Making Time For Quiet

It's SO Important!

As a Follower of Jesus.

As a Mama.

As a Wife.

Life can get so chaotic around us. 

Busy, busy busy with no end in sight!

I always have multiple projects on the go: piano lessons to prepare, Etsy orders to complete, 

dinners to cook, people to keep in touch with, errands to run... 

But making quiet time with a priority keeps me fuelled for everything else I do.

So it tops my list.

Earlier in Spring I shared my first devotional of the year by

She Reads Truth

I love She Reads Truth studies because the focus is on God's word, and not someone's interpretation or feeling about it. 

Lets be honest, my quiet time is limited, so I need to get the goods without a lot of other distractions.

Hebrews was my first study of the year. 

Yes, those are scribbles from my toddler.
After all this is real life!

So much focus on Jesus as my advocate - better than all others before and since.

So much encouragement on the power of faith in the example of others.

I finished Hebrews a few weeks back and began a new study.

It's a Journible.

I had been given this beautiful journal by a sweet friend in 

Washington and somewhere in our move it got lost in the shuffle of books.

I recently came across it and decided to make it my next quiet time Bible study.

Once again, the focus is scripture - Romans.

Writing the words out for better retention.

Studying and then journaling through the text.

So, let me encourage you...

We're always going to have things to keep us busy.

Making time for quiet and study is rewarding beyond the few minutes it takes. 

Fill your soul with truth and be encouraged in every aspect of your life.

It's so worth it!

New Years Goals Check In

We're already almost two weeks into the new year. 

While the boys and I survived Braden being out of town for work the first week, we're settling back into our post holiday routine pretty well. 

My new Bible Study guide from She Reads Truth arrived!!

I used some Christmas money from Braden's grandparents to order the Hebrews study guide and have not been disappointed. I love how it directs my attention straight to the words of scripture.

Thus far in Hebrews, I'm just in awe of how worthy Jesus is of all praise.

I'm eyeing these beautifully artistic Scripture verse cards next. 

While I was preparing to sit down and have my devotions this morning I heard a little voice calling, "Mama, I'm ready to wake up!" This little ray of sunshine was my morning buddy and sat drinking his smoothie and listening quietly when I read today's chapters out loud. Love my buddy!

After breakfast Ryder found that Lynden had gotten himself stuck under the couch, and pulled him out. That was so much fun for both of them that he pulled him all over creation, laughing hysterically at Lynden's giggles.

This is the stuff everyday life is made of. 

It's too good to make up.

Dixie has become Ryder's cow-dog. 

He rests himself on her and shouts 

"Giddy Up Giddy Up!"

What a good sport she is.

Pardon the lack of pants, this was immediately after a nap.

A nice hot bath rounded out the evening.

Days like today, when I can get down to kid level and just play, read stories, and use my imagination are just what I had in mind when I set my goals for the new year.

I'm looking forward to what the next eleven and a half months will hold. 

Never a dull moment, I can be assured of that, thanks to my two cutie pies. <3

A New Year & New Goals

A lot has changed in the last year - for better of for worse!

One of those changes is my perspective on the year ahead. 

For the first time that I can remember, 

I really feel excited about making and tracking goals for myself. 

Not the typical losing weight, spending less, or exercising more - 

but in a few key relational areas.

It's always important to be growing and improving, right?

1. Spiritual - I'm excited to start a new Bible Study program put out by She Reads Truth. I've used the app previously and have been really encouraged by the devotionals and scripture reading plans. I can't wait to study Hebrews this January with my new study guide and journal. I'll be sure to share my experience with it as I go. 

2. Marriage - Even the best marriages can always improve, right?! Braden and I love the little family that God has blessed us with, but all of the business of kids can be a distraction sometimes. This year my goal is to write more love letters to Braden - I did this every week during our first year of marriage and sent them all on deployment with him. We don't have an impending deployment this year, but here's just another avenue to encourage and support my partner.

3. Parenting - Our two boys are SO much work, but bring SO much joy! I love to see how quickly Ryder picks up and remembers things. This year I really want to work on memorizing Bible verses with him. And in general, I want to be less distracted for my kiddos - to look in their eyes when I speak with them, make one-on-one time a priority, and not be too busy for developing their imaginations and sitting down to read stories. 

