The NorMel House

Hmm We'll, I've made it to day 3. Wasn't sure if I'd even make it through 1 day so I'm counting this as a win. I haven't quit, or given up, just feeling rather crummy. Unfortunately I was sick most of the holidays with this awful cough/cold/Head flu bug that's been going around. On the plus side I got a TON of sleep (not that it seems to have kicked it or the exhaustion 🤯). Still sniffling, still croaky when I wake up and at bedtime, still super tired. However I think maybe the dietary changes may becoming the culprit... Yup. I said it. The D word. There's been many of those that have failed, however this is a little different. I want to make some lifestyle changes and start learning to make better choices. I did some research and had a long chat with a friend and decided I'm going to try the keto method. I'm pretty sure my head is seriously missing sugar and carbs already 🤦🏼‍♀️ but I really need to start getting healthy and happy. Life hasn...

Read Jeremiah 29 (see bottom of entry) I can't imagine living as a slave in a foreign country. Could you? I can't. I can't even begin to understand what that would be like. I've been blessed to live in a country that values freedom.  (Almost to the point where it's a fault.) I don't know what it's like to be whipped or forced to do hard labor or go without food. The Israelites did. They lived in Babylon under the harsh rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. I imagine the oppression would be depressing. You might even grasp for words of hope from any source, even false prophets. Jeremiah 29 tells us of the hope God gives amidst some very difficult and rough times for the Israelites. Despite being in a foreign land, despite being captives and slaves, God sends them hope and direction through the prophet Jeremiah, "...seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile..." (Jer. 29:7a) Can you imagine being told that God brought...

It's been twenty days. Fourteen days of unknown. Six days of knowing. Six days knowing you're gone. Six days knowing I've lost one more. Six days knowing I will never hold you in this life. Six days of confusion, sadness, guilt, exhaustion and weeping. Forty-four days ago you were conceived. Life was given and formed in a lab. Not the natural way but you couldn't be loved more. Twenty days ago I got to carry you home in my womb. Never have I been so in love with a child only eight cells formed. A very different experience for us. Fourteen days of earnest prayers, talking to you and telling you I love you. My dear little Petie, I know I'll see you again some day but it hurts so bad knowing you couldn't stay. It feels like a knife to the heart when I think of all the things we'll never do or get to see. My breath is ripped from my lungs as if I've been punched in the gut; how can I go on? Eight children. I have eight children! Yet I don't get to hol...

A deep breath in So hard, so heavy Weight on my chest Rips through my lungs Burning, pressing Searing, tearing, life giving air Falling, dripping Pooling and wet Tears of sadness Constant, strong Carrying and holding Hands of my God Comforting, promising Gracious and good Love of The Father Melynda Hoeksema

June 15, 2004 A Psalm O Lord, my God and King Hasten to my aid I am weary with my crying May Satan's hand be stayed Rescue me from evil From temptations fierce and strong I am dragged down by my own sin For Your strength Oh Lord, I long Within me is a constant war I cannot fight alone O God of Glory, hear me! I pray don't leave me on my own For without Your mighty Hand O Lord, I'd surely die Save me from myself, O God Please hear my constant cry You alone can save me All my trust is in Your Name For You alone are powerful From age to age the same O God, You are ever merciful I know You hear my plea I trust that in Your Will and time You will answer me

Oct 30, 2018 My dear child I can honestly say that I've loved you from the moment you were conceived. I thought about you. I prayed for you and I couldn't wait to bring you home. The day I carried you home seemed strangely quiet to me. It seemed the whole world should have celebrated, like something huge happened. Because, for me, the whole world had changed. Suddenly, I was responsible for this tiny being! You needed me! I think I needed you almost as much; I wasn't sure I'd be able to live if something happened to you. So many times I prayed for you. I talked to you constantly, pleading for you to grow healthy and strong. I continue to pray for this still; be strong my dear little one! I don't know if you'll ever read this but you are so loved. So new to this world and yet the thoughts and prayers of many are with you already. So grow my child, whatever you need from me I will give. All my love

8 years Seems like yesterday but yet a lifetime ago. Through thick and thin, through sickness and trials, through so much you have loved me. Through hospital stays, surgeries, loss, and grief; through all nighters bottle feeding puppies, through puppy piles and kisses, through raising 3 dogs and losing another. Through cottage stays, long drives, staycations and my many projects. You have stuck with me and loved me through it all. 8 years ago we made a promise to each other and to God and not a day goes by that I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to be loved by you. I pray we'll have many more years together and that every day I'll show you in some way how much you mean to me. You're the Norm in my NorMel, I love you to the moon and back my dearest one. Though you're currently half a world away I hope you're having a wonderful day, happy anniversary dear.