Count It All Joy
It is nap time here and all is peaceful but soon, in about 45 minutes, the noise will return. Not the noise from Evelyn and Norah, although they will make their fair share, but the noise from the construction project that is happening outside of our windows. For the past few weeks the construction has had quite an impact on our day-to-day lives. Nap times had to be changed, windows closed for the majority of the day, yelling instead of talking, constant sweeping of the aftermath at the end of the day and quite a few headaches and meltdowns. You would have to hear it yourself to be able to understand what I mean by noise. But since the construction project has been estimated to take nine months (the countdown has begun), I feel the need to be louder than this unpleasant disruption in our lives and the only way I can possibly do that is through the Lord. For the past week I have been meditating on James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
When I read this passage last week I was so encouraged. Now the noise that fills our home is a constant reminder that God is still at work in my life and a challenge to me as I truly think through and decide from whence my joy is coming. When my joy comes from my circumstances it doesn't take much for me to get frustrated, annoyed and even distraught; but when it comes from the Lord and from the salvation that I have through Christ, nothing can shake it. So while I look forward to May when this noise will be over, I also look forward to the next few minutes when the noise will begin again, reminding me of my hope of glory in Christ Jesus.
Despite the noise, the girls have continued to bring us laughter and joy. Here are some pictures from the past week.
Evelyn said it was too bright so we had to go find her sunglasses. We're not used to lots of sunshine.
There are lots of great parks to pick from for playtime.
Me and my love!
Daddy and daughter!
Somebody likes to smile for mommy these days! Precious!!
Evelyn is so big! She'll be two on Friday!!
Hi Kattie & Steven, Just read your blog and looked at the pics you put on. Sorry about the noise and the construction that’s going on. I guess you have to think about how God has to chisel away at our lives to help us to grow in his grace & goodness as he tries to complete us.
I’m sure it’s hard to have a quite time for naps for the girls though. So glad to hear from you and to see how good your doing. We love & miss you bunches. I sent Evelyn a card for her Birthday, hope she enjoys getting mail. I have her drawing that Sherri brought back to us on my frig. It’s precious, just like she is. We are keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers. Love juju & papaw
Oh my goodness! Thank you for the pictures - they are wonderful. Norah is growing and changing so quickly. And, what a smile she has! We got a small glimpse of the noise you are referring to, while we were there and I’m sure that it’s much worse now. I’ll remember to pray for peace & quiet to come quickly or for the Lord to give you comfort through the noisy distraction.
We love you all so much!