Well, that's my list.

What's on yours?

Enjoying the Psalms

I began reading through Psalms again this week.

I'm only at chapter 13 and already I'm feeling so encouraged.

But, can I make a confession?

I almost didn't. 

I felt like the Psalms were cheating. 

They're short and they're generally pretty easy to ingest. 

I have a Bachelor's Degree from a Christian University, after all.

I memorized hundred's of verses.

I took 5 semesters of Greek.

GREEK!

And somewhere along the line I came to the conclusion that reading the Psalms was cheating. Like I should be studying out Revelation and all of its mysteries. 

It's great too. 

But let's consider for a minute the fact that both inspired books are a part of the same God breathed Bible.

It's kind of like how I used to view running. 

Why bother with a teeny tiny 5K when you could run a 10K or half marathon?  

Well let me tell you, I've come around. 

A 5K would no doubt have me doubled over and gasping for air right now!

As I consider, I think it all boils down to pride in my life. 

I hold myself to some extra biblical standard that has no business being there.

What about you? 

Are you taking time to put aside your own misconceptions to read God's Word and be blessed by it?

Remembering The Fruit

Sometimes life gets busy. 

I've had some challenges with feeling on top of things these last few weeks. 

Kiddos

Quiet Time

Meals

Projects
Exercise

Cleaning

Yard Work

I enjoy each task, yet somehow when time gets tight, the buildup steals my joy.

Breakfast on the go looked like this at least a couple of times last week. :/

It's a good thing that I don't have to conjure up my own happiness. I needed to be reminded of that this week. A new Bible Study I've started recently was just what I needed to bring things back into focus. I'm not doing it all on my own - nor should I be. 

As I'm walking in the Spirit, all these things will manifest themselves:

Love 

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self Control

In other news - God blessed us this week in a way we were not expecting. Braden's car died about a month ago and since then we've been making do with my truck and his 2 wheeled vehicles. It really hasn't been that bad. But, we were anticipating a long drawn out car hunt looking for a particular make of van in our price range. That's difficult enough in a well populated area, let along in our small town. We were even in the midst of planning a whole day of car shopping in Sacramento when my Facebook feed included a post from a church friend here in town looking to sell a van - our van! 

We are so thankful for how the Lord provided this new addition. Braden has been suggesting some classic 'Soccer Mom' names for her. Haha! I don't care, I'll not have to heft heavy bags of chicken feed and water bottles into the bed of my truck any longer. Call me crazy, but I'm excited to enter the Taxi Mama world.  

 

What To Do When It Feels Like Your Kids Get In The Way Of Life:

Since getting back from our long weekend camping trip I've been feeling pretty sluggish and fighting to get up and get a lot accomplished in the mornings. On Friday I finally decided to go ahead and write down what I hoped to get done during my day.

What is it about a list that inspires and motivates to action? Must be a weird personality thing. Here's what I came up with: 

The list stuck to the counter in my kitchen so pardon all of the water marks. :)

While I did go ahead and plan out my day from early on - the baby was up at 5 and Ryder was up at 6 - somehow the kids didn't pick up on my get 'er done mentality. Haha! Just a few things to accomplish, seems pretty reasonable, right? Well, those things turned into many more...

1. Breakfast (nurse Lynden, change diaper, take Ryder to the potty, get everyone dressed)

2. Bike Ride (leave, return home to pump up tires, return home to leave Dixie who was terrorizing the neighborhood dogs, finally get home after our ride to find that Ryder has had an accident in the bike trailer - sigh..., another trip to the potty, laundry, get dressed)

3. Pull Weeds (nurse the baby, rescue Ryder's tricycle stuck on the rocks, coach Ryder on where and where NOT to throw rocks, hunt for lizards with Ryder and find a few other creatures instead)

Can you spy the camouflage creature?

4. Wash Dishes, Clean & Clear Counters (shower, make lunch, feed everyone lunch, put Ryder down for a nap, wash one dish, feed a bite of food to Lynden - yes, he's started solids!, wash one dish, wipe that last whole bite that is dribbling down his chin, wash one dish, feed Lynden a bite, etc.)

