I will miss...
Waking up and seeing the sun rising through my bedroom window.
Opening the large sliding doors that bring fresh air from outside into the kitchen.
Driving the kids to school barefoot.
Walking on the beach.
I will miss...
Watching the surfers.
Seeing the portugeuse man-o-war on the shoreline.
Watching the palm trees sway in the wind.
Hearing the Hawaiian birds chirping.
I will miss...
The sandy pathway to the beach, lined with bright green plants.
The "ah" feeling as I reach the point on the path where I can see the water and the waves.
The Mokolua Islands in the distance.
Listening to podcasts and music as I walk the beach and watch the waves crash.
I will miss...
The slow pace of life and lack of commitments.
The laid back afternoons.
The expected hugs from friends and those we meet.
The aloha spirit.
I will miss...
My neighbors, the lane and this special street, with all its flaws and quirks.
Seeing my kids laughing and connecting with new friends that are so dear.
Date nights to have a drink on "our" bench on the beach, followed by dinner at Buzz's.
Hikes that lead to incredible views of the water and the island.
I will miss...
The Ko'olau mountains, in all their splendor, chiseled with beauty.
My drive to Costco along the south-east shore.
School being an 8-ish minute drive away.
Listening to Lilly's class on Friday mornings recite their memory verses.
I will miss...
Our small, yet loving community who has welcomed us with open arms.
The athletic events cheering on our Lions.
The authenticity of those around us.
The lack of desire to have more, do more, be more. Connecting, not competing, is the lifestyle.
I will miss...
Trips to the North Shore to watch surfing competitions.
Dinners outside by the pool while Alexa plays music.
Watching the kids swim, especially at night, or put on their "luau".
The ample time together as a family.
I will miss...
The abundance of rainbows.
The lush greenery, unique shapes and many types of tropical plants.
The beautiful leis.
Being greeted as "aunty" and "uncle".
Yet what I've gained is...
Perspective-- on what matters-- relationships with others, with God, with myself.
Permission-- to just BE, to enjoy unrushed moments in the day, and to be present with myself and those around me.
Awareness-- of the beauty that surrounds me-- the natural scenery, the smile on my childrens' faces, the relaxed time with Cabell, the conversations around the dinner table, the quiet moments that I create for myself and God.
Beautiful memories that will never, ever be left behind.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Monday, December 9, 2019
Christmas is Coming
It is a unique experience to be in Hawaii at Christmastime. I’ve been able to recognize how much of the traditions, surroundings and atmosphere effect the “Christmas spirit”. I was distraught about it for a few days...not feeling like it was Christmas and wondering what to do about it! And you know what zaps it instantly? Seeing a roach crawl up the wall! It’s not cold, I’m wearing shorts, there are no fires being built in the fireplace, it’s too hot for hot chocolate, we don’t have our usual decorations adorning the house and we certainly don’t have a calendar full of festive parties to attend. So I was challenged—what is Christmas really all about? Yes, those things may uplift our spirits and bring cozy, warm feelings, but the atmosphere of Christmas is so much more than all of that. What my heart and soul long for is that the gift of Christ’s birth shape this season. This year may feel different, but God’s divine, miraculous and loving gift for us does not change, not matter the circumstance.
There is something quite freeing about recognizing our expectations, acknowledging what we feel, and then changing our perspective. Since I have this new awareness, I’m able to experience the Christmas spirit in new and unique ways. I’m reading Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp. I listen to Emily P. Freeman’s Quiet Collection for Christmas. I made a commitment to walk the beach each morning while listening to Christmas music. (Hillsong Worship, Christmas: The Peace Project on Spotify) My mind can focus, my heart can rejoice and my soul can be filled with gratitude—not only for the incredible beauty that surrounds me, but for the incredible gift I’ve been given in Jesus. God Himself. Hope. Peace. The promise of Emmanuel-God with us.
I see the waves break, the water rushing up the shore, then easing back. I see the water seep deep into the sand as it settles. Watch it here. Oh Lord, may your Spirit seep deep into my soul this season. May the songs we sing, the conversations we have, the fellowship with family and friends reflect Your glory and Your truth. May our hearts be filled with joy and gratitude for the amazing love you’ve demonstrated to us.
We took Lilly to her first concert and saw Lauren Daigle in Honolulu. As she sang her song, Everything, my eyes welled up with tears. “You give me everything. You give me everything. You give me everything I need.” I am overwhelmed with the love, the mercy and the provision of our Father to give us just what we need...everything we need. And it sometimes is very different than what we were expecting.
