This post is a little bit all over the place. Just read along if you wish. :)
As a stay at home mom, of 3 boys, a wife, a teacher, cook, cleaner and all the rest, the majority of the time I feel like I am failing, failing at being a good mom/wife.
I am writing this because I have been thinking about a lot of different aspects over the last several weeks. Not to get attention, or a pat on the back. Just my thoughts of how things are for me.
There is a lot of pressure (as we all know) mostly, I think, from ourselves. My husband doesn't hassle me if the floor isn't spotless, the boys {usually} don't complain about their clothes not being put away. But, I feel like I have disappointed or let them and {mostly} myself down because I can't get it all done. It is just impossible. In the amount of hours of the day that I have with preparing food, 20 minutes of exercise school, breaking up fights, or letting the boys play together because they actually aren't fighting, and all the rest, I just can't get it done. I can't. And because I can't get the house cleaned up, or the dishes done, or the floor cleaned up of crumbs, I feel like I am not doing my best.
I have a friend that has been living in Romania for the last 7 years working with YWAM (Youth with a Mission). Just that alone, is amazing to me. But, she and her team, have also started to get local kids into school, and helping share the love of God with the locals in their area. Again, amazing. She herself recently got married and is back in Ashland with her new husband to have a baby in July. (Which I am SO EXCITED ABOUT!!!!) But, she has been telling me lately that I am a super mom. And my response is "ya right. Nice try. I am really anything but that." Not the greatest reply! Why do I feel like that? Because of pressure. I feel like I can't live up to my standards or yet alone any other "mom" standards! I compare myself to other moms. I'm not doing this like so and so, or I should be better at this like so and so.
Today, at church during worship, the Lord was really moving over everyone. The worship leader and Pastor encouraged us to talk to God. To go to the alter and pray before Him if needed. One of the first people I saw go to the alter was, the worship leaders son, who is about 13 and in 1 exact instant I started to cry. My heart was crying and I was crying praying for my boys. That they themselves at their currents ages, at 13, 17, 21, 30 and so on will just love the Lord and want to put Him first always! My prayer this morning was for me to have the Lord's wisdom on how to help guide them and show them how to love the Lord. Another area where I feel like I fail.
After the sermon, which was about being fisherman of men and serving the Lord in our every day lives, I realized {again} that my 3 sons are my ministry. They are who I need to be encouraging in the Lord. They are where I am needing to put my time and effort so that they do fall in love with the Lord and have their own relationships with Him. I pray that I can do that. I pray that they will love their youth group like I did. I pray they will always be involved in their church. I pray that they will continue to have friends that love the Lord and who want to also put Him first.
I think, today, I realized how scary (being a parent really is) and how easy it can be to go down the "what if" road. What if they rebel? What if they don't like church? What if...blah blah blah. BUT! God is more powerful than all of those what ifs. He is our awesome God who does miracles, and who can help keep His children where they need to be! He is the mighty God who breaks strongholds! He is an awesome God, who I know will help me do the right thing with my kiddos.
I guess that is about it for now. :) Hope you are enjoying your Sunday. We are cozied up in our house as it is dumping sheets of rain on and off right now! Crazy spring weather!
ALoHa!
Showing posts with label the Lord. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Lord. Show all posts
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
What EASTER is all ABOUT!!!I
A friend just posted this on Facebook. Wow. I know it is 12 minutes, but you will LOVE it!!! Click on the link and watch it. All of it! :)
http://youtu.be/huFra1mnIVE
http://youtu.be/huFra1mnIVE
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Giddy
These last couple of days I have found myself giddy over a couple of different things. Once in a while I smell something that reminds me of a smell in the past that is just pure comfort. I can't quite pinpoint it, but I just "know it." Wanting to bake something that is comforting. Or as silly as it may sound, organizing my cook book has been all too exciting for me lately. I have come across many recipes that I have wanted to try on Pinterest and pin them with good intentions and never get past that. In the last week, I have printed many of those recipes and have made a handful of them. And for some reason, right now, that is just so exciting for me! :)
Tuesday mornings we have to get up fairly early and get going to our Classical Conversation day that meets and First Baptist, in Ashland. The boys, all 3 of them, slept past 7:30am! One of them if not all of them are usually up by 6:45am. Daily. I got all ready and was trying to figure out what I should do next. I decided to eat my breakfast! Duh!? Alone. At the kitchen table with Pandora playing. It was a moment that was just perfect. My egg was the same boring egg I eat every day, but sitting there in the quietness eating it alone, just made it perfect. In the quiet. Alone. Did I repeat myself? I think you can imagine the feeling...
Today, after taking Carson and Gabe to our new dentist, which is our neighbor (no more driving to the dentist!!!), taking Finn to DR. Rollins to check a bug bite on his foot, and heading to the store with all the boys, in the rain, we drove by Trever working on the Blvd. in his rain suit getting poured on, on the way home. For some reason, this also is exciting. I love driving through town, with the chance of spying him somewhere! :)
Yesterday after I did my jump rope workout outside, I pulled some weeds. There is a nice tree that has a lot of weeds under it with a large pile of yard debris and I was thinking how nice that tree would be in the summer, with a nice moss/grass area under it...so I need to work on that, once we get a break in the much needed rain.
These are just a few of the things in my life right now, that are blessing me. What is "speaking" to you right now?
ALoHa!
Tuesday mornings we have to get up fairly early and get going to our Classical Conversation day that meets and First Baptist, in Ashland. The boys, all 3 of them, slept past 7:30am! One of them if not all of them are usually up by 6:45am. Daily. I got all ready and was trying to figure out what I should do next. I decided to eat my breakfast! Duh!? Alone. At the kitchen table with Pandora playing. It was a moment that was just perfect. My egg was the same boring egg I eat every day, but sitting there in the quietness eating it alone, just made it perfect. In the quiet. Alone. Did I repeat myself? I think you can imagine the feeling...
