The truth is, I’m not very merry. I’m sad. There’s just been so much loss here these past couple of weeks.
Beatrix and I were playing Close Up this week though, and I was really struck by Merrymakers. Such a happy scene, and one I can usually relate to: babies, animals, friends, and laughter. (Seth and Larkspur were playing Mille Bornes. The kids are in a card game phase right now, and that is their current obsession.)
Our little community continues to mourn the loss of our dear Sarah. We’re all making an effort to see each other often and she is never far from our thoughts and conversations.
After taking the month of July off, I had intended to start homeschooling again in August. I’ve pushed it back another month and am instead doing a major overhaul of our downstairs right now. It’s very difficult to get anything done, but I keep telling myself that it’s okay if this takes the rest of the month to finish. Right now my front porch is covered in furniture in addition to the usual mess. Jonny isn’t thrilled with me because I want to repaint pretty much the entire downstairs. Doesn’t the paint color, “pale oak” sound wonderful and soothing? I think so. I’m going to go the paint store tomorrow to pick up a paint chip and see if I like it in person. I’ll keep you posted.
(Oh, I almost forgot. Job has a new trick. He raises his arms above his head. I realize that that hardly sounds like a trick, but it is, I promise. He’s very pleased with himself.)
Katie Sullivan My Sweet Homeschool says
I have been thinking of you and praying for you and your family. And I’ve been thinking about Sarah, so much. A woman I don’t know except through your blog. I continually feel reminded how lucky I am to be here and be with my children each day. Praying still for her husband and children to find some comfort in God’s great plan for their lives. Hugs. ~~Katie
Emma says
I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face having caught up on the last posts about your friend. Oh my heart aches for you and for her family. I don’t have to words but I am sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you. There are no right answers, no right way to handle it. Whatever gets you through, that’s right. This life, it doesn’t spare us does it? Blessings to you all.
Lena says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ginny!
But I’m glad you still find your sparks of humor – like noticing Jobs wonderful new trick. Your last sentence made me smile! Love Lena
Annie says
Ginny I read something that you wrote that was featured on Ann Voskamp’s blog and was so moved by your words. I shared it with my mom. She had tears in her eyes and said, that was beautiful……
I feel like I know you and consider you a friend. I have the same need for order and sometimes let it get the best of me. So sorry for all you have been through, not only with your friend Sarah, but as a child. You are an example
Of what one can overcome when you have faith, inner strength, and courage. I look forward to your posts and will keep you in my prayers along with Sarah’s family. Job is adorable:) makes me wish my boys were that age again.
My best-Annie
Barbara says
SO big!! Hooray for you, Job.
Karen says
Ginny,
The picture of Job’s raised arms made me laugh! He looks EXACTLY like your husband there holy cow!!
Glad you are finding some moments of peace with your camera (and paintbrush!) in your inner turmoil. That’s grace shining through. Try to find a little warmth even if you don’t feel the peace. Be well Ginny xo
Heidi! says
My mother passed away when my children were little. It was such a huge loss that everything else seemed so trivial and mundane compared to my grief. But I had children and a husband and life goes on. Thanks to our Heavenly Father for the soothing balm of childrens laughter and their simple preciousness. Your photos were lovely today. Can’t believe how quickly Silas is growing and Job’s new trick is stupendous! 🙂 I especially liked the photo of Jonny with the little ones walking. Blessings to all of you today.
tara says
Pale oak sounds pretty nice. I’m so sorry you lost a friend. I hate then when someone dies, life keeps happening. Shouldn’t the world stop for at least a few days to mourn with me?
That’s a pretty great trick, Job 🙂
Maria Elisabeth says
“Have patience with all things— but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.”
__ Saint Francis de Sales
Alice R. says
There is nothing like the joy of a child to help us keep going when times are sad. To quote Charles Dickens: “It is no small thing when those, who are so fresh from God, love us.”
Olivia says
We’re still praying for Sarah and her family and all who loved her. Painting a few walls sounds like a perfect project. 🙂
Maria Elisabeth says
Glory To God Forever
Fee http://youtu.be/IX5J3WThiac
https://gsheller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DSC_7903.jpg
Before the world was made, Before you spoke it to be, You were the King of Kings. Yeah you were, yeah you were.
