the sosebee family

It’s now been 2 years since this all began.

Amazed.

Blessed.

Thankful.

You know those times in life when you’ve established somewhat of a routine and things seem to be moving along slowly? Maybe even moving along at normal speed? I would assume that most could sympathize with that description in some way or another. It’s in these moments that many things can occur, and we’ve got to be careful about which things do occur, for if we’re not careful, much can happen that we aren’t pleased with. The slippery slope metaphor. This is often associated with complacency as well, I think. Yet, if we are careful, these can be times that bear much fruit. Something that I hope we are all striving after.

Well, it seems to be one of those times. Not “one” as in singular, but “one” as in a season of life. A stretch of an indefinite amount of time where externally there doesn’t seem to be one single thing going on, yet internally your world is being forever changed. This is nothing but the prompting of the Holy Spirit. So much is going on in your mind and in your heart, you can barely write it down quick enough to keep up with it. This sort of revitalization comes through God’s Word, primarily, but also through many secondly resources. Namely: spouse, friends, books, work, etc. I suppose it could come from a number of places, but it’s genesis in the Word, which then seems to make everything else come to life. Beauty and possibility seem real again. A journey is begun. This is life. The only one the Lord has blessed us with, and the one He sustains everyday. His calling is higher than all others. I am blessed, and am thankful. May the Lord be glorified in all.

We’re an aunt and uncle for the second time around. Much earlier than expected too! Baby Caroline was about 3 weeks early, but I suspect she came exactly when she was supposed to. It was great to be able to be here this time too. I was still overseas when Caleb was born, which seems like only yesterday, and didn’t get to experience the hospital and the excitement of seeing the newborn baby. So, needless to say, we didn’t want to leave the hospital after getting to hold our little niece. She is so tiny and beautiful. It’s been a blessing to be close and we are grateful that the Lord has given such a blessing. May He continue to grow her and make His face shine upon her.

I am now officially an employee of

After 5 months of working with them as a contract employee, I was given a “letter of offer” to join the Jack Porter team yesterday. It was exciting news to receive. The Lord is good, and he is our provider in all things. We are thankful.

Let’s be honest. Last week was a not so good week. I was very, very down in the dumps. I didn’t even want to get out of the dump. I was negative, and pessimistic, and um, negative. I received an unexpected email of exhortation and encouragement from a dear friend, and it brought tears to my eyes. I knew her words were a Godsend. But, I refused to act on the truths shared, and instead kept sinking further into the dumps. I told my husband I was too tired to try. Tomorrow is a new week, and if I’m honest, I still feel tired. Here’s an old hymn that I am praying replaces the sad overflow that was a reflection of my heart last week. Join me?

1 MY God, and Father! while I stray
Far from my home, in life’s rough way,
O teach me from my heart to say,
Thy will be done!
2 Though dark my path, and sad my lot,
Let me be still and murmur not,
Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,
Thy will be done.
3 If thou shouldst call me to resign
What most I prize – it ne’er was mine;
I only yield thee what was thine;
Thy will be done.
4 Should pining sickness waste away
My life in premature decay,
My Father, still I strive to say,
Thy will be done.
5 If but my fainting heart be blest
With thy sweet Spirit for its guest,
My God, to thee I leave the rest;
Thy will be done.
6 Renew my will from day to day,
Blend it with thine, and take away
All that now makes it hard to say,
Thy will be done.
7 Then when on earth I breathe no more
The prayer oft mixed with tears before,
I’ll sing upon a happier shore,
Thy will be done.

Psalm 16

“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.’
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their name on my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

I am taking much comfort here, in this week. HE IS BETTER. As I have struggled much in this past year, His grace has proven sufficient. As bitterness has tried to bury its roots in my heart, His grace has proven more powerful. I am thankful. Yes, the lines have fallen in pleasant places for me, because HE is my portion, and that is better!

For birthday outing #2, we took a very lovely trip to Connemara (birthday outing #1 was to go see yonder mountain). I was oh so glad to have my parents along on outing #2. We went Sunday morning, and it was perfectly chilly, and dry, and overcast. I just love those kinds of days. The whole world seems mysterious and frisky. So we set off to Flat Rock, and back in time. Rambling around old houses will just never get old. We marveled at the book collection, and the bookshelves on every spare wall. We admired the mountains from the front porch, and imagined the sunrises that would dawn through the windows of the house. We hiked around on the farm, and explored the old buildings and grounds. They still have goats and chickens, and big, fat cats. I loved watching the chickens run on their twiggy legs toward Corey. What a funny sight an excited chicken is! I also decided we need some goats. I told Corey I want a baby goat, and he said we couldn’t have them inside city limits. Perhaps we’ll move out to the boondocks.

Today, the wife turns… one more year older! Happy Birthday! It’s going to be a fun filled Saturday with family and all. The Dumas family (Steve & Beth) are coming up to help celebrate. The first time in many years Kris has been able to celebrate with them. Excitement is flowing through the apartment. We’ve got a “Smoke on the Water” dinner planned for tonight with some post-dinner cupcakes, presents, and ice cream. Fun times.

And below is a shot from our trip to Flat Rock, NC to visit “Connemara”, the Carl Sandburg Farm. I’ll post about that shortly.

Just check out the video. 4 guys + 4 stringed instruments= hours of bluegrass entertainment.

The Orange Peel in Asheville was hosting the Yonder Mountain String Band for two nights and Kristen wanted to go see them for her birthday. Unfortunately the Friday night concert sold our, so we traveled up Thursday evening after work. It made for a long night, and we were both pretty tired on Friday, but the concert was well worth it. Those guys can play.

Yes, after months of not having any work, I have a new office. It’s back to the daily grind for me. Currently B2B Environments (we are undergoing a rebranding) has hired me on as a contract employee. As an environmental design firm, they hope to expand their client base to include projects that would require someone with architectural training. That would be me.

I’ll definitely be with them through March, and then my position will be evaluated. Only the Lord knows where it will lead. The first week was enjoyable, though. It was nice being in a place where you get use your talents. I do enjoy designing.

Just a little update from the home front. Hope your January has been a blessed one.