on suffering for a prolonged period of time

When the pain comes in waves, much like the birth-joy pain,
and there is not a thing to do but wait;
wait for the feverfew and ginger to wash over the wound in my head-
they come... gently, quietly...  but surely.
The waves wash and I see that I can endure greater things than I had expected.
Never have I used the Creator's name more, for help and comfort.
Never has the pain seemed so unbearably bearable.
And I realize that suffering is alright.  Life is not beyond the suffering; on the days that I feel well only.
Life is here as the swell subsides and I ready myself for the next, breath deep and wait;
Calling on the Name that one day ends all pain.
And then I realize that the last was worse than the now and I am grateful.
And the end slowly comes and a new beginning dawns.
...

continual gratitudes...

scarfed girl feeding chickens in prairie dress
Nehemiah named crocked beaked chick favorite
family breakfast on time (for a change)
feeling NORMAL after a migraine week
sore back from glorious day garden work
planning a garden for storage
first spring garden- so easy!
baby boy working diligent this morning on house chores
middle one thanking me for letting her sort the clothes(!)
(it's usually the eldest's chore)
teacher-husband-made swing in constant use
resting on the sabbath (learning how to)
sleeping all night 2 days in a row (no headache return)
eldest-inspired impromptu luncheon
handmade invitations
playing dress-up @ thirty-nine
one step closer to a planted garden

transistion gratitudes...

for making big changes

seeing boldness in teacher husband

guiding prayer that hurts and enlivens

  selfless, encouraging friends

goodbyes with crocodile tears and pain in throat

for the call that made it possible to be together again

 that sunny saturday of last picnics and hikes

for unending help when needed

the last box packed

a ride with all we have for two days and one night

for a rental just right

and friends nearby

small town friendliness

exploring new spaces

fall beauty changing as we nest

screened-in porch with country breeze

for new beginnings with an old love

 for being together again after two months

the three that keep life interesting
and the strength from the One who gives freely...

what is home?

Home again to the dream house that we are selling that has not yet sold...

...husband has already moved 8 hours away.

giving thanks for...

three kids tucked in their beds
warm lamp light
only 90 degrees today for a change
a place to meet on the weekends
time with mom
date with teacher husband each weekend
farmers market
estate sale browsing
a friend's pool on a hot day
church home away from home
being content to move eventually to a rental
(as long as we are TOGETHER!)
home being with people, not four walls
apple trees surviving a hair-brained accident
travel laundry waiting for the morning
being mostly unpacked
fresh produce lining the counters for the week
mom's recipe for ratatouille
children popping grape tomatoes
white peaches with pink insides- oh, yum...
friends to see during the week
monday night prayer (emailing) group
our health
a good new home for the beloved cat
bowl of cereal before bed
a good night's sleep after a day in the sun

having the whole summer together in the 150 yr old school house dream house
swimming in the creek
seeing seasons of insects
seeing the stars at night..."but He cares more for Thee"
learning how to get cattle (or goat) off our land
loose chickens in the road
hammock days
vegetable garden memories
wild flowers
peepers song at night
two good years in the country that has led us to helping start a boys ranch