The world, with its nonstop demands, can be put on hold. ~ From today’s Jesus Calling (emphasis mine)
It is raining buckets in Portland today. It’s almost as if God turned on a turbo sprinkler and somehow got distracted.
Listening to the rain has a soothing effect. And I so wish this sound could be heard in Santa Fe, where the soil is in desperate need of moisture.
After one week here, life has settled into a certain rhythm. The days are punctuated with Vera’s feedings and diaper changes, with interludes of happy play and occasional “shushing” for naps. We enjoy daily walks to the park or the grocery store.
For the most part, Vera is a very happy – and smiley! – baby. Oh how blessed she is to be so far removed from the cares of this world.
As I cradle her in my arms, my mind travels back to the days when I held my own precious daughters in the same way – when life was the uncomplicated (though unpredictable) orbit around the baby universe. So immersed, I rarely imagined that any challenges would be befall my little ones.
And how well we all know that life just doesn’t come with a trouble-free guarantee.
In the early years as parents, our job was to nurture and protect our children. As they grew older, we soon realized that for them to be in the world would require nursing an occasional hurt or scrape – along with doling out a dose of discipline once in a while.
As they became adults, we entered the “observation” stage – one where we have to sit back and watch them live out the consequences (sometimes painful) of their decisions.
And we pray…and pray…
Spending time in VeraWorld has brought simplicity front and center. Yes, there will always be the demands of life hovering about, and the inherent issues that accompany them.
And though I long for time with Joey, I know that God has put me in this otherworld for reasons only known to Him.
Unlike us, our Heavenly Father is all-knowing. No watching and waiting in His world. And we, with confidence in His lifeplan for us and our beloved children and grandchildren, can welcome Him in.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ~ 1 John 4:4
beWARM 
Dearest Tony, prayers are with you. We have experienced so, so, so many times how God truly does work all things for good. I know you are in this precious moment in time experiencing the joy only God can give. God will direct the path for Emily and the Divine Miss V as he continues to use you to care for, love and bless them. Agape.
Bless you for your words….and your prayerful support!
Thank you for your words today, Toni. They really struck a cord with me.
I look forward to reconnecting with you sometime this summer.
May God and His all powerful Holy Spirit give you strength and wisdom as you
minister to your precious loved ones.
Charlotte
Thank you for the reminder that things really are simple (Oswald Chambers comes to mind: “Stick to the point! (God)”
Even in the midst of life happening.
My heart to you. xx
And thank you for the reminder from Oswald Chambers… he’s got it right! :)
..Toni…..thank your for your sharing..keeping your buddies alert in how to lift you..in prayers..thoughts, through out your day.
We love you so much,
Frannie…(could you package up some of that rain….oh, my..we are dry in SF)
I really enjoyed this post, Aunt Toni. It is where I am in my life right now, holding my girls and trying to cherish these moments while trying to keep up with life’s demands. We really do provide them protection from this world. If only they could realize this and savor every moment.