Five Minute Friday: Listen

Hello again! I hope you’re having a fun Friday. I wanted to pop on since I have a few minutes to write with the Five Minute Friday community.

Listen

I shared a story recently and the person listening remarked that I still sounded hurt. I agreed and knew that another lap of forgiveness was needed.

The process of forgiveness and getting rid of every bitter root can feel so slow sometimes. I can think I’m done and have checked off that box only to find that there’s still some left. Yet, leaving them there only blocks my heart and limits what God wants to do.

In the natural, I’m reminded of the debris left behind after pulling out a bush or shrub. When we did some landscaping and took out some overgrown shrubs the mess they left behind was surprising. Even if they did not go deep, they still left all sorts of little twigs, roots, dirt, and junk. The initial action only started the good work. We needed to stay the course and finish getting rid of it all. Then we needed to fill it back in with something new.

The same can be true of forgiveness and bitterness. What am I choosing today to fill back in? Am I choosing to tear out all the roots, deal with the debris, AND plant in hope, love, kindness? Or am I leaving the gaping hole to fill with the next little root? Am I listening to God’s prompting and to my own voice for those invitations to go deeper toward wholeness and healing?

Happy Birthday, Canon!

Wow! Another year has passed by and I say this every time but I cannot believe my baby is 1 (as of September 14!)! Every day feels like such a gift. Life with three at home has been a wild ride and some days I wonder how we survive but we have. I love so much about this season and know there’s more fun to come.

What we have learned…you love to climb! You keep trying to climb the chairs and wherever you can. You’ve dipped down in weight but still feel solid. You like to go explore by yourself but also really love mom and dad. You go running when daddy gets home or when you hear the shower turn off or someone in the bathroom. You also have a few words including mama (for both mom and more), dada, bye bye.

What we are enjoying…hiking when we can! We’ve snuck out to Carlos State Park, Brophy Park trails, and Glacial Lakes State Park. We are enjoying the nice weather while we can!

What are struggles…still working on more sleep and getting enough food you like.

Most exciting milestones…lots of walking and climbing and of course your birthday! 7 teeth.

What Canon seems to like…soft things, brief snuggles, being where everyone is, exploring new things, climbing, being held at times and picking how to be held, taking out books, getting into the glass door bookshelf, being chased, and still loving the dishwasher.

Dislikes seem to be…getting stuck when he tries climbing the kitchen chairs, when we won’t let him go outside on the deck, and when he has to wait for food.

What sleep looks like…he is finally getting better at nighttime sleep! Goes to bed around 8 and wakes up around 7-8. Napping around 10:30 and then in the afternoon too.

He’s eating…everything we are! He had fun trying cake and ice cream too! He’s nursing only twice a day now and working toward weaning.

Who we have seen…had fun getting together with people for Canon’s birthday!

At the last doctors appointment…he’s wearing size 3 diapers and mostly 12 month clothes with a few 18 month thrown in there. At the end of September, he weighed 20 lb 7 oz and was 30.5 inches tall. He’s kind of a skinny guy right now but still feels pretty solid.

Music

I love finding new music and this late summer/fall seems to be full of new albums being released! Some of my favorites from lately include:

Holding Onto You by Paul and Hannah McClure

Favorite lyric: “You are the answer for all my questioning…you are the stillness when the storm is deafening

The Way Home by Paul and Hannah McClure

Favorite lyric: I believe that You You’re with me even though I’ve tried to walk alone So I will follow You Oh, anywhere You go…I found in You my home..”

Powerful God by Expressions58

Favorite lyric: “You’re a powerful God. This I know this I know. I serve a powerful God. You’re my powerful God… The defender of my hope in victory is fighting for me. Even when I don’t understand I’m still in the palm of your hand. Even when I don’t understand still I’ll praise you.”

Ready or Not by Hillsong United

“There’s no place like His presence. There’s no time like the now. He’s not moved by perfection Or how well we look the part But He’s wild about the hidden stuff Like He’s wild about the heart”

I’ll Give Thanks by Housefires, Kirby Kaple

“In the morning you sing over me and I receive your mercy. Your faithfulness is clear to see it’s like the sunrise constant everyday. Though this season doesn’t tell my story I know you’ll move mountains for me you’re just that good so I’ll give thanks to God.”

I’m Listening by Chris McClarney

“I don’t wanna miss one word You speak ‘Cause everything You say is life to me So quiet my heart, I’m listening”

What have you been listening to lately?