#longingforheaven

It doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter how many times I've watched this. I always cry.

#iheartzion




But that's okay. Because on earth, there will be tears, there will be babies dying, there will be families broken.

It's only for a little while.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.
#longingforheaven

Sometimes I wish I was a Duggar.

It's been a long time since I've posted. Too long.

Well, life at our homestead has been busily moving along... Too fast.
Recently, when I was lookin' at my mama's facebook over her shoulder, I saw one of her friends had shared this~

I've admired the Duggars for a long time, but two things about their family really always gets me.

1. There amazing family relationship. I love how the older girls talk openly with each other, and how Mr. and Mrs. Duggar always make time for the kiddos.

2. Their modest apparel. Sometimes, when I watch stuff, I long for their cool clothes, fashionable clothes, etc. When I watch the Duggar's show, I'm always encoutaged to strive for modesty. Oh yeah, and it's not that they dress frumpy. In fact, I think they are some of the nicest dressed ladies.

Sometimes I wish I was a Duggar. I mean, from their show, they seem pretty awesome. But then I remember that I have a crazy wonderful family and I'm happy with being me.

See Jinger's (center left) outfit? That's what I wore to church today.

See? Oh, and that crazy necklace that i'm wearing? That's my mama's style rubbing off on me. ;)

And there's all my random thoughts for the day. So, I haven't read their book yet, but I'll be sure to read it and tell you about it!
Have an awesome week!

<3 Sophia

what i learned in florida

i love florida.
going there was crazy, (picture the seven of us in our minivan for 24 hours straight) but it's just so amazing there!! like seriously, it's like a taste of heaven to stare at the ocean for hours for a midwestern girl.

 in florida, i learned that you can be carefree once in a while, without having to worry so much about your assignments, your piano competitions, etc. etc.

in florida, i learned to love my siblings with all my heart. i learned {again} that you really can have fun with four crazy brothers.

in florida, i was struck with the amazing, awesome, powerful creativity of our maker. 

we found so many jelly fish! aren't they just amazing!

i happen to adore palm trees. 

there is nothing quite as beautiful as a beach sunset. period.

that home.

this song just made me smile this morning.
this is my hope for our home.

giggle.

soooo..... funny story of the day.
You know those smart phones everyone seems to have? Well, the one that I rely on was forgotten to be charged. You know what that means? It means we drive into town, only to find that we didn't read the email telling us that AWANA was canceled.
What in the world should we do???
We decided to have some much needed family time, and we all went out for ice cream. Fun!

This little outing helped remind me that though ice cream is sweet, there's nothing sweeter than family giggles and moments together.

So would you do something for me today?
Wherever you are, whoever you are would you just take a moment...

And giggle?

Need some help? Well.... This always makes me giggle.

 

 

Need another silly thing? I love this little video.



 

 

If that didn't make giggle you could always go with some Narnia humor...

 

Seriously, I think I'm just as logical as Susan. Weird.

 

Did you giggle? Thank you. You really are lovely. ;)

 

<3

Sophia

 







that five letter word

There are two little ones playing this game at my feet. There's a brother wrapped up in a blanket listening intently to his father reading while looking out the window wishing, hoping for snow.
There's that one sibling who's supposed to be listening quietly but in reality is trying to ruin the little ones' game.
Seriously, in the few moments it took me to write that paragraph, our peaceful evening has been disrupted.

Peace. that five letter word that everyone longs for. This word is all through our house in the Christmas season. It's on ornaments. And Christmas cards. It's in songs.

Because truly, Christmas is not peaceful. There are enormously long lines at walmart. There are crazy sales and more parties than you can count.

Now that Christmas is over and done, I'm sick and tired of crazy. This 2014, I'm yearning for peace.

 

So, as we inch towards this new year, I'm going to inch towards peace. This five letter word may change my life.

Don't be afraid.. Choose Joy

Our Church's theme for Christmas this year is joy.
Instead of fear, choose joy.
Fear of the economy, sickness, broken relationships.
Joy in Christ's provision, healing, blessed friendships.

There's a common theme in the Christmas story- a theme of don't be afraid.
Mary, when the angel comes to her? Don't be afraid.
The shepherds, when the angels came? Don't be afraid.
Jesus, when he has to come to take our sin? I can imagine his father speaking~ don't be afraid.

I love to write a Christmas song every year- here's my meager attempt to convey my feelings...

Do not be afraid, do not be anxious/ For the babe you'll bear will be the savior of the world/
And though you will be scorned, always come back to me/ Though you're just a girl, you are so precious to me/

Do not be afraid, I come bringing good news/ For you've been chosen to tell the world that the savior is born/
And though some won't believe you, always come back to me/ Though you're just shepherds, you are so precious to me/

Do not be afraid, my son, I will miss you/ For you must go and tell the world of my amazing grace/ And though you will be so abused, always come back to me/ Though you'll become the least of them, you are so precious to me/

Do not be afraid, my child, you are chosen/ For you must tell of my love, you must tell that the savior is born/ And though you will be turned away, always come back to me/ Though you're just one, you are so precious to me/

That last verse? That's for you. You've been chosen to proclaim of His Love.

Do not be afraid, for perfect love casts out all fear/ Do not be afraid, proclaim of my love from the highest of heights/

And I'll hold you're hand through the darkest night/ When fear blinds you I'll be you're light/
I'll carry you down the longest road/ When fear steals joy I'll be you're hope/

Here are a few of my all time favorites...