For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11

This verse weighs heavy on my heart today, as it has all week. Each time I feel overwhelmed or worried, I hear it in my head "for I know the plans I have for you..." And my fear settles. My heart feels that peace that I so desperately need. I physically can't worry, because the Lord just keeps placing this verse on my heart. I can't be overwhelmed, I can't feed off those feelings. They don't stay in my heart.

I know that he has promised something great; a future. Plans for welfare. He holds it all in his hands, and he knows just what he's doing. There is great comfort in that.

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. -The Message

That just puts into an easier view for a lot of people. Its the same verse, FYI. How can you not find comfort in that? How can that not put everything at ease? I know what I am doing. Why would I worry, when GOD (the creator of the universe) has it in his control?

He has a plan. I have a purpose. There is always a light at the end of each tunnel.

Plans to give you the future you hope for...

prayers?

Lord, guide my feet that I may walk the right path. Show me your plans, reveal the future to my blind eyes. Soften my heart, and release all the worries that drag me down. Comfort me, lift me up, give me the sense of peace that I yearn for.

Lord, teach me to trust in your ways. Remind me that you are good, and your intentions are great. Help me to put all trust, all hope, in you alone. Remind me that we do this together.

Lord, make my path known. Give me clear, precise answers. Give me black and white, yes and no.

Sick With An Infant

I've learned a few lessons over the past couple days...
1.) South Dakota weather will always ruin your plans. But crying over the fact that its raining and you can't go hike won't do any good. Instead you have to find something else fun for the whole family!
2.) Being deathly ill with a crawling baby is the hardest thing ever. How do you chase around an exploring infant when you're constantly heaving over the toilet?
3.) Not every supervisor in the Air Force is bad. A HUGE thanks to the guys at Matthew's work that covered for him so he could come home.
4.) My husband always has our best interest at heart. Even when it means driving home from work to care for his sick wife and his cranky baby.

I am blessed. Even though I spent almost the entire day yesterday feeling like crud, and barely able to eat or drink anything. And even though I went to bed that night missing my daughter because I was too sick to play and hold her. I am glad that my husband was there to help, to pick up the pieces, to be kind and supportive and understanding. And I am glad that Abby woke up the next morning feeling happy, and excited to see me again.

For the record, hearing your daughter screaming "mama" in her crib while you throw up, probably one of the worst feelings in the world!

Surviving California, and Montana, and four long car trips!

I'm exhausted. Abby has two new top teeth, and Matthew is already back to work. Its strange how quickly we settle back into normal life, after being gone for more than two weeks. All except Abigail, that is. Her schedule is still all sorts of messed up, and teething has been much harder this round. Her extended family spoiled her, and now she cries every time I set her down (even if its in my lap!). How am I supposed to get anything done? The diaper laundry is quickly piling up, and there are still so many clothes to fold and put away... dishes needing done, meals needing cooked...

I just got back from vacation and I feel like I need another vacation!

We had a wonderful time with both sides of the families. We are blessed beyond measure to have such support and encouragement from our loved ones. It makes me homesick to think about, so I'd rather breeze over the subject and move on...

We're still praying for guidance. That God would show us where He wants us to go. We won't be in Rapid forever (thank god!) but that opens some new doors that are almost scary.

I think Abby has finally finished crying and fell asleep... I guess I'll go do some laundry and drink some water because my headache is back.