Today, after taking Carson and Gabe to our new dentist, which is our neighbor (no more driving to the dentist!!!), taking Finn to DR. Rollins to check a bug bite on his foot, and heading to the store with all the boys, in the rain, we drove by Trever working on the Blvd. in his rain suit getting poured on, on the way home. For some reason, this also is exciting. I love driving through town, with the chance of spying him somewhere! :)
Yesterday after I did my jump rope workout outside, I pulled some weeds. There is a nice tree that has a lot of weeds under it with a large pile of yard debris and I was thinking how nice that tree would be in the summer, with a nice moss/grass area under it...so I need to work on that, once we get a break in the much needed rain.
These are just a few of the things in my life right now, that are blessing me. What is "speaking" to you right now?
ALoHa!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Thank You
How do you thank a God that has given you the biggest gift? A God who selflessly gave His ONE and ONLY SON to die for little ole me. Not only me, but every other person who has lived and ever will live the earth!?!
There have been many occasions lately where I have felt the need and desire to somehow thank Him to a point that satisfies me. I have the desire to thank Him by giving Him something, to show my appreciation. But, I always feel like my "thank yous" aren't enough.
I feel like that even more so right now. Yesterday a HUGE, ginormous prayer was answered!!!! After years of praying and believing, we are living out the answered prayer. And God is SO good to follow through! We had to know He would help us, answer this prayer and believe that God's perspective is better and different than ours! Pastor Tim taught about that July 21st, 'The Best Life has a God-Perspective' and it was exactly what we needed to hear!
Yesterday, Trever went to lunch at the Parks and Recreational Department as a Seasonal (which means minimal pay, no benefits, no paid holidays, no paid sick days, no health coverage...) and came back from lunch as a PERMANENT EMPLOYEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This means, opposite of what I just mentioned above! Praise the Lord! God is awesome! Hallelujah!
I can't tell you how amazing this is! The desire to thank the Lord for this is beyond words! I pray that my tears of thankfulness will show Him how stoked, grateful, appreciative, relieved, indebted, and overwhelmed we are by this change. God is such a great and glorious God! Worthy of ALL praise!
ALoHa!
There have been many occasions lately where I have felt the need and desire to somehow thank Him to a point that satisfies me. I have the desire to thank Him by giving Him something, to show my appreciation. But, I always feel like my "thank yous" aren't enough.
I feel like that even more so right now. Yesterday a HUGE, ginormous prayer was answered!!!! After years of praying and believing, we are living out the answered prayer. And God is SO good to follow through! We had to know He would help us, answer this prayer and believe that God's perspective is better and different than ours! Pastor Tim taught about that July 21st, 'The Best Life has a God-Perspective' and it was exactly what we needed to hear!
Yesterday, Trever went to lunch at the Parks and Recreational Department as a Seasonal (which means minimal pay, no benefits, no paid holidays, no paid sick days, no health coverage...) and came back from lunch as a PERMANENT EMPLOYEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This means, opposite of what I just mentioned above! Praise the Lord! God is awesome! Hallelujah!
I can't tell you how amazing this is! The desire to thank the Lord for this is beyond words! I pray that my tears of thankfulness will show Him how stoked, grateful, appreciative, relieved, indebted, and overwhelmed we are by this change. God is such a great and glorious God! Worthy of ALL praise!
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| Carson 6.5, Gabe 4.5, Finn 11.5 months. 8.17.13 |
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Count my Blessings
If you are reading this and live around the area I do, you have been experiencing the nastiness of smoke as well! It is awful! I don't remember it being this bad for many many years. Which is a good thing!
My blessings:
Today I was told by Carson I am the best mom (he doesn't say that to me, oh, almost ever!)
Last night Gabe told me that too (he is a little more free with that).
I got to go on a date with Carson and Gabe this morning. We had to do a couple of errands (drop off a box at the post office, drop off something for Carson's school, and go to the store) and then I wanted to surprise them with something. I am rarely able to do anything with them. Usually I have Finn and one of them, or just Finn. So I wanted to try to come up with something (inside and out of the smoke!) for the 3 of us to do. We went to Market of Choice, grabbed 2 individual packs of cream cheese (which we never do!) and then they got to pick out a bagel. We went to the toaster, I sliced them and then we toasted them up and went to the tables. The boys thought this was great! I was a little bit proud of myself for coming up with something that they liked and that didn't include sugar. :) Then we went to the library for story time.
After our date, we went to the bank, where Jim (my dad) banked and I was able to close out his account for the Estate. I am really happy to have that done! Apparently you have to wait 75 days after the death.
We don't have to breath in this smoke while we are in the house! Praise the Lord for AC!
My moms neighbor bought an adorable onesie at a garage sale this weekend, and Finn wore it this morning and was hamming it up! Big time.
I have been able to get back to the Y a bit! Woo-hoo!
I am so excited and thankful that the Presbyterian rummage sale is coming up again this Friday. And I get to go to it with my mom, friends and niece! So excited!
Family. Family is so important to love and support each other. It amazes me. Sticking together, helping each other. Doing what is best for your family. Such a blessing.
And of course, I am always thankful to the Lord. The one and only who loves me uncondtionally. Always. No matter how I am acting, or how appreciative I am. He alwasy loves me. How can you repay that? You can't! That is how awesome God's gift is! He gave his only Son with knowing that we can never repay him! NEVER! Wow. Try wrapping your head around that! Pretty awesome crazy, if you ask me!
Food.
Clothing.
A safe place to sleep every night.
