Taking Pause

That is a really good way to describe what I have done over these past few days, weeks and now even months since I last blogged back in April. It has been a time of great celebration and deep sadness. Since April, Kayla has graduated from high school and prepares to start her college journey at LaSalle in a few weeks, Cody and Matt have soared (both personally and professionally) as they learn to grow the cafe business and work in unison and on Main Street in Dennison, Iowa I accepted a marriage proposal.

Externally, the economy continues to be volatile, people are losing their jobs and sickness and sadness prevail on many days. These times have led me to take pause and reflect on my past, my present and my future. They have led me to search my heart and decide what is most important to me and what would please HIM. I have learned (at many junctures the hard way) that the riches of life do not come from money or worldly success but from simply loving each other and following HIS lead on how to do it. I have learned living and loving are a journey not a destination.

Dan's influence and partnership in prayer have helped me to believe in myself, constantly reminding me that I am royalty -- "A daughter of the King". I have experienced richness in embracing life this way. We have stumbled as we have tried to retool our hearts, minds and spirits to listen, but we keep doing it. We have cried, explained and apologized more than we have experienced the joy and the rewards, at this point. We have had to take pause several times in order to listen to HIS direction.

Why do we keep doing this? Many close to us have been quite perplexed by the question and our response. It is simple... a life without love is not HIS plan for us. I pray each of you will take pause too. HE never breaks HIS promises. If you love, even when people don't love you back, it will yield a rich life.

1 Peter 1: 7-7 NIV
"These have come so that your faith --of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you may not have seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."