The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our

behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. ~ Steven Furtick

This week in pictures is my highlight reel. My behind-the-scenes was hard and messy. It was...life. And so often I thought of one of my favorite scriptures

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The fact that life is not perfect should not surprise us...I love that reminder! So if (when!!) we experience trouble it doesn't mean that something is wrong, it means we're broken people living in a broken world and its to be expected. But this I know to be true: He's the God of the hills and the valleys and we are not alone.

February 1

Snow days, it seems are a thing of the past. Now the kids have the capability to log on and do live instruction with the teacher from home. And its a half day so that by 1:00 they are free to go out and play in the snow. We like it now and we'll especially like it in June when we finish school on time and can get on with our summer!

I snapped a pic of the kids at their separate posts before I headed out to work.

Fun in the snow. :)

February 2

It was another remote school day and Amanda got an opportunity to do school while babysitting some neighbor kids who were doing school. She's thrilled at the chance to have that responsibility and also earn money. The reports came back that there was a neighborhood snowball fight in our yard. She's so grown up!

Our practically-a-member-of-the-family Sarah was having a birthday so we all picked her up and took her out to dinner. She is the answer to more than a year of praying specific prayers for one true friend for Avery. We love her and she's a joy to celebrate.

February 3

Wednesdays are Bible Quiz night where we happily pay the kids in candy for their efforts to memorize bible verses and and quiz questions. As a parent, I look the other way at the volume of candy being consumed. I'm so thankful for the time I get with this group each week...they are brave kids, fighting their way through these growing up years, even while circumstances have changed what "normal" life looks like.

After the teens quiz, the 2-6 graders quiz. The leader of the kids team does an amazing job training, equipping and empowering the teens to lead and facilitate the practices and matches so most of them stay to serve. In between...the kids just enjoy being together, always with at least one ball flying!

February 4

The kids and I went out to my dads for a little sledding. We got to see Pop and Kiki and some cousins. We got there late so it was dark for most of it, which only just added to the fun.

And then, one of the kids barely got the question out before my dad had fired up the tractor and hooked up the sleds (no arm-twisting needed ;). The roar of the tractor, the shrieks and giggles...from my perspective, it was perfection.

February 5

In the good times and the bad, through all seasons of life, there is coffee in the mornings.

February 6

Lots of walking and praying on this chilly Saturday morning.

February 7

Amanda wanted to take charge of the Super Bowl party proceedings. She put together several apps and even went grocery shopping.

It started snowing around noon and it came down heavy all afternoon. A quiet, cozy Sunday afternoon at home watching the beautiful snow falling was good for the soul. Avery commented several times on what a treat it was to be home watching it all day. Agreed!

Cousins came over to go sledding and watch the game. Because of where the super bowl lands during tax season, we like to keep it low key.

We zoomed with Nana and Grandpa John before the game. They have been true Bucs fans for many decades. Nana even had a cat named Bucky. :) They are freshly vaccinated, so they got to dress in their team garb and watch it with others. So happy for them! GO Bucs! :)