And even though we are having to run the AC at night, I am so so thankful that I am not having to evacuate my home because of these nasty fires! Wow. Can't imagine how that would feel.
My 3 sons. They do drive me batty, but they are such a blessing and I know that we all have each other, to lean on and enjoy life with!
Friends. Friends that I have had since 6th grade, and new friends that I have met through church and Carson's class.
I know that the smoke is so disgusting and awful for us to be breathing, but I am liking that it is darker during the nights and early morning. And that we can have our curtains closed to make it darker too. I do miss the fresh air though...for sure!
I hope you are enjoying your summer! Even if it is hot, be thankful that you can go outside and not be breathing in ash. Not much fun. But, I am glad it isn't always like this! That is for sure!
ALOhA!
My blessings:
Today I was told by Carson I am the best mom (he doesn't say that to me, oh, almost ever!)
Last night Gabe told me that too (he is a little more free with that).
I got to go on a date with Carson and Gabe this morning. We had to do a couple of errands (drop off a box at the post office, drop off something for Carson's school, and go to the store) and then I wanted to surprise them with something. I am rarely able to do anything with them. Usually I have Finn and one of them, or just Finn. So I wanted to try to come up with something (inside and out of the smoke!) for the 3 of us to do. We went to Market of Choice, grabbed 2 individual packs of cream cheese (which we never do!) and then they got to pick out a bagel. We went to the toaster, I sliced them and then we toasted them up and went to the tables. The boys thought this was great! I was a little bit proud of myself for coming up with something that they liked and that didn't include sugar. :) Then we went to the library for story time.
After our date, we went to the bank, where Jim (my dad) banked and I was able to close out his account for the Estate. I am really happy to have that done! Apparently you have to wait 75 days after the death.
We don't have to breath in this smoke while we are in the house! Praise the Lord for AC!
My moms neighbor bought an adorable onesie at a garage sale this weekend, and Finn wore it this morning and was hamming it up! Big time.
I am thankful for dark chocolate. A lot. Gotta say, I love it.
Time with my mom to visit our dear family friends.
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| My mom, Kathy, me, Alicia, Carson, Eloise, and Finn in Lake Oswego at the grower market. |
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| Chris and Finn. |
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| Our room. |
 | ||||
| Where Carson, Finn and I slept. |
I am so excited and thankful that the Presbyterian rummage sale is coming up again this Friday. And I get to go to it with my mom, friends and niece! So excited!
Family. Family is so important to love and support each other. It amazes me. Sticking together, helping each other. Doing what is best for your family. Such a blessing.
And of course, I am always thankful to the Lord. The one and only who loves me uncondtionally. Always. No matter how I am acting, or how appreciative I am. He alwasy loves me. How can you repay that? You can't! That is how awesome God's gift is! He gave his only Son with knowing that we can never repay him! NEVER! Wow. Try wrapping your head around that! Pretty awesome crazy, if you ask me!
Food.
Clothing.
A safe place to sleep every night.
And even though we are having to run the AC at night, I am so so thankful that I am not having to evacuate my home because of these nasty fires! Wow. Can't imagine how that would feel.
My 3 sons. They do drive me batty, but they are such a blessing and I know that we all have each other, to lean on and enjoy life with!
Friends. Friends that I have had since 6th grade, and new friends that I have met through church and Carson's class.
I know that the smoke is so disgusting and awful for us to be breathing, but I am liking that it is darker during the nights and early morning. And that we can have our curtains closed to make it darker too. I do miss the fresh air though...for sure!
 |
| Eloise, Alicia and Finn. |
ALOhA!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Awesome Night
Last night some of my friends and I went to a Peter Furler, Colton Dixon (!!!!!), and Third Day concert!
I must say, it was AMAZING! Such an awesome time worshiping the Lord with brothers and sisters in the Lord. Amazing. They were all great! Here are some pictures of the evening.
Third Day said they will be coming back next year! I hope they do and I hope Colton joins them!
I must say, it was AMAZING! Such an awesome time worshiping the Lord with brothers and sisters in the Lord. Amazing. They were all great! Here are some pictures of the evening.
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| Colton Dixon!!!! |
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| Tracy, Gina and me. |
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| Third Day!!!! |
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| At this point, it was pretty dark and these lights were crazy! |
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| Peter Furler. |
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| Mac from Third Day and Colton Dixon. |
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| Mac and Peter. |
Third Day said they will be coming back next year! I hope they do and I hope Colton joins them!
Friday, May 31, 2013
May 31, 1995
18 years ago today, my Grandpa came home from one of his hospital places he had been in and out of. At that stage of his illness he was pretty out of it. A lot out of it this particular day. I remember watching the ambulance drive up onto the grass to get as close as possible to the front door, so that they could bring him in on his gurney. Once they got him out of the ambulance, my Grandma was right by his side saying "You're home, you're home..." in between giving him kisses and washing his cheeks with her tears.
As out of it he was that day, he knew where we was. He knew he was home. And within 5 minutes of him being home, he really did go home. He went to his eternal home. He left us to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.
As my boys continue to grow, I find myself often thinking about how much he would love them and how much they would love him! I wish he was here to teach them cribbage like he taught me, or to make a multiplication table like he to used to do for me. He would write it all out and then tape it up to make it sturdier. I miss him dearly. And now I need to stop so I don't have a melt down.
I love you Grandpa and can't wait to see you again!
As out of it he was that day, he knew where we was. He knew he was home. And within 5 minutes of him being home, he really did go home. He went to his eternal home. He left us to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.
As my boys continue to grow, I find myself often thinking about how much he would love them and how much they would love him! I wish he was here to teach them cribbage like he taught me, or to make a multiplication table like he to used to do for me. He would write it all out and then tape it up to make it sturdier. I miss him dearly. And now I need to stop so I don't have a melt down.
