Far Above Rubies

Many people don't know that I am not a native of Rochester, NY.  My family moved here in 1997 just as I was entering high school.  My childhood was spent in an entirely different region of NY. Howell Family 2015 Quick "Howell" history lesson... Howell Family 1980 My parents felt God calling them into ministry over 30 years ago. In 1985 they packed up 2 year old me (the oldest Howell) and tiny baby Becky (the middle Howell) and moved from Brewerton (think Syracuse) to Redfield (think Tug Hill ) where they were missionaries at The High Braes  until 1989. Howell Family 1983 During that time, Alisha (the youngest Howell) was added to our family and our dad worked towards earning his pastoral ordination with the Christian and Missionary Alliance .   In 1989 - dad was asked to come on staff as the pastor at  Vorea Community Church .  We moved 13 miles from Redfield to make our new home at the parsonage in Orwell.  And this, this is...

Thanksgiving!  A time to reflect on God's many blessings.  An opportunity to spend time with family and friends without the commercialized notion of gift giving.  A day to gorge on delicious homemade foods and wear stretchy pants.  We host Thanksgiving at our home and have; my husbands family, my family and my brother-in-law's family all under one roof.  It is truly our favorite holiday!  Yet, among the many sweet goods that will be coming through my door this afternoon, I still need to remember that making healthy choices is a lifestyle I'm committed to each and every day. The horrible-no-good-always-dreaded topic of weight loss seems appropriate today, right? Well, maybe not, but i t was still fun to guest blog for my sister,  Becky Hilton  who is a fitness coach and the creator of Fitness Grapevine, about something I haven't talked much about this past year - especially in light of Thanksgiving and all the yummy holiday foods (in...

October.  It's one of the greatest months here in Upstate New York.  The weather turns cooler, but not yet cold, and sweatshirts and boots are the preferred attire.  The leaves turn colors creating a gorgeous backdrop to our day-to-day schedules.  The smells change and everything feels refreshing. As a family we spend our October weekends; apple and pumpkin picking, taking hay rides, walking mazes, eating donuts, drinking apple cider, making huge leaf piles, and doing all things autumn. It's my favorite time of year.  Except for 2016. This year, however, my family has been consistently sick.  From allergies to sinus infections. From hand foot and mouth to strep to the stomach bug.  From tonsillitis to ear infections.  My girls never made it through an entire week of school this October, and we have spent more time at the doctors office and on prescription medications in just this one month than we have the entire year...combined. ...

The courtroom...  It's a terrifying and humbling place.  A venue where integrity is valued, honesty is required, and ugly truths are revealed.  An area filled with attorneys, caseworkers, law gaurdians, and bailiffs.  A room where we have found ourselves often these past months in our efforts to adopt Aidan. We sit in the back left, as spectators facing the judge, listening to every side of the case - praying earnestly that we will be granted the right to make our son a permanent member of this family. Within it's four walls we smile as lawyers talk about how Aidan is flourishing in our home, and we cry for the breaking hearts of his biological family. The courtroom.  It is still an important part of our future.  Our journey there has not yet come to an end. The judge... He's the ultimate authority and deserves absolute respect.  His purpose is to evaluate the evidence and offer protection. His decisions impact the lives of many peop...

Tomorrow.  Tomorrow is a big day - and so many feelings are running circles around the inside my heart. From excitement to anxiousness.  From joy to sadness. Tomorrow, after a very challenging school experience last year, Isabella is off to start 2nd grade. Tomorrow, after having spent every moment together these past five and half years, Abigail is leaving for kindergarten.  Tomorrow, after 20 months of constant love and care, Aidan's future will be decided in court before the judge.  I feel helpless and vulnerable, but not alone.   Never  alone. And so, my sweet littles, I pray for you with a fierceness.  I pray God's protection over your bodies, your minds, your hearts, and your souls.  I pray that you will be a light for Jesus.  I pray that the Spirit, who resides in your very beings, will guide you - will remind you to act kindly and to extend grace to those around you. Isabella , my sensitive firstborn.  Do not...

Hi there - it's me.... again - the always-nervous-and-slightly-hysterical allergy mom. (If you're new to my blog you can catch up  here .) I am a stay at home mom.  I love being a stay at home mom.  Having all my littles around brings a joy to my heart that is indescribable  I like that they're young - that I can be part of shaping who they are, encourage them in good friendships, help them make the best choices - that I have some control over their environment and surroundings.  Then, they leave for school. Side note :  I've been asked many times. especially since I have a degree in elementary and special education, why we have chosen not to home school.  Dave and I feel God has called us to send our kids to public schools where we, as a family, can make a difference in the lives of the people there that we meet. It was challenging enough (in 2014) when I had to say "goodbye" to Isabella, our sweet and sensitive oldest daughter, and watc...

Thank you, all, for the overwhelming number of messages, phone calls, and personal followups regarding Aidan and his current status of adoption.  I have tried to write this post on several different occasions, but the words would not come.  There is so much I would love to share and yet there are only a few things I can legally disclose.  But, an update you certainly deserve. Aidan has now been in our home, our family and our hearts for more than 18 months.  (If you are new to our journey you can catch up on this story by reading Aidan, our baby boy.  -   Our Family... at least for the moment.  -  January 13th. What's the significance?  - and  When you want to kick and scream. )  When it comes to the NYS Foster Care System - a child who has been in state custody for 15 out of 22 months is brought before a judge to be released (or at least considered) for adoption. This is where we are at.  It's where w...