summer beauty in the country

 Catching up.... July 21, 2014

..... taken in one of my favorite places on earth:

Borderline Farm.

These pictures make my heart sigh with happiness. 

They are a piercing reminder to me that Eternity is written on my heart. 

They make me dream of the BEAUTY waiting for me

in the new Heaven and new Earth. 

They give me HOPE in this very real and coming Kingdom.

What stirs your heart and gives you hope? 

mother's day

We headed to Lynden this year after church on Mother's day. The morning started off very special, worshiping with our church family and watching Toby take communion for the first time. He recently talked to the elders and confessed his faith …. a very big step for a shy, little 9 year old boy. It has been one of my prayers this past year and how happy my heart was to see him partake for the first time, and even more so, to hear his understanding of what Christ has done for him. How thankful I am!

We wanted to go be with the Pastor's Mama, as we have been here three years and have yet to have the opportunity to spend Mother's day with her. Having two pastors in the family, makes getting together on Sundays and holidays a bit challenging. We took the plunge though because I really wanted to be in the country, and it looked like it was going to be a lovely, warm day. And it was!!! Perfect for back yard golf and a camp fire. Papa and Num Num gave Toby a necklace as a momento for the special day.

The whole day was just wonderful.

the country

We finally were able to make it up to Num Num and Papa's this spring. With our busy schedule this year, and Ellie now in school, it has made these trips a little more difficult. But how I love to get out of town as a family and head to the country. I always make sure I have some good things to read and my camera. 

This particular day, the pastor and the kids helped out around the yard, mowing, cleaning out gutters, moving wood …. while Jessie romped and played and I, well…. took pictures!! 

Later in the afternoon, Jessie's bestest friend Lucy came to play. 

AND…. Papa took Miss Ellie out for her very FIRST drive!!!! Can you believe it? I was taking a nap when I heard her leave with him and I dreamed that she recked!! But in reality she did fabulous. I was thrilled that she and Papa were able to do that together. Lynden is the perfect little town for her to practice driving in!!  She is in the midst of Driver's Ed class this month. I've yet to take her out …. but soon!!! I cannot fathom that I have a child who is old enough to drive. Where in the world has the time gone?