life lately...

In between bouts of sickness, I have felt well enough to enjoy a few outings. I probably pay for them afterwards, but sometimes the best thing for you is to get out of your own way...

1. It's been a few years since we've been to Empty Bowls in the park,
but when your sister & niece ask you to go, it might be time to add this tradition
back into the rotation...

2. because there is also the Chalk Art right around the corner!
Even though I enjoyed it, it wasn't as much fun as when my kids were painting
{can a Mom admit that?}

3. While I was in the hospital, I was surprised at the visitors that braved the germs!
My sister was sick, but she sent her own sweet message from the curb.

4. Opa! The Greek Festival proved to be too much for me... but it was fun for a while!

5. Last week he declared it Instant Pot week! We had three great meals, two okay meals,
and some delicious popcorn.

6. Wooden roses and a promise that  can count on.

7. Friday night we celebrated Mom & Bob. Thirty-four years of life & love...
and I am always thankful.

8. Some day call for a nice soft blanket, and stretching out on the couch with some popcorn.

9. When Laura came home for Christmas she brought me Boston Tea Party tea!

ten minutes until sunset...

We were on our way to dinner when someone suggested a detour... did we have time?
When the beach calls, I always say yes.

We may not have put our toes in the sand, but the salty air and changing beauty in the sky were the perfect start to an evening with friends.

her leap of faith...

She is more than half-way through her latest and greatest adventure...

We counted down the months, then weeks, and before it hardly seemed possible, she was commissioned in our church to serve with the Lutheran Young Adult Corps. In August she flew to St. Louis, with excitement in her heart, for two weeks of training before she finally made it to Boston, her city of service. A ten month commitment.

With her new roommates {and I imagine, lifelong friends!} she has explored the city, and embraced her new lifestyle. Hearing the joy in her voice brings tears to my eyes... she is really living. Thriving! It thrills me.

Last month there was an article in Lutherans Engage about what these amazing young women are doing in Boston. Between the two Lutheran churches in the city, they are building a college ministry and serving in an after-school preschool program. They take time to work with New England Seafarers Mission and the homeless. But they are not just serving... they are growing in faith as they stretch themselves and their hearts. {Read the article here!}

I know May will come too quickly for her... and that she will forever cherish this season in her life. My prayer is that there will be an open door for her somewhere at the end of this... that this journey will help her find the next. I know God hears every prayer, and I'm excited to see just how He answers it.

these words...

A few of my most favorite words... breathe. hope. love. smile.
They are life to my soul, and I couldn't live without them. I loved coming across this display just after the new year - it reminded me of the way I want to wander through these days. Breathing easy, with the hope & love of Jesus all around me...and a smile on my face.

in the waiting...

I took my last antibiotic this afternoon, and I feel like now I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Was it enough? Will the infection rage back? Do I dare hope it won't? These aren't my best thoughts, and certainly no way to live... but it's hard to overcome them. I'm not doubting God's healing, because I believe He will... I'm just wondering about the when.

It's been a tough season... and maybe that is an understatement. When I last left off, we were in full celebration mode (empty nest, headed to Disney!), but then the hurricane blew through our community, and I followed it up with surgery after surgery, all urology related. Oh yes, the saga continues. A surgery per month through Christmas, and then I spent last weekend in the hospital so I could have IV antibiotics to treat sepsis.

I still consider myself a "better to laugh than to cry" kind of girl, even though I've certainly had my days. It helps to have a strong sturdy guy by my side lifting my spirits, praying words of love, and keeping up the house. He's always been my hero, but now, somehow more so. When I wonder how he can put up with me, I look into his eyes and see only love shining back. I can't begin to find the words to say how thankful I am.

These words, lyrics to a song I am loving, have carried me along...

Slow down, take time

Breath in He said

He'd reveal what's to come

The thoughts in His mind

Always higher than mine

He'll reveal all to come

Take courage my heart

Stay steadfast my soul

He's in the waiting

He's in the waiting

Hold onto your hope

As your triumph unfolds

He's never failing

He's never failing

Take Courage, Kristene DiMarco