tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319454352626199680.post3792403862002526312..comments2024-03-25T13:17:56.636-06:00Comments on A Chicken in the Window Well: Bear Lake. June 2016.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03045958241240870948noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319454352626199680.post-24995589102221889122016-06-11T21:02:56.911-06:002016-06-11T21:02:56.911-06:00They don't show the hard reality? Oh, I don...They don't show the hard reality? Oh, I don't know. Your kids ARE pretty dirty in some of these pictures… hahaha. Oh, but yes. Yes yes. It can all be so overwhelming. I've felt it lately too. I told Sam when I think about having to decide on, prepare, and clean up THREE MEALS A DAY for the rest of…FOREVER—well, I feel like I just can't go on. I have to not think about it. But sometimes I can't help but think of it.<br /><br />But look at you. Getting all 8 of those rascals up there alone (just getting packed up for trips, itself, is SO much work) and even getting the pilot light lit!! How capable and grown-up of you, even if you DO still feel like that little girl in the station wagon.<br /><br />Isn't life strange?<br /><br />But good. As you say, good.Marilynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319454352626199680.post-43938372758731543712016-06-11T00:04:03.656-06:002016-06-11T00:04:03.656-06:00Thank you so much for saying that Linn! I really f...Thank you so much for saying that Linn! I really felt that so strongly when I was worrying and fretting recently that I had no idea how much the individuals placed in our lives are the exact opportunities we need to become most like Christ. Thanks for all your sweet encouragement all the time.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03045958241240870948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319454352626199680.post-4564890361871322252016-06-10T15:02:53.307-06:002016-06-10T15:02:53.307-06:00"But then, usually fairly quickly, I remember..."But then, usually fairly quickly, I remember that these children are part of my incredibly personal plan here. Raising them, and struggling, and working through the trials of a big family are the very things that will allow me to grow closer to Christ and learn to rely on him and become who I need to become. These specific people and all that comes with them are my most important and significant opportunities granted me here; and we, all of us, grow closer to God not only by searching for him and keeping his commandments, but by trusting him and accepting with determination and gratitude the path he has placed before us and the race he has given us each individually to run."<br /><br />I wasn't prepared for the sob that escaped when I read this paragraph.<br /><br />And then...<br /><br />"I have no doubt that every struggle and tear and frustration and exhaustion that comes with rasising these kids is, and more importantly, will eternally be ten thousand fold worth it." <br /><br />Full blown tears.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for you friend. So grateful. xoxoLinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09813312996970089854noreply@blogger.com