All My Devotion - Kristene Mueller

The Mountain Top

Step...step...little step....step.... step....step...BIG step....Hang on!....step...step....don't look down, look up! ...step....deep breaths...step...step....step...stop. You made it. A cry of joy escapes your lips!

You're at the top of the mountain. You climbed this mountain for what seemed to be so long, but now you've made it and the view, oh wow the view... it is not disappointing. If fact, it's gorgeous and you don't ever want to leave this spot.  It's so peaceful up here. The journey was definitely worth it, even despite the unknown you experienced and all the undiscovered things you found. There were also things that you have seen before, but think differently of now. Some of which were good and some not so much. In fact, many of them made you feel squeamish. 

 Nothing stopped you though. It was like something was pulling you, drawing you to the top. What more could there be? Ahhhh yes, this is beauty at it's best. The view is perf- but, wait, what is that? Another mountain, even higher than this one?! And it's obstructing part of your view. How can this be? 

Suddenly there is a pulling at your heart again. It's drawing you to that next mountain top. Where you are right now is so wonderful; how could you leave? And the base of that next mountain looks even more undiscovered and unknown that the one you just left behind. Can you go through this again? Yes, not only can you, but you want to. Joy has suddenly filled your heart knowing there is more to be discovered. And so, you take your leave of this place. You will never forget it. It helped shape you into who you are today. But there's more......Deep breath.......you don't look back........step.........step.........step................

When I began to write this post, I didn't know where or how to start. The story written above, is more of a parable. It's my poor attempt at trying to explain the journey the Lord has me on right now. I feel so in love with Him, but I also feel like He is calling me to a higher place with Him. And I'm somewhat nervous about it...in a good way. So, I place my hand in His and allow Him to lead me. 

Lord, Thy will be done. 

He is our Healer/ Malachi's 1st birthday

   I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately. We have had a lot going on since John came home from Sudan. The biggest event was John getting sick with malaria the week he returned. It was pretty scary, but, praise God, after being in the hospital for five days and 25 pounds less, he was able to come home and has been recovering very well ever since :) He's pretty much back to normal now and is steadily gaining weight back. Thanks to all who were praying for him and our family as a whole during that time!

A few days after John came home from the hospital, Papa and Amma came down from New York for Thanksgiving. As usual, we had a wonderful visit and I look forward to their next visit on New Year's.

From left to right: Papa, Matthew, Jeremiah, Me, John, Malachi and Amma

Krystal's family joined us for Thanksgiving dinner too! We had a full house and it was so much fun.

"Siblings", maybe not by blood, but, definitely in our hearts.

Now the big news! Little Malachi Mutiso turned one on December 3rd. We celebrated his birthday early on Thanksgiving day while everyone was here. He wasn't quite sure what to think about the cake :)

Thanksgiving party

Actual birthday

Malachi is so lovable, kissable, and such a huge blessing in this family. I know God must have big plans for his life! 

Okay, fast forward to today....There's only one week and three days 'til Christmas! Time flies by way too fast sometimes. I still haven't bought most of my gifts yet. Am I panicking? No, not really. Just feeling a bit rushed and I HATE anything about Christmas being rushed. So, that being said, I just may hit the internet to look for those last minute gifts! 

Health, birthday and homecoming

   These last couple of weeks have been so busy! I find it amazing how much more time little ones require when they are sick. All three boys were ill and poor Jeremiah and Malachi still have runny noses. But, at least they are back to eating and playing like normal. Thank you for praying for them!

Sunday, the 6th, was my twenty-second birthday. I had a wonderful day! So wonderful, we didn't take any pictures. I guess that comes with getting older :/  At first it didn't feel like my birthday without John here, but,  at the last second, I invited a few close friends over for homemade quesadillas and ice cream cake. YUM! We also watched 'Anne of Avonlea'. Or at least part of it. I had forgotten how long that movie is! I guess we'll just have to plan another day to watch the 2nd half together :)

So, now fast-forward to Wednesday, the 9th, and John is HOME!!!!! Only to get sick not even two days later. Poor guy has been in bed since yesterday late afternoon and literally all day today. I think I talked to him once and that was early this morning. We're not really sure what is wrong. It could be malaria or the flu. The symptoms are pretty much the same. Please keep him in your prayers!

Well, that's about it I think! We were supposed to leave for a short family vacation tomorrow, but, with John sick that probably won't happen, apart from a miracle of course and that is what we are believing for. Although, I promise it's not just so we can go on vacation! :)

A Good Night Sleep and John in Sudan

Thank you for praying for Jeremiah! I think he is feeling a little bit better this morning. He slept through the night without coughing, which also means I got a full night's rest too! :)

( *Edit: Since writing the above, I have learned that Jeremiah in fact did NOT sleep through the night, but went upstairs to my parents room, not one, but three times. And one of those times slammed his bedroom door shut. I heard nothing. I guess I was tired. lol ....I also want to mention that baby Malachi is sick too)

   I realized this morning that I never did post anything about John leaving! He left on October 11th for South Sudan and will be returning home on November 9th. He's there to see what can be done to help an internally displaced people group return to their village which was raided by the LRA awhile back. I am so proud of him, especially since he went there by himself! But, ugh! A whole month without my brother has been quite boring at times ( no offense to mom and dad!!!). I miss him so much!

It's one of those times when you realize just how much you love someone. It also makes me realize how much we have been talking and spending time together lately.  I can honestly say that John is one of my best friends. I hope these next two weeks go by quickly!

If you think of him, please pray for him. Thank you!

Prayers please!

Well, Jeremiah is sick again. He was up several times during the night and had to have a breathing treatment.  The poor little guy is doing a little bit better this morning, but could definitely use some prayer.

I hate it when he's sick. Breaks my heart. Please heal him, Lord.

Ben Hur?

Matthew's chariot

"Starting over"

   I have been so inconsistent these last two years with posting on here, and I think it's because I got into the mind set of whatever I posted had to be eventful. Which is not why I started blogging years ago. It started out to be more of a daily journal for me to look back upon later; And I want to keep it that way.

So, I'm getting back to the basics, so to speak! I'm going to post about the seemingly little, daily things that happen. Some days it may be about our family and other days it may be about what the Lord has been doing in my heart lately. Today is about a couple of those "little" daily things that we can never have back :)


Like Malachi being 10 months old already and has learned to sit up by himself  and also has four teeth (Yes, nursing has become quite eventful for my mother nowadays). Oh, and he has had a hair cut since this picture was taken.

Here's Matthew eating blueberries until he almost looks like one himself :) He was quite proud of being so messy.

I praise God for this time I have with my family. I would have no one to blame but myself for taking our days together for granted :) Which in "saying" all this, I think my season of writer's block has been overcome! haha