The Practice of Love, Unconditional

As I sit in the background of quiet cartoons leading to nap time, the babies dozing and the Princess guiding them off to afternoon slumber...

I regret my choice.

You see, I had a chance just this morning to Love. To quiet my thoughts and bear his burden. To listen and not speak all the words swirling in my head.


I had a chance to express Love in the kindest way...without condition.


Managing to make it thorough another 24hrs of the second life he once loved to live. He made the stop before home, the one for all our comfort, the same one every 3rd day, to release the busyness, the stress, to make the switch from being "on call" to being husband, daddy.

Exercise releases all that, eases the transition.

He arrived hot and tired. The house already buzzing with little voices, pretend car engines revving and squeals from girls playing.

It can be a lot. The pressure.

He needed me to listen, I did, but then I suggested and added pressure.

When the hose is charged, pressure added, if the seals not tight it will burst. Every time.

I didn't make sure the seal was tight.

What if I had been quiet, just listened? Been honoring? I thought I was but when there is even just a hint of self it doesn't come across that way.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I am sorry for adding stress, for assuming, for implying, expecting and Loving with conditions.

I will keep practicing: LOVE!

Don't shrink back, believe.

The days turn to weeks and the weeks to years. You can get lost. Each one counts, each one a choice, a chance to be who you always wanted to be...

...the girl God said he'd never leave or forsake, the one he promises to finish, the wife who loves with the unconditional and the mommy that harvests only when the crops are ready.

Don't harden your hearts I read.
It's tough but His word is alive and active. Sharp, read it, learn it, chew on it.
Don't crucify Him again. Once is enough. He loves you.

The old has gone the new has come, now Have faith. The ancients did. And they didn't receive it, that which was promised to them. God had plans, bigger and better.

The way can be confusing, the path overgrown with sinful nature, the light at the end barely visible. Stumbling, groping, trying to make my way without Him is impossible. The weeds catch my feet and the thorns pierce with pain. This doesn't feel like joy.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time.
Train, the harvest will come.

Persevere. Run the race. The one set out. With Jesus as the prize.

So I choose you. I do as you say. I call for you. You come to my side. I keep walking, learning, trusting and maybe my God has plans, bigger and better for me too!

~Transforming this life in Hebrews


Grateful for All This, #133-#172

catching up...a whole year

glow of the moon lighting the path ahead

begs for bedtime stories

the need for this Mommy's love

heart/soul that longs to see you gifts

warmth in the sheets after a restful night

sleepy smiles

friends who love

the hum of his muffler

calloused hands soaking in dishwater to bless me

busy little bodies ready for learning daddy's lessons

morning hugs that heal

excitement for things yet to come

pancakes and yummy sausage

relaxing days at home

fresh eggs

patience rewarded

the suns warmth

sweat from the run

playful giggles from park toys

conviction in his voice

breakfast sandwiches, homemade

stretching the creamer with milk

opportunities to serve

Boys vs Girls

spring bird songs

wet ground, soaking up the dew of morning

screen doors

soothing music

candlelit mornings

crisp autumn air

silverware drumsticks

cozy slippers

warm sheets on chilly mornings

chalk written spelling words

good morning calls

curled up lips

store bought fall leaves that bring me to another place

streaming pictures of our adventures