Refuge in the Shadows...

We live in the desert. Shade is a premium. The trees just aren't quite big enough to offer much respite from the beautiful (but warm) bright sun in the cloudless sky! As a matter of fact, my kids always laugh at me when I find a parking space "under" a small two branch tree at Target and claim the "shade" will help the car stay cool!

And even in the pool, we seek out the shade. Yesterday, Cate was swimming around and kept saying, "Mommy, come back to the shadow part."

This week, after zooming through summer, the days have begun to drag. We, as a family, are getting increasingly anxious to have Friday and Benjamin's surgery behind us. While my kids are being such troopers, I can feel the tension mounting and hear it in their voices, in the way they are getting up earlier as if rest won't come, and the way they are moving through the day as a group...in huddle-mode, if you will.

So, I've been seeking comfort from the ONE that never fails. Have you spent much time in Psalms? Wow. Such beauty. Such comfort. I have to share this from Psalm 36:

"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7

We spent some time at the Arizona Science Center a couple of weeks ago -- there was a lot to do and see and we had a blast! My favorite thing though was the Shadow Wall...it reminded me of when Wendy had to sew Peter Pan's shadow back on...I was so glad nobody needed that!! Everyone brought their shadows home with us!!

And this morning, I am taking comfort in these cool shots as a reminder of this scripture -- God is my refuge. He will hide us in the shadow of his wings where the harshness of the surgery and the rehab can not touch us. Oh, praise Him!


Mason -- thumbs up is his signature photo stance!

Claire doing a dance...and that third arm is her little sister's!!

Cate showing off her muscles...and pigtails!

And I love this profile of my Benjamin....complete with his joystick and can you see the eyelashes!! (They go on for days!)

Whatever your struggles today, may you find the blessing of being hidden in God's shadow!!