A Fresh Lens

October 30, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Well, I finally did it. I picked up my camera again. In this family, we love our smartphones but we’ve only had them a short while– since Memorial Day to be exact, so we are still getting “used” to them.

(Some of you follow me on instagram and are currently making snide comments about the tens of thousands of photos I take and whathaveyou. You would be correct. )

I DO take a lot of photos with my phone. It has really allowed me to capture moments I would otherwise miss.

BUT.

It has made me photographically lazy. I confess I have only picked up my camera ONCE since the end of May. I got a few shots of Lucy’s first day of school. Other than that, I’ve just left it sad and lonely in the case while my phone had the priviledge of capturing all our life events. Poor Canon EOS.

But recently, I’ve been thinking. Noticing all the beautiful Fall colors outside our windows… Wondering how pretty they would look… admitting they probably wouldn’t need the benefit of a filter. So I picked it up and dusted it off (so to speak.)

I started slow, taking a few shots of our favorite (Low-fat!) Banana Bread

Then I ventured outside and happened upon a little playdate between my littlest Stuckey and her Daddy.

_MG_6160 — slightly blurry… but I love her face.. and his.

_MG_6170 — We’re all going to miss him when he goes back to work… probably none of us as much as she will.

I mean, really. Why don’t I do this more often??

_MG_6154 — I love her. Even the little bruise on her head is cute.

That’s it. I’m picking up my REAL Camera more often.

I Wasn’t Prepared…

October 28, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey 16 Comments

Last night I returned from one of the most amazing weekends of my entire life. I’m definitely still processing all I learned and I’m sure it will take days before I can put into words all that God taught me there.

After the events of the last few weeks, I was prepared for God to speak to my heart in a big way. The spiritual attacks on our family ranged from mildly frustrating to nearly debilitating. There was the sickness with head colds that rounded our family and then the revolting stomach bug that landed our littlest in the hospital over night (out of town!) and then temporarily leveled the rest of us just days before I was to leave for Allume. Not to mention the near final-blow of becoming a “no-income” family just four weeks ago. Throw in a couple appliances breaking down (again.) and I was 100% convinced that Satan was waging an all-out battle to get me to give up and stay home. Through it all, the message was quite clear that I should still go, so went I did. With the anticipation of learning the treasures He wanted to teach me. So I was prepared for something great.

I was not, however, prepared for several other things.

I was not prepared for the lovely change in weather, rendering half my wardrobe useless. (YAY FOR FALL!!!)

I was not prepared to be loved on again and again by the organizers, sponsors and speakers of Allume. I had heard of the amazing SWAG– but oh. my. word! Here’s a photo of SOME of the books and lovely gifts we received. Blessed!

I was not prepared to start making real connections twenty minutes after I arrived. The first person I met was a member of Allume staff who is right now, in the midst of waiting on her 2 adopted daughters to come home from across the world. While working registration together, she shared a bit about how they had been waiting about twice as long as the normal timeframe. I immediately became connected with this mama in my heart, and have committed to pray that God would MOVE MOUNTAINS if needed, and get these sweet girls home by Christmas. Will you please take a minute and pray for them as well? Her name is Christin and you can read a bit of their story by clicking on the link above.

I was not prepared for the friendships! ( I know.) During the Newbie Meet-up Mingle, I seriously wanted to run, not walk, back to my hotel room and watch some HGTV out of denial that anything called a MINGLE was going on and I was supposed to be a part of it. But a few minutes in, I started talking to Amanda, (who frankly had the same blogger-in-the-headlights look) and we found out how small the world really is. So many writers, bloggers, women with stunning hearts and unique spheres of influence– and I was blessed to meet many of them!

I was not prepared for the QUALITY of the Allume Conference. I was completely unaware that this was only the 4th year running, and could not tell from the attention to detail, the beauty of the decor, and the caliber of each speaker! I was 100% blown away and am so thankful to have had a part.

I went to Allume as a “Mom who happens to have a blog.” But I left Allume as a Woman who is confident that God has given her a passion for writing for a reason. I went hoping to become a better writer, but I left as someone who is not concerned with being “good enough” but is focused on being “available.” I am even more convinced of who He has made me and I’m utterly grateful to be able to worship Him in this way. I now understand why I feel most relaxed and content when I am writing. Writing is a very personal form of worship for me and my desire is that it would ALWAYS make great the name of God. My hope is that I will continue to live in what I believe is an aspect of His calling for me.

