Moments with MarLo

A sanctuary is a place of refuge, a nature reserve, a holy place 1 .  Lately I have sought sanctuary.  I have found a portion of it in a little park near where I work.  However, the sanctuary I seek is not found in a place.  Rather, it is my wholehearted desire to meet with Jesus.  I seek Him in the park, I seek Him when I rise in the morning, as I go through my day, and as I lie down at night. It’s not only a place of refuge but one of relationship. How my soul responds to these words: “Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God.” 1 John 4:13 (Message) I am seeking a continual relationship with Jesus, the One who knows me better than anyone else. Have you walked with Him lately?  Have you sought His intimate relationship?  Go now for He is waiting for you. _______________ 1 Dictionary.com

Today marked the start of a new year bringing it with some incredibly sweet moments.  I love my birthday not for the gifts but for the opportunity to pause and celebrate life. My day included lunch with a wonderful friend, Melissa Milbourn , who lives 2 1/2 hours away!   (Road trip! Yay!) Melissa and MarLo An abundance of Facebook posts, text messages, phone calls, and emails from family and friends  offering witty, sentimental, and incredibly thoughtful birthday wishes!  (Words are my love language so I felt nothing but love all day long!) Time spent shopping with my adorable little fashionista, Lydia.  (Shopping might be my second love language.)  Lydia  Who slept most of the trip (both there and back!) Love the sleep mask! A quick rest stop where we had too much fun taking photos of each other! Followed by dinner with my Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Aunt Alice!   We had S'mores for dessert then ...

I still remember the day my heart longed to have a child of my own.  The day I begged God to some how, some way, show favor on me with a child. Fourteen years later I gave birth to God's answer to my prayer. Today Lydia turns 9! Each passing year tugs at my heart.   I delight in watching her grow into a beautiful young girl, while at the same time I'm incredibly aware of how few the years are between today and the moment she'll spread out her wings. To know Lydia, to soak in her sweet beauty, look into her brilliant eyes, or receive a smile surrounded by adorable dimples is to see the handiwork of God.  She makes me laugh (often), she's the first to notice if someone needs help, she's also witty and loves a good practical joke. She is a graceful dancer, loves fashion, enjoys cooking, and would own a cheetah if that was allowed. She loves to hang out at home, watch movies, eat ice cream or anything dark chocolate, and pray. Lydia is a gift enjoyed eve...

Heart's at Home's Third Thursday Blog Hop is asking the following questions. How are you like your mom? How are you different from your mom? My mom is one of my best friends.  I look forward to talking with her every day and am blessed to have her so close. But as much as we enjoy spending time with each other we aren't exactly the same. We are alike in the following ways: We both love to read, especially a good mystery or books that inspire our faith. We love to travel although I prefer to fly and she would much rather drive. We love to serve in our communities and church.  She has served on several Boards and is currently serving with two different outreach programs. I currently serve on Hearts at Home's Board of Directors. We love being moms! (She also loves being a grandma!) There are a few ways we are different. She is an introvert and I am an extrovert.   She loves to cook (and she is amazing!) and I have an aversion to the kitchen. She has a typ...

What if my life was captured in the Bible? This question tripped me up one day.  Unable to land on an answer it continues to consume my thoughts.  There are a lot of stories in the Bible of people who's faith was tested in some way or another.  Most of them inspire me with how they faced their challenges, clinging to hope, resolving to trust in God despite their circumstances.  Then there are those who's choices took them down a destructive path. And so I wonder. If my life was captured in the Bible would it tell a story of faith or failure? What about you?  Have you ever thought about the story of your life and what it might say to others? Would our lives emulate those who's stories have been told before ours? Are we like Eve?  Tempted by what we don't have rather than what we do? Too impatient to wait on God to teach us; enticed instead by what others whisper in our ears? Are we filled with jealousy like Cain or greed like J...

Miracles come in many forms. Sometimes we dismiss them as mere coincidence. Sometimes we don't even notice them especially when the miracle takes place in our heart. A year ago my family was facing a significant change. My husband was battling some health issues and was unable to work. I was having a difficult time watching him struggle amidst determining how the decreased income would impact our family, while also figuring out how to make everything appear normal with our then seven-year-old daughter. Needless to say I was quite stressed. I prayed fervently for my husband's health. I did my best to make sense of our dwindling finances, and I continued to reach out and educate myself in order to best help my daughter understand what was going on. I was also trying not to lose myself amidst the trying circumstances. I wondered about my ability to handle every thing. Some days I just wanted to cry all day and release the burdens I was feeling. Other days I was upset over ...

I'm full! I knew I would be following the Hearts at Home conference this past weekend but I'm always amazed when even my own expectations are surpassed. I've been reflecting on all the great information shared by this year's speakers.  Jennifer Rothschild   encouraged me with her own vulnerabilities, Chonda Pierce  reminded me how good it feels to laugh, really laugh, and Hearts at Home founder, Jill Savage inspired me to think more intentionally about the impacts of my parenting on future generations. Beyond the main sessions, Moms Night Out, and workshops, I made new friends and met up with many I already know and love. Yes, I'm full and so much better for it. The smile on my face perfectly matches the gratitude in my heart for the many blessings I received this weekend. If finding renewed energy and appreciation as a mom is something you need join us at one of the conferences this fall and make plans to join us at the National Conference next Marc...