So as December is upon me, I will take notice and celebrate the unique opportunity that my family has. Palm trees with lights. Days on the beach. Cooler evenings. A little 4 foot artificial tree. Mailing Christmas packages afar. Songs of Christmas joy and celebration. Time with new friends. Making memories to last a lifetime.
Take heart, friends. However your circumstances are different this year—good or bad—God is near. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
There is something quite freeing about recognizing our expectations, acknowledging what we feel, and then changing our perspective. Since I have this new awareness, I’m able to experience the Christmas spirit in new and unique ways. I’m reading Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp. I listen to Emily P. Freeman’s Quiet Collection for Christmas. I made a commitment to walk the beach each morning while listening to Christmas music. (Hillsong Worship, Christmas: The Peace Project on Spotify) My mind can focus, my heart can rejoice and my soul can be filled with gratitude—not only for the incredible beauty that surrounds me, but for the incredible gift I’ve been given in Jesus. God Himself. Hope. Peace. The promise of Emmanuel-God with us.
I see the waves break, the water rushing up the shore, then easing back. I see the water seep deep into the sand as it settles. Watch it here. Oh Lord, may your Spirit seep deep into my soul this season. May the songs we sing, the conversations we have, the fellowship with family and friends reflect Your glory and Your truth. May our hearts be filled with joy and gratitude for the amazing love you’ve demonstrated to us.
We took Lilly to her first concert and saw Lauren Daigle in Honolulu. As she sang her song, Everything, my eyes welled up with tears. “You give me everything. You give me everything. You give me everything I need.” I am overwhelmed with the love, the mercy and the provision of our Father to give us just what we need...everything we need. And it sometimes is very different than what we were expecting.
So as December is upon me, I will take notice and celebrate the unique opportunity that my family has. Palm trees with lights. Days on the beach. Cooler evenings. A little 4 foot artificial tree. Mailing Christmas packages afar. Songs of Christmas joy and celebration. Time with new friends. Making memories to last a lifetime.
Take heart, friends. However your circumstances are different this year—good or bad—God is near. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Your battle is not lost in His sight. You are not alone. You are loved. And worth so much in His sight.
Merry Christmas. Mele Kalikimaka.
Molly
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Decisions
We have been in the routine of daily life here on Oahu. School days, volleyball and basketball, homework, dinner, bedtime. But mixed in is the beauty that surrounds us, new friendships, and abundant family time. The social commitments are little to none which allows for the late afternoons to be free to walk the beach, read a book, or swim in the pool. The kids can play outside--shooting hoops, riding the skateboard, roaming the street with our little neighborhood friend, and just be. That also means that the "togetherness" brings about bickering, noise, and irritable attitudes. But I believe it's a gift--to have the time, the close quarters, the lack of "outlets"--to work out conflicts, cultivate respect and build a closer family. At least that’s what I tell myself. I know that God is present and desires for us to draw closer to Him in the good and the hard.
My aunt and uncle, Bunny and Wes, were able to experience some of our normal routine as they came for a visit from Atlanta. What a time we had! It was so nice to have guests that brought new conversation and abundant laughter! We showed them our favorite places and they lived in our day-to-day rhythm. They also went out on their own and explored the island. We are so grateful that they made the long trip to see us... and look forward to our other family members coming in for the holidays!
We’ve had some fun times over the last few weeks— Lawson making the varsity basketball team, Halloween, Luke’s 7th birthday (or should I say Kai?), pet sitting a baby tortoise, watching our first professional surf competition, Ohana Day at school, my Juice Plus vendor table there, Lilly performing in the talent show, and being part of our friends’ fini flight and retirement from the Air Force.
On that note, we were in a decision-making period for a couple of weeks---do we stay in Hawaii and finish out the school year or do we head back to Virginia in January as planned? The details and factors we were considering were varied and wide. I won't go into them, but we made lists, had conversations and really processed what both sides of the coin would look like. No matter what type of decision you are making, whether big or small, it can be a burden until a decision is actually made. I believe that with prayer and consideration for God's ultimate desire for our family, He gives peace--deep, inner, soul peace that "transcends understanding"--when His best is discovered. Cabell and I both feel peaceful about coming home in January and we are thankful to have the burden of that decision gone. We can focus on our last 2 months with intention, purpose, freedom and fun. Praise God!
Though we cannot bring the weather back with us, the Pacific Ocean, or the Ko'olau Mountains, there are many aspects of this experience that we, with intention, can bring back to Richmond. So we have to ask ourselves: what do we want for our family?