I love you Grandpa and can't wait to see you again!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
God is GOOD!
With the chip in Carson's tooth, we knew a visit to the dentist would be happening at some point this week. The dentist office we go to has two times during the day for emergencies, or situations like ours. 8am or 2pm. You go to the office, wait, and hope to get seen at some point soon. I thought 8am would be a little better, hoping the doctors wouldn't be too far behind that early in the day.
My mom is in Minnesota this week with my Grandma visiting family and friends, so her regular Wednesday off wouldn't be happening, which meant I had to find somewhere for Finn and Gabe to be while I took Carson to Medford to see the dentist. I also had to go to the lawyers office and sign something for the court.
Yesterday, I got my dad's 1st piece of forwarded mail in the mail. It was something very important that I was needing to fill out, get notarized, and faxed back to the company. I also had to fax something else to a different company in regards to my dad's estate. Since I had to go to the lawyers office, I thought I could have them notarize the one, and fax both sets of papers to the different companies. It worked out perfectly! I was so thankful to the Lord, for the perfect timing.
I was told by Heidi and my mom to breath and everything will work out. I was worried about how to get all of this done and find the info I needed to get to the right people. I worried about it in my sleep and was stressing out about it. And there wasn't any need to do that. God, once again, guided me and helped me in this crazy busy time of my life! Yay!
Not only that, but Carson, Gabe and I got to talk to our friends in Romania! Leah and Andrew are so loved by us and it is so great to be able to see them. It isn't as great as playing "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?" with them in the open space, but for now it will have to do!
My mom is in Minnesota this week with my Grandma visiting family and friends, so her regular Wednesday off wouldn't be happening, which meant I had to find somewhere for Finn and Gabe to be while I took Carson to Medford to see the dentist. I also had to go to the lawyers office and sign something for the court.
Yesterday, I got my dad's 1st piece of forwarded mail in the mail. It was something very important that I was needing to fill out, get notarized, and faxed back to the company. I also had to fax something else to a different company in regards to my dad's estate. Since I had to go to the lawyers office, I thought I could have them notarize the one, and fax both sets of papers to the different companies. It worked out perfectly! I was so thankful to the Lord, for the perfect timing.
I was told by Heidi and my mom to breath and everything will work out. I was worried about how to get all of this done and find the info I needed to get to the right people. I worried about it in my sleep and was stressing out about it. And there wasn't any need to do that. God, once again, guided me and helped me in this crazy busy time of my life! Yay!
Not only that, but Carson, Gabe and I got to talk to our friends in Romania! Leah and Andrew are so loved by us and it is so great to be able to see them. It isn't as great as playing "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?" with them in the open space, but for now it will have to do!
Carson at the dentist getting tested to see if there is nerve damage to his cracked tooth! Looks like there wasn't any damage! Praise the Lord!
We go back to the dentist at the beginning of July to get a filling. So happy that it isn't too serious!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Things I Love
I love that Carson is learning so much in school.
I love that Gabe is learning songs and letters while we sing to Finn to calm him down.
I love that it is sunny out {for a little while at least}!
I love that Carson can play in the sun outside while the smaller boys are sleeping.
I love that Gabe takes naps!
I love that Finn is still {most of the time} his cheery self even though he is getting two teethies!
I love that my niece and I are running together some mornings.
I love that Gabe, Finn and I can walk to get Carson from school.
I love that my mom, Carson, Gabe and I got a lot more ice skating in this year.
I love that even though Finn woke up about an hour earlier this morning, he took a fantastic {long} morning nap!
I love that I have a husband who gets the deals, whether it is for car parts, or toiletries.
I love that the Lord is so forgiving to me and my family.
I love that the boys go to AWANA every week and are around wonderful teachers, helpers and kids!
I love that Carson can sing us songs from VBS from a year or two ago!
I love that I can listen to rain while laying in my cozy bed.
I love that I can ask other moms for help and advice!
I love that I can start to ride my bike again with Finn in the trailer, Gabe on the trail-a-bike, and Carson on his bike.
These are just some of things that I am very thankful for right now. What are you thankful for?
ALOhA!
I love that Gabe is learning songs and letters while we sing to Finn to calm him down.
I love that it is sunny out {for a little while at least}!
I love that Carson can play in the sun outside while the smaller boys are sleeping.
I love that Gabe takes naps!
I love that Finn is still {most of the time} his cheery self even though he is getting two teethies!
I love that my niece and I are running together some mornings.
I love that Gabe, Finn and I can walk to get Carson from school.
I love that my mom, Carson, Gabe and I got a lot more ice skating in this year.
I love that even though Finn woke up about an hour earlier this morning, he took a fantastic {long} morning nap!
I love that I have a husband who gets the deals, whether it is for car parts, or toiletries.
I love that the Lord is so forgiving to me and my family.
I love that the boys go to AWANA every week and are around wonderful teachers, helpers and kids!
I love that Carson can sing us songs from VBS from a year or two ago!
I love that I can listen to rain while laying in my cozy bed.
I love that I can ask other moms for help and advice!
I love that I can start to ride my bike again with Finn in the trailer, Gabe on the trail-a-bike, and Carson on his bike.
These are just some of things that I am very thankful for right now. What are you thankful for?
ALOhA!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Teacher's Words
I just reread an email from Carson's Kindergarten teacher that was about their field trip they took on Wednesday to a retirement home and sang Christmas Carols to the residents. She said, "As we left Skylark today one of the residents said 'thank you for
coming, they really are wonderful.' I really am surrounded by the
greatest gifts all day long."
