still no word

This has to be the longest process I've ever gone through. I can tell you we got some wonderful news recently and it's the only thing allowing us to even move forward...we're soooo close (I know I've said that before but we've never been this close) but still, no final word on this clinic that we've dreamed about and planned for since mid-November. I'm finding the beauty and humor in it everyday though. It is truly a blessing to see my husband grow in humility, in trust and confidence in the ultimate Healer, not himself, no, Jesus the Perfect One. That is what makes this bitter process sweet. Oh, and God has been teaching me some much needed lessons, too. I'm reminded of two verses lately. I hang on to these admonitions when my spirit feels faint.

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing the suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" Romans 5:3-5

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" 1 Thess 5:16

crafting for his glory

Do you ever get excited about revisiting something you used to do in high school? Like coloring, or cutting things out of magazines? I was inspired to do a craft with my friend, Katie, the sixteen year old I am mentoring. We got out the Mod Podge and went to town, decoupaging an already cute journal. So fun! She liked the owl so much that our journals ended up matching. It was a great way to connect, craft, and create something that can be used to grow in our walks with Christ.

alive and well...

Just a quick update to let you all know we have submitted the bank loan application and our business plan as of yesterday. I've avoided blogging about it lately because it is such an up and down process, and I didn't want you guys to feel as worn out as we do by the ever-changing news! I guess you could say the fate of our practice is in the hands of the banks, but we know who really runs the show, and we're daily putting this in His hands as we have for the past year. Soli Deo Gloria!

I'll update when I have some worthy news:)

choices

Remember this? Well, God is good...and for the first time since this whole process began, we've got CHOICES!

So, which door of opportunity will it be?


Door Number One: (prob not cause they've been dragging their feet since November!)


Door Number Two? (Hmmm, looks a lot like the door on Sam's graduation invite!)
OR

Door Number Three: (it has potential people)

we shall wait (hopefully not too much longer) and see!!!

27...27...27

In honor of my hubby's golden birthday I have been noting lots of little and big things I love and appreciate about him. Here's my list in random order...

Sam,

27 things I love that are distinctly YOU:

1. You shrug your shoulder slightly when playing the guitar
2. Your eyes are a deep sea of blue I can get lost in
3. You talk nerdy to me
4. You make THE best breakfasts and sandwich concoctions
5. You show your emotions
6. Your hugs make me feel loved and secure
7. You know where to draw the line when I don't
8. You've figured out how to lighten my mood with a whiff of your cologne
9. You set a great example for those around you
10. You put your heart and soul into whatever you're called to...especially chiropractic
11. You dream about having an impact on people
12. You look great in Express pants
13. You offer wisdom not of yourself
14. You're a great teacher
15. You use your talents for God's glory
16. You do great impressions (just not on command)
17. You're a good steward of the finances and body you've been given.
18. You're a healer
19. You love outdoor adventures
20. You make people laugh. alot.
21. You know bones, x-rays, and anatomy better than I ever could
22. You align your priorities with the Bible.
23. Your hands are the right amount of strong and gentle
24. You love God's Word
25. You pray me through the hard times
26. Your dictionary is among your favorite books
27. You're mine!

I love you, Sam! I'm blessed to have a man like you in my life.

feathers and fabric

Here are some examples of my feather hairclips and fabric button earrings! I added the buttons to the hairclips too, but I think I need to go with the larger size in the future. I'm trying to make some handmade things for Christmas...maybe by next year I can go for the handmade challenge and either make or buy all handmade gifts! Oh, and my new sewing machine freaked out the first time I used it (grinding noises? not good), but Sears gave me a fresh one in the box so I can get on with some sewing projects. New years resolution? I'd love to hear if you've thought of any resolutions of your own:)

art of a different kind

Sam and I spent the afternoon mapping out a floor plan for the clinic. I like shapes and numbers, but mostly I enjoyed getting to make each room a different color :) Tomorrow morning we get to meet with our realtor to walk through the building and map it out with masking tape. I plan to head to the store now to grab the tape, maybe even in various colors:)