I was NOT PREPARED to leave my fears, inadequacies, comparisons, and concerns in Greenville, South Carolina. But God is faithful and He reminded me that He is not the author of fear or confusion and that He has placed me right where I am for a time and a purpose!

I’m not here because I’m there…

October 25, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Today, I’m not here because I’m in Greenville, SC for my very first blogging/writing conference.

I felt the move to go about 5 1/2 months ago and we prayed about it and both felt it was a “go!”

And I’m amazed now at God’s timing.

After the last month, it’s an amazing blessing to get to have a little (paid for!!) getaway. So here we go!!!

Now for the somewhat scary part. I really don’t KNOW a single person. Except for my beloved fellow newbies, (who I will try to recognize by their facebook picture and try not to call them by their full facebook name.) I always think that’s so funny. Sometimes I think of people in terms of their facebook “name” because that’s what is on my contact list.

But regardless of the fact that I’m a total newbie, I know that God has provided and prepared this before me, and I am excited to see how He shows up there! Basically, the entire conference is made up of bunch of bloggers & writers who desire to see God glorified in their work and wish to learn and grow in the area of writing.

I could not be more excited. Until someone (who got there early) posted a picture of our SWAG bag on Instagram. HELLO, FREE BOOKS!!!!!

But, can I humbly ask for your prayers? In a room of 400 people I do not know, I tend to be the girl who sticks to herself.

I know, shocking. But really, I do! I would covet your prayers in the following areas:

** Peace.

** Safety in Traveling and Safety for those I leave behind.

** A spirit of calmness.

** the ability to see outside of my own inadequacies and look for someone who needs a friend.

** and most of all, that God would be glorified in every aspect of both the conference and in my heart while there.

Well, that’s all!

I’m off to drop the last few things in my suitcase and head out! I’m armed with my favorite cardigans, my trusty Target boots (which consequently may not make it through this fall, sad!) and a miniature bottle of SCOPE Mouthwash, mainly because I dreamed I got into an elevator and it was just me and Ann Voskamp. Apparently I had just eaten a lot of onions, because she handed me a mint. Ouch. (I know she is totally more gracious than that– In don’t know why I dreamed that!!)

When you read this tomorrow, I will already be partially through the second day.

Thank you for your support and thank you for your prayers– I appreciate you SO!

Photo Dump

October 23, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

I feel like it should be called something other than “Photo Dump” but I guess “Photo Deposit” doesn’t really make sense either.

Here are the High’s and Low’s of the last couple weeks, photographically speaking.

Quick Stop at the Outlet Mall on the way to my Parent’s house…. In search of Jeans and socks for the littles– Success!!

So nice to have a home away from HOME! This time, we MADE ourselves take time to enjoy the lovely weather from that gazebo– so refreshing.

Speaking of refreshing, one morning Lance and I got up to go for a walk and my dad mentioned a park right around the corner– I could not believe my eyes when we saw it! It was very similar to a larger park in Wake Forest we used to love! We had a great little walk– aside from almost getting a parking ticket, (we were OUT in the country, so we parked on the side of the road early in the morning– unfortunately a police officer thought our car might be stolen (only in Jacksonville!) and was about to ticket us until another nice man said we had just gone for a walk! ) HA!

Another unexpected gem we discovered was the Farmer’s Market.

I always thought it was kind of a joke and had never been but APPARENTLY, my dad goes there all the time so Lance convinced me to go check it out and it was so nice! *I stand corrected*

Sorry for the grainy photo, but we had a little double date night with some dear family friends which involved amazing food, sleeping in a tad and then more amazing food– coupled with catching up and a lot of laughter. We were so renewed by our visit, but then we always are. We’re trying to nag them into coming up this way one weekend. (Hint Hint.)

This quote was on their fridge… And of course I had to take a picture to remind myself.

Amen!

The next night we had another dinner night with some very close friends, we happen to have kids just four months apart, (the mom and I have been best friends for life and we are only 4 month apart too!) Our second children are only 6 weeks apart– so we have perfectly planned play-dates. Don’t you love the fake smiles on these two? Buddies.

