Please pray for us right now as we continue to blend and become the new Brooks family. I'm not kidding when I say that we have it easier than we could have ever imagined... But I'm also not kidding when I say that we cry (sometimes really loudly and long) through our struggles, stomp our feet in frustration, and shake our hands in angst as we try and make it all work. I'm trying to view setbacks as stepping stones, rather than stumbling blocks. I'm gently being reminded, from this longing deep inside, that I am not alone. But I feel it. There it is. I'm just down-right lonely in the midst of all these people. I miss being with the Lord each morning -- but not near as much as He misses me, I bet. It's so hard, yet so necessary. So far down the stairs, yet so close to the coffee pot. What IS my excuse? Maybe that's my biggest prayer request... that I'd commit to being swept away everyday by Jesus, 'Lover of My Soul', so that I can find my joy again in the middle of sweeping the floor... PICTURES NEXT:
Yosey looking very cute beside our garden
Zinash's expression after learning to STOP by herself
The Kauzlarics at our house Memorial Day weekend
(Note: On pretty days, geeky kids play chess outside!!)
The Koblians and their 6 kids with us Memorial Day weekend
below: Zoo with the Calde family Memorial Day weekend
Aser Heye, Keith, and Steve Calde --
handsome adoptive dads who make it look easy!
Trying to figure out our garden scarecrow... too dressy?
not quite it...
now, here's a good idea -- and without the helmet, here's how it looks!
But it never looked better than this!
Triumph... the successful backflip being performed!
More pics later... and hopefully a good report on LOSING 10 pounds, FINDING time for my friend Jesus' -- and and update on our garden. Because I know you are wondering! You know, a little accountability would be good, but if no one is reading since it's been so long since I've posted... I might just have to go it alone!
12 comments:
Hey Shelley, You're not alone....just e-mail me when you need to talk.
abby
Honey you are so not alone...I only have 3 little ones and find it hard to find time for anything but them. I read a great book a few weeks ago, Real Moms, Real Jesus by Jill Savage and it talks all about how Jesus really understands what we go through as mommies...must read! Praying for you and all those cute kiddos you have!
Woo Hoo! You are back on your blog! I would tell you it's about time, but time is what has kept you away ;) So, get on amazon and buy Beth Moore's Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only. I have a three different groups of girlfriends reading this for the summer. It's a daily devotional that will take 15 minutes or less- and I am expecting it to bless me immeasurably as I learn more about our precious Savior. Love you Shelley!
Sweet Shelley, I am right there with you. I can't tell you how many times I just cry because I am not where I want to be with my Savior. But you know what? I think He loves that about us and honors that desire in our heart to be with Him. I want to be absolutely, head-over-heels in love with Him. That kind of ache when you are not with Him type of thing. And since I am feeling so heavy for not being where I want to be with Him, I find Him in everything and praise Him for those moments of chaos as He has called me there for now.
I will pray and I thank you for your openess about where you are. Makes me feel a little bit more normal!
I love you for your openness and honesty. You are not alone in your thoughts. These amazing beginning days are oh so good, but oh so hard. I believe we will look back at them one day and only see the good.
I LOVE each picture, such a wonderful, joyous family. We love you and hope to see you soon and get all 7 of the kiddos together:-) My how we have grown since our last BBQ together!
Love you my friend and can't believe how much of this I could have written and we have been at this a bit longer. The exhaustion seems to trump too often and I too ache for more time with God.I admire you for opening your heart here.
Kimberly
You are a phenomenal mom and I'm so lucky to know you, my friend. I appreciate the words of encouragement you have offered me. Being a parent can be so tough! I will say back to you the well-chosen words you said to me: just keep swimming, just keep swimming....
Wow, you are a busy woman! Love the pics especially Keith and the kiddos in the garden!
And.......you, me, time to talk. When?
I love the photos.... We are continuing to follow your journey.....
Mother Theresa (one of my favorite roll models) said "Work does not stop prayer and prayer does not stop work!" Or something really close to that.. that is from memory. I use that everyday as I clean the red paint off of the furniture or change diapers or clean the floor when they miss the toilet. I pray for patience to deal with my many blessings and I too can understand the pain(for me) and the lonelyness of bring surrounded by people but feeling all alone. I always wonder what God is preparing me for. One day at a time... that is all I can do..
Love you guys.
Know that you guys are an inspiration to us and we think you're the greatest!! Let me know if you and Keith need another "adult walk" and I'll be over~ (I will most likely raid your keurig cupboard while I'm there but don't worry, I won't feed the kiddos any of it.)^_^
Sorry I haven't had the time to read this earlier. Please know you are in our prayers daily. And have been for a very long time. We love you and know how hard it is with Keith traveling. Thank you for loving and take such good care of our four grandkids. We love you. Gar and Reet.
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