Proverbs 21:30
"No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord."




I can't believe it has been almost a week since Eric was here for his surprise visit. I plan to post some pics but not all of them have been downloaded. I feel like today I am finally feeling rested from what proved to be a whirlwind of a weekend. But I wanted to go ahead and post something that has been on my heart.

One of the things we did while Eric was here was hike to the top of the Peaks of Otter. It really is iconic for this area. If you live in the Burg and haven't hiked the Peaks...you are missing out. As we posed for this pic we were all eager to hike and climb, unhindered in our spirits. In fact Ellie took off running as soon as that picture was taken. It doesn't matter how many times I hike that mountain I always feel like the top should be closer! We could "feel" like we were getting closer because the blue sky seemed to be getting closer! But then all of a sudden we would be winding down again. Julia commented that it seems like you "have to go down a lot to make it to the top!" Ah, but when we got to the top it was so wonderful. We picniced and enjoyed the view! Obviously the "work" of the hike melted away to the to majestic mountain scene that surrounded us. Everytime I see it I feel like it is just as glorious as the last time.

Over this past week since Eric's visit the reality that we are moving has set in. We talked constantly with the girls about the fact that we are "halfway" and that the next time Daddy comes it will be to move and we will be together. During this past week those realities have set in. It has revealed to me some strongholds of "control" that still linger in my heart. (I know it is hard to believe that I struggle with control!) As I sat in church yesterday I realized that I was still "mid climb" on this mountain hike. Honestly, I am beginning to struggle with our move, what I am leaving behind, giving up, etc. Now don't be misled here! My biggest desire is to be reunited as a family. But in all of the details, I had to confess that I regretted not being in control. As I was worshipping the Lord revealed to me that my strongholds were that of selfishness and flesh. I, deep down, regretted in some ways how all of the details fleshed out and what it was "costing me". It is really something I have been denying and not wanting to admit.I was convicted and had a renewed desire to embrace this change 100%. I prayed that I would release those fears and that I would be satisfied in His will for my life. I prayed "Lord help me to accept your will. It is the only place I will find freedom!" As only the Lord could....the next worship song had almost THOSE VERY WORDS! As I was singing I knew in a fresh way that the Lord would be faithful to guide me through dealing with these "losses". It was the Lord allowing me to see that blue sky on my mountain hike. I know I am not at the top yet, but I know through obedience I will be able to experience the beautiful view!





This whole experience has been a refining of my heart. I have been challenged to look at my motives, my actions, my passions, and my deepest desires. The Lord seems to be stripping the things from my life that I attribute to "ME!" and instead is replacing them with things and desires that I can only attribute to HIM! It is a scary place for me to be....without ME in control! But I know that I am experiencing the best that the Lord has for me. May He fill my heart with the passion to love Him deeply and may that flesh out in my life in ways that I can only attribute to Him!