• slower pace of life
• control of our schedules
• boundaries with work
• boundaries with technology use and time
• getting outside more
• having family time—having fun and having meaningful conversations
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
I find Emily P. Freeman's podcast, The Next Right Thing, so helpful and encouraging. It is a podcast all about making decisions. She is so helpful in her wisdom and practical steps in determining just what your next right thing is...to ultimately give guidance in decision-making. In her podcast #101: Reading Your Headlines, Emily asks us to consider what it’s like to read the headlines of our own lives. To have an awareness of what our souls are longing for. She points out, "Your desire is an important headline to know because what you want will shape your next right thing for better or for worse, so knowing and naming what you want in the presence of God is actually a gift because you can either move forward towards it in love or you can let it go with both eyes open. But denying desire to avoid seeming selfish or grabby, that's a false humility and it has to stop. Because like I said, what you want is what you want whether you admit it or not. Knowing what you want is not the same thing as getting what you want or demanding what you want. Desire is a gift when we open it in the presence of God. What happens as a result of that? That's not my business, but knowing it, confessing, admitting it? That's an important part of paying attention to my own life."
Pay attention, friends. Be honest with yourselves. What do you want? What are the deep desires in your heart? May we be brave enough to think bigger and deeper. God has made us each uniquely, for a purpose, and with Him, we have the ability to do great things. “Desire is a gift when we open it in the presence of God.”
XOXO Molly
My aunt and uncle, Bunny and Wes, were able to experience some of our normal routine as they came for a visit from Atlanta. What a time we had! It was so nice to have guests that brought new conversation and abundant laughter! We showed them our favorite places and they lived in our day-to-day rhythm. They also went out on their own and explored the island. We are so grateful that they made the long trip to see us... and look forward to our other family members coming in for the holidays!
We’ve had some fun times over the last few weeks— Lawson making the varsity basketball team, Halloween, Luke’s 7th birthday (or should I say Kai?), pet sitting a baby tortoise, watching our first professional surf competition, Ohana Day at school, my Juice Plus vendor table there, Lilly performing in the talent show, and being part of our friends’ fini flight and retirement from the Air Force.
On that note, we were in a decision-making period for a couple of weeks---do we stay in Hawaii and finish out the school year or do we head back to Virginia in January as planned? The details and factors we were considering were varied and wide. I won't go into them, but we made lists, had conversations and really processed what both sides of the coin would look like. No matter what type of decision you are making, whether big or small, it can be a burden until a decision is actually made. I believe that with prayer and consideration for God's ultimate desire for our family, He gives peace--deep, inner, soul peace that "transcends understanding"--when His best is discovered. Cabell and I both feel peaceful about coming home in January and we are thankful to have the burden of that decision gone. We can focus on our last 2 months with intention, purpose, freedom and fun. Praise God!
Though we cannot bring the weather back with us, the Pacific Ocean, or the Ko'olau Mountains, there are many aspects of this experience that we, with intention, can bring back to Richmond. So we have to ask ourselves: what do we want for our family?
• slower pace of life
• control of our schedules
• boundaries with work
• boundaries with technology use and time
• getting outside more
• having family time—having fun and having meaningful conversations
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
I find Emily P. Freeman's podcast, The Next Right Thing, so helpful and encouraging. It is a podcast all about making decisions. She is so helpful in her wisdom and practical steps in determining just what your next right thing is...to ultimately give guidance in decision-making. In her podcast #101: Reading Your Headlines, Emily asks us to consider what it’s like to read the headlines of our own lives. To have an awareness of what our souls are longing for. She points out, "Your desire is an important headline to know because what you want will shape your next right thing for better or for worse, so knowing and naming what you want in the presence of God is actually a gift because you can either move forward towards it in love or you can let it go with both eyes open. But denying desire to avoid seeming selfish or grabby, that's a false humility and it has to stop. Because like I said, what you want is what you want whether you admit it or not. Knowing what you want is not the same thing as getting what you want or demanding what you want. Desire is a gift when we open it in the presence of God. What happens as a result of that? That's not my business, but knowing it, confessing, admitting it? That's an important part of paying attention to my own life."
Pay attention, friends. Be honest with yourselves. What do you want? What are the deep desires in your heart? May we be brave enough to think bigger and deeper. God has made us each uniquely, for a purpose, and with Him, we have the ability to do great things. “Desire is a gift when we open it in the presence of God.”
XOXO Molly
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