What if the seasons never changed?

What if the seasons never changed? What season would you want forever?

Winter

 Everything is dead. Rarely a bloom can be found. It’s bitterly cold and windy at times. Evergreens are strong and rustic providing a warmth to the cold. However, the snow can create a winter wonderland that displays God’s beauty like no other way I’ve ever witnessed. God’s handiwork….purely amazing. The Cardinals show themselves to remind us of loved ones gone. Cozy nights by the fire and watching many movies snuggled up on the couch next to loved ones. Game nights with the kids and late night conversations that you’d never have if you were playing outside.

Spring

 Days get longer now. Spring cleaning and yard work gets underway. What was dead now begins to come alive. Flowers bloom all around and the earth is a colorful rainbow of excitement and freedom. Animals come out from hibernation and people use the outdoors as their recreation spot. Kites are flown over fields of clovers and picnics are underway. Birds sing harmonious melodies that no human can replicate.  

Summer

Flowers are now plentiful and grasses are green. It’s hot. Very hot. Sometimes it’s hard to even go out during the afternoon because the heat is unbearable. Evenings are filled with barbecues and poolside get-togethers with friends and family. Evenings that are unforgettable are made into memories. Stars shine so brightly that you could lay on that blanket in the grasses forever just gazing at that night sky in pure, utter amazement.

Fall

The trees leaves are tired and begin falling to the ground.  Days get shorter and those long summer nights out come to an end.  The trees may tire, but they choose to first show us gorgeous shades of reds, golds, purples, and oranges. It creates a brilliance of color across the horizon that people will travel to get a glimpse of. Campfires and s’mores are plentiful and bonfires invite the newest of friends.

What if the seasons never changed? What season would you want forever?

Perhaps, we should be thankful for what each season brings. 

Just as the seasons of the year change, so do the seasons of our lives. Sometimes the season feels bitter cold and lonely, while other times the season feels lively and healthy. No matter the season you’re in right now, please know that God is with you and will never leave you. If you feel alone, look to the One who gives life and will walk beside you. Who do you think makes the flowers bloom in the spring time? If you feel afraid, look to the one who offers eternal protection. Who do you think tells the squirrels to gather their food and prepare for the winter? If you worry too much, take your burden to the Father. Who do you think feeds the birds that fly among us? If you are guilty, as we all are, kneel before the Almighty Lord and ask forgiveness. His mercies are bountiful and He loves you regardless of what you've done. Just come to the Cross. No matter your season. God is there waiting.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Your sister in Christ,

Shawna 

Some Frozen February Memories

We are all guilty of it; getting caught up in the day-to-day living that we sometimes forget to actually live. To live is to show love to those people who mean so much in our lives. I have been so blessed to have several days off work with my family this week. Honestly, I've been so desperate for these days that they rain teardrops in the form of delicate snowflakes over and over again. Thank you sweet Jesus for these days.

Daddy & Daughter Dance

 

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays

Without a care in the world

And I'm sitting here wearing

The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day and there's still work to do

She's pulling at me saying, "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited

And I need to practice my dancing, oh please, daddy, please"

So I will dance with Cinderella while she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh, I will dance with Cinderella, I don't want to miss even one song

'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight and she'll be gone.

(Cinderella by S.C.C)

Our children grow up so fast....cherish every single moment. 

They had the time of their lives. I'm glad I stayed for a few minutes to capture some pictures. :)

Jackson's 4th Birthday!

Jackson is my little firecracker! He has more energy than any child I've ever known in my entire life. He wakes up every morning bright-eyed and ready to go. Somehow when 8:00 at night comes around he is still full of energy. Oh what I would give to have that type of energy again. He is the one that keeps us laughing around the clock. His conversations sometimes seem never-ending as he just has so much to tell us everyday. I love this kid more than any words can describe.

Four years ago, during our 20 week ultrasound we were given news we weren't expecting; there was a problem. It was sometimes terrifying as we sat through so many ultrasounds at the high risk doctor's office knowing what the possibilities of the diagnosis could mean. With each time came a sigh of relief.  But mostly I felt at peace knowing that God was watching over him and that Jackson truly belonged, and still belongs, to him. That is pretty reassuring if you ask me. He came just 2 weeks early and all the tests done afterwards were normal! The delivery was extremely tough on my body and we were told it could be too dangerous for me to have any additional kids. I had my sweet angel, Makayla and now my boy so I knew it had to be God's plan. Jackson and I bonded so quickly. He was the most beautiful baby boy I'd ever seen in my life, and I couldn't stop staring at him. I could sit in the rocker all night long holding him and just staring at his face. He was perfection. His dimples were a bonus. :)

Well, Jackson, if you ever read this I want you to know that I love you so very much and will try my best to always seek God in raising you. I pray that you will grow to become a godly man one day and you would seek Jesus in all you do.

Hugs & a million Kisses,
Mommy

Makayla's Frozen Birthday

Oh my sweet angel Makayla Grace turned 5 years old. It was only fitting to pull out all the stops for her Frozen birthday party. She had blast and every minute of planning was worth it just to see that excitement and amazement in her eyes. Where has the time gone? Someone please tell me how time can fly by so quickly. In the wink of eye my blue-eyed giggling baby has become a beautiful, kindhearted little girl. She is my sunshine every day and makes me see the world in a better light. All the goodness she sees in people is sweet as pie. She is as sweet as pie. 

I love you Makayla more than you can ever imagine. I hope we made your birthday one to remember!

"warm hugs" & Kisses,

Mommy