For the rainy days

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

Whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31


Encouragement

Quiet contentment

Light

And a little bit of laughter













~Cassandra

When you have an 18 year old

"That's it," I thought. "I'm just going to have to be the bad guy and tell her she can't do it."

Mulling and praying have been my lot lately as Jeremy and I have been walking with Hannah through this season of looking into colleges and talking with her about those things she's interested in, and considering study of, along with her future.

It was about a year ago we took on a more serious level of thought and discussion with her. I have been so torn through these years of watching her grow and move from interests in horses, deer, environment, books, and music. I've read and listened to a lot of thoughts about raising daughters and find many have differing opinions on what a young lady should do when she gets to college age. I got to the point, yet again, that I needed to find peace along with Jeremy and Hannah, and throw out the rule books I've read and listened to.

What about debt? What about a heart for home? What about her walk with God?

Trust God. Listen to her dreams and interests. Trust God. Keep quiet and pray. Speak at the appropriate time. Trust God. Think things through with her. Trust God. Set some limits. Trust God. Worry. :) Trust God.

Stand back and watch her speak of her own conversations with God and see how He answers her prayers and be so thankful you don't have to do this parenting thing without Him. Remember He is the one who answers prayers, and can do it without your help. Remember He works in our hearts. Many times with a parent's help. Sometimes without it.

And then find, at least this time, that hard conversation didn't need to happen. He was working out the answer.

How much does He love these kids of ours? Count the ways.





~Cassandra

"Our hearts are restless until we rest in Thee"

We had a few days of cold and snow, where we did get the fire going again. I thought this picture of Abby is a funny but true picture of the comfort the kids seek by the warmth of the fire.


We have had family over for little visits here and there. Maddie stayed with us and she was able to participate in our Sunday morning ritual of making pancakes. Jeremy is the usual pancake chef, and he serves everyone. We keep track of which little one has helped because it is a cherished spot to be the pancake flipper.


Easter Sunday, we celebrated by visiting an Easter service on Saturday evening. Jeremy and the bigger kids went to church Sunday morning, while the smallest ones and I visited Gram. Family came for a celebration dinner, we looked for eggs, and ate a bit of chocolate. This time of year is very special to me while I walk through the gospel, and the heart stirring that happens again and again as I remember why Christ came and the inheritance that is ours because He became the way the truth and life. It's a time for laughter, a time for thankfulness, a time for love, a time for renewed purpose.























Spring has come with air that smells sweet and warm sunshine. We've gathered frog eggs, snakes and frogs.


And Jeremy took some out for the first fishing trip of the season.























Thank you Lord for Your presence, Your guidance, Your ways that I know are good. Give us the grace we need as we look to You and trust You.


~Cassandra