Our New Journey WITH Samantha

Now that Samantha is home, our journey TO her has ended, but our journey WITH her has begun. As I sit here today, I pray that what I learned on our journey to her will stay with me. There were amazing things I learned about God's faithfulness, His ability to work in silence, the peace that is found in resting in His sovereignty. Now, I need to trust and apply some of those things I learned as I attempt to find a new routine for our family.

Having Samantha home is an answer to so many prayers, but I will admit I was a bit naive about how easy I thought it would be. Being a mom of 4, you would think I would remember how bringing home each child upset the apple cart for a while, but I had forgotten. This week has been better. School has been done, the laundry is mostly caught up (if they'd just stop wearing clothes...), everyone's been fed (which is no small thing, as some of you have heard!), I cleaned a bathroom yesterday, and we made it to co-op with the older kids (thanks to a Nana who was willing to watch the two sick ones!). So, I guess it's not all bad. And yet, as a mom, I focus on what didn't get done...thank you notes I'm determined to write, two other bathrooms that need to be cleaned, beds that really need clean sheets, the list goes on and on and on.

In my quiet times, God is reminding me that I need to focus on what's important. Am I doing what He's called me to do? Yes, and for today, that's just living life and enjoying where we're at.

I've been reading some of Amy Carmichael's writings. How I admire that woman and hope to live as faithfully as she did. Earlier this week, as I was struggling with sleepless nights and a lack of hubbie-time thanks to our precious new addition, I read about our unchanging God. Amy talked of how one day the clouds hung low in the sky, shrouding the mountains and blocking the stars. But, just when she thought the mountains would be swallowed up, the higher peaks pushed through and when it appeared the stars would be veiled, the brighter ones shone through. She dwelt on the thought that even if the mist completely covers the mountains and blocks out the stars, it doesn't change that fact that they are still there. It was a not-so-subtle reminder to me that the mist of my feelings of sadness and loneliness and inadequacy, don't change Who God is. I have to quote this, as I could never say it well enough myself...

"Our feelings do not affect God's facts. They may blow up, like clouds, and cover the eternal things that we do most truly believe. We may not see the shining of the promises - but they still shine! And the strength of the hills that is His also, is not for one moment less because of our human weakness. Heaven is no dream. Feelings go and come, like clouds. But the "hills" and "stars" abide."

I hope that you, too, will be encouraged today to look past the clouds of your feelings to our steadfast, never-changing, unshakeable God. How thankful I am for the saints who have gone before me who encourage me today to live the life God has called me to live. A life I can live victoriously and with joy because of Him!

Blessings,
Amy

Isaiah 32:17 - ...and the fruit of righteousness will be peace; and the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.