One week after the horrific event in Connecticut and I still find myself short tempered and or irritated with my 3 boys. I know that in life things are never going to be perfect or wonderful all day long, every day, but I think I need to be more grateful than I am for what I have been blessed with! My heart sinks for what those families and friends are going through and just the itty bitty thought of that happening to one of my boys is absolutely devastating! I can't imagine life without Carson, Gabe or Finn. And I am so blessed to have the! It is hard but such a blessing to teach them and guide them how the Lord directs.
I am so thankful for Psalm 91 and the rest I can have in the Lord for His protection over my family and I.
One week after the horrific event in Connecticut and I still find myself short tempered and or irritated with my 3 boys. I know that in life things are never going to be perfect or wonderful all day long, every day, but I think I need to be more grateful than I am for what I have been blessed with! My heart sinks for what those families and friends are going through and just the itty bitty thought of that happening to one of my boys is absolutely devastating! I can't imagine life without Carson, Gabe or Finn. And I am so blessed to have the! It is hard but such a blessing to teach them and guide them how the Lord directs.
I am so thankful for Psalm 91 and the rest I can have in the Lord for His protection over my family and I.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
I pray that this Christmas, and everyday, we will be thankful for the gifts (the ones that aren't under the tree) that we have been blessed with! No matter how big or small they are!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Stages
My in-laws have a time share that they use about every 2 years. This year they were put on a couple of different waiting lists and got a call about a month ago that one was open in Depot Bay this week. Knowing that I would be 39+ weeks pregnant, I knew I would be staying home.
Trever and the boys left on Saturday for the coast, and are on their way home right now.
About a week and a half ago, I made a very dumb decision to run a few steps to get to one of my children and could barely walk after that for several days. The ligament pain I had was out of control. Crying while walking out of control. It slowly got better, or at least to the point where I could walk and not support myself on the couch or walls, which was nice.
Knowing that I couldn't go was a bit disappointing to me. However, I started to think about it differently while they were gone. I realized that I could get a lot crossed off on my "to do list before Finn comes."
My mom and I started work right away! Over the next several days we made three huge meals to freeze, plus 4 (large) Nancy's yogurt containers full of soup, so that we have some meals ready as needed for after the baby comes. At home, I got working on my list. Things like packing my hospital bag, cleaning up piles of papers, books and magazines (going through my ginormous pile), organizing diapers (so I can make sure I can get to the right size as needed) and wipes, and converted part of our dresser into a changing table to the night time changes.
I slowly started to realize that this time was really from the Lord. Time to heal my ligaments with resting and sleeping in a bit, time to cook, time to organize and one of the last times to have quiet before we have 3 Coster's boys making noise. I have missed my family dearly, but am very thankful to have been given this time to do some resting.
We are looking forward to Finn's arrival, and I think we are ready for when he decides to join us. Well, there are some people (like my doctor) that are out of town, that need to get back here, so that who needs to be there can be!
ALohA!
Trever and the boys left on Saturday for the coast, and are on their way home right now.
About a week and a half ago, I made a very dumb decision to run a few steps to get to one of my children and could barely walk after that for several days. The ligament pain I had was out of control. Crying while walking out of control. It slowly got better, or at least to the point where I could walk and not support myself on the couch or walls, which was nice.
Knowing that I couldn't go was a bit disappointing to me. However, I started to think about it differently while they were gone. I realized that I could get a lot crossed off on my "to do list before Finn comes."
My mom and I started work right away! Over the next several days we made three huge meals to freeze, plus 4 (large) Nancy's yogurt containers full of soup, so that we have some meals ready as needed for after the baby comes. At home, I got working on my list. Things like packing my hospital bag, cleaning up piles of papers, books and magazines (going through my ginormous pile), organizing diapers (so I can make sure I can get to the right size as needed) and wipes, and converted part of our dresser into a changing table to the night time changes.
I slowly started to realize that this time was really from the Lord. Time to heal my ligaments with resting and sleeping in a bit, time to cook, time to organize and one of the last times to have quiet before we have 3 Coster's boys making noise. I have missed my family dearly, but am very thankful to have been given this time to do some resting.
We are looking forward to Finn's arrival, and I think we are ready for when he decides to join us. Well, there are some people (like my doctor) that are out of town, that need to get back here, so that who needs to be there can be!
ALohA!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Little Things
Being 36 weeks pregnant, makes the little things in life a little bit harder. Things like getting dressed, putting on shoes, leaning over to eat your food, bending over to pick things up off of the ground and of course just walking! ;) (Just to name a few).
Last night I was trying to eat a hamburger while watching the Olympics and couldn't really do it since I can't lean forward to make sure the food will drip on the plate, instead of my stomach. So, then I tried eating it with one hand and that didn't work out either. Gabe came over to me, picked up my plate, and said," here Mom, I will hold it for you." So he held my plate up over my stomach, so I could eat my burger.
I love moments like that that melt this Mama's heart. Those moments might not happen every second of every day, but it is a great reminder of what the Lord has given us and out job to train and raise these busy bodies.
AlOha!
Last night I was trying to eat a hamburger while watching the Olympics and couldn't really do it since I can't lean forward to make sure the food will drip on the plate, instead of my stomach. So, then I tried eating it with one hand and that didn't work out either. Gabe came over to me, picked up my plate, and said," here Mom, I will hold it for you." So he held my plate up over my stomach, so I could eat my burger.
I love moments like that that melt this Mama's heart. Those moments might not happen every second of every day, but it is a great reminder of what the Lord has given us and out job to train and raise these busy bodies.
AlOha!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
A Show
Last night and today Dance Works was having their annual dance show. I haven't been for years, mainly because of kids or finances, but yesterday afternoon we got a text saying that some of the family had an extra ticket and would I like it? So with the encouragement of Trever, I thought I would go.