5. Fold Laundry (change yet another dirty diaper, nurse the baby, pour a 5th cup of coffee, scrub crayon off of the floor, find a full episode of The Pioneer Woman to watch - yes, this is relaxed as I get these days. :)

6. Deep Clean Master Bath (Set Ryder up with water and a snack to 'watch the thumper go boom boom' instead of being scared of the thunderstorm, What?! It's 6 already! Time to make dinner...)

Sometimes at the end of days like these I look back and wonder what I did all day. If you have kids at home, I'm sure you can relate!

As you can see, not so streamline as originally planned. But, at the end of the day, all of the important things got done and these two were just as happy as could be. 

I need to remind myself of this often, but for today, my consolation is this:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Days like this are not a write-off. 

They aren't treading water. 

They don't keep us from really living life. 

They are real life!

So, are you a Mama? 

Glorify God.

Are you single?

Glorify God.

Wherever you are, 

whatever you're doing, 

there - glorify God. 

5 Ways to Honour Your Kids' Dad This Father's Day

On this special day, I've been mulling over some thoughts on fathers. So for what it's worth, here's what I've come up with for myself to pursue. May it encourage you as you consider the special Dads in your life. <3

5 Ways to Honour Your Kids' Dad This Father's Day:

1. Make Him the Most Important Man in Your Life

What? What does this have to do with being a Dad? Well, in this age of child-centered families, we've taken the emphasis from the life-long marriage relationship to the temporary parent-child relationship. So wives, to make him a better father to your children, make that permanent relationship the priority - not only does it give your children an environment in which to thrive but it also requires giving up some of the energy you would otherwise expend on your children, to building up your marriage.

2. Speak Well of Him in Your Home

Children, both young and old, are SO perceptive. They pick up both on what you say and the attitude with which you express it. When Daddy isn't home (as we military wives know so well) speak well of him. When Ryder asks where Daddy is during the day, my standard answer is, "Daddy's working. Daddy works so hard to take care of us." From an early age, build that expectation for and appreciation of hard work. One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of my Dad was just how hard I saw him work, sometimes in terrible weather and not feeling great, yet he was committed to working his hardest to provide for our family. And when I talk to our children about him, I'll be sure to speak well of his work ethic too.

With my Dad when I was in college.

It may not be work, it may be some other character quality you choose, whatever it is, speak well of your children's Daddy in the home.

3. Speak Well of Him in Public

Not only do your children hear and perceive how you honour their father, your family and friends are sure to pick up on how you speak of your husband. Do you casually participate in 'husband bashing' with your girlfriends? Maybe laughing about how he botched some household task - like loading the dishwasher or getting the kids ready for something. It may seem harmless enough, but every instance of seemingly harmless belittling chips at that foundation of your relationship - that relationship that provides stability and an example for your children in their future relationships.

4. Encourage Him Personally

What I've said above only goes so far if you don't let him know personally, daily that you're proud of him and you love him. What does he love to do? Tell him he's great at it! Spend time learning about his hobbies from him. Join him if you can. Sometimes encouragement is hard to give. Sometimes you're just not feeling it. Sometimes you really have to dig deep to find something to commend. Words of affirmation go so far though. They give hope. They inspire. Pray for him. Pray with him. Let him know how proud you are of him as a Dad to your children.

5. Let Him Lead

Oooh, isn't this one hard? It can be so easy to undermine Dad's authority. Well, Dad said no screen time, but if you're good, I'll give you 10 minutes. It can be so easy (especially in the home after he's been gone for a long day of work) to think that he just doesn't understand that way you operate things (and maybe he doesn't). But talk to him about that, not your kids. It sounds crazy in our culture, but the biblical home is one in which Dad leads and Mom functions in her role as helper. Be on the same page in your parenting, weigh in and discuss your ideas and goals together, but ultimately, let him lead the family.

My two boys are blessed to have a wonderful God fearing Daddy who loves and nurtures them. On this Fathers Day, I couldn't be more thankful for the Father Braden is to our boys.

