discovering new depths..

The truth of the matter is that sometime in the second trimester my runs slowly morphed into run/walks and have now become just.. walks.  At first this was difficult; I'm one to either go all out or not go at all.  But, I've learned to embrace this slower pace and now I truly enjoy these outings.  It feels good to stay active, whatever form that may take as my belly continues to expand.  As I've taken the speed down a few notches out on the jungle trail, I've started noticing enormous amounts of beauty that I would've otherwise missed.  Plus, when I was starting to feel lame about my pace a few days ago, a bug smashed right into my face; comic relief and confidence booster all in one!  At this point, I know that walking is what's best for Baby and me which is all that matters.  I also find myself chattering away with God on these walks and learning amazing new things!

One day this week as I rambled down the path with Kai and my extremely obvious baby bump these words popped into my head: 'Holy Father'.  This took me by surprise because I'm one to start my prayers with a bit more simplicity or familiarity.. Jesus, Papa, etc.  Then I found myself asking God if he liked this title, or if it was too stuffy, to 'religious sounding' for him.  And I felt him telling me to break it down.  Holy, that's what he is.  Perfect, exalted, completely worthy.  He is God Almighty, he 'wraps himself in light... the clouds are his chariot and he rides on the wings of the wind' [Psalm 104:2-3].  Nothing stuffy about that.  Then I thought about God being my Father.  I picture the prodigal son shuffling up the driveway and his Dad running to meet him.  He throws his arms around him and hugs him tight.  There's no guilt trip, no silent treatment.  He is genuinely overjoyed to have his son home and he throws a massive party!  'See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!' [1 John 3:1]  Nothing 'religious' about unconditional love! 

For unknown reasons these two terms have collided in my head, and as I walked along I began realizing the incredible significance of their coming together.  The untouchable, the divine catching a glimpse of me through the window, setting everything else aside and running to embrace me!  'You've come home and that's all that matters!'  Incredible.  The world can't comprehend a love like this.  No strings attached.  Real, authentic, beautiful love offered freely from the Creator of the universe at the unfathomable price of his only Son.  'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.'  [John 3:16-17]  

[Mother's Day! 31 weeks- 4 days!]

Discovering a new level of God's amazing character was definitely the high light of the week but each day was also chock full of little bits of goodness.  My family attempted a group skype date; it didn't work out quite like we envisioned, but it was great to see faces and hear voices -even when those faces and voices didn't exactly match up.  Derek and I had time for some frisbee throwing!  We did a bit more harvesting in the gardens we're looking after.  As the Hawaiians describe having plenty of something, we now have 'choke' tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, corn, etc.  My favorite are the cherry tomatoes; sweet and juicy, I tell Derek it's like eating skittles and there's literally hundreds ripening right now!  My own personal skittle bush- sweet!  We also have 'choke' Ahi, tuna, after another deep sea fishing expedition for Derek.  He has some wild stories from this last trip, including 'the biggest Marlin he's ever seen' AND an epic reeling battle only to find that he had snagged a SHARK! 

Pregnancy quirk of the week: hot flashes!  And I also had an urgent craving for egg salad?!  Our second class at the hospital went well and we've mastered several breathing/relaxation techniques.  We had another appointment with the doctor and everything is right on track for both Baby and me.  Although, she couldn't measure him this time because he was turned sideways!  This seems to be his favorite position of late; we picture him in there with his feet crossed and arms behind his head.. just chilling in complete oblivion to the discomfort he's causing my ribs!  Cheeky little guy :)  

This side of the island has been playing catch up in the rainfall department, with showers every day if not ALL day!  We're so thankful for the moisture.  The gloomy weather did put a bit of a damper on my plans for snorkelling and a picnic this weekend.  But we salvaged things with homemade pizza and a movie marathon.  And Sunday was my very first Mother's Day!!  Derek surprised me with a beautiful plant :)  It's so exciting to think about all that will come with being a mom!  I'm so incredibly grateful for my own Mom and all that she has taught me.  I pray that I can embrace the journey of motherhood with the same strength and grace that I see in her.

Now we head into a new week!!  I pray that each and every one of you readers may come to realize the incredible love of our Holy Father!!  Let that love turn your life inside out.  Let Jesus walk with you and open your eyes to new bits of truth.  Dive into the incredible depths of His character.  And as the prodigal son [or daughter] that we all are from time to time, don't be afraid to trudge back up that driveway..  our Father WILL come running to meet you!