Life Is Not a Snapshot

Less than a week ago, I got an email from the senior pastor of the church we just left. It was in response to something I had emailed him - and what I extended in love was reciprocated right back with more love. It's nice to know that really, after the smoke cleared, we were blessed to leave with strong relationships and mutual respect with a lot of people.

In fact, I think our friendships are preserved with every single person we care about over there (well, except one, but she knows where to find me if she reconsiders...) and that is really refreshing and a blessing. Sure, things will never be how we planned - we did not expect to spend only five years as a part of that congregation - but it is nice the way they have turned out anyhow :)

I have that Josh Wilson song 'Before the Morning" constantly on my iPod lately - I just love the lyrics:

"and hold on, cause there's good for those who love God,
life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
but you'll see the bigger picture..."

I am glad things aren't a snapshot, and that they are constantly evolving - and now, we will just enjoy the perpetual dinner dates all over our summer calendar with a ton of Harvest families we love and miss so much. Thank you, everyone, for staying so strongly in our lives! And we're so excited with the things God is going to do in our family this year and beyond. He is so good. Even when I am annoyed and don't understand His goodness at times, I am glad that also evolves to only become MORE good and MORE loving as I grow in Him.

There are a lot of things I haven't expected in life lately....

• i LOVE having a boy. I cannot even picture myself with a daughter now, even though it is what I was really hoping for a couple of years ago. Being the mother of a little boy is the coolest thing ever - and also the most exhausting :) But oh the loves!!!! xoxoxo Sam <3
• it is shocking and scary when you invest yourself in a friendship fully, and then realize that other person just invested in YOU because it was convenient, and then you suddenly find yourself so easily replaceable. That stinks, you know?
• it's so healing to spend time with friends who have been waiting for you all along - and really care.
  
• i really, really like brownies when they are baked in a glass pan. They are so gushy and wonderful - I guess I do like chocolate a little bit after all.
• marriage is worth it. even when it's tough.
  
• God is blowing down the house built out of my expectations, and replacing it with a MANSION of dreams come true - I am so stoked to share more soon!!!!!!