But here’s what happened when we tried to get all four kids. HAHA!!! The minute Abby saw her friend making a break for it, she wiggled out of Lucy’s arms too.

Annnnd, HERE’S where we TRIED to leave on Tuesday. Abby was really happy, regardless of how she felt. But then things went a little down hill.

The next morning, I found myself sitting enjoying THIS while Reading the book below. My mom bought it for me. I think it’s quite applicable to our stage (or anyones!!) of life, don’t you? It’s really good. I LOVE Priscilla Shirer.

Later that day, smiles were hard to come by for Miss Abby.

Here she is sleeping in my lap in the ER room. It just broke my heart to see her so very sick.

By that night, she was doing so much better and when I tucked her in her cozy little bed, (despite being a little tangled with cables and cords from an IV, and 3 monitor leads.) She smiled a little and said, “Mommy, I seepy.” Which of course, melted my heart completely because naturally she WOULD be very sleepy, but she had never said that before. It’s about a new word every day with this little one. Unfortunately, she also learned “OWIE.” in the hospital. Sad.

Daddy made the five hour drive for the second time in two days to come be with us in the hospital.

And then on Friday, we FINALLY headed back home and made it safe and sound!

Sporting our Fall shoes and dresses for a slightly chilly Sunday Morning.

Home Sweet Home!

Catching Up (The biggest Reset Monday EVER!)

October 21, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

So before Lucy started school, Mondays were also referred to as “Reset Mondays” around here. The day to catch up on everything that fell by the wayside over the weekend while we were enjoying our family time together. A good day to just catch our breath and prepare for the week.

After last week, do we ever need to press the reset button around here!!!! Quick recap: After my post on Wednesday morning, Abby woke up from a little nap VERY SICK. I hesitate to use the word “lethargic” but she was as close as I have ever seen her. She was only wanting to sleep, had stopped wetting diapers (uh-oh) and was completely refusing to drink. (Second- big uh-oh.) I called my pediatrician, but thankfully while waiting on a call back, my mom held her for a few minutes and (expert retired medical professional that she is) immediately noticed her increased heart rate and fast breathing. We hightailed it to the ER in town and they confirmed that she was dangerously dehydrated. After a few tests, they determined she needed to stay overnight and once she got some fluids and rest, she began to bounce back a little. As soon as Daddy arrived back in town with us, she perked up a little and by the next day, I was fighting the bug myself while she was trying to climb her own IV pole!! Those little ones get sick VERY quickly. Much quicker than I realized. Thankfully, she also bounced back with the right medical care.. and by God’s grace. I’m so thankful she is okay and that my God-given mommy-instinct (coupled with my own mother’s advice) told us to get her some help, QUICK.

So after battling the bug myself (as did Lucy) we finally did make it home on Friday night. All four of us. With zero incidents along the way. We even stopped over in St. Simons Island for a little family fun for a couple hours, which we all needed!

Saturday we chilled, ran errands and enjoyed being home. Those kids of ours destroyed their playroom in record time. I guess being away from one’s toys will do that.

*******

Today, I find myself staring down a very short week. I’m headed to a conference later this week so I have a TON to do. I’ll hopefully share more about this conference later this week, but it’s the type of thing I had to be convinced to sign up for five months ago and I am certain I would have been stressing about it if we hadn’t been so busy dealing with, you know, LIFE.

So today is a mix of carline, errands, LAUNDRY, finishing prep for closing out our ladies Bible Study tomorrow night, cleaning, coffee, packing, blah blah blah. But I have not forgotten!!!!

Time to announce the winner of the book giveaway!!!!

Thank you all for participating. I love doing book giveaways and I’m hoping to have another after this weekend–stay tuned!!!!

The winner of the “A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet” book by Sophie Hudson is:

Ashleigh Chafton!!!!

Congrats Ashleigh!!!! You will enjoy this book. Send me an email with your address and I’ll drop it in the mail for you!

