after all the boxes are actually in the house.  After several nights with few hours of sleep due to the lack of a mattress, staying up unloading boxes. trying to find the smallest things that normally have their place but are now who knows where.  You vow never to move again.  Then slowly you settle in to a new routine, the house becomes familiar.  You can turn a light switch on without searching for it, you recognize the little squeaks the hardwood makes, picking them out from the other sounds around.  As time continues on maybe someday, when the partial amnesia kicks in, you forget about the pain, the hard work, the plans not going quite according to plan, and eventually there may come a time that you decide - oh just one more move, we're ready for the adventure and challenge - and then starts the next addition to your family scrapbook -a new home

After the work of the move, the frustration of a new computer system at work, and not knowing where to even go for groceries.  The Lord sent me this tender mercy.  I took a few minutes to marvel at the Lord's creations as I watched the sunset through the "forest" of my backyard.  Thank you heavenly father for reminding me, that with thee I am more than my small self and can do great things with thee by my side.  

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Service = home sweet home

Before we left I felt somewhat displaced, living out of boxes in someone else's basement; but it was quite an adventure and we had great friends to share it with.  MA: first 2 weeks, still living out of boxes in someone else's home, but this time no best friends to share it with.  Needless to say my fake camera smile is wilting.  So... when having a bad day make someone else's day better.
While we haven't had the joy of moving into our own home, and I could be caught up with all the things on my to do list  We decided to go help another church member move. By the end of the night we were laughing, made some new friends (HUGE since we've been feeling a little lonely and displaced).  Overall a super fun chance to give service!!