Update on lots!

Induction is going well!  So far I'm down 9 pounds in 8 days!!  I only got crabby a few times last week, thanks to your prayers and I have had an incredible amount of energy to keep me going.  Again, thank you for your prayers, they helped.  I'm still trying to decide where to go when this induction phase is over.  It seems to help get me over a hump, so I just may continue with it a bit longer.

Today we started school.  We were all lined up and ready to start yesterday, but I awoke to a Crashed Computer.  Of course, the computer that is centered around all the school work and schedules.  Obviously we had to postpone starting by a day.  My dearest husband came home early yesterday to rebuild a computer, try and save my harddrive and change the central computer to another.  We are blessed to have more than one computer in our house, so he could make these changes easily.  It was a long night for him, but by this morning he had everything up and running again.  We were only 45 minutes behind our schedule this morning!!  Not bad for the first day, but I'm hoping for improvement.

The kids have a heavy load of subjects this year.  More than they've had in the past.  So this morning as we were going over the plans for the year their faces went from happy to sad, very quickly.  They got better as the day progressed.  They perseveered and did a great job on their first day.  I pray it continues.

So, there you go.  That's our update from last week.  Until next time!

Induction....

Here I go again......I managed to lose 35 pounds on Atkins once before I fell off the wagon and had a wonderful carb filled summer.  Now its time to refocus and get back on the wagon!  Today marks Day 1 of my induction phase again on Atkins.  I am such a slave to carbs!  LOL  My dearest hubby is the one that initiated the desire to go back into Phase 1.  He wanted to go back on Atkins and I decided it would be easier for him and myself if we did it together.  Things always go easier when you have a partner!  I haven't checked in with my partner today, but I'm praying for his success!  Together we can do great things, especially through prayer.  Will you pray for us!?

Be forewarned.....I'll be a BEAR by Thursday.  I'll have NO energy, slurring my words and on the verge of a coma, but if I make it through days 3, 4, and 5 things will be brighter on the other side!  I once said to a friend that was on this Atkins induction period....."I would die without my carbs!"  However, much to my surprise, I didn't die when I went on this endeavor in January 2010 and by April 2010 I had lost 35 pounds.  My friend was and is a great support to me still today.  Always encouraging me to stay with it, keep active and even invested in my weight loss adventure with a gift.  It's the neatest little device you wear on your arm daily and it measures the calories that I burn every minute, by hour and day.  I have noticed, however, that regardless of my activity chasing after 5 kids, I am not active enough to burn all the calories I consume.  Hence the reason I am overweight!  lol  With the help of this device though, I'm going to conquer this beast of my weight!  So, thank you dear friend, you know who you are, you are my biggest fan and I love you!  I wouldn't be where I am today without you!

It's amazing how good you feel after losing weight.  Knowing you still have a long way to go, but its invigorating!  I feel 10 years younger and apparently other people can see that I feel younger.  So, here I go again......this time I'm more active and exercising so hopefully more weight will melt away and quicker.  But I do ask for you to pray for me and my hubby too.  We are looking for a brighter, healthier future to serve our Lord.  We are seeking the bodies that He intended us to have and keep.  Thanks for your prayers!  I'll see you in a few days with an update!

The Lord hears and answers.

Wow...one little prayer and the Lord supplies!  :)  I prayed for the Lord to keep me busy and He has!!!  We have had a wonderful week getting packed for our beach trip, doing school and attending our homeschool conference.  The week went by very fast and the kids are thrilled.

Faster weeks are so much easier for me and the kids.  Thank you for your prayers for us.  Our hearts are healing and we are keeping busy, busy for the Lord and He has supplied for our every need.  We are off to the beach today for a week in the sun.  My mom has a home at the beach, so the kids are thrilled about being with their Mammaw n Pappaw.  I will try to blog when I can, but you know how vacations are...too much fun to stop and blog!

