Exploring the Yard

Last weekend brought a few glorious days of sun. Since the weeks prior to this have been a constant deluge of rain most of our house projects have been devoted to the inside of the house. So we decided to take advantage of the golden rays and move the "lovely" lava rock the previous owners covered up my future flower beds with.

Last summer Owen was too tiny to enjoy a yard, not to mention we lived in an apartment so grass wasn't even an option. When we finally moved in with my parents gone were the days of sitting on the grass thanks to the weather. So, in reality, this was Owens first real introduction to the wonders of the front/back yard.

I can already tell it's going to be paradise this summer having so much space for him to run around in. I really can't believe that my days of Owen not moving are truly ending. Tonight, he pushed himself up on all fours and started rocking (a skill we were almost certain he might skip altogether)...crawling here we come. He is already a pro at standing and will let go of things for 10 seconds to stand on his own. Something tells me walking is not too far off in the future either!

Owen and Lamby

Owen recently discovered his squishy stuffed lamb. Last night we invited Uncle Elias and Aunt Theresa
over to have dinner. Since they don't get to see Owen as frequently as we all would like, we kept him up so he could say hi.
His droopy little eyes say it all as to how tired he was, but it was soo sweet to see him snuggle with his Daddy and his little lamb while waiting to give out hugs and kisses.

A Song Revisited

The Desert Song

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
when triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow


Two years ago this song was a life line for me. Two years ago the first two verses were an expression of my soul. Two years ago I could barely sing this song without crying, (well if I'm honest I still have a hard time getting through it.) Two years ago there were questions with out answers but a recognition and peace that regardless of our situation, I still had a reason to sing and to worship. In church on Sunday, the Lord whispered to my heart "Mary Frances you are in the final verse." Two years later my heart and life are overflowing. Thank you Jesus for your strength, faithfulness and promises.