5 Minute Friday...Empty

It's once again Friday, that means 5 Minute Friday. One word, five minutes, no editing!
Today's word is EMPTY.

GO:

When I first read today's word I wasn't sure what direction this would take. You see my heart is so full right now. Our oldest daughter was married last Saturday and it was the most amazing day ever. Yesterday our son's Mock Trial team competed at regionals and made it to state. Our middle daughter has been home on spring break and I have loved having her around and talking with her. My heart has just been so full...on Monday my hubby and I spend the whole day together driving home from the wedding and we had the BEST day!

But then, it hit me what the word empty means to me. My nest will be emptying out very soon. Our son graduates in May, he is our youngest and it looks like he will not just be going away to school, but he will be going to Texas. I have very mixed feeling about this. I love being a mom and I know that will continue, it will just be different. We are a homeschooling family, so that means I have spent every day....all day with my kids. 

My quote has been..."what do I want to be when my kids grow up." Motherhood and intentional parenting has been my life for 22 years. Now I am facing the unknown. What shape will that take? I know the good byes will be hard, I know there will be tears (lots of them). I also know who holds my future and that excites me. I have some areas I am very passionate about, the persecuted church, pro-life, prayer, the family....what ministry will God guide me to involving those...or does he have something even different in store for me. All I know is this next year will be an emotional one, but exciting at the same time. As my kids continue to follow God's plan for their lives...so will I!

For I know the plan I have for you declares the Lord. 

Jeremiah 29:11

Scripture and a Snapshot

Just couldn't wait to share a picture from my daughter's special day! 

God was present every step of the way!!

TODAY IS WEDDING DAY!!!

Today is a day we have been looking forward to and dreading since the day our daughter was born; her wedding day!

This is the profile picture her sister had posted all week...it's perfect!

**no more "pretend weddings".... the real is so much better anyways. love you sister. ♥ 

And this was on the groom's wall earlier this week.

**Six days before I finally get to see that white dress, but I doubt I'll notice anything once I see that smile...

Pictures will be shared...I promise!!
God is awesome. We have prayed for this day since Ashley was born. So exciting to see those prayers answered with such a great man of God to be her lifetime partner.

5 Minute Friday...My heart aches for this family...

Today is 5 Minute Friday. The word is ACHE.



Many years ago when my husband was a youth pastor we had a girl in our youth group named Jennifer Meyer. Her family was special to us in many ways, one being her grandmother helped lead our Ashley to the Lord! So we have a special place in our heart for the Meyer family.

Today Jennifer is married and is now Jennifer Thompson. She has a beautiful family, but I have to say my heart aches for this family today. They are going through a trial of extreme measures right now. They have a bright eyed little boy named Isaac. Two days before Christmas he was diagnosed with a very rare form of leukemia that infects only 25 people a year in this country. They are no strangers to hospitals right now.

Nine days ago, Isaac's sister Emily donated her bone marrow to Isaac. From what I understand it takes 21 days to see how well it worked. The time in between is critical for Isaac. Yesterday he was intubated and they discovered his kidneys were shutting down. So dialysis is needed. Jennifer's last update said that he is in a dangerous place right now. Her heart aches because she just wants her little boy back. It's hard when the doctor's are not optimistic. Please pray for Isaac!

Emily giving Isaac her bone marrow.

Update- He's with Jesus now. Please pray for this grieving family.

One year....

One year ago today, I stepped out and took a risk. I sat down and created a little blog called The Things I Ponder. I started this blog as an outlet for so many of the things my mind thinks about. I have really enjoyed this new ministry. To celebrate today, I thought I would post my very first entry. 

Questions, that is something I do. I ask tons of questions. I just have this need to know and understand things. My questions can be as deep as trying to comprehend the reality of what heaven will really be like to something as simple as what does that call mean in any sport. I am always thinking and asking questions. Keep Reading