Big changes on the horizon...

Why is it that in the face of uncertainty, we tend to panic, stress, worry, analyze and worry some more?

Why is it that as a believer in the God of the universe, I still struggle in fully trusting, fully focusing and fully embracing my God?

Our family is experiencing many transitions right now, feeling a little stuck in limbo. Baby Girl is due in April and the transition to 2 kids is daunting on some days, thrilling on most days. We're moving to Chicago the end of February - with or without selling our house. The idea of packing up and leaving PA is sad and discouraging on some days, exciting and affirming on most days. The burden of selling our house is defeating and stressful on most days, a successful lesson in trust and character on only some days.

We've been struggling to leave this at His feet... seemingly the battle between our heart knowing that God is in control, He promises to provide, to never leave us, to be our strength and joy on one side and the worldly head knowledge that fights for that control, wanting to do it on our own and do it quickly on the other side. Waiting and watching for Him to work is the hard part. We feel like Israelites in that God answered so quickly and obviously for weeks at a time and now that we've been waiting for our house to sell for almost 2 months, we are doubting, questioning, and worrying, sometimes forgetting His faithfulness.

I read this morning in my devotions a chapter that really touched me and wanted to share...

"Building Muscle" is the title of this chapter by Alicia Britt Chole.

"... But when obedience leads us to decrease visibly - in what the world sees and applauds - that decrease creates a unique opportunity to increase spiritually in what God sees and applauds. The challenge is, however, that productivity looks different in such seasons. Instead of being praised for completed projects, we are given countless occasions to make peace with the incomplete. Instead of being promoted for being 'first,' we are given numerous opportunities to find joy in being last.

This different type of growth reminds me of the counsel I received from a fitness trainer... He explained that at first I would feel as though I were really making progress, because the initial fat burn would be easily visible. 'Then,' he cautioned, 'you'll come to me and ask what's wrong because you're not seeing as much change. Don't be fooled and don't be discouraged. That's when the real work is occurring. It means you're starting to build muscle.'

Building muscle (and building character) is a different type of productivity. It is less visible. And more powerful. In fact character growth is the 'real work' of life."

And herein lies my personal prayer for this period of transition...

Lord Jesus, fogive my lack of trust and my unbelief. Help me to believe and to trust. While it's hard and it's not the most fun place to be, it's not the worst place to be. You have still blessed me so graciously. Help me to wait on you, not looking at the success of others or the time that goes by, but to fully trust that You know what You are doing and that ALL THINGS are for my good and YOUR glory. And help me to make this season of transition a positive time of trusting and knowing you in a powerful way and of making myself less so that you can become more. Not worried, but trusting. Not stressed, but resting. So that You can again show me Your faithfulness, Your provision, Your amazing and personal work not just in my circumstances, but in ME...

- missy

North Dakota or Bust...

We just returned from North Dakota and the Domsten Family Reunion. It was GREAT to see my immediate and extended family...

We had fun "fying in de aiirre in de aipane!"

We visited the farm where my Dad grew up...

And my Dad's school...

We saw the church my Dad's mom's family attended and we could even go inside!

And we loved seeing family...

My Dad's siblings: Gene, Dean, Carol, Dad (Dale) and Marlin

Two of my cousins (Brent and Denise)

Mom, her sister Pat and their grandkids

Riley, Abby, Lukey, Scout, Charlie, and Jamie

Oh and Riley LOVED the 4th of July Parade, which included his favorite... firetrucks!

Why Oh Why I am so bad at blogging regularly??

Well, face it, I'm not consistent in the blogging field. But I have lots of other strengths, so I'm okay with it. : )

So since we need to once again catch up on a few months, here are some highlights.

Memorial Day weekend started summer with a bang! Jen / Matt Botzler and Steve / Val Cap came with us to the Bay and we started the summer off right...









And we all know that summer means Bay weekends!! We've gotten there a few times this summer...









We went up to Lake George, NY to stay at Tracy's family's cabin, where it was so peaceful...







And summer is only half-over! More to come, most likely in a month from now. ;)

Fun Riley Moments...

One of Riley's favorite things to do after his bath is to watch You-Tube videos of Firetrucks, Police Cars, etc. This is an all-time favorite... Lots and Lots of Firetrucks...



Riley and his friend Carter's sing-along...



and well, apparently it's not cool when Mommy sings too...



Celebrating Riley's 2nd Birthday with Steve and Val...

Riley's friend Julia had a birthday party at a small Zoo and Riley's favorite animal out of everything was a white Snow Owl... it was hard to leave...

Me-ma and Me-pa Domsten Visit!!

We had SOO much fun when Grandma and Grandpa Domsten came to visit... more than words can describe. But here are some glimpses of the great fun:

We went to the Please-Touch Museum...

We celebrated Riley's 2nd Birthday!

And we laughed a lot!!

We love you so much Grandma and Grandpa and you are ALWAYS in our hearts... Thanks for the fun, the good talks, the encouragement and your love for us.

Easter 2009...

Thank you Aaron and Perrine for a GREAT Easter Egg Hunt!





Easter with the Delps, Mangums, Naces, and Commons...



Happy LATE Easter... but He's STILL risen... ;)

The Barretts were in town!!

We were so happy that Mel and Scott came to visit!

We celebrated Ryan's birthday just the way he wanted too... a day in the city and an evening of sushi and Rockband. 32's lookin' good!

Riley super enjoyed spending time with his cool aunt and uncle... so much so that he didn't nap for 2 days straight! And even when told he had to rest, he kept saying "Play Maul 'n Geott" (which of course means "I would like to play with Mel and Scott, Mother"). We tried to convince him to sleep... but it didn't work...

Thank you guys for coming out here... it meant a lot to us and we love you so much...