Wednesday Miscellany

October 16, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Because of the recent turn of crazy events this week, I’m postponing drawing the winner for the book giveaway until Monday– so if you haven’t yet entered, go here and do so: https://happygostuckey.com/2013/10/02/dotmom-part-two-and-a-book-giveaway/

So last Thursday, we packed up the family truckster (aka Suzy the Equinox) and headed to Florida to visit our family down there. It was initially planned just as a way to get out of town for a few days and relax with family, but my entire family ended up being in town so were able to visit with everyone. Lance hasn’t been able to get a lot of time off from work to travel– and suddenly that was no longer an issue. (LEMONADE!!) So we made the trip down there and spent a wonderful few days catching up with family. And by “catching up” I mean, laughing hysterically and eating every kind of grilled meat my Dad produced from his grill. I love my family. Whenever we are all together things are loud, crazy and wonderful. The time together was just what we all needed.

HOWEVER. The morning we were planning to leave, at about 4am, I heard a sound that no mother ever wants to hear. A sound that chills one to the bone and brings with it the fresh horror of waiting for the next time the sound occurs. It is the sound, of vomit. Poor Abby became sick and proceeded to throw up SEVERAL more times. Once it seemed the worst was over, we loaded up the car, said our goodbyes and drove away. Well, we got as far as the gas station before IT happened again. Heading back to my parents house to get her cleaned up revealed that what seemed a brief hiatus in the illness was just that and she was NOT better. Certainly not better enough to travel five hours. Unfortunately, Lance had a few appointments he couldn’t miss back home so he had to leave us here and go on back. So, here I sit in my parents home, praying both that she is over the worst and that Lucy will not succumb to the wiles of the dreaded stomach bug. Wait, do I sound dramatic? Just a tad? Oh. Everyone hates for their little ones to be sick. But I’m not sure there is much worse than stomach bugs. Except maybe head lice. Yep. that mite be lousy. Ha! Sorry, my sleep has been a bit limited, therefore the puns are more plentiful and less funny.

I noticed something about being “home” this weekend. You’re never too old to be a kid in your parent’s house. I realized that as I observed each one of my brothers enter the house and immediately check the cookie jar. Luckily, my girls had not yet cleaned out all the Oreos but Abby sure was working on it, especially once she learned to say, “Oreo?” and no one could resist her charms. Seriously though. At one point, most of the grand kids were sitting around watching the cartoon Robin Hood and most of my siblings were walking around whistling or humming the songs from the movie which we must have watched a million times as kids. There is something so cyclical and cathartic about that. It seems for just a moment, nothing has really changed and we are all just kids around the dinner table, except now there are more of us, and we are all parents ourselves. But our whole family, whether joined by birth, marriage or choice– we love each other.

And I’m thankful that you CAN always go home.

Especially when you need to stay a little longer to allow the maelstrom of puking to pass. Ha!

Happy Wednesday!!!!

Friday Favorites

October 11, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

In our seven years together, my husband has introduced me to a lot of great things. The liberty to wear shoes that don’t hurt my feet, for one. He also made me into a REAL coffee snob and helped me conquer my irrational fear of both onions and tomatoes–( I love both now!)

But one of the greatest things he has EVER done for me is improve my musical taste! Many an artist frequently played in our house, is played because he introduced me to them.

Ben Rector is one of those. You have most likely heard him at some point, even if you don’t realize it. He is definitely one of my top all-time favorites. He is just a normal guy who happens to be a great singer/ songwriter and his lyrics are catchy and clever. Even Lucy requests his, ‘Jingle Bells’ rendition year round for an impromptu dance party! My all time favorite “Happy” song right now is his cover of “I wanna dance with somebody.” Sadly, it is not available on Itunes but I think if I listen to it on Youtube enough… You know. Check it out and tell me if it doesn’t put you in a fun mood. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BW_ugyj0lw&w=640&h=360] Fun, huh?!?! Okay, if that didn’t put you in a good enough mood– this certainly will! Jimmy Fallon, Sesame Street and The Roots performing the Sesame Street Theme! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHogg7pJI_M&w=480&h=360] You are Welcome. Happy Friday!!!

About

October 9, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Okay so I’m not the greatest about writing “about” myself.

But I’ve set little discipline-based goals for myself and updating my tabs in a reasonable amount of time is one of them.

So, if you want a snapshot view— click on over to the ABOUT tab and see what it’s all about.

(Hopefully the rest of the tabs are coming soon.)

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!

One Week to enter the book giveaway if you have not already!

DotMom13 Part 3- Maxed Out Moms

October 7, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

I received great encouragement at dotMom this year, but the very last break out session I attended impacted me so much.

