DaDdY's LiTtLe GiRl

Yesterday marked the 44th year of marriage for my parents!

Often I find myself remembering my Dad, but more often I catch myself missing him. Knowing that mom and dad's anniversary was approaching naturally brought back special moments with him, memories I Cherish of him.

I decided to thumb through my wedding album this past week. My memories of that day were of complete joy, I remember not having a care in the world, I remember the words my dad shared with me. I remember singing to him as we danced together, I remember the words from the song and his reaction to them. I cried as I sang and rested my cheek against his. He said I was beautiful, he said I sang beautifully too. I don't think I'll ever forget the words to Kippi Brannon's song- Daddy's Little Girl. Because at that time there couldn't have been a more perfect song for me and my daddy to dance to. As I thought of my dad I also thought of how much my mom must miss him. Imagining life without my husbands seems impossible, unbearable really. It was at that moment that I began to cry. I asked myself, "How has mom stayed so strong all these years?" Each day she wakes and each day she trudges through. It was then that I knew God has been there all along, with her and at times even carrying her. She may not always remember that He is there, but I know that He is and will always be with her. Boy do I miss Dad. I long for him, I long for him to know my children, I desire for him to meet the woman I've become. But, I have hope. I have a promise. One day I will be in the arms of my dad again and together we will spend eternity praising our heavenly father. For now I hold tight to my memories. I rest my head on Jesus' shoulder. He knows this loss I feel and when it hurts I know He will carry me.

Dear God,
I am overwhelmed and filled with thanksgiving. You have blessed me greatly. Lord, I thank you for delivering me from the pain and suffering that comes from loss. Dad's passing was very painful for a short time. It was only by your grace and compassion for me that I finally found peace. I remember him today and I miss him. And even though I cry it's not an unbearable pain because I know I will see him again soon. Thank you God for your overflowing peace, grace, compassion, and love for me. I love you will all that I am! Please give Daddy a kiss for me!

In Jesus' name, Amen

FiNdInG cOnTeNtMeNt

I've never been one for making New Year’s resolutions, but for some reason this year I've found myself doing just that. I've committed to two resolutions. With your prayer and my perseverance I feel they can be doable. My first resolution is to be sure to send out birthday cards to my friends and family. The second is to be 100% content with this life God has given to me. I want to be happy with EVERYTHING and accepting of all that He has blessed me with. I believe that if I remember to seek wisdom and discernment from God's love letter to me. I will find this peace once and for all. I desire His teachings and His path for me and the life He wants for me.
Don't get me wrong, I have been blessed with a full and happy life. However there are times I find that I want more. More money, a better home, a "newer" used vehicle, a vacation, and so-on, and so-on. Why is it that I feel that I can't be happy (content) with how things are right now? Why must I always look to the future with anticipation and delivery of "MORE"? Well it's about time to STOP dead in my tracks and look at what's right in front of me. I have money and the means to purchase what I need. Just when I think I won't have money for the weeks grocery shopping God puts a check in my lap. I have a beautiful unfinished home that keeps us cozy, dry, and warm. So what if it's the wrong color or has light bulbs hanging from the ceilings. It's a gift from God with a gorgeous chunk of land attached to it. Greg and I OWN both of our cars, not everyone can say that. So what if the carpets are worn and filled with stains and honestly who really cares if the windows get stuck. The suburban has been a faithful and reliable tuff truck. It gets us to each and every destination. And if I wait God will present the right and most perfect time for rest. I just need to practice the gift of patience.
So… With all that being said I plan to live in the moment, capture each day, and relish the abundance of God’s forever Grace and blessings. I have to trust that things are just as they should be and I have to stop living for what I feel should come. I realized today that I’ve been handed all that I need, I’ve been given many gifts some that I didn’t even see as gifts. God is with me always and I can rest safely in His arms.

Dear God,
Where do I start, you have given me so much. And still when I ask you give. From now on please help me to remember that all I have is from you and you know just what I need. Father, teach me to live each day the right way and that I glorify you through it. Feed me with your wisdom. Help me to recognize the beauty of each day and the blessing that comes from the rising sun. Lord, you amaze me!

In Jesus’ name, amen
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Oh ChRiStMaS tReE!

I'm still having a hard time believing that Christmas is just three weeks away... For some reason I'm still living in November.
This time of year just fills me up with joy and peace, so I welcome December with open arms. I find that most days I'm filled (extra full) with kindness, gentleness, goodness, & faithfulness! These gifts of the Spirit are important, and are most important to me as a mother and wife. Today I asked God to help me focus on these gifts so that I could share them with my family. He has answered that prayer!
Well... We move forward with gladness in our hearts and tackle our first Tradition. Putting up our Christmas Tree makes Christmas time seem real to my family... The glow of the white Christmas lights give a welcomed calming feeling. The roaring flames from our wood stove keep all of our fingers and toes warm. There is an indescribable "coziness" about our house! Before long the snow will fall and we will be well into this new season. But for now, for today, I will Praise His name and I will rejoice, for He has come as child, a beautiful baby boy!