Enjoy your Memorial Weekend! Stay Safe and Blessings to yall!

Lord keep me busy....

Today is a good day, I'm pushing forward.  My oldest arrow is off for lunch and a movie with her Uncle, my little brother.  He just graduated from college last week and we haven't seen him in so long.  It's good for him to bond with the kids.  They love their Uncle Trav. soooooo much.  The other kids are very jealous of her "private uncle time" and happy for her too.  I can't wait to hear about all they did!

I am going to a "homeschool" store today to buy some used curriculum.  I'm trying to prepare ahead of time for next year.  Trying to busy myself with things to keep my mind from feeling so lonely.  I've realized that when I am idle I am lonelier, depressed, and sad.  That is when the uncontrollable urge to cry all day sets in and I don't get off the bed.  The kids are really feeling the loneliness because mom isn't doing a good job of keeping them busy enough.  I wish I had the stamina to get up and just go, but it physically hurts most days to get up.  I hate this feeling!!!  I want so badly to shake it.  I lay in bed at night and pray that the next day will be better, I beg God to give me the strength to get out of bed.  The next day comes and the hurt over powers all other things.  However, today God prevailed and won the battle this morning.  I was able to get up and move.  I have to force myself NOT to turn on the tv or just lay there a few more minutes.....and today we are up and the house is hopping!  I pray all days could be like this, busy. 

Lord, let me be busy everyday.  Busy for you, busy focusing on your children and your will.  Keep my hands and feet from idleness.  Keep my head clear of the voices that say "its ok, try again tomorrow."  Lord I know its not ok, its not your plan....help me to seek you and only you to fill the void I feel in my heart.  Amen.

A Week's Summary....

It's hard to put this past week and half into words, but I'll try.  We safely moved our friends to IN, had a blast along the way, made lots of IN memories, prolonged the goodbyes as long as possible and cried most of the way home.  That sums it up in a nutshell.


We are struggling to get back into the swing of things here....ok, mommy is struggling more than anyone else.  I never thought that I would physically hurt this bad, but I sure do.  I've been fighting a headache for 3 days now and today it is a full blown migraine!  I keep leaning on scriptures, praying often, thinking of the good times, and holding onto the faith that Jesus will carry me through this time.  My prayers have changed from get me through, make us stronger to hurry it up!  Hee Hee

Sorry you haven't heard  more from me.  I'll be back when I'm feeling better.  Pray for me, I'm fighting the beast of depression again and right now he's winning, but I know God will heal me in HIS time.

A Lesson from my daughter

I learned a lesson tonight from my 11 year old!  We were talking about responsibility, maturity and other character qualities.  She inquired about earning back "her makeup" privilege.  Well, I explained that it wasn't about how many chores she did, it was about showing a level of maturity to wear the makeup.  She has always struggled with material things, jewelry, hair styles, shoes and clothes, so we often talk about this subject.  But tonight was different.....tonight I learned of something I have taught her by my behavior.  There are so many things on my list of sins, but this is one I hadn't even thought of yet!  I tried explain(as I often do) that it isn't important how we look, how well we dress, if our hair is just so or if our makeup is on just right.  Then I asked this...."do you think I spend too much time worrying with the way I look?"  As to which she replied, "well yeah, sometimes."  I can't even imagine the look on my face at that answer....."really?" I thought and she quickly gives me an example.  "Last night when you said you had an outfit picked out for church, but if you felt bloated in the morning you wouldn't wear it.  Remember?"   OOOOooooooooohhhhhhh, Yeah I did say that didn't I?  In an instant I relaized the sin I had mirrored for my struggling daughter!  The apple didn't fall far from the tree.  As I realized how right she was and admitted to her of my sin in my behavior, I asked her to help me.  I asked for her forgivness and she easily forgave me.  I had never thought of my dress, hair and makeup as a stumbling block for her, but they are.....I do spend too much time worried about how I look when I leave the house, or what I look like on Sunday morning.  God doesn't care!  Those things aren't important!  My heart is what God sees....why dress it up?  Why parade it around in front of a mirror for Him?  He knows the deepest darketst secrets of my heart, and now I see it for its awful wickedness.

