A Day Late

Even though I wasn't born yet 32 years ago my life changed. My husband was born, May 23, 1976. I thank God everyday that He chose to bless me with this man. We have the most wonderful marriage, more than I ever thought I would have. Growing up with divorced parents I was always afraid that history was doomed to repeat itself (don't feel bad, Mom). I thought I would end up marrying a guy like my father, but when we put our trust and hearts in God's hands He makes sure history doesn't repeat itself.

When I was a teenager I used to list the qualities I wanted in my husband to God. I listed the normal teenage stuff-good looks, romantic, sensitive...etc. What I didn't realize was that God had him picked out. Even then God knew who he was and was cultivating him to be my husband and a father to our children. I laugh as I look back at that time. The qualities I listed were so superficial. God not only gave me what I wanted for a husband he gave me what I needed. Sometimes Derek is a little too pushy (at least I think so), but I need that. I'm a procrastinator and if Derek didn't push I wouldn't get things done. So pushiness wasn't on the list of husband qualities I desired, but God knew what I needed. I love reflecting days, they make me appreciate what I have.

A Heart and Attitude Adjustment

On May 16th I received 3 books that I know are going to change my life. Derek bought me "A Woman After God's Own Heart, A Wife After God's Own Heart, and A Mother After God's Own Heart" in a box set for my birthday. I started reading "A Mother After God's Own Heart" first because if you couldn't tell from last post, I've been struggling.

The first 4 chapters or so that I've read have been amazing. God is changing my heart and attitude through this book. I feel energized, hopeful, and determined. I haven't felt that way in awhile. Praise God! He is always faithful to show us the Way.

I want to thank you wonderful woman who read my blog. You were all so supportive and I could feel your prayers. I'm praying for all of you. God bless!

I Know It's Been A While

I've been struggling lately. The funny thing is that I can't exactly pin point what I'm struggling with.

I feel inadequate when it comes to motherhood and being a wife. I've been so irritable. That isn't like me. I truly enjoy being home with my children, but lately everything they do gets on my nerves. I find myself yelling at them and just writing this makes me want to cry. My precious children trust me and love me. I've been so selfish. I think that's part of the reason I haven't posted in so long-I'm embarrassed.

I truly don't know what is wrong. I try to pray and read, but I feel like I'm talking to a wall. It is so difficult. I just thought I'd share my struggles from the past few weeks.

Let Us Run The Race

In high school I ran cross country and track. I enjoyed running for miles. Don't ask why because sometimes it was a mystery to me. While we were on "road runs" it was mine and God's time. Looking back I see how immature my faith and relationship with God was, but it was still there. I would pray and pray for miles and miles. It was great. There were times when I didn't think I would make it. Crazy coach, I called him the "running Nazi", asked us to run 5, 6, or 7 miles. God always got me through though.

One time, I think it was before a race, my mom gave me a card with Hebrews 12:1&2 on it

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Isn't that beautiful? My Mom was always really good about doing stuff like that. It gave me such encouragement. Not only did it pertain to the actual physical race I was going to run, but it also pertained to my life and my faith.

Patience has never been my strong suit, but God clearly calls us to it.

I ran a mile last night. It's been bothering me for awhile that I'm out of shape. I decided to do it and it brought back such wonderful memories of the quiet time I had with God.

It's hard to get time alone to spend with God, but when I run that's time that is carved out especially for me and Him. I'm not only exercising my physical body, but I'm exercising my spiritual self as well. Praying and letting God minister to my heart is such a special thing.

1 Peter 5:10

1 Peter 5:10 says "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

Isn't this great!? God gave me this verse in my devotions the other day. It is such a promise for me right now. I am suffering with some different things right now, but God promises it isn't going to be forever and that He Himself will restore me! He is so good to give us the exact scripture we need to be encouraged. I love the God I serve. He loves us even when we lose focus of Him and the goal-Heaven. He loves us even when we doubt Him. I don't remember those things often enough, but I love it when He reminds me.

A Week??!

I can't believe it's been a week since I posted. Asher got really sick last Wednesday night, some type of flu or something. Let's just say there was a lot of vomit and not a lot of sleep. Alexander got it on Friday, he got it the worst. I felt so bad for him. Derek came home from work on Friday because he got it too. Ashley and I were the only healthy ones in the house. Good thing is the virus only lasts about a day. I got it Friday night/Saturday. It was awful. I wanted to call in sick to work, but you know how that goes. You can't really call in sick to a 2 year old.

If you could please pray for my mind and heart right now. That I would want God's will.

Everyone is doing well now. Alexander finally got his glasses back. These ones have plastic frames with the nose piece built in so they shouldn't break as easy now (we hope).

Asher sat up and pulled himself up to standing to a kitchen chair yesterday. I can't believe it. He's my baby, he isn't supposed to be growing up. I guess that's what they do now. I'm really trying to savor every moment with them. I catch myself obsessing over the laundry, dishes, dinner, vacuuming etc. that I forget to really play and hold them. This is kind of a misc. post. It's really nice here today, which I'm thankful for. I'm so tired of snow. A funny story-I bought the kids' summer clothes today and when I got home I tried Ashley's Strawberry Shortcake swimsuit on her. She loved it so much she wanted to take a nap in it. It was so adorable. Thanks for listening and have a good day! God bless!

Just A Little Reminder

I was reading Beautiful In God's Eyes yesterday and Elizabeth George had the verse "This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" I love this verse!

I wrote it out and taped it on the cupboard above my coffee pot. That way first thing in the morning I remember to thank God for the day and rejoice! It worked this morning, I saw the verse and immediately praised God. I think I am going to put verses like that up all over my house. I think I am going to put the verse "and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men" Colossians 3:23, in several places. Above my washer and dryer, above my sink, and maybe where I keep the vacuum. That way I'm reminded that when I'm doing laundry, dishes, or vacuuming I am doing it for the Lord because that is what He called me to. It doesn't matter if I don't get a "thank you" or a "good job" because I'm doing everything "heartily to God". I feel renewed!