Brimming Passion

I don't know exactly what it is, but I am a bit overwhelmed. I have been reading a book titled "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp which has not so delicately messed with my heart in ways that I need to be messed with. My husband and I sat tonight and watch video clips on you tube of an incredible lady who became a crusader for her own daughter's health and literally thousands of others by writing her book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle". Once in awhile I see someone full. Literally full of love, full of passion, full of what it takes to be amazing. I have just been reminded of what it means to be thankful in all things, to embrace what is given, to accept what is hard, and to pursue my passion. It amazes me what God can use to stir passion within us. What is it that sometimes causes us to attach to a cause? A movie? A book? Sometimes seeing something in action right in front of us. Sickness? I feel like I am only starting to remove the packaging on the idea of grace- real grace, which is full of passion. Passionate grace. Brimming grace, full of passion. That's who Christ was. I have had a hard time handing over to Him my husband's health and the intense struggle he's had in recent months, and I'm reading this book suddenly feeling like I can hardly hold it together as I read about grace, and thankfulness through loss. And pain. And finding joy in these things. And how everything is a gift-literally everything, whether it means we lose or we gain. As my husband said goodnight to me tonight I just looked at him for a few moments, trying to take everything in. This man who shares life with me, who loves me, provides, laughs, hugs, and hides his pain, who is my best friend and I get to have him. He is with me and he is my gift from God. God has used him to teach me about Crohn's disease and to become passionate about being educated and to help others. Sometimes my heart feels too full; I wonder how much more I could love and can I fit anyone else in there. I'm so glad God does not have that problem. His desire is that everyone would know His love and to be loved in return. He is jealous for us, literally brimming with passion towards each of us. He has been showing this to me, showing what intense love and passion looks like. Full. Overflowing. Love. Passionate, full of grace. Sobbing, messy, wondrous love.

Summer Breeze

How I am loving summer!! This incredible heat, cool breezes, popsicles, swimming, sun burns and being outside. We are blessed to live in a town where summer is the real deal all summer! We really feel every single season living in the mountains. It has been mid-40s for the last WEEK which is nearly way to hot for anyone, but amazing. I told my hubby that our compensation for the heat is a mild winter, and to be honest while I love my flip flops and tanks, I'm looking forward to the winter weather whenever it arrives because I know we can handle that. My 3 year old asked me today, "Is it snowing?" to which I replied, "um, it's WAY too hot to be snowing!!" We are looking forward to a busy weekend in and out with lots of fun adventures, and soon a road trip holiday to the Island. Wherever you are in your summer adventures, happy adventuring!!