As I apologized to my daughter, I looked deep into her big beautiful eyes and I saw them smile back at me.  She had no more sadness in her eyes and I asked her, "do you feel better now that we talked?"  As to which she replied "oh yes, I feel better now that I know that I'm not struggling alone, mommy."  And I kissed her quickly goodnight, and came downstairs to cry.  Oh how my heart is grieving for my sin and the sin that I have passed along to my child, but how I rejoice that Jesus paid the price for my sin and He will give strength to us both to fight this sin!

Lord, I thank you for the innocence of children, for childlike faith, bedtime talks and open minded hearts to hear you when you speak through a child.  I thank you for using my daughter to speak to me and show me of my guilt within my heart.  I ask you to clease me and strengthen me to fight this battle....a battle that you have already won!  Praise to the Lord, the Victor over the grave, the Creator and Maker of all things, including me and my daughter.  May you grant us both peace and wisdom as we conquer and triumph in Your name! Amen!

Fear.....

Better days have passed.  I still feel the struggle of depression knocking at my door, but there have been a couple better days.  Today, while waiting on my eldest arrow to finish her science class, I sat in the car reading a book while the other children played on the playground.  I have read this book before and it warranted reading again, since the first time didn't "take" for me.  You know those books that are great, full of good information, but you failed to put it into action in your life?  Anyway, I am now reading "Homeschooling with a meek and quiet spirit" by Teri Maxwell  GREAT book for anyone that wishes to be that calm, soft spoken homeschool mom that doesn't lose her temper every single time something goes wrong.  As I was saying, I'm reading it for a 2nd time hoping and praying that something sticks this time.

Today I was reading the chapter on Fear and Worry......ah, this is perfect for me to read.  I immediately thought, "the Lord has something to teach me today....wake up, pay attention, don't let anything distract you."  As I read this chapter I see so much of what I am facing.  FEAR is taking over my emotions, fear is trying to run my life, but fear is NOT OF GOD!!  Then I read these bible verses that I already know, but they finally start to click in my mind and my heart starts to respond.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2Timothy 1:7

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Finally I think I'm understanding, you mean if I stop worrying over every little detail of friendships, school, relationships, and church and PRAY....hand it over to God, He will direct my path?  And I will show my children that there is joy in Godly obedience???!!!  OK....I think I'm getting this!  Finally, I feel some relief.  I don't control everything, although I would like to, but God controls it all.  I can rely on Him to help me be a better teacher to my kids, He will provide friends, and He will care for every need.  Wow...what a wonderful, loving and merciful God I serve because He knows, I will try, but I will also fail.

Lord Jesus, may I hold dear these teachings you had for me today.  Make them new to me everyday, write them on my heart forevermore, and may I truly take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ!! Amen.

I have known these truths for so long, but today they feel fresh and new.  Isn't it wonderful to know that God has so much for us to learn from His word, even when we think we already know so much?!  I love it!  I can't believe there are people out there that say the bible is outdated and does not teach us anything about today.  Oh how sad and wrong those people are and I pray that they would turn from their ways and see His glory!

Past......

Today in our bible study we spoke about our past.  This really hit home for me.  I often think of the mistakes I have made in my past and whether or not I have learned or been forgiven of them.  Am I still living in the past?  Have I learned and moved forward?  Have I forgiven and forgotten or am I still stuck in unforgiveness.

