Everything Under the Son

I struggle, as do many overweight people (and probably normal weight people, too) with my perception of myself.  When I look in the mirror, I don't necessarily see the true picture of myself.  From what I have read, no matter what I weigh, I may never see the reality of the image looking back at me.  It seems that people who have lost weight continue to see themselves at their heaviest, or even heavier. 

Over the last week or so, Nathaniel has been trying to help me to see a more realistic picture of myself, and I continue to struggle.  He showed me a photo of myself that is hanging in our church building, taken about 5 years ago.  He was hoping I could see the difference between me then, and me now.  I couldn't see it.  To me, I look the same, if not bigger.  Warped, I know.  He was extremely frustrated.

So today, as he was updating the photo for my blog profile, he decided to try again.  He texted me the side-by-side comparison below.  For the first time, I actually see a TINY bit of a difference.  Nothing major but a small difference between the to pictures.



I want to see the reality of my reflection when I look in the mirror.  I pray that as God continues to bless me with determination and endurance on this journey, that He will also give me new eyes.  I pray that he will give me clear vision, figuratively and literally, and that I can see the real me when I look in the mirror.  But even more than that, I pray that He will help me to love myself NO MATTER WHAT my reflection looks like.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

I've been meaning to sit and post something here for several days, and am just now taking a minute to share a few photos.  There are so many things going on in our little world, and so many blog posts have been written in my head.  If only I had written them down here...now they are all jumbled together!  Ha!

I could write about our homeschool...it is going well.  We are wrapping up our first semester, and overall I think it has gone pretty well.  At least when you consider that it was our FIRST semester at this.  Was it perfect?  No.  There are some areas that I will tweak in hopes of an easier spring semester, but there are some things that have worked well that I do not intend to change.  In the end, as this semester comes to a close, we are all still smiling, so I am deeming it a success.  Now if I could only get these grades organized!  :)

I could write about the holiday season that is upon us.  I know you are all as busy as we are, planning and making our lists.  Checking them twice, making sure every detail is covered and nothing is forgotten.  My list includes things like pictures for a Christmas card, a little low carb holiday baking, a special dinner as a gift for a friend, making gifts, wrapping gifts...but much of it has been checked off, and is complete.  Sure, there are still things to be done, but I am working to keep perspective.

Speaking of perspective, I could also write about the ways we are working as a family to not get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season.  As in years past, we are once again pulling out the Jesse Tree, and enjoying our nightly devotions as we follow the story from Creation to the birth of Jesus.  Though we have been doing this for several years, I must admit that this year the kids are at such great ages to listen and talk about the story each night.  It really is a blessing.


We are also continuing our tradition of having an Advent ring of candles...lighting a new candle each night as we count down to December 25.  This season of Advent is powerful...as we spend time intentionally slowing down to experience peace and joy only Jesus can provide!

I could write about the handmade gifts I have been busily preparing, but some of the recipients read this little corner of the blog world, and I would hate to ruin the surprise.  Though I have been working hard making brooches...what do you think?  Would you enjoy receiving one of these handmade brooches?  Or, are they something you would consider buying either for yourself or for a friend?  I'm just curious if there might be a market out there in the future for these beauties :)


I could talk about the lessons God is teaching me...some big and some small, but all important.  It's funny how Christmas cards can bring some clarity and perspective.  And then there's the lessons on friendships, as I have found myself in a place where there aren't many.  Sure, lots of casual friendships, but I mean those friendships where you share your hopes and dreams and hold each other accountable.  Friendships that involve shopping trips, and family dinners, and shared laughter and tears.  I know through this season God is teaching me to lean on Him...an area I so desperately need to work on.  I also have plenty of time to focus on Nathaniel and the kids, which is super important to me, though I would be lying if I said I wouldn't like a close friend or two.  

I could talk about the trip we took to Homestead Fair 2011...a fantastic day spent with family, stepping back to a slower, quieter time.  I know I have said it before, but I will say it again.  Sometimes I feel as though I was born in the wrong century...I belong with Laura Ingalls Wilder, living on the prairie!  Seriously!

There are lots of other things I could write about here too, but there just hasn't been the time.  Hopefully soon, though, I can write a little more here. 

I do have a funny Levi story though.  One evening he asked Nathaniel, "Daddy, did you accidentally marry mommy?"  Nathaniel replied, "No."  Levi's response was, "You mean you actually meant to do it?"


What would we do without our children...they certainly keep us laughing! :)

Blessings to you all this holiday season.  Slow down and breathe deep...the Joy of Jesus abounds!  We are happy, we are blessed...we are His!