And now You’re reigning still, Enthroned above all things. Angels and saints cry out, we join them as we sing
Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever
Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever
Creator God You gave me breath so I could praise Your great and matchless name, all my days, all my days.
So let my whole life be a blazing offering, a life that shouts and sings, the greatness of our King
Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever
Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever
Take my life, and let it be, all for You and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours. Take my life and let it be, all for You and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours.
We sing, Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever
Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever
Take my life, and let it be, all for You and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours. Take my life and let it be, all for You and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours
We sing, Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever
Joyce says
I just told my sister~in~law yesterday, that life is just hard here and I’m glad we are just passing through. Continuing to pray for Sarah’s family and friends and so many others near and far who have suffered great loss and grief. This is one of my favorite prayers: “Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Jesus Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. And all for Your loves sake.” St. Augustine
AmandaH says
Our family continues to pray for you. Today we will also pray that your downstairs overhaul is a smooth process and that the new colors act as a balm. It’s amazing how God can provide comfort to us in seemingly insignificant things like paint colors, but it always makes such a difference.
Your pictures are always so beautiful, and today is no exception. The Radio Flyer photo is my favorite today.
aimee says
Freshning paint can do so much to sooth. Theres something therapeutic in shiny clean new colour. Be kind to yourself, you’ve had so much thrown your way in such a short spell.
My word of caution, I repainted after my mama passed away (well, pretty much our entire house got overhauled due to earthquake damage).
I broke down shortly afterwards because there was nothing left of how she had known and loved it. No corner that felt like it had when she was there. I wished I’d left a patch, a wall or a door. 2.5 years on it doesn’t both me, but then, gosh it did. You might be different tho, Im a bit of a fruitloop!
Katherine says
Be generous and indulgent toward yourself dear Ginny….so sad and a shock to have someone ripped from their familiar place in the world as she was. The Sarah shaped hole will be there always, but I pray and believe that in time it will fill with wistful and happy memories to replace the current ache. And isn’t Silas growing up quickly!! Caring for his baby brother. And holding daddy’s litter finger. So precious. thinking of you often, even though I know you not at all (apart from through the blog 🙂
Becky says
I love just how pleased Job is with his trick…it really is marvelous. I think of you, dear stranger, every day since I read the news of your friend Sarah. I think of her family, too. Knowing what sadness there must be in your community, it does make me glad to see your children smiling and thriving. I am sure Sarah is glad for every smile of theirs (and yours), too. Thanks for sharing.
Sally says
I’m so sorry for your loss and for those little ones.
It is fun to see your card games . We love our Close Ups cards and Mille Bornes was a game from my childhood I introduced to my children.
I’ve noticed that when I’m sad even little acts are done with a different prospective. Even card games and horse rides. We just have to trust a higher power to work it all out.
Suzy says
Sometimes redoing stuff is exactly what one needs! Helps with healing. Continued prayers your way.
Holly Nelson says
It is a great trick! As always, your photos are so lovely. I am pleased that you have so much to be thankful for in your life x
alexa says
It sounds like you are exactly where you need to be. God be with you.
Tracey says
I get it Ginny and I do understand the wanting to paint need, I picked up a gallon of paint named Peaceful, now to just get it on the walls! Pale Oak sounds just lovely, I will have to take a peek at it.
Love the new trick your sweet boy has learned.
jennyann1126 says
I am praying for you and these families Ginny. “I have seen green and fruitful trees standing in the middle of a dry and barren desert. These trees survive and flourish because their roots have driven down and discovered hidden streams of flowing water. Some people live in the midst of evil and misery but still radiate joy and lead fruitful lives. Through prayer, the hidden roots of their faith have reached down to the source of living water.” Sadhu Sundar Singh
Kelly says
That photo of Job doing his new trick brought such a smile to my face! And I’ve been thinking of you often since the news of your friend xx
carol says
Take a day at a time, that’s all you can do…I’m just a stranger, but think and pray for you daily.
Ok lady says
It’s a wonderful trick!!!! I’m so sorry for your lose. But try to look at the positive and at the wonderful lives that need you and PAINT!,,,,,,, busy manual labor is good I think