king of my heart.

it was 73 degrees Friday. and while that's all nice in January, I can't help but wonder what that means for the month of August. praise the Lord for air conditioning, I guess!

so we're home. it's always an adjustment for me and this time is no different. waking up in a house with a couple extra family members and knowing your parents are right down the road is nice. so being many miles away without knowing when we'll go back is always a little hard. and Norah is so bored without all of her family and those darn Michigan dogs. so I decided to take advantage of the weather and take her for a walk. she's always up for a walk.

I just wanted to share this song though (I'll post the video at the bottom too). we came back to town facing a few unfortunate things. one being a half empty shed. there are so many reasons I am thankful it was just the shed, and not our house or cars, but when you're processing what might have happened and how it all feels premeditated and like a really bad joke.. and you're glad to just be back to your own bed, but then can't quite get comfortable because you feel a little violated. it just kind of stinks that the comfort of family we just left is so far away, honestly. and it is only things that were taken from us, but still a bummer. 

anyway, the song. it's long but I'd just turn it on while you're doing whatever it is you're doing today and declare it over all of the things. a friend posted it on Facebook and I hit play and just started walking. walking in a place that sort of feels uncomfortable this week. but going confidently because He is good. He is protecting us and has never, ever stopped.

so here's this pretty little thing.

just really happy she doesn't fully understand that anything is weird and can play in her yard without fear and sleep (though not for very long, ha..) like this and dream sweet dreams.

but in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

love. 

a gentle answer.

a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.. the soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:1&4

I've never seen anything confirm these scriptures like parenthood. I know she needs to hear the word no sometimes, but when it's out of my own fear or anger, 'no' is never helpful.

she seeks nurture. it breaks my heart to know so many babies are deprived of that.

I'm convinced you learn the most in your life when you're raising a toddler. I'm sure I'll continue to say that through each stage, but for now.. toddler.

this bird is so brave and this year is going to be quite an adventure, I'm sure.

hello 2016.

love.