And I am so happy that I did!
My sister-in-law, Sandra choreographed 3 of the dances, performed in one dance, my niece performed in 2, my nephew performed in 2 (I think, maybe 3) and a lot of other kids I know from around town. It was so fun! I loved it!
While I was watching, I couldn't help but notice some of the dancers who absolutely loved what they were doing and looked like they were having a blast verses some of the other ones who looked like "why am I doing this?" Some of them seemed like they weren't enjoying themselves at all. There was one gal, in particular, that I actually used to babysit at the YMCA about 14 years ago, who was amazing! I wold try to watch the whole group and go from dancer to dancer, but I kept just watching her. She was very impressive!
Once I got home and ready for bed, I started to think about the dancers who were enjoying themselves (smiling) vs. the ones that didn't look like they were having a very good time. For some reason I thought of the Lord and found myself wondering if He looks at us and sees people enjoying themselves and sees others that just seem to be skating by. I know that at times in my life, I probably have seemed like I would rather be doing anything else than what I am doing. Then I thought about how sad that would be to be the Lord. His children who say they love Him, just doing the basics in life because that is what is so called required. Having a relationship with the Son, who died on the cross for us, should be passionate, thankful, a desire, a need that we have. How loving is our God though, that whether we look like the dancers having the time of our life or the ones not enjoying it so much, that He still loves us unconditionally! His love is so amazing to me!
Hope you can understand my jibber jabber. I think I thought about it better than it actually came out. :) Hope you can make some sense of it!
Enjoy your week! Aloha.
And I am so happy that I did!
My sister-in-law, Sandra choreographed 3 of the dances, performed in one dance, my niece performed in 2, my nephew performed in 2 (I think, maybe 3) and a lot of other kids I know from around town. It was so fun! I loved it!
While I was watching, I couldn't help but notice some of the dancers who absolutely loved what they were doing and looked like they were having a blast verses some of the other ones who looked like "why am I doing this?" Some of them seemed like they weren't enjoying themselves at all. There was one gal, in particular, that I actually used to babysit at the YMCA about 14 years ago, who was amazing! I wold try to watch the whole group and go from dancer to dancer, but I kept just watching her. She was very impressive!
Once I got home and ready for bed, I started to think about the dancers who were enjoying themselves (smiling) vs. the ones that didn't look like they were having a very good time. For some reason I thought of the Lord and found myself wondering if He looks at us and sees people enjoying themselves and sees others that just seem to be skating by. I know that at times in my life, I probably have seemed like I would rather be doing anything else than what I am doing. Then I thought about how sad that would be to be the Lord. His children who say they love Him, just doing the basics in life because that is what is so called required. Having a relationship with the Son, who died on the cross for us, should be passionate, thankful, a desire, a need that we have. How loving is our God though, that whether we look like the dancers having the time of our life or the ones not enjoying it so much, that He still loves us unconditionally! His love is so amazing to me!
Hope you can understand my jibber jabber. I think I thought about it better than it actually came out. :) Hope you can make some sense of it!
Enjoy your week! Aloha.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Does your Love Endure?
Yesterday at church we read from Joshua 5:13-6. About the battle of Jericho and Joshua obeying God by marking around the walls for 7 days. Pastor Tim was saying that after Joshua was told what to do to win the battle, that the men might have questioned the marching just a bit. But, we need to remember that often times, things don't make sense to us, but it always will work out with prayer and faith in the Lord. We have to remember that to not ever lose faith in the Lord!
We had worship after the teaching and some of the words in these two songs were just so touching to me.
I Breathe You in God, Brian and Katie Torwalt
The presence of the Living God
Satisfies the depths of my heart
And all of me I change when you came
And I'm led free by Your glory and grace
And I breathe You in, God
Cos You are there all around me
(repeat)
The kindness of Your love's pure light
Pierces through the darkest of all night
And everything is possible now
For God is here
And God is good
[CHORUS]
And You are good, God
For You are good to me
(repeat)
[BRIDGE]
And when I don't understand
I will choose You
(repeat)
And when I don't understand
I will choose to love You, God
And when I don't understand
I will choose You
(repeat)
And when I don't understand
I will choose to love You, God
[CHORUS]
And You are good, God
For You are good to me
(repeat)
[End]
Its my privilege
To worship You
To worship
For You are good, God
For You are good to me
(repeat)
The words in this song that seem so powerful to me are
"The kindness of Your love's pure light, Pierces through the darkest of all night, And everything is possible now, For God is here, And God is good"
"And when I don't understand, I will choose You, And when I don't understand, I will choose to love You, God" and also
"And You are good, God, For You are good to me."
The amount that God loves us is just amazing to me! It is so nice to be reminded of His great love and how good He really is! We have to remember to be faithful and true to Him, so that He can bless us and do things that we might not understand all of the time.
The One Who Saves, Hillsong
Come join the song, lift your voice
As heaven and earth give praise
Fall to your knees, at the feet
Of the Son of The One True God
Turn from old ways, lift your eyes
For the kingdom of God is here
Open your heart, offer all
For Jesus Christ is here
Oh now
We have found our hope
We have found our peace
We have found our rest
In the One who Loves
He will light the way
He will lead us home
As we offer all
To the One who saves us
Call on the Name, that is hope
Jesus the Son of God
Lord over all, He is good
And His mercy endures
Always
His love endures
Forever His love endures
Forever His love endures
Forever and ever
And this song is the last part. "His love endures, Forever His love endures, Forever His love endures Forever and ever." I know being a friend, daughter, wife and mom that my love does not endure forever and ever. I would love to say it does, but at times, it really doesn't. But to know that the Creator of this world, loves us always is just amazing! No matter what we have done, or are going to do today or 10 years from now, He loves us! FOREVER! Do you understand that? He loves me FOREVER! Praise Him!
