Thursday, January 31, 2013

the shadow proves the sunshine

some moments taken straight from life these days. 

--ian and ash were finally down for their naps on wednesday, normally avery takes this opportunity to plead "mommy, can i please play for a bit before reading lesson?", but this time, she came to find me in my room and says "mommy can we please go read now?"  be still my heart. 

--i held back tears at the dentist today.  good grief.  a cavity? under a crown?  

--tonight, ian asks me to help him pray after we sing our songs.  he repeats everything i say: 
 "hewp me be stwong, give me you powa, give me a godwy wife."

--remember when i tore my meniscus a year and a half ago?  surgery's scheduled for february 14th. 

--i was alone at panera bread today! with my new planner!

--avery argues with me.  all the time.  about everything.  i sometimes am mature and calmly discipline.  not this morning.  my fuse was short.  why do i always forget that i want to guard and protect with my words?

--praying and believing and standing with a very close friend that miracles will happen.  now is the time for piled up promises to be fulfilled.  yes and amen. 

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the houles have taken some hits these past few years.  of all of the seasons of our lives thus far, i wouldn't put this one in a shiny, easy, carefree category, but i've come to realize that it's true what shauna talks about in her book  bittersweet, there are no fully bitter seasons, nor are there fully sweet ones.  they are intertwined, a hard day can give way to connecting with dave and feeling loved and cherished by him.  a sweet morning with a friend can be interrupted by frustrating kiddo behavior.  a hard hour of school and chaos and everyone needing everything at the same time can end with cuddles on the couch with some favorite books.  this is life.  it's hard and wonderful.  and in fact, as unbelievable as it might sound, there is joy to be found even in the hard, maddening moments.  it's true.  it's in the Bible. :)

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

7 comments :

Melissa Martynyuk said...

Oh my friend, I miss you dearly. Praying for you and joining with you to see the joy in it all. God is watching us and I believe he is whispering, "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are WITH me, Your rod and staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

I think of you often in the quiet early morning.
Rudy

Reunion Team said...

Life happens, right? I pray daily that my crowns do not fail! I have about 8 of them! Many years of work on my teeth, after reading your bit on the dentist...I hope mine hold up! And the arguing 5 year old, oh you should have heard me a few weekends ago, I was sick and very very short tempered and feel guilty about they way I treated my family. I can get soooo short tempered but most of the time I'm not like that. I had to forgive myself and tell myself that it was a moment in time and then I give extra hugs....can't wait to see you all Tuesday!

Reunion Team said...

Sorry Mandy, it's me, Kim. I'm logged in under my reunion website, weird. Kim

Laura said...

Love that book. It has ministered to me so much over the last 2 years!!

Courtney said...

thank you for this...for sharing your sweet heart! i needed to hear these words!

Unknown said...

sweet friend, you are so right, there aren't any fully bitter, nor any fully sweet seasons.
it is always funny to me that, knowing this, I still hold a 'fully sweet' season up as the thing to strive for. silly slow learner.
anyhow, I am sorry for the parts that are hard, rejoice with you in the parts that are redemptive and pray that you'd have some rest and respite in the storms.
love you.

Laura said...

I know I have already commented, but I just really noticed the title today and I love it!! What a great perspective, Mandy. I just want you to know how much grace and faith I have seen in you during the very challenging seasons you have faced. You have challenged me and I am better for knowing you. Your journey has deeply encouraged me!!

I have so much love and respect for you and Dave. I am thankful to call you, friends!