Exceedingly Abundantly Beyond

It's been a while since I have posted a blog.  And frankly, the reason I haven't posted is because I don't like whiners.  I don't like my kids to whine.  I don't like listening to other people whine. I don't like reading whiny blog posts.   So, I just decided, rather that succumb to my own pet peeve, I just wouldn't post at all.   I've been worn out and spread thin. I am at church camp this week.  I came in hopes of finding rest and refreshment in Jesus.   Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Last weekend, Thursday through Sunday, was the bike trip that I talked about.  300 miles through Illinois, Indiana and Michigan on our bikes, all to get to the beach!  And it was worth every hill climb, every aching backside, every mosquito bite! It was cornfields.  It was woods and streams.  It was broken down houses, grown up in weeds.   It was busy highways and secluded bike trai...

I had a photoshoot a few nights ago.  My good friends Jeremy and Kristie Sparling have a photography business in Peoria, called Image Innovations or Imagei. Jeremy has been shooting in the studio for over 20 years.  And he always does a fantastic job. Derick and I love cycling.  We love cycling * together *.  We can ride for miles at a time, getting exercise and spending real quality time together.  Unlike running, we can talk for 90% of a bike ride.  During a run we probably talk about 30% of the time.  We love to be active together!  And biking is our favorite!  My church sponsors a fun ride every summer.  (I use the term fun loosely.)  It used to be from church to church camp.  But church camp is no longer within riding distance, at least not a 3 1/2 day distance.  Now it is from church to Lake Michigan.  Northfield Christian Fellowship in Tremont, IL to Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan, to be exact.  3 1/...

I have nothing to write about.   Hmm...  I've been having a tough time lately.  So, I thought I'd blog about it.  Ya know... air my dirty laundry and all.  Everyone loves a nice, depressing blog.  I think it makes people feel better about their own lives to see someone else struggling.  Or maybe  we just crave honesty sometimes. Well, gather 'round and get a good look!   I'll be honest, I've been struggling... I miss Derick so much it hurts!   I miss waking up early to go make coffee for us in the morning. I miss his arms around my waist and a kiss on my neck when he gets home from work, as I stand at the stove making dinner. I miss the bed being warm. I miss going to the grocery store without having to give a list of instructions for the kids while I'm gone, just to make sure the house will still be standing and all the kids will still be alive when I return.   Actually, I miss just sending him to the store so I don't have to go. ...

Some of you may have read my post about my tattoo.  Here is an extended version of why I got a tattoo and what it means to me.  I hope you enjoy it! Update July 12, 2014 - Since the embedded video isn't working on mobile devices, here is a link to watch it on YouTube.  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FDyc0FqxpAA Sorry about that!