Our past is our history...if we don't learn from our past then it will repeat itself.  I, for one, don't need to repeat my many mistakes.  Do you?  The past is not where we are to live, but where we should learn.  I have had friends that hold on so tightly to their pasts that it totally defines them, they live it out day to day and this breaks my heart.  The patterns keep repeating themselves over and over.  Their children, though young, hold onto these truths that they have been taught at such a young age.  I agree that we must learn from our past, but living it day to day is not good for anyone.  God actually calls us to put it behind us.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

We must trust God to do the things He has said.  He can and will restore us, if only we would seek Him first.  If we don't choose to leave the past behind, what will we teach the next generations?  The pattern of living in the past and holding onto it will continue unless we choose to break it now!  My past is not who I am today....my past is behind me, I am grateful for the Saving Grace of Jesus to have changed me!  Lord, I pray that you will continue to change me and mold me into your image, your calling upon my life.  May we not live in the past, but look to the wonderful future of praising you day after day.

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"  Isaiah 43:18-19

He is my supply....

Ahhhhhh.....when I look back at the post from yesterday I wonder where did that depressed lady go?  God is so good and I thank you for your prayers!  He heard and I felt them indeed.  So, thank you again and if you have no idea what I am talking about then be grateful and let's move on.  LOL

I began attending a bible study on Monday morning and I believe that these past few days were a test to see what I had learned and if I would use my new skills.  I am happy to say that I GREW!!  I feel like I handled them better than I would have a week ago, but I still have lots of improving.  (Don't we all!?)  Anyway, I prayed more and looked for God's desire in the situation and I am so thankful for His quick answer.  He has equipped me with a better grasp on my faith and a deeper prayer life than before.  It's a good thing, cause I'm gonna need it!

Because.....This morning I got some news that really saddened me, but also brought me joy too.  Sounds really weird, I know, but a friend told me that she is pretty sure they are moving away and soon.  Now normally this would cause me GREAT anguish, but I felt such a peace.  You see, this friendship is totally based on God's love!  I feel that a friendship that is built on His foundation and in His Love can get through anything.  So no matter how many miles are between us, we will forever be friends.  She has been such a blessing to me, I can't imagine life without her here, but I am so happy that God has answered their prayers.  Her husband recently lost his job, his position was eliminated, so he has been unemployed for about a week!  Talk about a quick answer to prayer, a week later he has a wonderful offer for a new job.  All this to say that, even though I am saddened in the flesh, I am rejoicing in God's goodness and love.  Indeed He gives and takes away, He supplies our every need, and He strengthens us with His great love!

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Phillipians 4:19

Seeking God's will in the middle of strife.

That title says it all, or just about all.  How do you seek His will when you hurt?  How do you know when His will is being done and your own will is not overshadowing His?  I know I am to pray, read His word and seek Him.......I have tried to do those things, but I still hurt, I'm still confused.  Will He have to hit me over the head?  Does He do that?  Too many questions and too many hours in the day for me to wonder!

I will continue to seek His will, I will continue to pray for wisdom, but for now my heart is broken.  Will you pray for me?  I know you don't know what is going on and that's ok.....God does.  He knows all, sees all and I fully believe that He will supply all I need, but every prayer helps!  Right?

Thanks!

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29

The truth will.....

Some days are better than others.  My days start out really great, overly excited, energized, and then they slowly peak after about 5pm.  Wonder why?  Is it the calm before the storm?  Am I using up all the energy I have for the day too early?  What am I doing wrong??  How many times have I said I?  There......something about that word strikes a chord!

Maybe I'm not giving my all to God?!  Ahhhhhh, the truth hurts!  Me, me, me, me, isn't that what life is about?  OOOhhhhhh No, it's not.  Its about God and all He has given me, blessed me, entrusted me with and I turn it all around everytime!  When will I learn?  When?  How can I change?

Thankfully I serve a Loving God that knew long before that I would be a hopeless, wretched sinner and He gave me a pathway to Him, through Christ.  Lord, today I pray that you would strengthen me, uplift me when I feel so down and like I can't go on, carry me through, so that I might remember to Praise you for all you have given me.  May I glorify You through all you have entrusted me with and blessed me with.  May you hear my words Lord and may they be true, Amen.