Happy Father's Day!

Those Sanctifying Moments

They happen every day. We all probably refer to them in different ways. Times when our patience is tested. Moments when even our faith is put to the test. 

Over time, I've come to realize that it's not the situation itself that is so much the problem, but how I choose to respond that matters.

Today is a prime example...

I had my grocery lists written out, coupons printed, and diaper bag fully stocked. I was all ready for our bi-monthly trip to Reno. We were up and out the door by around 8 and I was feeling good. It's a good thing we left early too, because a nearly potty trained toddler, asked for and got 6 different trips to 'the potty.'

Target - check

JoAnn's - check

Whole Foods - check

Costco - check

Gas Station - check

That's how I thrive - checking things off of my list. We did great. The kiddos were cheerful, we ran from our air-conditioned car to air-conditioned stores and had a great day of it. By 2, we were well on our way home with both boys sleeping soundly in the backseat.

And then it happened...the car overheated.

I had been watching the temperature gauge, after seeing it climb on our recent road trip and had even asked hubby if I should maybe just take the truck instead. But that little needle didn't look back and all of a sudden I started to hear a rattle. I pulled over and the engine died before I had even come to a stop beside the highway. 

Flashers On

Oh boy!

After a quick call to Braden, help was on its way - but his work is on the opposite side of town and I knew it would take a little while for him to go home, get the truck and meet up with us. Sigh....  The temperature inside the car climbed as we sat there in the baking sun. Before long both Ryder and Lynden were awake and getting antsy. 

Yes, I was the crazy lady nursing her baby by the side of the road when a kind truck driver pulled over and offered to help. 

Hurry up, honey! 

I can tell you the initial thoughts running through my mind:

1. Why couldn't I have just taken the truck? I knew this would happen.

2. Now? Really?! I have all kinds of cold food in the back that needs to get into a fridge.

3. Great!  Now the kids are going to be cranky for the whole rest of the day without a decent nap.

It wasn't pretty.

But then I caught myself. Here I was grumbling and complaining inwardly when I didn't really have it so bad. 

1. Braden was in town and though at work, he was able to leave and come rescue us.

2. Today was 91 degrees (33 for my Canadian friends) but it's supposed to get up to 100 later this week.

3. I had remembered to bring the big cooler along and the cold food was not going to spoil in the extra hour we had to wait without AC.

4. We were only about a 10 minute drive from home, not a whole hour away, which would have been the case if it had happened in Reno.

5. We were safe. The car died on a not very busy highway where we could safely pull over and wait for help. Not too remote, but not so busy that we were in any danger.

I catch myself doing these mental evaluations every so often. I suppose the goal is to one day get them so ingrained that I think these grateful thoughts before allowing the complaining ones any place in my mind, but it's all a process.

That's the way sanctification works. These trials - some big life changing blows and others fairly trivial, like my hiccup today - are all part of the bigger picture and God intends to use them to bring about growth in my life.

So instead of whining, I'm going to choose joy in this moment, and hopefully I can remember this lesson and save myself the trouble next time. But if not, I can remind myself of these truths:

Trials are going to come and are not without purpose.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)

What I have is good, from the hand of a loving God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

A Lesson From Hannah

Our small group from church is currently studying through the Old Testament. This week we began 1 Samuel. I've read the story of Hannah and Samuel a dozen times, but this particular time, something new stood out to me. 

Hannah was a heartbroken woman. She was beloved of her husband, but childless and forced to endure mocking from a rival wife. And yet, what was her response?

She prayed, 'pouring out [her] soul before the Lord. (v.15)
'Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.' (v. 18)

1 Samuel 1

But wait...

Hannah hadn't received an answer to her prayer yet - yes or no. She hadn't done anything but share her burdens with her God.  Yet she trusted Him.

Hannah prayed and left her worries in God's hands.

What was the proof that she was trusting Him?
1. Her appetite returned
2. Her countenance changed

And that's the greatest application I took away from our study. Once I've prayed and given my burdens over to God, I can leave with the same peace that Hannah experienced. And if you are God's child, you can too. What an encouragement!

What to do on Thursday?