Hope you have a blessed May!
Aloha.
We had worship after the teaching and some of the words in these two songs were just so touching to me.
I Breathe You in God, Brian and Katie Torwalt
The presence of the Living God
Satisfies the depths of my heart
And all of me I change when you came
And I'm led free by Your glory and grace
And I breathe You in, God
Cos You are there all around me
(repeat)
The kindness of Your love's pure light
Pierces through the darkest of all night
And everything is possible now
For God is here
And God is good
[CHORUS]
And You are good, God
For You are good to me
(repeat)
[BRIDGE]
And when I don't understand
I will choose You
(repeat)
And when I don't understand
I will choose to love You, God
And when I don't understand
I will choose You
(repeat)
And when I don't understand
I will choose to love You, God
[CHORUS]
And You are good, God
For You are good to me
(repeat)
[End]
Its my privilege
To worship You
To worship
For You are good, God
For You are good to me
(repeat)
The words in this song that seem so powerful to me are
"The kindness of Your love's pure light, Pierces through the darkest of all night, And everything is possible now, For God is here, And God is good"
"And when I don't understand, I will choose You, And when I don't understand, I will choose to love You, God" and also
"And You are good, God, For You are good to me."
The amount that God loves us is just amazing to me! It is so nice to be reminded of His great love and how good He really is! We have to remember to be faithful and true to Him, so that He can bless us and do things that we might not understand all of the time.
The One Who Saves, Hillsong
Come join the song, lift your voice
As heaven and earth give praise
Fall to your knees, at the feet
Of the Son of The One True God
Turn from old ways, lift your eyes
For the kingdom of God is here
Open your heart, offer all
For Jesus Christ is here
Oh now
We have found our hope
We have found our peace
We have found our rest
In the One who Loves
He will light the way
He will lead us home
As we offer all
To the One who saves us
Call on the Name, that is hope
Jesus the Son of God
Lord over all, He is good
And His mercy endures
Always
His love endures
Forever His love endures
Forever His love endures
Forever and ever
And this song is the last part. "His love endures, Forever His love endures, Forever His love endures Forever and ever." I know being a friend, daughter, wife and mom that my love does not endure forever and ever. I would love to say it does, but at times, it really doesn't. But to know that the Creator of this world, loves us always is just amazing! No matter what we have done, or are going to do today or 10 years from now, He loves us! FOREVER! Do you understand that? He loves me FOREVER! Praise Him!
Hope you have a blessed May!
Aloha.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Story of the Easter Butterfly
On Sunday, in the nursery, I read this book (for the first time) to the kiddlings. I had never heard it before and they gave it to us in a little Easter goodie bag as a book mark! I wanted to share it with you, because I think it is so neat! God loves us so much!
Hope you enjoy! Aloha.
Hope you enjoy! Aloha.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A blessed time!
Hope you all had a blessed Christmas Day celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior! We had a great time! So many laughs, so many gifts given and received. It was a blast!
Here is a link to see pictures!
ZZ, Gabe, me, Carson, Grandma and Debbie! 12.24.11
Raul and Izzy playing. 12.24.11
A sleepy Gabe. And mama. 12.24.11
Carson and his new sling shot (from Grandma) and new sweatshirt from GG (note the tag in the left armpit. It stayed there until after nap time!). 12.25.11
The Coster Clan. 12.25.11
Here is a link to see pictures!
ZZ, Gabe, me, Carson, Grandma and Debbie! 12.24.11
Raul and Izzy playing. 12.24.11
A sleepy Gabe. And mama. 12.24.11
Carson and his new sling shot (from Grandma) and new sweatshirt from GG (note the tag in the left armpit. It stayed there until after nap time!). 12.25.11
The Coster Clan. 12.25.11Have a blessed New Year!!!
AlOha.
AlOha.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
His Protection
I am so thankful for Psalm 91. The Lord's promises to us, to guard us and keep us safe if we call on Him and believe what He has for us!
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Church now, Appreciated Later
For about the last month or so, I have been going to Ashland Christian Fellowship for worship on Wednesday nights. On a side note, there are some people who prepare dinner for anyone who wants to eat before the Wednesday night 6:30 service. I gotta say thanks to them, because they are blessing us with the ease of getting to church earlier, and getting dinner in our bellies! And I don't know about you, but I love it when food is prepared for me and my fam! :)
While the boys and I were looking for Grandma, a gal that knows me from growing up in church said, "you look so happy! And you are doing such a great job. And in about 20 years, there will be two gals that are very thankful for what you are doing." (Meaning, getting my family and I out the door will not only benefit us now, but benefit two gals that Carson and Gabe will meet one day). That really blessed me. Things like that aren't often voiced, or spoken about.
I know we (or maybe I should just speak for myself) can get really carried away with things in our daily lives. Laundry, dishes, projects, work, exercise, the list can go on and on. Some days just trying to get through the day seems like a miracle in and of it's self. To think about what I am teaching my boys now, and how it will affect their whole life and the gal's that they end up marrying is a bit on the huge side! But, it is something that I rarely think about. So, thank you for the reminder (*gal that I saw while I was growing up at ACF, whose name I should know*) that all this hard work, of getting the boys to church on Sundays, and to AWANA and to Wed. night worship, is going to pay off and be meaningful, not only now, but a ways down the road as well.
I pray you and your family are healthy, well and happy! Enjoy your autumn, Christmas will be here in less than 2 months!
Aloha.
