Your Story Isn't Finished Yet

As I continue taking time away to hear what God is speaking and continue making time for the moments that matter I am finding the Author of my faith is finishing my story (or at least this chapter of it).

He is finishing this book on the inside of me.

Maybe that's why it's not finished on paper quite yet.

You see, I started a journey last year (except really, it started way before then) of writing a book I was certain I was supposed to write. I was so sure, in fact, that I attended my first writer's conference and met with two publishers. One publisher was interested and said she wanted to see more. Home from the conference I was determined to squeeze the words out to finish what the publisher wanted to see. Instead, I stared at blank pages and an empty computer screen.

And wondered why.

Why the words wouldn't come.

But I know now this story, this message, isn't finished.

He's still writing and I'm still learning.

Don't give up on something God has told you to do - no matter how long it takes.

Your story isn't finished yet.

Let the Author of your faith continue penning the pages before you...

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Joining with Jen and the Solei Deo Gloria Sisterhood

Exhaust Fumes, Spiderwebs, and a Jeep Jalopy

Last night I found myself secluded in my sanctuary (locked in my bathroom in my steaming hot garden tub) when suddenly there came a knock on my bedroom door. Awakened from my few moments of bliss I heard a familiar sound, "Mooooooom!"

"I'm in the tub!"

"Mom, hurry! We want to show you something," my seven year old continued.

"Show me what?"

"We want you to see the jeep and go for a ride! It's so cool!"

There are some moments you would rather say no but you know you have to say yes.

Even if it means getting out of the bath smelling like mango coconut and into a dirty jeep reaking of exhaust fumes.

This was that exact moment.

The boys (my hubby and our two sons, 15 and 7) recently acquired an old 1975 Jeep (jalopy) 4X4 and dubbed it their deer lease/mud buggy project.

Last night, of all nights, they managed to get it to run for more than 30 seconds. We live on acreage with dirt roads and four-wheeler trails leading to a river at the back of our property (yes, I'm a country girl, born and raised) and they just had to take me for a ride to show off their mechanical skills.

At 9:45 PM.

The precise moment I was soaking in my tub.

So I said yes. 

I dried off from my bath, threw on some clothes, hopped in the jeep, and held on tightly (the brakes, they informed me after I got in, weren't working all that well).

As we rode I dodged spiderwebs and limbs and gasped for fresh air between puffs of exhaust fumes (seriously, no mosquitos here).

And about half way to the river we noticed the moon.

The beautiful, bright, full moon shining down on us as we sat in our rusted out jalopy of a jeep in the middle of the woods.

As I grabbed the cell phone to take a picture of the moon between the trees, I knew in that moment I was capturing more than a photo.

Suddenly the small frustrations disappeared and the inconveniences no longer mattered.

Joy and thankfulness flooded my being.

This frame of time with my family wouldn't last forever but it would be forever etched in my heart.

Sometimes we find beauty and joy and love overflowing in the most unexpected places.

Sometimes saying yes when we would rather say no uncovers blessings wrapped in strange packages.

Summer is sure to provide a host of opportunities to find these little moments with your family.

Will you be brave and say yes?

You never know what's waiting past the exhaust fumes and spiderwebs.

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Today I am linking with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood. Will you follow me there to join the party?