For as long as I can remember,my family has been going to Tuttles- a family owned orchard in my parents hometown. Last Monday, we took off school and visited the orchard for the afternoon. We didn't get to pick apples at the u-pick because the trees were bare, but we did visit the orchard store and bought some delicious apples, yummy candy, and THE best apple cider! Me and my sister Leah took my younger siblings and cousin through the corn maze. I've haven't been through a corn maze before, so it was fun to chase after the little kids as they tried to find the way out! Each visit there brings back memories and finds me leaving with many new. 

 







































Find your ordinary. Madeline

The Future of Now

  Often, I find myself longing to go back to the past. Back to how everything used to be. When everything in my  life was carefree and comfortable. Today, as I was standing alone in the stillness of the church sanctuary, my thoughts filled with memories; and I had a strange realization. Something that brought a small smile to my face at first; yet shocked me. I saw a glimpse of who I should have been (according to what i wanted) and I despised myself. It was as if God said look and in one instant it was all there. Why should I so fear a full future and cling to an empty past. Why when He has changed me from being so miserable and selfish, and made me free! Here I was again, holding on to something I didn't want to let go of. In a small way I understood. I understood the change. In a moment, it was freedom. A trampling of the past, and a marching on of one foot at a time towards the future. Change: Embracing the past to fully accept the future. The future of now. 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21



Madeline

I wrote this post two Sundays ago on my phone's notes and thought I would finally share it.

 

The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they are still alive. Orlando A. Battista

So here I am posting some ordinary pictures of my week.(Beth you may like this :) ) I guess they aren't so bad considering the laughs and good times I had.

More summer fires.Which are getting me super excited for Family Camp!



Me and little Miss Kyndall Jane



Braden excited for ice cream.



My brothers searching for a car jack on a gorgeous country road at 7:30 a.m.



I've been enjoying my morning walks with my siblings. It's good to just talk sometimes.



Pizza night! My sister Leah helped me make it tonight. I tend to be... Well lets just say I can be a bit bossy/ controlling when it comes to cooking. :) I'm sure she really appreciates that.



Find your ordinary. Madeline

Secrets

Her thoughts came rushing in, the rain dropping lightly on the windowpane.

“Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.” Brian Andreas

Here's a little glimpse of what my beautiful summer has been filled with. Through pictures of course.

Drives in the country





Summer nights with family













Spending a day  with my sister Jordan and cousin Sawyer in the country

“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

A.A Milne



















 









These are things that make us feel alive,
These are the times that make us realize.
Life is beautiful.   - The Afters

Find your ordinary-                                   Madeline