"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of 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."
(Rom 8:26-28)
When young folks are not feeling well, we can do all we can, holding them, nurturing them, to help them feel better. When they have concerns, we need to talk them out, showing them their options, helping them choose their words wisely in a variety of situations. When it comes to the ultimate Healer, there is a time to give Him the concerns by praying with them through each of their concerns.
Sometimes their concerns are far beyond anything we can fix. Sometimes we have to lay down our own pridefulness and give our children to God in unfathomable ways.
We have done just that in this past year. The gut wrenching experience is one that I do not care to repeat.
Now, we've established a new normalcy, complete with different expectations, different day to day activities, and lots of appointments for all of us.
My day to day activities remain the same, but I struggle to gain a semblance of order. Without getting enough sunlight, and beginning the cloudy time of year, I know my Sensory Affective Disorder is going to kick in soon. I work to try to find a way around the symptoms by exercising, going on walks--even on cloudy days--getting enough nutritious foods, but I struggle to get enough sleep each night without waking through the night for whatever reason. Keeping things in check depends greatly on getting enough sleep. Six hours, sometimes less, of sleep each night isn't enough though. It is work to get enough sleep. (Go figure!)
Through all of this, we are beginning to thrust ourselves in to getting ready to move to Georgia. I would love for all the work to be done when I snap my fingers, but it won't. We will be downsizing, purging, decluttering, pitching, selling, and eventually giving thing away so we don't have to move them. We only keep things that we absolutely treasure and things that are absolutely necessary. We will definitely have many yard sales beginning in May. To begin, though, I am selling some of our home school books. I am taking them to our local home school group meetings to sell a little at a time.
It is amazing how much junk one accumulates!
We've added a puppy to our home recently. His name is Gus. Before Gus, by about a month, we added an adult cat whose name is Pickles. He's a good kitty who will make sure to take care of our mice problem. We got him because the mice were getting smarter. Now we have 4 critters to keep each of us (almost) company. Biscuit has enjoyed sitting on my lap while Pickles goes with my husband, Gus has taken a very strong liking to JL and Rustie enjoys getting attention from anyone. He is getting older and will probably be facing his final time through this winter. That's why we have Gus now.
We've canned quite a bit more this year than we have last year and the year before. This year we've made 2 batches of salsa--over 20 quarts--sauce, stewed tomatoes, and hot peppers. We are looking at pumpkin next and whatever else we can preserve. If we haven't eaten all of it by the time we move then we'll take it with us. We plan to put in a garden next year just in case our house doesn't sell.
Last week our kids participated in the Clarion Autumn Leaf Festival with the Civil Air Patrol. JL is holding the rifle in the left front, HJ is right behind him holding the banner, and DA is right over her shoulder in the back. They did a phenomenal job!
Now we concentrate on schooling. I struggle with getting much in, so I'm working on that as well as the many other things mentioned above right now. If you don't see me around for a while, that is why. I may document my purging journey in all its glory--messes and everything. In order to purge, you need to make a mess, right? We've lived in this house for 9 years, so I'm sure the mess will be huge!
~Until next time~
God Bless,