While the boys and I were looking for Grandma, a gal that knows me from growing up in church said, "you look so happy! And you are doing such a great job. And in about 20 years, there will be two gals that are very thankful for what you are doing." (Meaning, getting my family and I out the door will not only benefit us now, but benefit two gals that Carson and Gabe will meet one day). That really blessed me. Things like that aren't often voiced, or spoken about.
I know we (or maybe I should just speak for myself) can get really carried away with things in our daily lives. Laundry, dishes, projects, work, exercise, the list can go on and on. Some days just trying to get through the day seems like a miracle in and of it's self. To think about what I am teaching my boys now, and how it will affect their whole life and the gal's that they end up marrying is a bit on the huge side! But, it is something that I rarely think about. So, thank you for the reminder (*gal that I saw while I was growing up at ACF, whose name I should know*) that all this hard work, of getting the boys to church on Sundays, and to AWANA and to Wed. night worship, is going to pay off and be meaningful, not only now, but a ways down the road as well.
I pray you and your family are healthy, well and happy! Enjoy your autumn, Christmas will be here in less than 2 months!
Aloha.
Monday, August 15, 2011
I was Reminded Again!!!
I write this with an attitude of appreciation, thankfulness and awe at how awesome the Lord is!
I feel like more often than not, I am not very good at appreciating what I have been given and being thankful for what I have.
Why do I struggle with with that so much? Why can't I be thankful every second of every day?! WHY? :)
A light bulb went off in my head today when I was thinking about some family and friends who are going through some very tough things right now. I know things can be hard for me at times, but I think there are always people going through harder things than my current situation.
I have a friend who on Facebook has what she calls "Thankful Thursdays." She posts something that she is thankful for that day, and asks others what they are thankful for. I usually read over what people say, but lately I haven't wanted to participate or really think about and truly be thankful for something in my life. It is what you could call a bad attitude. ;) I am sure no one else has ever experienced that, huh???
But really, with all that said, we do need to be thankful. I need to be thankful!
The Lord is so great and so full of compassion and patience! How amazing it is for me to realize these things and know that my Lord still loves me, cares for me, directs me and guides me even though I make silly decisions about not being thankful for what I have been given.
Things I am thankful for right now...just to show a few, in no particular order...
AWANA. The program and all the leaders/helpers that aren't all shown here.
My family and surviving the 4th of July run. :)
My 2 besties and our best-cation ever!
Meeting Kiowa Gordon and Tinsel Korey.
Family. And all of my family that isn't pictured here as well.
My two little busy, active, creative, feisty, adorable, smart, independent boys.
Reconnecting with a childhood friend and her adorable baby Kai!
I feel like more often than not, I am not very good at appreciating what I have been given and being thankful for what I have.
Why do I struggle with with that so much? Why can't I be thankful every second of every day?! WHY? :)
A light bulb went off in my head today when I was thinking about some family and friends who are going through some very tough things right now. I know things can be hard for me at times, but I think there are always people going through harder things than my current situation.
I have a friend who on Facebook has what she calls "Thankful Thursdays." She posts something that she is thankful for that day, and asks others what they are thankful for. I usually read over what people say, but lately I haven't wanted to participate or really think about and truly be thankful for something in my life. It is what you could call a bad attitude. ;) I am sure no one else has ever experienced that, huh???
But really, with all that said, we do need to be thankful. I need to be thankful!
The Lord is so great and so full of compassion and patience! How amazing it is for me to realize these things and know that my Lord still loves me, cares for me, directs me and guides me even though I make silly decisions about not being thankful for what I have been given.
Things I am thankful for right now...just to show a few, in no particular order...
AWANA. The program and all the leaders/helpers that aren't all shown here.
My family and surviving the 4th of July run. :)
My 2 besties and our best-cation ever!
Meeting Kiowa Gordon and Tinsel Korey.
Family. And all of my family that isn't pictured here as well.
My two little busy, active, creative, feisty, adorable, smart, independent boys.
Reconnecting with a childhood friend and her adorable baby Kai!
Thank you for listening to me! I hope this encourages you to be thankful. ;)
Aloha.
Aloha.
Monday, May 9, 2011
A Mother of Two
I found myself, along with Carson, being the first ones up on Mother's Day. I was getting things done and I had found myself being irritated that on Mother's Day I still have to be get things done. Withing a couple of minutes I got busy, and forgot about my irritation, making sure that the feeding, dressing, and brushing was getting done so we could get out of the house on time to make it to church.
Trev suggested we sit on the opposite side of the church yesterday, so we did. While we were having worship and announcements, I noticed a couple that sat most of the time (usually everyone stands during worship). The husband had his arm around the wife's shoulders a lot, and was comforting her with rubbing her hair, shoulders, and back. He would also give her lots of kisses. A couple of minutes later, Trev whispered in my ear that he thought that couple was the couple that lost their son (in March while he was on a camping trip with his buddies from church. There was a car accident and he died on scene. He was in high school).
This is what went on in my head:
(Trev telling me...)
PAUSE.
OH! and it's MOTHER'S DAY!
TEARS.
And here I was being irritated that I had to get my two blessings ready for church even on Mother's Day! Well, cry me a river!
For about the next 10 minutes, the tears came. My heart literally just aches for them. I haven't met them, and I just couldn't take my eyes off of them. I just hurt so bad for them! It just rips my heart out! I can't imagine what they have been going through.
Some of the good that has come from the loss of their son, is that at his service, about 24 people received the Lord. I know that that doesn't make up for having their son gone, but it is some good news in a really hard hard time.
I know days can be very hard, but I am so blessed and happy to have my little family. I need to remember that! There are many people going through things that just plain suck, and if my boys are bickering or not obeying I still need to be thankful I have them.
Hope you all have a great week.
Aloha.
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