The session was titled Maxed Out Moms with Chrystal Evans Hurst. Chrystal is a gifted speaker and she recently published her first book, Kingdom Woman with her father, Tony Evans. Her own daily experience as a wife and mother to five makes her an excellent “in the trenches” mentor on mothering.

The breakout was only 45 minutes in length, but I ended up taking 3 pages of notes– beginning with a long list of scriptures with which she began. Verses I have loved to go back to in the last few weeks of mommying. They have reminded me WHO placed me in this role in the first place. They have given me grace when I’ve failed and plenty of challenge when I feel myself leaning toward unrealistic expectations of what a “good mom” looks like.

Skip Lines…

Chrystal used humorous examples of times when she has taken on (completely harmless) tasks that she felt like she “should” do only to find out that this “one more thing,” was what caused her to be juggling way too much. I’ve often heard the phrase, “The good is sometimes the enemy of the best.” I find this to certainly be true in my own life. I love to be a mom. I love to be a wife. I love that I am able to stay home, because I haven’t always been able to. But I HATE to say no. Especially if it’s something I enjoy. If I can do it, I want to. This is an area God has long been working in my heart over. My desire to do everything for everyone. To volunteer to do ‘XYZ’ just because I think I should– because I “stay home.” Almost as if because I don’t go to a physical job outside the home, then I SHOULD do everything the long way. The hard way. The homemade way. Every. Single. Time. I’m learning that there is a time and a place for the long way. There is also a time to say, “NO. Enough.” It’s ok for me to take a few shortcuts and NOT feel guilty about it. I’ve been saying to myself for a while, “I can’t do everything,” but what this session has helped me see clearly, is that THIS IS BIBLICAL, not just self-preservation!!!

One of the best illustrations from Chrystal was the example of “skipping lines” or “leaving margin.” In elementary school when we learned to write, our teachers often said, “Skip Lines.” The reason behind this being that it gave them space to correct, adjust, insert comments and make changes. She went on to say that this is what God wants from us. Room to move. Room to adjust our day to suit His purposes. Margin to insert things into our days and weeks that HE would have us do or be available for. One phrase of Chrystal’s that has stuck with me is, “Don’t live your life from the top of the page to the bottom corner, leaving no room for God to work!!” (AMEN!)

Whoa. Convicting. Now obviously, there are many non-negotiables in our days. Things that must be done at a certain time, but there are other elements that WE hold ourselves hostage to because WE think there are necessary just because they are good. Are you STRESSED OUT doing things that you see others doing? Things you may not even care that much about. Things that wouldn’t deprive your family of any love or care if you just, left them out? Things that you see other moms doing. Things you see other moms “pinning” and think, “Hey I should do that!!” Or, “My poor kids. They eat frozen waffles every morning before school and that mom gets up and makes homemade whatever each day.”

In the interest of full disclosure. Here’s a screen shot of my Pinterest. This isn’t even all of it. Oh. Wow. I better get busy. (I kid.)

Lose Some Weight (in your schedule.)

Girl. Let it go. Let’s agree to let it go together.

I’m ashamed to say how many times I have been rapidly going through my day, trying to just barely keep up with all the things that I “have” to do only to realize what I’m neglecting. Every minute of every day of every week should NOT be scheduled. There needs to be EMPTY SPACE!!! Honestly, those are the times when I learn the most. When I can just be still for a few moments. When I’m available for that game of High-Ho Cherry-O that leads to the meeting of an emotional need. They KNOW when we have over scheduled ourselves to such a degree. They know because we sigh in impatience when they need help with a shoe, or a tissue, or anything at all. As Chrystal reminded us about over-doing it to the point of exhaustion, “You are in charge of PRECIOUS CARGO! Life is too important to fall asleep at the wheel!”

So What Now?

So what do you do? How do you decide what goes and what stays? Chrystal had a few thoughts on this and they have helped me eliminate things that needed to go. (all words in bold-quotations are hers.)

“What am I doing that is causing a deficit in my life?” Can it be eliminated?

“It’s OKAY to have boundaries. To have ‘You’ time.” “Determine what YOU need interjected into your life and then make it happen and then don’t feel guilty.” (a few examples of this were, a regular time for yourself, an hour a week, etc. getting up early, time to exercise, whatever it is that helps YOU serve your family better and be better equipped for how God wants to use you.)

