The Main Event

Spring Break Hot Springs w Ann & Lala

so much beauty

 

This quote captures something deeply true about the human experience—our struggles often birth something beautiful. As believers, we know that God works through our suffering to create something greater than we could imagine. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Pain, loss, and hardship can feel overwhelming, but they are never wasted in God’s hands. He is the ultimate Artist, weaving together even our brokenness into something beautiful. Think of the cross—what looked like defeat became the greatest victory. Jesus’ suffering brought redemption, proving that even the darkest moments can lead to the most radiant glory.

Isaiah 61:3 speaks of how God gives us “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” If we let Him, He transforms our wounds into something radiant. Our role is to allow God to refine and restore us so that we live from a place of wholeness, hope, and redemption.

Instead of dwelling in our pain, we are called to surrender it to Christ, trusting that He will bring beauty from it in His perfect time. In season of struggle or a season of joy, we can rest in the truth that God is at work—shaping us, growing us, and ultimately this is the beauty. 

Abe & His Homework 🤣

The “scribbled on” not yet finished story

 This hits deep. It’s so hard to trust God’s plan when you can’t see what He’s doing — but just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean He’s not moving. He’s still writing the story, even when the pages feel blank… or scribbled on.

Life is good. There are just always parts that are hard, right? I don’t want this to be a space only about the good but to be a real space about real life as well. 

What if the part that feels messy right now is the very thing that leads to the most beautiful ending? Oh I pray I can trust and believe it to be true because the promise is that the very best is truly yet to come! 

SB Lakehouse ‘25

We wrapped up the last part of Spring Break at the Lakehouse, and it was absolutely worth the effort it takes to get there. It’s always a bit of work to pack, prep, and make the trip happen — but once we’re settled in, it’s nothing short of wonderful. We spent our days playing endless games, laughing, and soaking in the slower pace of lake life. Dottie and I went on tons of walks, and we even lucked out with one beautiful, sunny day that gave us a little taste of summer.

While our first Spring Break adventure is behind us, the fun isn’t over yet. Ann’s Spring Break is this week, and we’re heading to Hot Springs at the end of the week. I’m so excited for some one-on-one time with her — making memories, exploring, and enjoying a different kind of getaway together.

Spring Break round two, here we come!

Vision Board 2025

At the start of the year, I created a vision board, and it has been an incredible visual reminder of the things I want to prioritize. It’s helped me stay focused and has gently redirected me when I’ve lost my way. There are so many meaningful goals and dreams represented on this board — I’m truly grateful I took the time to make it.

Some of the things I included, like our trip to NYC, have already come and gone, but seeing them reminds me to thank God for those sweet memories. I’m also thinking about adding a few new things: I want to teach the kids Hebrews 11 — to help them see what it means to live by faith — and I want to prioritize memorizing Romans 8 myself. I haven’t started on that one yet. I feel like there’s so much truth and freedom in that chapter that I need to carry in my heart, especially when life feels overwhelming.

The meal planning section has been especially helpful. It’s a good reminder that our whole family functions better when I take the time to plan meals — and honestly, even that feels like an act of service and love that God’s entrusted to me in this season.

This vision board has become more than just a collection of goals. It’s a tool that keeps me focused on what truly matters, reminding me that while I can plan, it’s God who directs my steps. Much more on this later, it’s going to be neat to see how the year unfolds.