Too fast...

Yesterday reminded me of how quickly life is flying by and how GLAD I am that I get to be a part of it. Life is hard, and sad, and beautiful, and fun, and worth it- all at the same time.
Our little niece, Chloe turns 5 today, and it feels like yesterday and she was just a little newborn. Last month, Jasmine turned thirteen- officially a teenager, and yet I feel like I can remember just a month ago holding her hand as we walking into Family of Christ Preschool with tears in both our eyes. I have had my Jordan for 14 years, and they went SOOO fast- now I realized I have only another 4, and as a friend of mine pointed out- how fast do you think those 4 years are going to fly by?

Thinking about all that we have done, experienced and felt as parents is overwhelming, and we have just had a little TASTE. I am so proud of my kiddos for the way they handle life and disappointments, and I feel exhilarated when I see them overjoyed about the blessings God has given.

This last week, we got bad news- and at first, their frustration and anger was tangible. But so quickly they perked back up, and just went on with their business. We found out that our landlord hasn't paid the mortgage since we have been here- 6 months of rent- and now is being foreclosed on. I watched our whole family struggle with the reality of this mess, and then start trusting God to work a miracle, and knowing no matter what we would be together. That made everything else o.k. It was so cool to hear them say that, to sit next to their beds praying together and feeling the peace that transcends all understanding. They handle stress so much better than I do, I hope I can grow up to be just like them. :)

This year has been yet another crazy one, but really- would I want it any other way? To be blessed enough to have two teenagers who make me laugh every day, accept hugs and kisses every night, and still want to sit on the couch and chat with me- no matter where I live, how much I miss my horses and dogs, or how many hours I have to work- it is all so worth it to be able to call these guys...my family.

A side note...

Had to do two posts today because God is just that good! We had a final TAG (Teen Accountability Group)worship night tonight as a farewell to the school year, and I can't even explain how awesome it is to see God working RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. Sure, some of the teens were goofing off or whatever, but then there were others- kids I pray for and dearly want to see in love with Jesus, lifting up their hands to their Creator and singing with unexpected abandon. What a blessing to me, as I worshiped with them to realize these young adults are growing, and no matter what kind of mess they might make, God is in their lives and will give them grace and love and joy, and a good ol' whoopin' when they need it too!

One of the songs we sang said that God is our living water, without Him we perish. And God just brought that truth home in such a real way to me. I planted our awesome palm tree on Saturday, and today it looks pathetic, palms all curled up, yellowing tips. I was so bummed, and then I felt the soil. I hadn't watered it enough after transplanting. DUH! I know plants need lots of H2O at transplant time, but I thought palms needed way less. Apparently not. Without water, my poor tree is going to die. Wither up, suffer, and die. And that is exactly what happens to me when I choose to turn away from the "water" that only God can give, my nourishment and my strength. Oh, God, bring that truth home to me every day, and make it real to Felida's youth. Show them your glory, Lord. Forgive me for the times I make other things more important than spending time with you, "drinking" in your words and your ways. And God, please make my palm tree live. :)