“Don’t be stressed out doing good things that God has not asked you to do. If you don’t know what these are, ASK HIM! Every little thing might need to be checked against what He is asking of you!”

“Do Only WHAT God wants you to DO. Go only WHERE He wants you to GO. Be only WHO He wants you to BE!”

In closing, I hope that this has been helpful for you as it was for me. I feel this is a topic so many of us deal with. But when we look at Scripture, specifically the life of Jesus we see that even HE withdrew. He separated Himself for moments of quiet. As Chrystal reminded us a few weeks ago, Jesus didn’t heal every single person. He didn’t do every single thing that everyone thought He should. He did ONLY what His Father wanted of Him.

Lift Up Your Eyes

October 4, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

My grandmother (whom I miss every time I make scones) was from England. She was genteel and polite and soft spoken. She was stoic. (They say that’s the English way.)

I (lovingly) blame her for the way I tend to “bottle” things up. The way I tend to stuff emotions down day after day, completely surprised when they spill out everywhere once there is no more room in my head and heart. (It’s not necessarily a good thing.)

I go into survival mode. “Doing” things I feel I can do. Not being able to control certain things, I focus on what I can do, and I do it. For example, the day after Lance lost his job, I went grocery shopping and came home with this, among other things–

I mean, really. It was on sale, but still. Anyway, while saying, “I’m fine, I’m fine,” I only partially deal with the reality. Thus, greatly limiting God in changing my heart through this ordeal.

Yesterday, while allowing a simple act of trying to assist in the job search to turn into a frantic charade of striving, I completely lost sight of whose battle this is.

He came up behind me, sensing my heightened emotions ready to let loose, and told me to put on my shoes and go for a drive. Clear my head. I’m sure what he well knew was that I didn’t need to clear my head as much as I did just to clear my HEART of all this panic and allow God’s truth to calm my self-induced anxiety.

So wrapped up in the waves crashing all around me and not (at the moment) knowing how to pray, I sent her a tentative text.

“Struggling.” It said.

“Can I call you?” She said.

Do you have a friend like that? Maybe you’re blessed enough to have several. Friends that know your heart. Your journey. Your struggle. Friends that you can call at your absolute craziest. They don’t mind the crazy. They just listen and then lovingly lead you to the truth.

She let me shed self-indignant tears at watching “this happen” to the one I love. She listened while I complained. While I panicked. While I strived to understand. Listened as I strained to see the when and how.

“I was wondering when I’d get this call. Wondering when you would finally let it out.” She said. I sighed. Even in my frustration, I praised God for blessing me with so many pillars of love and truth. Thankful that she was available.

Then she talked. And I listened. (Or rather, HE talked. Through her.)

She reminded me of Peter. Peter, who walked on water— but only because of Christ. Peter, who took his eyes of His Savior (for a moment!) and began to fall. He took his focus from the real Storm Soother and focused on his circumstances. “Wind. Small Boat. Large Waves. Wait– I’m WALKING on water!? That doesn’t even seem safe. Maybe I should… Maybe I could turn around. Maybe I can’t do this after all. Why did I think this was a good idea???” Then he began to sink. It literally says, “When he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord save me.” (Matt.14:30)

As for what happened next, Jesus could have been so frustrated with him that He just let him tread water for awhile. Or maybe let him go under a couple of times– before sighing and pulling him back up. But he didn’t.

“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (vs 31) Immediately. He is faithful to rescue us from our worry when we place our eyes on Him. The moment we surrender our own ways of trying to figure things out, He takes our anxious thoughts and presents us with the “peace that passes understanding.” To the human heart, a peace like that would not make sense in the midst of difficult circumstances. There would be no formula, clear answer, or plan of attack. It literally would not be understandable, but would “pass understanding.”

Peter was faced with a choice. Trust himself and find himself wanting for the task. Or trust Jesus and allow Him to perform the miracle. Peter was just a man. He was not God. In fact, he was a fallen man who would later deny Jesus. But as my dear friend reminded me, Peter was a sinner. He didn’t always trust God right away. But when he began to sink, he knew Who to call out to. And he believed.

May the same be said of us.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2