"Lasts" of Home.

Home. 

Such a small word that encompasses one of the largest parts of my heart. 

Being there this past week was like stepping into the middle of a whirlpool; a place still and peaceful from the rush of a busy life here in Louisville. 

At home I breathed. 

Not the kind of breathing you do merely to survive. That breathing is often done thoughtlessly and routinely. No.

This kind of breathing was deep and slow. Inhaling all home had to offer. 

Like when you inhale the beautiful scent of a rose, fresh chocolate chip cookies or a fresh pot of coffee brewing. Or how about the first hint of fall. You can smell all of it now, can't you?

Home was that sweet aroma. 

I rested at home. 

The type of rest where your heart beat literally slows down. The rest your heart, soul, mind, and body are thankful for. A rest where you abide in all of God Himself. 

So many good things happened over fall break--

long walks through the woods, fields, and dirt roads,

exploring barns and cornfields, 

making caramel apples and coffee,

feeding ducks at Notre Dame,

reading in the sunshine and eating pomegranates,

catching the gold of a sunset,

cherishing memories of an empty house, 

and taking in a final deep breath of a wonderful week. 

This is a long post, I know, but it's the "lasts" of home. Well, the "lasts" for now.

This will let you see a few more glories we experienced. 

A pipeline all the way from Alaska to Texas...via Michigan...how convenient.

The infamous Notre Dame

Yes, I did want to jump into that pile of leaves. 

 

This week I took time to marvel at our Creator through His creation.

When a sky is so blue and earth's hues so green, I just want to stop and stare at it all.  

And then there are the little wonders that take intentional observation.

Getting down low and looking very closely at every little detail.  

Marveling at small blossoms catching the sun's rays and the ruby red gems of a pomegranate. 

 It's in these things that hold a rare beauty I so often miss. 

  

   

 

That time of day where the sunlight gently kisses the tops of trees as the twilight pulls up the dark covers of night. It is a time of day you should not want to miss. 

I didn't want to miss it. 

So I captured it with a lens.

 

It looked a little different this time. 

Not the house itself, but the actually home. 

There weren't eight voices echoing through the walls like there usually are. 

There were no abrupt outbursts of laughter or song to dismiss the silence.

(Of course Margo and I still laughed and sang.)

The kitchen seemed empty. 

The family room wasn't bustling about. 

The bedrooms were bare and strangely quiet. 

No one was attempting to play Chop Sticks on the piano. 

(funny how we begin to miss the things we consider annoying at the time.)

Eating at the dining room table felt incomplete. 

The wood floors were silent from the pitter-patter of feet and paws.  

I wanted the vacant spaces of home to be filled with my family. 

Filled with Loveings. 

But not this time.

Prayerfully though, next time.  

 

To end it all, we took a walk. Coffee in hand, barefoot, and bundled up from the bite of the evening chill. Together, we watched the sun go down and caught its fire in our eyes. This was needed time for us both. To press pause and regain composure from a whirlwind. 

Everything was sweet and it's crazy what some good rest and food can do for ya. 

Above all, nothing fills my heart more than to know that all of this is from my Heavenly Father. How He provides for me! 

"Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" -Matt. 6:26

The Lord has provided everything I have needed in all circumstances and at all times. 

It takes a faith that I do not have on my own to believe that. 

"All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

I have no reason to withhold such praise from an awe-inspiring, awesome, and awe-striking God.

He Who promises is indeed faithful. 

And I thank Him. 

I thank Him! 

And in faith, praise Him for His unchanging faithfulness to me.  

Home. 

It's beautiful, isn't it?

Sister.

"Change will come as sure as the seasons but twice as fast." 

-Jo March

And change does come. 

It comes in life just like the seasons do. 

There have been times when I want life to slow down; for a season to stay a little while longer. 

As much as I wish it, the seasons won't stay the same forever.

And they shouldn't.

Because there are so many things to be learned and adventures to be had that won't happen unless change does.    

Life goes on and I choose what kind of attitude I have along the way. 

The secret is finding joy and delight in God no matter the season, 

no matter the change. 

That's much easier said than done. 

And yet, through all the change, some things do stay the same.

And those things are gifts from God. 

Here's something that's been a constant through all the changing seasons of my life. 

And I promise you, it's not about to change. 

  

An unchanging and unfailing sisterhood. 

It's a beautiful thing.

It's a "for sure" no matter what life brings. 

Even if we end up half way around the world from each other, 

this relationship won't change. 

Even when we are experiencing different seasons of life, 

our love for each other won't change. 

Even if we don't always see eye to eye, 

our commitment to each other won't change.

Even when people come and go in our lives, 

the fact we are best friends won't change. 

Sure, life won't always look exactly like this for us with passing time.

We've already experienced miles between us and different seasons to walk through. 

But the underlying bond as sisters, companions, and best friends will always stay the same. 

And I am grateful for that.

I am thankful that even though life changes, some things, some people never will. 

Simple Things.

Don't forget about the simple things in life. 

Sometimes it's the little simple things we overlook that make all the difference.

Learn to give thanks always for such things that show up in life.  

Like...

...remembering, it's ok to still pick flowers if you're over 20. 

Be thankful for little daisies and fresh apples. 

...watching the leaves curl up for the coming winter. 

Be thankful that where one leaf falls, a new one will grow in due season. 

...taking time to marvel at the uniqueness of nature.

Be thankful our Creator made the world wondrous.
                                                 

...turning little annoyances (like burs) into sweet memories.

Be thankful instead of getting grumpy. And learn to laugh.  

Have a thankful heart. 

Give thanks and live thankfully. 

And appreciate the simple things. 

They make the world a beautiful place. 

"Sing praises to the Lord, O you His saints, and give thanks to His holy name."

-Psalm 30:4

Home and Fading Green.

                 Fall break; a week-long breather home for some R&R.

           Time for rest. Time for play. Time for homework. 

    (yes, homework)

Time well spent with Margo and Allison. 

A couple of lovelies.

Yesterday, we drove from Louisville, KY to Niles, MI.

4 1/2 hrs of driving from Boyce College to home.

For photography's sake.  

And it was totally worth it.  

  Home in October. 

It's beautiful to say the least. I am more than happy and content to be here. 

  Changing leaves. 

Brisk air. 

Blue Skies. 

Cozy fireplace.

 Sweet company. 

And brewing coffee. 

Lots of coffee.

I am reminded of God's goodness in the little things.

Our Heavenly Father does give every good gift--big and small. And so I type with a thankful heart.

Today has been full of blessings.

It's been a no makeup-tinkerbell bun-coffee-hoodie-and-hike-kinda day. 

"Adventure is out there!" 

-Ellie Fredrickson 

And adventure was indeed found today-- 

too much for this one blog post.