Thankfulness, in order of events…

The first snow of 2011 in Georgia, where we were home for a week plus…

the fun of new traditions…

Sabbath candles…the surprise of flowers in February…

our first Seder…with special friends…

Kristen’s Mission Trip to Dominican Republic…

 

 

 

 

 

 

the view of a canyon of beauty…and to see where God was taking us…

the memories of 18 years in one house…

family being together…

a BIG move…

the WOW of the open sky of Texas…

a visit with mom…and Daniel too.

Winter Rest…Festival of Re-Dedication…

My Family…

May the Adventures of 2012 be exciting on your Journey!

Blessed!

        Cindy

The cold mist, the visible breath, hats, scarfs and warm gloves. The season of rest is near...

A time where God lets all "rest."

My prayer is to take time to enjoy the moments, see all the details, and hibernate from the busyness. I am looking forward to what that is going to look like this year.

Because God took our family through an amazing restful 2010 winter ...and moved us into a time of change...

new rest is around the corner.

As we walk this journey, we are thankful to all that are a part of the path we have been given. Life is a journey, stop and enjoy it!

Last night and this morning there was a heaviness in my soul. It was a burden for the people that came and went yesterday.

All dressed in their “Sunday” best…their “time for church” looks and smiles…But, inside I wondered why they came. Where they looking for a change in their life? Where they attending with family or friends, because that is what you were supposed to do on this day? Where they visiting to see what church is like “today”, verses 10-12 years ago? Where they truly looking for a personal change to possibly take place as they entered the building or as they left?

Then I ask myself, what did those people walk in and find? So many greeting were given to all, smiles and big welcomes. And much hospitality was given.

But what did they hear, what did they feel? Did they receive a clear understanding of the one that was resurrected so many years ago? It was to be a resurrection celebration! Did they hear that Jesus is the only way to having a changed life? Where they challenged to be different, challenged to share their faith, and to personally seek Him daily?

Will they return to a weekend service? Will they look deeper into the Word of YHWH? Will they look for a church community where they can get involved?

My prayer today is that they will look for a deeper relationship with the Savior. Our perfect example of being obedient to the Father. And they will look for a place where they can grow in scripture. And learn what being a Christ-follower is truly about.

Prayerful,

 

Cindy

From December 21 through March 21, the calendar is set as Winter. So I stopped to think about what winter meant to me this year. It has been a time of Rest. I have taken the past few months to to do just that – Stop. While I watched the holiday season come, and go and the busyness that everyone feels and talks about…I rested. I have taken time to look at all the trees, plants and birds.  They all have gone into a quiet moment of silence. The wonder of winter, seemed to truly reflect a God’s Sabbath, so to speak, in His seasons. We were even blessed with a long break of winter white. The bend of the trees, crunch of the snow, the visible breath in the air all brought a quiet beauty.

Through our Winter, we have also been able to change our moments of time together as a family. We have begun to study and learn what keeping the Sabbath means and we have been spending that time together, with candles, devotions and study of Hebrew roots and history. With each bit of knowledge, we seem to understand a little more of our relationship with God, his plan for us as his children and how scripture is so detailed from the beginning to end. We have learned about the Torah-Law, which is first five books of the Old Testament, how Christ came to fulfill and live out the law and how we need to be living as children of God. It has been so interesting and exciting! And there is just so much to learn.

With the changing of the air, it seems God has directed our family with yet another adventure. The emotion of this change, well, has been…emotional, breathtaking with a touch of bravery for all!!! You see, Kevin and I have known for awhile that God has been preparing us for something different. Something that would make a difference in the lives of others…children and adults. But, what that is supposed to look like…we are not sure, YET. But what we do know is God made something VERY clear. God was directing Kevin out of his current business and into a leap of faith. He stepped down from our business of almost seven years…a partnership with family and friends…and into the unknown…

God has been growing Kevin and I specifically for seven plus years for ministry and missions. And I know that with all the adventures we have been on with both of our jobs, He is preparing us for an assignment that only He knows the details…

The way I look at it, if you are on the monkey bars, you have to let go with one hand to swing to the next bar!  

So, the Winter Rest and Change…has made me trust MORE in the ONE in charge!

Pray for each of us as the adventure continues….

Love to all, Cindy

Today, is a day we gather with family and friends to eat lots of food, chat with people we love and take a short break (for most) from the daily routines.

The girls watched the parade, Kevin made waffles, Aleks played the old X-box, and I completed the baking of our rolls and potatoes for our gathering in a few hours.

We are all in different ends of the house and the worship music is playing loudly as the morning has passed. But, I love that we are HOME hanging out together.

God has blessed me with so many amazing things to think on these past few months and has shown me so much about who I am made to be. I am so thankful that the everyday is a closer walk WITH God!

I am so thankful for my hubby – Kevin, his leadership and love for 20+ years and the journey is ever changing!

My big girl, Kristen, she has a leadership and love for missions and that is exciting!

My son, Aleks, he has grown and changed through his short time in our “forever family” and the journey continues.

My little girl, Rachel, she has a heart for orphans and compassion for others that will grow as she does.

My extended family, that have walked with me all these years…and have been with me through the journey of life.

My friendships, there are so many and the time spent with each has been so wonderful along the way!

Love, Love – LOVE this journey, and the changes it brings!

and that is my THANKFULNESS – Happy Thanksgiving!

I love spring! I love to watch the quiet trees and flowers start to emerge from the winter sleep...They start singing and dancing as they are awakened to new life again!

Today, it has been a rainy day...but, even between the showers, my surroundings seem to shine bright. Birds were even singing. Now as I look out my window, the trees are greener than yesterday. My overgrown garden seems to look happy and the Crabapple trees are showing the small buds of pink.

Spring reminds me of new and fresh beginnings. Life that has been quiet...waiting for just the right moment to explode, move and grow into something amazing and beautiful. I think God has a wonderful way of talking to me! Like a butterfly through the garden, I am changed!