Dear God,
Thank you for this season, a time of family, of warmth, of joy, & Tradition. It is by your Grace Father that I am able to experience these great gifts. Lord, thank you for your son and gift of life.
In Jesus' name, Amen

FaMiLy HeLpInG fAmIlY

What's so special about this time of year? What makes me all cozy inside? Why am I overflowing with emotion?

On November 6th Greg and I were overjoyed when family friends showed up at our home to help us prepare for winter. Greg was overwhelmed by the amount of work he still had ahead of him… It seemed as though he’d never finish cutting down, bucking up, chopping, and stacking our wood that we needed to keep us warm this winter. When church family heard about Greg’s stress they jumped into action, formed a brigade, and put their hands to work! Greg and I are forever grateful for the hands that helped make this winters chore a success. Those involved were: Jon & Leah Roth and their boys, Josh & Amy Goodwin and their boys, Greg & Mollie Gandy and their son Jacob, Chris & Rachel Lounsbury and their daughter Maddy, Carroll Stevens and his son Joe, Bill Palmer, Mike, Keith Howard and his boys, myself, my husband, and our kiddos Caleb & Hannah! Those who worked inside and cooked while they watched over many babies were: My Mother Darlene, My Nana Ruth, and Sissy (My sister Dienne Howard)! A giant thank you to all of you from The Terry’s! This was indeed a huge blessing and a time of Thanksgiving for Greg and me!

Dear God,
Thank you for showing me that nothing is impossible with you. Thank you for delivering such service that only glorifies you. Thank you for teaching each of us that there are many things to be grateful for this time of year. Lord, you continually answer my prayers and continue to give to me and my family just what we need. It is by your grace that we thrive, it is our desire to worship you each day. I am overflowing with Thanksgiving, I am struck with new hope and great joy. Lord, you provide comfort and warmth. It is through your love that we can then love one another! Thank you Father!

In Jesus' name, Amen

On YoUr MaRk GeT sEt Go

September was an amazing yet tiring month. Everything starts up again in September and when it does it sometimes hits me hard. Just before Labor Day the children and I began their homeschool curriculum... The first week was exciting and of course new. The first week was a breeze in my opinion. Now we're well into our second month of school, but have found it can be exhausting some days. Don't get me wrong, homeschool is going very well, I love it. The children are learning a lot already. It's just that energy is low. We are jumping back into a very busy year and it's definitely going to take some time getting used to it again. However, I am so in love with teaching my children here at home. honestly, I can't imagine sending them off to school. I have already seen the many blessing that come with homeschool!

My family and I are involved in many activities, studies, & ministries all of which have begun their new fiscal year. Though this time is exciting it is also draining. It will take time to find a grove again and feel "normal" about our busy days. Greg's primary ministry is AWANA clubs. He finds great joy in training up our youth. He enjoys leading and is getting really good at it too. Greg is also involved in small group, service, community outreach, and Sunday School. My primary ministry is MOPS. MOPS has been close to my heart for years. This year I play a smaller role on the Leadership Team, but enjoy serving just the same if not more. I'm also involved in teaching, worship, small group, bible study, service, and outreach. Caleb, Hannah, and Isaiah are involved in Sunday School, children's church, AWANA, MOPS, bible study, service, and outreach. I think they all enjoy AWANA most. Not because their Daddy is the boss, but because God is working on them the most here. All three are learning and retaining His word. Not only are they learning and retaining, but they are living out His word daily. God also continually shows me how special Caleb, Hannah, and Isaiah are! This may seem like to much, but honestly it feels right. I know soon we will find our grove amongst all these duty's and grow in leadership, faith, and our relationship with Jesus Christ. I also know in time God will allow for all of us to see the fruits of our labor and the overflowing blessings that comes from our obedience and perseverance. I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm on my mark, I'm set, here I go...

Dear God,
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for using me in these many ways. Thank you for teaching me to persevere, obey, and grow closer toward your son Jesus. God, thank you for those I knowingly have touched and those only you know I have touched. God, thank you for these many blessings of service and witness. You are my motivation! It is my desire not to be prideful, it is my desire to give all credit to You and hand You all the Glory. Lord, I love You, help me bring your children home if that be Your will!

In Jesus' name, Amen

AwAkEnEd

It's hard to believe that our summer is winding down and it's time to think about the year ahead. I'm happy to say that Caleb passed his evaluation with flying colors! He has officially entered the 4Th grade! Though we ended his homeschool program in May it was just last week that we handed his portfolio to Gina to be evaluated. I couldn't be more proud of Caleb's work this year and I couldn't be more proud with his perseverance through Arithmetic.

