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In This Job

/ Walden World / Leave a comment

I often forget that this is the dream. In those long, awkward teen years, when I wondered if a boy would ever notice me, this is the man I prayed for.

And on the hectic, stifling college days when my dorm suite kitchen squeezed me in, this was the house I imagined.

It was enough for me to dream, to hope—to pray—that this would be my one day.

Of course those days were tearfully joyful and sorrowful with every emotion mixed in-between. It is not lost on me that the days of my youth were a sweet symbol of a season that will never again be.

But this life…this was the beginning of forever. It was my impossible prayer, my pipe dream; the dream within the dream.

So why then does my heart so easily forget?

And once again, Jeremiah’s warning that the heart is deceitful cautions my wayward heart…

They won’t be little forever, reminds my husband lovingly. And while he is right, sometimes—lately especially—this heart forgets. I become enraptured with other seemingly lofty thoughts—or even new dreams that have skewed my perspective. The caveat here is, naturally, that dreams aren’t necessarily destructive. But my placement of these dreams is.

This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.

Elisabeth Elliot

For me, this is the job. I could pursue more if God allowed but for this season, I am home. If I’m being honest, some days I wrestle with the calling. Of course I have career goals, and my days don’t always feel the most stimulating, but they are good because their Author is. And even when I’m feeling the moments are wasted [which is a lie permeating my thoughts all too often] there is so much joy in this quiet life. All of the sweaty kisses, carefully curated dress up shows, nighttime rocking rituals coupled with hymns and laughter, foraging adventures, tree excursions and every moment in between and thereafter. For now—for always—instead of a forgetful [read: discontented] spirit I can choose gratitude.

It is here, and not somewhere else, that I may learn faithfulness.

Oh Father, may my fickle heart ever treasure the beauty of these sacred, fleeting moments!

Wordless Wednesday

/ Walden World / Leave a comment

THIS. IS. SIX! Another highlight from May was celebrating this girl!

I cannot believe that our eldest girl is 6 years old. I marvel daily at God’s grace-upon-grace in these moments of motherhood. It is all moving far too quickly.

Sweet Rosebud, you have smiled[literally] since day 1! I cannot believe that our biggest girl is 6 years old. I’m so grateful for your brave, kind and thoughtful heart. You’re my helper—the one who delights in anticipating the needs of others and rises to meet them. Your creative, colorful mind brightens our world and keeps us laughing. Thank you for loving us all so well. Your love for Jesus shines through your desire to love specifically and urgently. Thank you for being quick to extend grace to your parents as we’re learning to navigate parenthood. We’re so humbled to be entrusted with such a big heart. We love you dearly. Praying you will always know God’s goodness and rest in His faithfulness. Happy Birthday, precious girl! This is 6! 💜

Recipe: Resurrection Rolls

/ Walden World / Leave a comment

This is one of our favorite Easter activities! The kids and I do it every year and it has become a favorite tradition!

Here’s what you’ll need:1. 1-2 cans of crescent rolls2. 8 large marshmallows3. water4. cinnamon and sugar mixed in a bowl
Here’s a simple explanation of it works (taken from yummyhealthyeasy.com)

  1. First, gather the kids together (or your significant other, grandparents, aunts, uncle, whoever). Get your ingredients out and preheat the oven to 325(or whatever is recommended on the can). Read John 19 in the New Testament while the oven is pre-heating.
  2. Unroll the crescent rolls, separating each section. Explain that this is like the cloth they wrapped Jesus in.
  3. Give your child a marshmallow and explain that it represents Jesus. It’s white and pure because He was without sin.
  4. Roll the marshmallow in a small bowl of water. This symbolizes the embalming oils.
  5. Now, roll the marshmallow in the cinnamon & sugar mixture. This is like the spices used to prepare his body for burial.
  6. Next up, wrap the marshmallow in the crescent roll dough, making sure to pinch the dough together securely on the sides. Don’t worry about what they look like because they’ll taste great no matter what! This represents how they wrapped Jesus’ body.
  7. Repeat with each marshmallow and place the rolls in the oven (symbolizing the tomb) and bake for the amount of time specified on the package – 8 to 10 minutes.
  8. While the rolls are baking, read John 20:1-18.
  9. When the cook time is up, open the tomb and remove the rolls. When they’re cool enough to handle, let your child(ren) open one and discover what happened to the marshmallow. It’s disappeared! This signifies how Jesus has been resurrected.

This recipe is SO easy and fun! Your kiddos will absolutely love it!