- A new pretty weekly planner.
- Goals of walking and cleaning.
- Gorgeous prairie sunrises on my morning busing trips.
- Snow covering the grey-brown land.
- Sledding with little children.
- Hot chocolate around the campfire.
- Menu plans.
- Candles burning.
- Clean folded laundry to put away.
Yesterday Robin spent just three hours with me and it was enough. I can't see change happening - ever... but that's where I need to trust and leave things in God's hands.
I've been reading Discipline by Elisabeth Elliot and it's just such a wonderful inspiration. Just do the next right thing. That's all. And I don't always know what that is.
So with joy and happiness on one hand and overwhelming burdens on the other we face another year. I have no new year's resolutions. I just pray I will have discernment and energy to do and say the next right thing.
hey wasn't this timely that this afternoon was when i decided to check up on you!! Sending Much, Much courage to you - but you have to send some back my way too ;) those situations are hard.. want to come over for some fresh cinnamon rolls and tea??
ReplyDeleteYes, please! I'll be right down! And much courage to you too...
DeleteHugs! Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm I wonder if I should have asked if you happened to have a new post up. ;) painful things but my oh my you have a positive attitude!! That'll stand you in good stead. And I love that thought to do the next right thing...... Much courage to you in 2016!
ReplyDeleteOh my. Sorry's being sent your way... and yes, courage to do the next right thing. How true. You are strong and brave.
ReplyDelete"I just pray I will have discernment and energy to do and say the next right thing." Me too, sis, me too.
ReplyDeleteWise as a serpent and harmless as a dove... that's my prayer for you!
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs & prayers!!
ReplyDeleteHaving been with my Mom when we quickly picked Robin and her brothers up while their Dad was away... having her move into our house, take my bedroom and scream with night terrors... going to school everyday with her and seeing her fail at academics, friendships, sports... seeing her run away from us to her safe place in a rage... hearing her rail on my loving parents... picking her up for youth deals and seeing excitement in her face, only to drop her off later in tears... the door bell ring-ring-ringing (never one calm ring) as our family sat down to a special supper; mom and dad would welcome them with open arms... She took and took and took from our family, year after year after year, long after she moved out. She made me angry, she yelled at us, she ran off down the road with our dog as a teenager, she never thanked us for anything. She shook with fear when her Dad would come see her. She ate too much, too fast. She loved to join in with her incredibly loud voice while we rolled out the songs at home. Nothing was lovable about her. She worked her way into my life and heart, leaving me caught. Trapped forever. And I thank God. This post is heartbreaking. I will pray for you all. She has an incredibly sad past and I so hope there can be healing for her. And Jo, I can truly say I know why your post is so heavy hearted. You have a calling, and girl, is it ever tough. Go with God my friend. Lots of hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteI don't know all the in's and out's of this story(or who you are!), but reading your comment Lyndsey made me so thankful Jo has a friend who truly understands. And Robin. "She has an incredibly sad past…" So much pain in this world…
DeleteOh, Lyn! You make me cry! Yes, you do understand... and I probably shouldn't write anything about it. I hope that this can be my own little private space and whoever reads here please, please leave these thoughts here. I need help with coping and loving. And I want to understand...
DeleteMuch courage to you all at your house and all the Esau family as you work your way through these troubles! I'm so glad you have a Lyndsey who truly understands....
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ReplyDeleteOh, Jo, I can only imagine. There's no trouble like family trouble... especially when it's not really our flesh and blood, if you know what I mean. I for one plan to do just as you say: read what you write, but leave it here safe. And hopefully remember to pray for you lots.
ReplyDeleteAnd Lyndsey, I don't know you, or anyone involved, but that was an awesome comment.
"Do the next right thing" I like that. One can apply that to any situation it seems.
ReplyDeleteWill say a prayer for you an Robin....
Offering many prayers on your behalf...
ReplyDeleteWeeping.. Isn't it miraculous how we can sort of bounce back, and move on,having matured a little and our prayers are changed with each situation, knowing there will be more.. Getting toughened is OK sometimes.. I never used to see that.
ReplyDeleteWeeping.. Isn't it miraculous how we can sort of bounce back, and move on,having matured a little and our prayers are changed with each situation, knowing there will be more.. Getting toughened is OK sometimes.. I never used to see that.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the game here but wanted to say my prayers are with you and all the family. And I love that- do the next right thing- really that's the best any of us can hope to do, right? Lyndsey, bless you and your family for sharing your heart and home with Robin's family and for sharing a tiny part of her story here. That story is heartbreaking but our God is in the business of healing hearts. And I'm so, so thankful that God sees the whole story when I see just a tiny piece. Wishing you courage and wisdom, Jo! And a happy new year! :)
ReplyDeleteWe were having a discussion about certain people the other day n I read Lindsay's comment to the group, didn't make it through without tears, but it helps me to remember to pray instead of just judge. Thanks Lindsey n Jo:)
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