I've realized that this year I will not be sending one notification of home education, but I'll send two notifications this year. I'm in disbelief that Hannah has graduated to the 1ST grade... This is another mile stone for her and I am eager to teach her. It has been fulfilling to watch her learn, it has been fulfilling to hear her read. It's rewarding as a her mother, because it was I who taught her!

This summer has been spectacular! Honestly, I can't remember a better summer. So much as happened and so much was gained. We've spent long days at the beach. Afternoons with our friends. Nights with family. We've done a lot of traveling. We've added to our household and cleared out a some of the clutter. This summer I have felt many emotions. Not only has it been wonderful it has also been a wonderful disaster at times. I've been scared, I've been angry, I've shown compassion and been uncompassionate. I've poured my heart out and I've denied my heart. I've cried out loud and I've laughed out loud. It would be fair to ask. "Has God touched you this summer?" My answer would be, YES!

To often I've started my day with out Him this summer, to often I've out right ignored Him during the day. Still, He was there and forced me to see where I was going wrong. He gentle held me when I fell over and over again. He forgave me before I asked Him to. Jesus wrapped his strong loving arms around me and promised me that everything would be OK. Even as I sit here writing this entry He is reveiling my mistakes. I am very grateful, I'm overwhelmed, I'm humbled but lifted. When I allow Him to draw near to me I can hear Him and I feel rested, I feel the weight lifted from my shoulders. When I open His word I'm consumed and convicted. When I hand Him my heart (for real) I'm no longer asking for more, I'm no longer unsatisfied. He has paid it all and all to Him I owe.

Today marks a new day, today will be my attempt to surrender all. I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
Psalm 120:1 NLT God help me!

What a year this will be, what a mess it will be also. But, I know, with God all things are possible and He will always be my shield. My heart is full, my hands are empty and I'm ready to serve my Father.

Dear God, thank you for these lessons, thank you for having patience with me. Help me to become the wife you designed me to be. God, don't let me get in my own way. Help me to achieve what it is to be a mother consumed by you. Help me to learn, lead, and follow only You. This year will bring new adventure, new mistakes, and new discovery... And it will all be by Your grace and love for me. Awaken me!

I pray all these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Oh CaNaDa!

Greg had work in Canada. We decided to pack up a backpack for each of the children and make it a family 'vacation'. Greg mapped out a different route then what he would typically map out. He avoided major high ways and tacked on a few more miles and took us through the countryside. It was beautiful, the farm land was lush and the old farm houses and fields were gorgeous. I never realized how beautiful NY farm land really is. VT was stunning, the fresh air was exuberant.

We stopped in Rochester NY and stayed one night. The following day we drove two more hours to our first destination, Niagara Falls! Crossing the border was a breeze. It only took a few minutes to hand over our passports, have them handed back to us and they drive through the gate. I had originally anticipated a longer stop. Once we were across the children cheered with joy, "We're in Canada!"

I had seen the Falls many years ago when I was in the 8Th grade. Our class drove to Canada for our 8Th grade class trip... I don't think I appreciated it then the way I do now. Beautiful is the word that comes to mind, but really it isn't suitable. Niagara Falls is an amazing creation made by the hands of God. I enjoyed viewing the Falls, I enjoyed watching my children discover and learn.

After a day at the Falls we packed up and drove two more hours to Toronto, Canada. I didn't know that city was as large as it was, I didn't know that it would be as pretty as it was either. We checked into our hotel, unpacked and settled in for the night. After all Isaiah needed the rest because earlier in the day he came down with a sudden fever. By the time I tucked him in for the night his fever had gone up to 103 degrees. I had hoped that he wouldn't catch the fever going around, but he did and so did Caleb. The fever left as quickly as it came and by the 2ND day of having the fever Isaiah and Caleb felt well again.

Greg was working each day so it really wasn't much of a vacation for him. While he was away during the day the kids and I went off exploring. We found cute shops and yummy smelling restaurants. We stumbled across a market and bought fresh fruit and homemade chicken. Our last night in Toronto we took an electric car (I think that's what they are called) into China Town. It was similar to the China Town in Boston but a lot larger. We stopped at a restaurant that had smoked duck hanging in the window. Hannah was hesitant to eat there, but as soon as we opened the door the smell of duck and whatever else that was cooking kitchen captivated us. Just let me say that my dining experience at King Noodle was wonderful and very very tasty.

The following morning we woke up early, packed up the van and headed for home. Our 10hour drive turned into 12-13 hours. The kids needed many potty breaks. It was an uneventful trip home but, a wonderful family 'vacation' in all...

Dear God,
Thank you for the opportunity to travel as a family and thank you for the opportunity to discover and explore your creation. God, thank you for the family time and thank you for the flexibility Greg has with his job. I feel blessed to be able and go on these business trips with him and the children. God, you know how I dislike being away from Greg for long periods of time. Thank you for blessing us with this time together rather then us being apart. I am very grateful for all of these blessings! I love you!

In Jesus' name, Amen