The Burlingames

At the beginning of the school year, my dear friend Katie Farka called me and asked about my spring break. She managed to get most of the week off and asked if I could come visit…so I did. :-)

We had a wonderful visit together and I came home feeling so encouraged, convicted and renewed spiritually (thank you Katie!!). I was pampered, encouraged and loved. Katie made some really wonderful meals (I hope to get the recipes and will post them here), we went for walks, ate ice cream, did some shopping in downtown La Crosse, crocheted A LOT and talked even more.

Katie and I both crochet. Grandma Babcock taught her and Mom taught me. We shared some giggles on our learning experiences. Mom is a lefty and taught me how to crochet left-handed, I’m a righty. It took some time but I managed to switch over to right-handed crocheting. I couldn’t tell you or show you how to crochet as lefty any more, too many years have passed. Anyway, we went shopping for yarn (I didn’t buy any, even though I wanted to). Katie cleared out some clearance yarn to practice making baby blankets to give away. I finished a baby blanket for a sweet baby girl (I’ll post pictures soon). Like old women, we sat in the sun room and crocheted, chatted and drank tea. It was such a blessed time. Here’s a picture of a hat I crocheted for the sweet baby girl (mentioned above).

Like I said, my time with Katie, left my heart so much lighter and so full of life. We had some wonderful conversations of what God has been doing in our lives. I was sadden to say that it was a struggle to see what He was doing in my life. I was challenged to think of the good things because it seemed like so many “bad” things were so much more prevalent and staring me in the face. As time went on and our conversations continued, Katie really challenged me to dig deep to find, latch onto and remember the good things. I did this and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you Jesus for putting words, encouragement and love in Katie to share with me. Since returning home I have a renewed sense of hope. I want to start working my way off my anti-depressant medication. I want to spend more time in God’s word and fill my heart, mind and soul with truths. I want to start living again. Thank you Jesus!!!

On Wednesday night, we went to youth group (Katie is a leader of some high school students) and I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear the passage that was preached. The verses that really convicted me were James 1:5-7 – “⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord…” This verse has helped to change my way of praying and I LOVE it!!! I have been much more deliberate in my prayers and much more trusting of God to answer those prayers…somehow…someway. For example: we really hit it hard this week to potty train Eli. My prayer each night for him  awareness of his body and to understand the “potty” process. It has been so rewarding to see him do so well, he’s start to get it and is in underwear a little more each day. Yay! Praise Jesus!! Another example: we took away Noah’s plug, he has been so used to having it at naptime, bedtime and occasionally throughout the day. Each night when I put him to bed, I pray that Jesus would provide him with the comfort he needs to sleep well at night. We have seen huge success with this as well. Praise Jesus!!! I definitely have a new outlook on my prayers and how I pray. I’m looking forward to praying more like this and seeing how God answers those prayers.

Here is a picture of my sweet friend, Katie and I.

Now, don’t get me wrong. We are very good friends and have been for a very long time…20 years! Ack, she’s getting old!! But, we can fight like sisters can at the drop of a dime. In fact, Pastor Brian (Katie’s dad), asked if we needed to be separated during a squabble at dinner one night. :-) Katie and I have the type of friendship that can go months without talking and pick up right where we left off. I love having this type of friendship with her, she is my “never-give-up-on-me-and-never-going-away-friend”. Her dog Crystal is sitting in the background.