Nature

Visiting Gibbs Gardens has been a joy for our family during this unique season. We had no idea it'd be a spot that would remain open and have loved checking out the change in blossoms, walking together, and enjoying so much beauty. One of the times I took along a scavenger hunt for the little girls to complete and they enjoyed having that to focus on (and the reward of fruit snacks at the end!). I've found it so calming to walk and sit in the stillness of nature and the outing together as a family has been wonderful. A few of these walks, I had some real time to process internally and just listen. God's comforting voices was woven into so many moments - the steps, the quiet benches, the blossoms, the pathways. Beautiful.

 This one isn't in Gibbs, but in a random spot of a parking lot where we had a picnic with burgers and fries. It was new and different from eating at a restaurant, but gosh, we had fun!

This was our next trip there (looking forward to going again soon!)

 I fell in LOVE with this plant! I've always loved hydrangeas, but had never seen a variety that blooms like this (and so early!). We came home and figured out that we have THREE of them planted at our house! SO EXCITED!

Church At Home

I gave a recap here, but wanted to put the photos in one spot. Our Sunday photos together of church at home. We were able to spend our first weekend of home church with grandparents celebrating Tayler's baptism weekend!

 Kiddos teaching their lessons.

 The very end of general conference weekend. Easily it was our most favorite general conference as a family. We talked about why it was different, and while it was nice to have a free schedule, we found the real change was in the preparations and conversations beforehand. So grateful for the counsel from President Nelson and looking forward to studying the new messages together!

 We are so grateful for this bunch!

Sunday Thoughts

As I'm writing this, we are well over a month into the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing and staying home. And while I am writing another post to highlight many moments for our family during this unique window of time, today, my thoughts keep wrapping around our focus from church at home today. We asked each of the kiddos to write about the good they've seen during this time, to think about what has been hard, and to think why and how God has been in the details. Each one sat and shared simple yet profound truths highlighting so much power and faith in knowing that as they stay close to God, no matter what happens in the world, things will work out. I truly believe this pause in time they are experiencing in their youth from the routine of what they've always known is preparing them for great things where they will shine in their lives because they have this experience to draw from.

I felt drawn to talk about our scripture theme for the year. At the beginning of each school year, Mike and I choose one scripture to focus on for the year. Looking back, it's humbling to see how much that focus for each year truly ties in with life as it unfolds. And today was no different. Last August, we chose "Be Still and Know that I Am God" (Psalm 46:10). We'd hoped to bring this message intentionally into our lives as a tool for increasing the power of the present moment, of listening, and hearing God's voice in our lives. What we didn't foresee is how this scripture would apply in new layers connected to this current pandemic.

Experiencing a stillness and a true pause from the daily routine and schedule of life has always felt unimaginable, unthinkable and absolutely impossible. Yet, here we are. And with all of the uncertainty, disappointment and worry completely available for our minds and hearts (and trust me, we've all had our fair share of praaciting those emotions), the ultimate truth is how this opportunity opens the door for an even deeper reliance on God. His will. His timing. And practicing patience that while we don't have all the details, as long as we stick to Plan A (trust Jesus), the rest will work out. All of it. All the hard. All the wonderful. Weaves together into incredible moments that I have no doubt will be a hinge point of remembrance on our timeline of personal history.

And as we sat together today, so grateful to be soaking in church at home together, listening to the kiddos share glimpses of their faith journey during this time, I felt it.

The purpose in this place.
The growing that's happening here.
The stillness.
The light of truth.

That's the power we'll continue to ignite. That's the power we will continue to draw from.