I've started reading a new book!  Last year at this time I was just about through David Copperfield. While I know better than to start something of that magnitude at this point in my life, a number of books I picked up in college have been waiting neglected on the bookshelf, so I picked up a smaller one to read.

What to do on Thursday? is written by one of my favourite authors when it comes to counseling material - I was a Biblical Counseling major in university. Jay Adams wrote a lot of the textbooks we used in psychology and counseling and he approaches the subject with a great respect for scripture and it's helpfulness in every area of life.

The theme of this book is how to practically use scripture in everyday life, not just on Sundays or when expected issues arise. On Sundays in church, it's common to hear the scripture preached and end with how to apply it to our lives - this is essential.  But here, Adams takes the approach of 'moving from life to law, from problem to passage' just the opposite direction and similarly important when pursuing to counsel others (or yourself) when problems arise.

I've only just begun, but I'm excited to share a little insight with you as I make my way through the book.  Here is today's thought-provoking quote...

And just for fun, here are a few shots of Ryder enjoying MOPS and getting some wiggles out. It's hard to believe how BIG he is getting.  No longer my baby...   <3

Reminding Myself to Stay Focused

About a month ago I stopped running.  Not for good (hopefully) but just until this baby arrives and I don't have gravity pulling on my protruding baby-belly. Less than 8 weeks until my due date - if anyone's counting!

Anyway, morning runs used to be a great time for me to leave behind distractions and allow my mind to take in truth, focus, and be reminded of what really matters. My favourite medium for accomplishing this is sermon audio. With the app on my phone, I am able to listen to excellent teaching and preaching by some of my university professors and pastors. If you check it out for the first time, don't be overwhelmed. There's a lot of material available, though I usually just search for my favourite pastor (Dr Greg Mazak) or school (BJU) or search for a particular text that I am interested in. 

Since running ended a number of weeks ago, and occasional trips to the gym just don't afford that same level of concentration, I've had to remind myself of my need to stay grounded, to constantly be meditating on truth, and lately, to begin my days in a way that really sets me up for success. 

And so, these last two mornings, after seeing Braden out the door to work, I've been listening to Dr Mazak as he preaches through the book of Acts (the birth of growth of the church). What a blessing it is to begin my day with this encouragement! 

My little monkey was up early to hear the last few minutes of the message this morning. :)

A little pre-breakfast playing with his new farm animals and magnetic blocks.

Thoughts on Beginning a New Year

It's only 9pm and already I have the house to myself. Ryder usually goes down at 7 and Braden's fighting his sickness with additional rest as well. 

So here I am with my Sparkling Cherry Lime Izze (yum!) meditating on my day in general and considering this new year that has just begun. 

I'm not one to make new years resolutions. I have nothing against them, but I also tend to be a realist; meaning, if I didn't do something yesterday or the day before, I'm not naive enough to think that turning the page on a calendar is going to motivate me to change. I find that I am generally internally motivated. Don't get me wrong, I know that I should be constantly looking for areas in my life that I can improve and ways to grow, but January 1 doesn't seem to influence that very greatly.  

My thoughts tend to drift to the addition of a new family member and continuing to learn and love life here in Nevada. Only God knows what the coming year holds for us and that alone causes a certain amount of excitement and peace.

How about you?  Do you set goals for yourself? Does the start of a new year invoke a lot of reflection and motivation to change in the one to come?

In my reflection tonight, I would be remiss if I didn't share how I was incredibly encouraged at church this morning. After a few weeks away, it was refreshing to get back into our study in the book of Matthew.

A few applications that I took away from the message in our Matthew 13:31-32 text:

1. Don't be discouraged, God works through small beginnings.

2. Don't ever think that darkness is greater than light; as Christians, our influence in our families and beyond is stronger than that of unbelievers because light is more powerful than darkness.

3. Be a Spirit-filled, Spirit-controlled blessing to both believers and unbelievers, so that God can work through you.

Praise God for his word to instruct, encourage and motivate us. If I wasn't motivated by this new year, I certainly was by the teaching of God's word this morning.  Feeling blessed and thankful!

Jayne

Children's Music Theology

Good morning!

