Honestly Blessed

So honesty is always the best policy, right? 

Well, I have to admit, that while it may seem differently (and that is the honest part I am getting at), there have been some rough days around here. Rough days aren't really the stuff for blogs, ever notice? 

I have. 

Sometimes between all the happy events and cute pictures are the less pleasant life-posts that may build character, but just, well, don't ever get posted.

 I don't know exactly what its been for us lately, probably a combination of things, but schedules have closed in tight, projects threaten to overwhelm, school demands seem to consume at times, and always, the oppressive gray-brown colorless landscape that can go with this time of year. 

the barn wood the boys and Dave are working on for the boys'
bedroom walls

looking good, but taking alot of time

the mess of life and school everywhere, always
(this picture does not capture what I felt as I took it)

I let it get to me last week. 

I found myself desperately needing to breathe.... something.... besides...... life.
Something like a vacation to heaven.

Oh, there were moments of reprieve, here and there.  

                                                                     

Gifts counted and cherished. Hidden secrets found in morning quiet times that always go way too fast. A phone call to confirm that I wasn't the only one who was struggling. Strength available for those who ask...

...

    this book came in the mail right when I needed it most

but too many times - I didn't (and tromped on little hearts- and big- in the meantime).

And that was the first mistake. 

We are to let hard times drive us to the Saviour like a sheep dog drives sheep to the shepherd; we are to cling to God's promises when they seem almost impossible to believe. We are to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. We are to keep counting all the gifts He gives. And in His time, He comes and quiets and blesses and loves us back into His peace, with grace that is always, always sufficient for this moment in time. Why would I even try to live any other way? 

And so, we are beginning anew. Fresh starts are nice. New beginnings are motivating. Forgiveness is a healing balm. Our lives are just waiting to be opened, a moment at a time.

I am most blessed. Honest. -Kara

PS- to complete the encouragement that eventually settled in deep, a beautiful bouquet of flowers found its way to our house last week to add just the splash of color our souls needed (that's the bouquet at the top of this post- isn't it lovely?) It was delivered by my neighbor-niece, Kim (she's great at both those roles) and even more meaningful to me because she really could have used them just as badly herself.