Beyond the Garden Gate

My collection of journals sit next to my side of the bed reminding me not only of how muchI have grown but of the faithfulness of God... each represents a season, some journals close with tears, some with a flood of relief, some with immeasurable joy, yet ready for a new chapter of life to begin. Some have filled up quickly and others have taken months to be filled. I love looking at them, seing the dates and digging in to the stories, words, prayers, and art/pictures they hold. I love to see how God is always constant, no matter what was going on in my life at the moment, even when I have felt my world shattering He has held me together. I can see His answered prayers, even when they seemed impossible or answered in a different way than I was expecting yet He still shows me nothing is impossible for God and I can see how everything- every circumstance- is woven together so beautifully for His glory reminding me to trust in Him, that He is always taking care of me, no matter what. Lucy

Early this morning while the little one slept I read a quote that said "what has been the most beautiful place you have been to?" And the it was amazing how the answer just came to me quick without thinking: our home. I have been blessed to have traveled to numerous countries, cities, states; I have seen from deserts, rainforests, snowy mountains, to paradise beaches yet the most beautiful place I have ever been is our home. Our tinny oddly distributed apartment, with giant windows that let in a stream of natural light, the carpet covered with crumbs, toys and baby slobber from crawling babies (not only ours but our friends too), the small kitchen where we bump each other but serves as a place to pour our love over the food we cook and share with our loved ones, the constant dishwasher running and plates in the sink showcasing the blessings and joy shared around the table, the  drool/popsicle/markers/sticky hands stained couch where we sit to read books and welcome loved ones