Summer Mantel

 

When I looked up the word mantle, instead of mantel, one of the definitions was "a part of a bird's anatomy".  I found this interesting since I kind of went with a bird theme for our summer "mantel" (which is really not a mantle, but the top of our piano). 

The reason I went with the bird theme was because I have been intrigued with them lately.  My parents got the kids two bird feeders and a bird identifying book and it has been fun to see our new little friends in the backyard.

But, more than that birds have been a trigger of hope  The girl name we have picked out (for Baby #4) is a bird name, Larkin (Lark for short).  We liked the name, and then Hubby looked up the definition and it said larks are known for their melodious songs.  We were sold on the name then for sure; this time of waiting for Baby #4 (to adopt) has been marked by song.

I also love to get fresh bouquets from our yard; to bring the outside in.  For the two bouquets on the "mantel" I added some surprises; a flowering chive, a sprig of rosemary from the garden, and a few cuts of black raspberries.

I also redid the entertainment center "mantel" too.  I focused more on colors here; the bright yellow and turquoise.  "Give Thanks" is our family theme for this year, so I kept those pieces highlighted as well.  The piece of fabric wrapped around the plant also has birds on it.  As I mentioned in a previous post, one of my sis-in-laws gave me this cut of fabric to remind us to keep hoping and waiting for baby.

The best thing about the "mantels" is that I didn't spend any money, I used what I had or had been given to me (at one time I spent a few dollars between the two white containers and one of the birds).  It felt good to freshen things up without going shopping; just rearranging.

I have been drawn to these colors lately too, salmon, turquoise, red, chocolate brown, and bright yellow.  Reminds me of the bright colors of summer.

Hope you have a great one!

I am linking up with the The Lettered Cottage (see button below), for some reason I am having some trouble displaying the link, so just scroll below and click on their link.

Balm

One of our friends, who has adopted, sent me the following message.  What a healing balm to my soul as we wait, and ache, and try to thrive and make the most of the days, and grow, and dare to hope.

"I'm sure you have heard this 1,000 too many times but God has a plan for your family and the next child he brings into your family, you just have to wait on him. That's coming from the spiritual side of things, coming from an adoptive mother who has suffered disappointment and wanted nothing more than to have my baby home, I know the ache that is inside you everyday while you wait and I can tell you that it makes you stronger and brings you into total reliance on God, but sometimes you just need to ache without feeling like you are not being faithful enough, without everyone around you telling you to have more faith and trust and trying to fix your hurts. So, We love you and we are praying for you and I'm sorry for the aches I know you feel, and it's okay to feel that way sometimes!!!"

Thank you my friend; yes that sums it up well- how we feel as we wait.  "Though there's pain in the offering, we will bless the name of the Lord."  Sacrifice-- it costs something indeed.

I was reminded the other day at bible study, that Jesus' love is unconditional.  So glad!  He is faithful always, a secure foundation in an ever-changing world and amidst uncertain circumstances.  "I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing".

We went to Meijer Gardens today (we had never been); it was so beautiful, a wonderful outing with one of our homeschool groups.  I love how God transforms us...like these butterflies.

So thankful my parents were able to meet us there; it was great to see them and they were a big help with the exuberance kiddos!

See

I see you...flag waving on hill.  Full of life, wind propelling you in strength.  Companion loyal.  Experiencing full; full speed to the top.  Climbing up and jumping off and ready to go.  Bumps, bruises, triumphs and joys.  I see you banner, love.

I see you...river stream, spilling over, flowing strong.  Big emotions, big heart, growing up and learning to bend.  Feeling deep and wide and understanding you.  Life fully living and rocks mixed in.  I see you brook that laughs and winds and gives.

I see you...image sower.  Eyes fixed, gaze directed to light.  The right vs. wrong; the truth and that which threatens it.  Boy yet man in there learning, emerging bit by bit.  Battle to be fought, victories to behold.  Determined, calculated, wanting to fly.  I see you called by God, He with you, not alone.

I see you...song bird, waiting in the wings.  Eating and watching still just outside.  I ache for you to hold, to hear, to sing the song that has to be sung.  To love lavishly more, to show and testify to the One who has called and created.  To watch, heart softened at the simple things that make life soar.  I see you faith, yet unseen, and hope that grace holds up.

I see you...His workman(ship).  Called, equipped and slayer of giants.  A leader servant who doesn't promote self and leads us with kindness and strength intermixed.  One who is patient and passionate and strong in heart tender.  Brave defender and loves fiercely; example and influences quietly, steadily.  Giver, present.  I see you man, one, love of mine.

I see you...Son of Light.  Warm, coming through cross of window pane.  Present ever, even when clouds hide to eyes.  Glimpse of love bright and life-giving gift(s).  Beauty, strength- power full.  Savior sustaining and over shadows.  I see you now but in part, then in full; face to face not through pane or pain.  Full and whole and home shall we unite, then; now see.

He and I

He and I, we battle hard...
Sometimes with each other
Sometimes together against the dark

This boy, so fervently prayed for
This sunshine-headed son
The Light battles for him

He feels it; right and wrong
He senses justice; what is fair
He is strong; he wrestles fear
He is kind; he reaches out

He is called...and the dark is not happy

Anger rages...
so we call out
We fight the dark with Him
We know who wins
We look forward to the Day

We wait
We walk this road
Together
He and I.

I love you; always!
Love, Mom

Waiting, Silence, Stillness

Restlessness in waiting
Emptiness in silence
Doubts knock in stillness

You refine in waiting
You hover in silence
You are present in stillness

Beauty found in waiting
Comfort found in silence
Contentment birthed in stillness

The anchor of hope

Hope...I like this word. The idea of hope....lightness, joy, excitement; life giving. As we wait for Baby #4, hope has been present in (seemingly) various degrees...sometimes very bright, floating to the surface in vibrant colors...others times still present, but buried deep and softly lit. When we focus on circumstances hope can seem to fluctuate, but the hope that God gives, is everlasting- real- always present, an anchor to the soul.

Hebrews 6:17-20a "In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor to the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner with us..."

1. He is hope.
2. He gives hope
3. He becomes our hope
4. We are to share His hope

I confess I struggle with #4...why don't I share His hope, His truth, more? Why do I fear man and possible rejection from them...shouldn't I delight to give/show/tell others of this everlasting Hope found in Him? The hope of forgiveness, salvation, restoration, abundant life here and in eternity.,
I have caught glimpses of what it is like to share hope, and it is beautiful. Why don't I do it more...more than glimpses... I want to do it more. The world needs us to share it, we need to share it- we are changed in the process.
May we know You are true hope Lord, thank You that you give hope. Thank You that are our hope, help us to share Your hope each today as a gift to You and others.