Fall Fun

Wow! How does time keep getting away from me this year? I don't seem to ever have enough time to stop and reflect, and mark down the events in our lives. Today is no exception, but I woke up early and don't have to be anywhere until at least lunch time so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Recently Johnny and I have been spending a majority of our time house hunting. We have finally found a house that we're excited about. Now we're praying/waiting to find out if we get the financing that we've applied for. When this event does finally take place I promise to post pictures of that milestone. It's been years since we owned a home and we are getting really excited to leave the land of renting.

Also with this time of year comes many events to celebrate the season. We have been to the zoo with cousins, visited a local pumpkin patch and last night attended a neighborhood church's fall festival. We have two more Halloween outings this week too. The kids are loving every minute of it! Costumes have been picked out and excitement is building.

With every season comes change, and we are expecting some big ones in the next few months:

Owning a home, for one, which directly affects our little tribe of four.

Welcoming a new baby to the Nordstrom Family -- but it is Johnny's sister and her husband this time. (Faith is due to arrive any day now.)

Watching my sister, Wendy, and her family grow in faith with God as they follow His will in their lives to begin a ministry in NC. We will be sad to see them go, but are excited for the opportunity they are being given.

We still pray for other changes we'd like to see come to fruition, but are willing to wait for God's perfect timing. In the mean time, please enjoy a couple of the pictures I have posted below in relation to what I have mentioned in this post. Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather!

Family

I have been thinking a lot about relationships and how they evolve/change over time. While many relationships in my life have grown stronger and more meaningful, there are a few that have lessened significantly. Sometimes this happens out of necessity and sometimes by accident. All I can do is pray for those no longer actively involved in my life. Though our paths are not headed along the same road, I ask God to continue to guide them towards His will.

One relationship that I treasure most in my life, is one that I have with my earthly father. I have seen him love quietly for many years, despite the situation. He is not a man of many words, and when he does speak it is often soft-spoken and full of knowledge. He has obviously thought things through before discussing a matter (unlike myself). He has consistently lead by example and for that I am eternally grateful. I pray that my children see this quality in their grandad as well. I also hope that my daughter sees these same qualities in her father. It is the basis of why I chose Johnny as my husband. He resembles my father in a great many ways. They have their differences, of course, but their core is the same.

The relationships that we are given here on earth are only for a time. While I wish that some relationships in my life had taken a different path, I have learned a great deal from each situation I have been through. God has blessed me. I have the emotion of my mother, which allows me to truly appreciate each moment I am given, and the compassion of my father, which allows me to continue to care/love on those that have departed from me no matter the circumstance.

My sisters and I w/ our dad

My daughter w/ her dad

Growing Up

     Okay, so I've been a little behind in getting my blog updated. In the mean time, both of my babies have had birthdays recently and have gotten yet another year older. Who told them they could continue growing up? I see friends around me that are having babies and still experiencing the newness of the REALLY little ones. Oh I miss those days! - just not enough to relive them again. Ha! 

     Seriously though, I see how big my kids are getting and I wonder where the days have gone. Have I spent enough time with them? Am I really doing my best to help them develop who they will become? What kind of things are they learning from my life and daily choices? Am I all that I should be for them? Each of us learns from life's mistakes differently, some needing to be 'knocked over the head' with it more than others. How much of a wake up call does God need to give you? Each day with our families is a gift from God. Let's stop and enjoy it once in a while. 

     This week, while my kids are on spring break and I'm slaving away at my job, I hope to take some time and enjoy a few of life's precious moments with them. Whether it's going on a short bike ride together or hanging out at the beach one afternoon, each moment is precious. Are you loving and enjoying your children to the fullest? I am going to give it my best shot!

God's Working

Wow! The month of January has just flown by. I hope this is not an indication of how quickly the rest of the year will go. As usual, we have been extremely busy. My grandparents were in town for most of the month, and it was a true joy to be able to spend time with them. Only thing I missed out on was Grandma's cooking. Johnny and I have been participating in the 'Daniel Fast' with several other family members. It has been a blessing as well as a true challenge in our lives. We are praying fervently that God will do miracles through our time of fasting and prayer. 

One real answer to prayer is that I was brought on as a full time employee at my job, instead of as a temp. These tough economic times has taught me to greatly appreciate this opportunity. We should not take anything that we are given for granted - the food we eat, the home we live in and time spent with our family. We never know how long we are given here on this earth with the ones we love. Our only true reward is knowing that we will eventually be together in heaven one day. 

Today is the first day of a three day series of going without food on our Daniel fast, so I am weak and extremely hungry. It is the end of our fast though, so we plan to go out strong. Only God can get us through this time. How else could we survive it? In closing, I ask for your prayers and will post a few pictures of our recent times spent together for your viewing, including some of the people participating in this fast with us.

Love & Prayers,

Those participating in the Daniel Fast:

Josh Sheetz

Johnny and me

Wendy and TJ

Heather and Joe

Graham Family

Mom, Dad, Papa and Grandma

Jenny, Wendy and Lori

Enjoying the beach together

Loved this one of the girl cousins!