Month: February 2024

Conversation is defined as “a talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged.”

Have you ever been with someone and never had a chance to speak?

I mean, I’m all for being a good listener and asking good questions. But being with someone, say, on a walk or over coffee, and assuming their life isn’t falling apart, wherein it’s ok if they just vent the whole time, then wouldn’t it NOT be a conversation if you never get to say a word? It would at least be extremely one-sided. The person who has listened and never had a chance to speak into the conversation would likely feel lonely and even odd as they leave the time wondering—what just happened?

This idea came to me as I heard lyrics from a song about prayer:

“Spirit I will wait on You. In silence I am listening. For what’s a conversation if You have no time to speak? So Lord I will be still for You made my souls to rest. And there you give me pictures of the wonders up ahead.”

I was reminded that silence and listening are both vital to conversing with God. So often we just say what we need to say or, as I recently read, “We worry in the general direction of God” and then go on our merry way. But what about listening? What about leaning in to ask, “What would you like to say to me, God?”

I did that this afternoon and clearly I knew to turn to Psalm 139. Such a word from God to me.

Kristy, I made you. I formed you in your mother’s womb. Yes, your mother who is no longer with you on earth. I am before you, behind you, and My hand is on your life. I am with you always and everywhere. No matter how dark the world seems, with Me there is light. There’s been a lot of death from wars and disease and even young people you know—remember, in My book were written all the days that were ordained for you. Even before there was one of them! You can trust Me. I will lead you in the everlasting way. Stay close to Me. Don’t run from Me. Lean in and trust.

I share this to encourage you to pour out your heart to God. He hears! AND to listen. His voice is precious. His Word is a treasure. Search it. Find what He is saying to you today. 💗

The year is just ticking along! I cannot believe we are nearing the end of February. If I’m honest, I’d hoped the year would be restful and calm, but that has not been true at all. Life is full. There have been fun moments and there have been hard moments. There are so many teaching moments with our kids. I’m not sure if we are getting old and running out of energy for this or if we feel this crunch on time as we feel our window of training is quickly closing for each of the kids. But these life lesson talks exhaust me. There are so many things I feel like they should have gotten by now.

And truth be told, I feel the same way about my own self. So many moments lately that I am disappointed in my response or frustrated with my lack of self control or baffled that I still struggle in the same area. I think, “Shouldn’t I have gotten this by now?!?!!??”

When I was talking with The Lord about a failure of mine just this morning, I sensed Him say to my heart—“You are forgiven.” It was so sweet to feel His forgiveness. To roll those words over my heart and mind and to sit in His love. He’s not shaking His head at me. He’s not berating me with sarcastic words. He isn’t put out with me. He is steady and strong and forgiving. He doesn’t run away from me and all my issues. I’m so grateful.

So as this year rocks along, I hope I’ll be aware of God’s grace and patience with me. And in turn, I hope I will give my kids more grace and patience. That’s usually how it works.

So how about some photos and videos of the last few weeks?

We put out nearly 25 yards of mulch and it about killed my back.

Speaking of my back—I am still working out and proud of my consistency and progress!

I take way too many photos of Rolo. We love her to pieces.

I was so glad to see them. And sad to see them go. It was just too rushed. But spring break is almost here!!! Super excited for some beach time with them and some of their friends.

Ok, that’s all I’ve got for this little February update. Hope you’re enjoying life wherever you are! ❤️