Feels Like Home...The Remix

Generally, it is a relief to come home. But this trip has been wrought with hectic preparations and so much left undone. It's an unsettling feeling to board your plane having left projects lingering, emails unopened, and phone calls waiting in voicemail. It's like leaving the garage door open, the stove on, and the mail overflowing in your mailbox. Did I mention my gas tank is empty?

But the tradeoff is well worth the uneasiness. On Sunday, I took my niece and nephew swimming in their new community pool. Granted, it's a bit early in the season to take a dip here in the east coast, but they had waited since our New Orleans trip to get me into the pool again. Little Megan was so cold, she was like a tiny popsicle even after submerging up to her neck. As bad as it was to see her shiver (she's probably going to get a cold), I couldn't help but giggle hearing and watching MeMe's teeth chatter and tiny body shake. She's just too cute.

All the stress, well, it was even worth the 6:30am wakeup call I didn't ask for on Monday. But now it's back to the rock pile...

Btw, anyone know if it's bad to sing Erasure songs as lullabies to little babies? =P

Somewhere Only We Know

For the faithful few who have inquired about my relatively recent bouts of depression, I am here to report that the Lord has been good. He always has been. I'm the one who doesn't have the luxury of being consistent. It's just not in my nature to be steadfast and solid. This is utterly unfortunate for my close buds who have tacetly signed a do-not-desert-Annie contract. I bet there have been many a-times they looked for a back door in the small print. So what if I can't prove that a document actually exists; they can't prove one doesn't, right?

One thing I have discovered (or more like verified) - the few who have stood by me, they love me dearly. And I am moved to tears when I think on that. These are the few who hurt when I cry, and pray intently that the Lord covers me with His grace when my spirit fails. In God we trust; all others bring data. I sure got my data now, and am doubly grateful for my accompanying sojourners.

God has also chosen to speak to me through His faithful servants. You know, the ones who actually listen to Him. Take a peak at the messengers' divine notes:

"Although you may feel some level of apprehension right now, know that the Lord sees you as a princess and He holds you precious in His sight. 'You are my servant...in whom I will display my spendor.' Isaiah 49:3

'See, I am doing a new thng! Now it springs up...I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.' Isaiah 43:19"

"During my quiet time praying for you there was a sense of great potential for you to honor and serve God (not that you're not honoring or serving now, but potential in an even greater sense)."

Even, even though, no matter, regardless. Today, these are my favorite adverbs, because they tell of the Lord's overencompassing mercy on this meritless soul. Even in the midst of this great state of sin, He sees potential and hope. It certainly is His kindness that leads us to repentance. How, how, how could He forgive me? My Lord, He is a great God...no, today, to me, He is a kind God.

That's not to say I'm cured. But those walls...those walls don't seem as high today. Thanks for asking, all three of you. =P