Birthdays were never a big deal in my family growing up and I don't make them "pinterest perfect" now either. I might be a last minute kinda girl when it comes to certain things but the Lord always takes care of it for me. Although I did go through a season when I felt like I should do more, be more and have more for my kids and husband but the Lord quickly pulled me out of that and showed me that it's just not who I am. It's not worth it, the stress and the money take the joy and peace out of having a great relaxed time. So I end up putting a little something together for our birthdays and we invite a friend or two and always have a lot of fun. I guess maybe I'm still "old school" when it comes to things like that but I'm ok with it.
A few days ago we celebrated my grandmothers birthday and I was so caught up in all that was happing and writing memories with grandma, that I totally forgot that I too am getting a year older. It was the night before my birthday that I got a phone call from my mother and she ask me "so how are we celebrating tomorrow?" I thought for a moment and went through all the holidays in my mind and responded with "we already did grandmas birthday and the fourth of July, what are you talking about?" then I laughed, thinking she was joking... when it finally hit me after a moment of silence, that it's my birthday tomorrow. Haha I knew a while ago that it was coming up but in the hustle and bustle of life I forgot.
Mother invited us to go with them to a lake so we decided to go exploring unplanned, unprepared we woke up got a few things together and went. As we were getting closer all the signs on the side of the road said "parking for the lake is full, be prepared to turn around" after an hour and a half of driving that is not what you want to see. But we kept on driving and decided to pray that the Lord would somehow give us a spot. When we got there the parking attendant told us that the parking was full, we were disappointed did a U-turn and started heading back when he stopped us and told us that one spot just opened. We were so grateful to get in! We saw over ten cars get sent back before us and there were about that many behind us as well but we happened to be the lucky ones to get in and not just that but my parents a few cars back also had a spot available to them at just the right time!
We had such a wonderful time swimming with the kids and then having lunch and swimming some more. We later had some birthday cake (I mean I had to blow out candles for the kids sake haha) by that time it started to get a little windy and we heard some thunder, that is usually a sign to wrap up. As we drove out it started to rain, thunder, lightning and all. Sometime into our drive it started hailing. I don't know about you but we LOVE rain and thunderstorms! We took the long way home and enjoyed two hours of country backroads and a good thunderstorm. That storm was the cherry on top for our day!
I almost forgot to take pictures there. This was right before the storm as the clouds were coming in.
After we got home and I had a few minutes to myself to think, I realized how truly loved and blessed I am. I have a wonderful family, so many caring friends and a good life. And above all I have a heavenly Daddy who loves me so much and cares about me. Even if I tried I don't think I could have ever planned out such an awesome birthday. I didn't care to do anything at all but he wanted to give my family and I a special day together. We made great memories and are going back there soon! My summer baby reserved his birthday camp there for next year already :) On our way home Kyle and the kids kept talking about how much fun they had and to me that is the best gift ever!
In a previous entry "why South Carolina" I wrote about moving here and really not knowing why. But today I think I finally got a little glimpse of why it is that we needed to move here. Driving home from the lake Kyle took my hand and (I want to say looked me in the eyes lol) but he was driving so he didn't but he told me that he is happy, he loves his life, his family and overall living here. He doesn't say that too often so that really touched me.
Ever since we got married we have had such big dreams together and hopes for the future. But life kinda tool a toll on us, although we've managed to stay positive and hopeful every now and then something still seemed to be missing. We've been to South Carolina over seven years ago but we didn't give it a second thought to ever make it our home. For some reason we needed to go to Alaska and live in Hawaii before finally realizing that South Carolina might be the home we've been looking for. Since we got here life didn't get easier if anything we got more added to our plate but slowly we began to experience hope. Kyle and I started dreaming again together. We dug up old ideas and are brainstorming new ones. We are going through some very tough seasons together but still through it all I feel hope.
I know the Lord will come through in unimaginable ways. He will help us through each and every day. His word will guide our every step and I will testify to his miracles over and over again.
You might be in a tough season in your life or things might actually be going great, in either season I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything, tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
In every season he is still God. He is not shaken by anything we face or go through. We do not need to earn his love and acceptance, we just need to come before him open and honest and receive all that he has for us. We are his children, he cares about each and every one. He loves to surprise us and bless us beyond our wildest dreams (my story above can attest to that). Don't live as a slave or an orphan but accept him as your daddy. Allow him to help you and carry your burdens for you, he said his yoke is much easier and I wholeheartedly believe that. Open your eyes and notice what he is saying or doing around you and you will know for yourself how deep and wide and unfathomable his love is. (My advise is to keep a journal)
Anyway I can go on and I don't even know if anyone needed to hear that or if it was just a reminded for myself but I hope it encouraged you in one way or another. Thank you for being a part of my little clan. Love you all!
-Blessings Natty