Our family has had a wonderful summer. On to the next chapters in life following Jesus! Here are some of our memories and happenings. Some pictures are below...
We visited Hawaii on the island of Kauai with my husband's family and my family too. :) It was wonderful. The memories made between cousins and grandparents, married couples, and friends was amazing. I am so glad I got to see this gem. My favorite things... The four dollar pork and rice bowl at the market, pineapple smoothies, swimming galore in salty ocean water, and a wonderful date night with Jeremy at a local steak house. We had a blast. It was a full week of many awesome dinners and relaxing in the evenings at the end of adventure-packed and fun-filled days... Oh yes, I did feel I was in a whimsical place, tubing through the river and cave tunnels and driving through vast valleys and farmlands.
After this vacation, we went to our yearly summer spot in Southfork, Colorado. We camp here with more family! My favorite memories of this week include our littlest baby Archie sitting on his great grandpa's lap during the entire church service (the campground hosts church on Sundays and all sorts of fun activities), my daughters learning how to sing from a hymn book like their mama grew up doing for fourteen years, card games, the ice cream social, and visiting the thrift and mennonite/amish stores. The Church of the Nazarene has a wonderful thrift store in Monte Vista, and then we always head over to the Amish/Mennonite store and bakery. We load up on jams, sweets, and Christian books for the kids. They carry Rod and Staff materials, which is what I've always used homeschooling. Jeremy and I enjoy the long drives out there and just getting away to a sweet little town, tucked far away in our beautiful and native home of Colorado. Well. I guess I'm the true Colorado native, Jeremy has some native Texan in him- also with his DNA, a little over 1 percent Native American! Pretty cool- his black hair is a giveaway, his unique trait from Jesus.:)
This year I am learning to blog more, get off social media a little more, (so updates will be here) and just soak in more with Christ. I'm continuing to study topics in the Bible, reading my Bible more and devos, and Jeremy and I are currently reading a great book, well listening actually on audible... Family Shepherds by Voddie Bacchum. I enjoy Christian fiction and Christian Amish fiction as well, with some mystery involved, and I love Colleen Coble's books and Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries. Yes, my poor husband has had to listen to some of these on long road trips- the kids too- lol.
A trait I'm learning to work on, along with a goal is quietness. Yes,,, I know. I am a talker, If I'm upset, I spew things I don't mean, and later regret. I'm learning quietness is not just talking, but a meek and quiet spirit is precious to the Lord-- this is a heart that does not walk in sinfulness or worldly ways. This is a heart and spirit that chooses Jesus over the crowd or culture. I'm going to be more busy with people in real life, in prayer, in study, in continuing to make memories with my husband and children, helping others as I can, and just being more humble. I am going to continue to walk in forgiveness, love, and grace in my life. When I mess up, Jesus will gently take me by the hand and lift me up. I'm also going to be taking care of my health better this year- a mama has to take care of herself to care for everyone else.
Jeremy and I continue to love where we live, through ups and downs of life, and we love and cherish our home and church community. We also love our town and valley, because we are called to love everyone as Christ loves everyone. A worship song comes to mind- the winds came, the rain blew, but my house was built upon the Rock. Also, a prairie movie where the family endures hardships as a house fire, illness, poverty, and everything crumbling. I loved the dad in the movie; taking his family by the hand and saying, we are staying in our home, we are trusting in the Lord, and we are going to live our lives. He sat his daughter down in their fire-charred home and served her food, later tucking her in bed and going out to work. Though our family hasn't been in drastic circumstances for a long time, I always reflect upon and remember that movie. Life is hard for everyone. The fall of man has deemed life hard. But no matter what Colossians 1:20 says it all. Jesus died for all things in Heaven and Earth, for all things He created- so thats you and me! Hallelujah! So, if we accept Him, we are going to live with Him in Heaven, forever! Our love, our Father, our Husband, Our King, our Redeemer. As seasons change, as winds come, as good and evil befall us in this world, we hold one Hand- The Hand of Jesus. He has always kept me in the palm of His hand. How we love Him. He has blessed our home and He has blessed our marriage and children. Praise be to God on High.
Briana
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