3.06.2010

swingin'


Everything about this picture  from the etsy shop Storing Up Treasures captivates me.  It floods me with memories of carefree childhood moments.

Eyes squinting into the bright sun, 
drawing circles around it with our toes.
Plunging our feet into a cotton candy sky.
We could fly then.
And we let the wind tangle our hair.
Up. Up. Up.
Higher. Higher. Higher.
Until our hearts were so light they made our throats tickle.
Butterflies dancing in our tummies,
throwing our heads back as our feet went up,
we laughed.


It's the kind of joy God gives us when we feel like all our strength is gone.  It's the treasure we find in the  simple blessings of home, babies, and love.  It's why God told us to come to him as a little child, full of faith, full of awe, full of trust.  And I need that.  I WANT that.  I've let myself lose a lot of joy lately.  I've gotten wrapped up in disappointments, in to-do lists, in bills, in endless and exhausting housework, in impatience with this season of my life.  But God is reminding me about the little girl who used to swing with abandon, with unrestrained joy.  He's inviting me to recapture a joy that He alone can give.  To swing with Him, the light of His Son on my face, the wind of His Spirit beneath me.

The mother who took this picture reminds me what a full house, full hearts, full obedience really looks like.  Her blog is called Storing up Treasures and that is exactly what she is doing.  God placed adoption on their hearts and they said yes.  Four times.  And now they have ten children.  She's decided to sell her beautiful photographs in an etsy shop as a way to raise money to keep their home.  And I am praying in confidence that God will bless them!  Four children have experienced the love of a family because they didn't ignore the heart of God.  They set their plans aside and adopted His.  But, you want to know the best part about her blog?  You won't leave feeling less of a mother because you have fewer kids.  She's real and it's so refreshing.

So, if you get a chance, give them some love : )
And then find a swing set and go swinging with your Daddy God.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't know what to say. Thank you doesn't seem to quite cut it.

I simple adore the words you have put with my photo. So perfect.

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

We put a tree swing up this past summer for that very reason... it brings simple joy! I love how you describe this family, that they set their plans aside and adopted His. That is what it is all about, isn't it?! You are in my thoughts and prayers as you wait for baby!
~Jennifer
www.studiojru.com

carissa said...

you said everything so well. so very well. wow - what an incredible family. such a beautiful hearts they have! definitely praying for God's provision in their lives!

Mich said...

Beautiful picture...

Beautiful words...

Kristin said...

I have so enjoyed reading Courtney's blog since I found out about it not too long ago. I just got my picture in the mail last week from her shop and it was beautiful. I think her story is beautiful too!

I was reading this post earlier and it made me cry. I was having a bad day and it's what I needed to be reminded of, so thank you! You always seem to say exactly what I need to hear.

P.S. I love to swing! I wish I had a swing here at home that I could swing on.....I'm afraid to try it on my kids' swings. haha!

Catherine Anne said...

It floods me with memories of carefree childhood moments~
Me too!

Andrea said...

Beautiful...

Blessings, andrea

Jayme said...

Joy!
I'm enjoying learning to sew! It is fun...thoguh I have to say It is testing my patince at times! The room you did for your kids was very inspiring though!

Rebekah said...

I think we are listening to the same God! ;0)

Lovely post.

Did you write the poem?

thinking of you. x

Joyeful said...

Thanks for the sweet words!

I love to write poetry : ) This one just came to me when I saw the photograph.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

So beautiful, Joye...God is speaking to my heart about the same thing. I am longing for that childlike faith and freedom. Somehow the demands of this life creep up and steal that freedom away. I'm reaching up for it once more...

Thanks for this beautiful post, dear friend...

Love to you...

Traci Michele said...

Joye!

Your writing always captivates my heart and draws me closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Keep being obedient in your writing, because you are sharpening others "iron" in your walk of obedience! This life isn't hard, but when we are obedient, God's blessings flow... even if it is just within our own heart and mind!

Hugs,
Traci

PS: LOVE THAT PIC!

Unknown said...

Oh I love this post. Thanks for sharing. Somehow coming here always manages to inspire and encourage me all at once! :-) thanks for that my friend!

He & Me + 3 said...

Beautiful post. I will head over and say hi. Thanks for sharing. I remember squinting my eyes in the sun while swinging and loving every minute of it.

Kristen Love said...

What a beautiful poem! Thanks for sharing your heart :-)

Natalie at Mommy on Fire said...

Joye, this is so beautiful. I love what you wrote and the photo is amazing. My daughter LOVES to swing in our backyard and I STILL love to join her (though I make the swingset tips sometimes and this makes me cranky...) So beautifully written.

Hang in there, girl. He will come. He will come.

Thank you so much for wishing my precious Meemo a happy birthday. It meant so much to her. Thanks for taking the time.

Praying for a healthy delivery. And one that will be soon...:)

Lauren said...

I love her blog too and her photos are precious!! This one makes me long for summer days...

side note: I did the face mask on Saturday evening and WOW - it made my skin so soft!! I love it!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!! :)

LisaShaw said...

Beautiful sharing!!!

It's been a while since my last visit but I pray that all is well with you and your family sweet one.

Stopped by to say congratulations on the Top 100 Internet Cafe and to GOD be all the glory.

You are a breath of fresh air on line and though I may not visit often, I love ya!

The Rigelsky Family said...

what a beautiful photo :)
your heart is so sweet !

Tracy said...

First, congratulations, you deserve your wonderful new award. It is obvious why you were chosen, especially after reading this post. What a gift, it is! Your picture is well timed. I need to reclaim that joy, also. Thank you for the encouragement.

Haddock said...

Oh yes, that photograph brings back a lot of memories.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Do ask. Do tell.

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape