Packing UP and Counting DOWN

We are packing up and counting down the days!! We have six days left in our home as we prepare to close on Thursday afternoon on this house and Friday morning on our new home. Yes, our new home. I can't believe it's already the week we move.

This in between time is starting to make me a little crazy. We are almost done packing and repairing, but we still have lots of cleaning and truck-loading to do. I'm feeling unsettled today. I think it's the messy state of our house with almost every room in disarray. I have kept my bedroom "normal" and I am hiding in it right now so I can pretend everything is done - for at least a little while anyway.

Thank you all for your encouragement even in my absence. I have been surprised that my blog visits didn't drop even though my postings did! You guys are some faithful friends to stick it out with me when I'm in survival mode and too busy to blog. Your emails and comments have been so sweet. A few asked if I read old posts in hopes that I'd get there notes. The answer is yes, I get an email every time someone posts a comment, even if it's on an older post, and I read and treasure every one.

I have especially felt your prayers for peace and joy in the midst of our loss of our dog Chelsea. We have a little memorial in our living room corner that the boys made with Chelsea's bed. It has her photo, her collar and rose petals they have put in it. It's so sweet and it's been a place where we can remember her, and feel like she's still in our lives even though her cute little wiggle worm self is not nearby.

I've also felt your prayers for strength and endurance as I traveled last week to speak, and prepare to speak tomorrow at our church for Mother's Day. All the details fell into place beautifully last weekend. Even down to my friend Sharon going with me at the last minute and how much fun we had together! Last weekend's retreat was a treat for me and I pray for the women there. Based on my conversations with many of them, God really spoke to hearts in tender and personal ways. Getting away from all that we have going on was just what I needed.

When I got back in town my mom told me she had a hernia and had to have surgery this past Thursday. At first, I was too tired to process it and almost freaked out a little but I didn't let her see it. I just asked her what she needed me to do. But after a good night's rest I had renewed sanity and the assurance that God would supply what I needed for this unexpected twist in my already crazy week.

Her surgery went great and she came to stay with me Thursday and Friday. It was a great chance for us to just be together. She talked to me while I packed many boxes, and I was so thankful to have her here. She's doing great today and has gone home to recuperate for the rest of the week she needs to stay out of work.

The Lord has assigned me more than I can handle on my own for sure. But I am experiencing more of Him and discovering in a very real, very tangible way, that He ABLE to handle every detail and supply every need!

Today I am taking a mini-break for a pre-Mom's-day manicure and a movie. This afternoon I'll be soaking in some Living Water with my Jesus as I prepare my heart to pour out His love into the women at our church tomorrow. Oh I want it to be a beautiful offering to Him and them!!!