Anniversary Surprise Getaway

My amazing husband surprised me with a 2 night getaway to Tubac Resort and Spa! He had been planning our 1st Anniversary for about 3 months. I was totally surprised and felt very pampered. Among the highlights of the trip include an 80-minute massage and pedicure, a rousing tennis match, games, a sweet letter hand written on graph paper from my husband, long walks to enjoy the surroundings, dressing up for a nice dinner, and champagne with chocolate covered strawberries. Our time was so well thought out and I wished it would never end. I felt so relaxed away from the fast paced life back home and the time spent with Kurtis was so much more intense and meaningful.

Happy Anniversary

Kurtis and I were married in St. Louis a year ago May 19th! It was so fun having all of our friends and family with us to celebrate. It has been fun to look back on this past year and see how good our God is...through joys and pain. Kurtis has balanced me as person and has given me love and encouragement in a way in which I have never received before. I am so thankful for what the Lord is doing through him. I love you, Kurtis!

Peonies and Tulips

May of 2007 was a time of celebration and love, but also heartache and loss. It is beyond my capacity to understand why God, at times, has us face trials from both ends of the spectrum in the same moment. Both seem to tug at our hearts in very intense and unique ways. What I do know is that God taught me a lot about the bonds between mother and daughter and sisters back in May of 2007, and these lessons I will cherish forever. At a time of overwhelming joy for me, as I was in the final weeks of preparing for my wedding day, my sister experienced the most intense of three miscarriages she has undergone in her life. Words cannot express building up and tearing down of the very fabric of our hearts, however I believe my mom comes closest in a journal entry she made at the time…

5/3/07

Peonies and Tulips

I planted three peonies today. I took great care in selecting them…two deep pink and one, almost white. They stand in a row, separate, yet together. Their stems are sturdy, yet flexible enough to gently bend when the wind approaches and the rain falls. Their beauty and aroma astound me.

How puzzling that a visit to the nursery provided the beauty that went into the soil today, yet, a hospital nursery never held the three babies we love so dearly. In the ER, Lynnie’s words, “I wish I was having a real baby” still my heart and gnaw at my hope. I am so sorry, my darling girl. So, so sorry.

It is the parents’ privilege and honor to name their precious children, so I do not presume to do so. Yet my heart whispers three names: “Lynn,” “Pete,” and “Samuel.” I will love them always. And each May, when the peonies bloom, I will celebrate their brief lives and their beauty. They are a gift from God.

Moments later:

Tulips. Will they hold up for the wedding just two weeks away? There is something strong in their fragility…needing support, welcoming it, yet proudly holding their heads and revealing their beauty as their vulnerable petals risk opening. Delicate. Sweet. Strong.

Lara, that is you. Delicate. Sweet. Strong.
As you prepare for your wedding day and your marriage bed, may you rest in your heavenly Father’s arms and take strength from your Savior who risked it all for you. May you glimpse your loveliness as a woman and a bride. Oh, such sweet intimacy.

Today I grieve grandchildren and at the very same time, smile for you, my darling Lara.

Ecclesiastes 3 says it all…
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
Vs. 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance.

Spin in your bridal gown, dear one, and dance. You are a radiant bride.

Love You, Mom!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Thank you for loving me, believing in me, and

displaying Christ to me!

It is so great to be with you on Mother's Day! I love you!

Blooming in the Desert

"The desert and parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy." Isaiah 35:1-2

Before I moved to Arizona I thought the desert was always brown and because it is so dry here flowers would not bloom and flourish. I was wrong. I have been in awe of all the beautiful blooms I have found in the desert. I love how the Lord designed each flower and made it so unique and beautiful. As I think of the flowers blooming, I also think of my move to Arizona two years ago. It was hard to adjust and to be content in a new city. I can say now, after 2 years of being in the desert, that the Lord is causing me to "bloom" and no sandstorm (trial) can cause my petals to wilt. God is so faithful and good as He continues to love and lead me. I pray He will keep blooming me!