a quote i love

 "The most freeing place for the soul 

is in the abandonment to the will of God."

Ann Voskamp

love this one so much.  thought you might to.  i saw it a few weeks ago and it's surfaced lots as i've contemplated all the truth the words hold.  it's not always easy to get to the place of "abandonment", honestly.  wait~ let's be fully, entirely honest, is it ever easy?  there's often lots of wrestling and angst and inner turmoil along the way, but once there, my life experience has taught me that there's peace and freedom as you let God take over.  not sure why i struggle so hard against it, clinging to perceived control or comfort or familiarity or whatever else i grasp at.  human nature, i suppose.  just a good reminder, and i wanted to pass it along!  

be well... 

painted canvas credits go to my Layla.  i love her artwork!  

surfer girl

recently Joelle sent me the most gorgeous pictures of her Tofino surfing adventures.  the shots are stunning.  she's a free spirit and set on adventure seeking and i love hearing and seeing glimpses of her days out west. 

 surfing in February even?  incredible! 

love you and miss you, my dear!

The Chosen

 i've thought about this all day.  what do i say about this series, The Chosen?  A lot or a little?  do i deep dive into how it's riveted me and met me at just about the perfect time?  not that there's a less than perfect time for something this good.  but really, please give it a look.  whether you are a full fledged believer or nothing even remotely close, it doesn't matter.  check it out.  it brings the Gospels to life in a manner that i cannot describe...it's captivating and thought provoking.  Jesus' life here on earth was nothing short of revolutionary.  you get a beautiful visual glimpse of His earthly journey through every episode of this series.  i will not say much more.  not today at least.  i certainly won't do it justice. 

so, off you go...get the app!!

enjoy, friends...

the stragglers

 the last of the photo dump from 2021.  a few more stragglers.  last but not least.  

dear AJ had a killer return football season and won the "Defensive MVP" award at his football banquet.  well deserved, buddy.  you are so fun to watch out there!

Layla, looking great and having so much fun at a real-deal super competitive wrestling tournament, pre-omicron...we didn't know at the time that it would again be her last for awhile, unfortunately.

 baby C's cherished turtle (aka "lolo") in amongst the cheerios.  perfectly normal, right?!

Hannah napping in the new tent on Christmas day...well, not for long it appears.  cute baby boy was about to disrupt things.  he's good at that! :)

 

rink build, 2021...another masterpiece.

couch snuggles during family isolation.  thus the mask. these two, still together as much as possible.