I'm sitting here in my semi-quite house. Ryder is eating his breakfast and I have mine, with the addition of a steaming cup of coffee.  The heat has just come on, but I can see that the sun's rays shining across our table are deceptively warm - it's a chilly morning out there.

As peaceful and calm as this morning sounds, yesterday was it's exact opposite. After packing Braden off to work with coffee, a smoothie, and lunch at around 5am, sleeping for another hour, and then trying to accomplish an inhuman amount (run, shower, breakfasts, cleanup, laundry, dinner prep, etc.) before heading out the door for MOPS at 9:45, I set us up for a crazy day.

In the afternoon I was even able to read through Acts 23 and work on my church small group questions, but it wasn't until I was making dinner in the evening and turned on some children's music for Ryder that I was able to reevaluate and get my focus where it needed to be.

Children's Music Theology:

1. Do Not be Overcome by Evil, but Overcome Evil with Good. Romans 12:21

2. You are the Light of the World. Let Your Light so Shine Before Men that they may see your Good Works and Glorify Your Father in Heaven. Matthew 5:14,16

3. Keep Your Tongue From Evil and Your Lips from Speaking Lies. Proverbs 34:13

4. I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me. Philippians 4:13

5. Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart and Lean Not on Your Own Understanding. In all Your Ways, Acknowledge Him, and He will Direct Your Paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes it's hearing the Word in its simplest form that has the most effect.
Today I'm determining to be meditating on it from the get go.

Have a great one!

PS - Today, Lord willing, we find out our big baby news! Stay tuned tomorrow....

And because I can't post without a picture, here's one from a few weeks back of Ryder playing with one of his beloved Tonkas. 

A Little Motivation

It just takes the sound of laughter coming from the down the hall to get me out of bed in the morning - unless I'm already up to get hubby his coffee and see him off to work. To go for a run or bike ride, it doesn't take much, just a clear day and my faithful companions. Making a gourmet dinner - a hardworking and hungry husband.

I'm hiding behind the camera, because you don't want to see me all sweaty and gross. :)

What does it take to motivate you?

Since we've been married, Braden and I have tried to make a regular habit out of reading the Bible together daily. Ryder always gets a Bible story before bed, but we also make a point out of reading to one another, sometimes followed by deep discussion and at other times, just quiet reflection. We're picking up in Psalm 110 tonight. Having a partner on the same page as a faithful encourager has been a great motivation to anticipate and make time for our spiritual growth.

But I need something more, and I've known it for a little while now, I just haven't motivated myself to get started yet.  Until today. Thus begins more regular Bible memorization for this girl. I am reminded of my Bible Doctrines class at BJU and the endless verse cards that I carried with me everywhere - breakfast, chapel, sports games, work - everywhere. Maybe I won't be that intense with it, but we're to be meditating on the scripture day and night, right?

 So here's the beginning of what I want to make a habit, once again. Colossians 3:16-17, chosen because they are a good reminder of why we need to be remembering these words anyway. What better motivation?

How do you hide God's word in your heart?

Playing the Waiting Game

For those of you who were waiting to hear the news with bated breath, the waiting game has begun.  Sorry to build anticipation and then leave you hanging. We've got 3 more weeks until the next ultrasound.

It happens so often that we are forced to play the waiting game. Waiting for answers. Waiting for deployment to end. Waiting for a particular trial to end. At some time, most times, I'm willing to bet, we are waiting for something or another. 

Waiting for deployment to end.

Waiting is inevitable, but what you choose to do along the way is just that - your choice. So, if you're playing the waiting game, like I am, here are some ways to beat discouragement:

1. Don't set plans too firmly, you only have so much control.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-16 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/James+4/

2. Make it a matter of prayer, God knows the specific details of your situation.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/1+Thessalonians+5:11/

3. Keep living in the meantime. 
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/

4. Know that there's always hope, nothing should cause you to despair.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4 ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/Romans%2015/

Waiting for Daddy.

Together at last.

This was my personal timely reminder. 
I trust that it has been an encouragement to you as well. 
Have you been playing the waiting game?  How have you encouraged yourself in the midst of waiting?