Giver of Life...............

This weekend I had the privelege of going on a women's retreat with some wonderful women from my church.  There were 8 of us, including a precious 3 1/2 month old baby, that attended the entire weekend.  The speaker was Great and she had such a sweet spirit that shined everywhere she went.  She shared with us about leaving a life-giving legacy and what that means.  How are we as mortals, life-givers?  Isn't God the only one that gives life and takes it away?  As women we are bearers of God's image, we are made in His image and isn't God a life-giver?  In order to give life, we must be willing to be a HELP and better understand what it means to be a HELPer. 

H=hedge of protection 
E=empathizer
L=lifter
P=preserver of life and hope

A hedge of protection simply means offering a safe place for others to come into.  Do you feel as though others can trust you? Do you give off the feeling that people can share with you and feel protected?  An empathizer needs to try and understand where someone is coming from.  Can you try and remember what it was like as a teen, or a young adult, to be single, divorced, or struggling in a marriage?  At least try to understand what someone else is going through even if you haven't yourself experienced it.  Be a lifter.....lifting others in prayer, lifting their spirit when they are sad or down.  Just giving off a smile instead of a sour face can lift someone else's darkest day.  Are you lifting others?  Be a preserver of life......give hope for the future generations.  In order to preserve life we must share the good news of Christ!  It is our calling form the Lord!  The next generation is all we have left...if they don't know of Christ how will the good news be told??? 

Where are you today?  Are you giving hope, life, and preserving the future?  Our speaker posed this question to us...............If God plucked you out of your family, would anyone notice?  Would you be missed?  If God plucked you out of your church, would anyone notice?  Would you be missed?  If God plucked you out of your neighborhood, would anyone notice?  Would you be missed?  I'm sure that many of us mothers feel like our families would certainly notice and miss us, but what about our churches?  Are there ministries that would notice you were no longer there?  Are there neighbors that would wonder about you?  Would they miss your sweet spirit?  Your trust? Or would life go on without a hitch?

Today I am trying to live my life as a HELPer, an image bearer of Christ, and encourager, a lifter, a preserver.  How then, will you live yours?

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.  1 Thessalonians 2:8

Busy Hands

These are some busy hands at my house today. We are having a wonderful time with our friends that are visiting with us for the week. There are 7 girls in the house and 1 Little boy!!! My poor son! Nah......he's got it made! He has 8 Moms in the house because everyone loves looking after and playing with him.

Thanks for some friends on the web, I have been playing with some pictures. Tell me what you think? Please be honest as I am new to this...you won't hurt my feelings!

Here are some pictures of busy hands and busy mouths. Everyone seems to hold the mouth a certain way while working. The concentration is so cute! I love to watch children imagine and learn.







And others choose to do real school work in the peace and quiet! :)


I hope that your hands are busy today doing the things that you love. My hands are full of love and ready to learn today. My heart is overflowing and my prayer is that you have busy hands for the Lord too!

Am I ready?

Am I ready for school to start back? Am I ready to homeschool 7th, 4th, 3rd and preschool? Am I ready for my 12 year old to grow up now that she looks it with her braces? Am I ready for the fall schedule of soccer, science, school, practices and everything else? Am I ready for any of this?

NO....................the answer is plain and simple.....NOOOOOOOO......I am NOT ready! My head starts spinning just thinking about it. I can't sleep at night, thinking about it. When will I learn to trust in the Lord? When will I remember that He is in control, His timing is perfect, and through Christ all things work for the good of those who love Him? WHEN???? It is not right now. I feel overwhelmed, frazzled, scatterbrained, forgetful, stressed, ready to explode at any moment. I think I need a breather.....time to look at everything and relax. I need to trust in God for all my needs and I am having a harder time this year than ever, passing the torch to Him. I so want to be in charge....I want to be in the drivers seat, but I have to remember, if I am in the drivers seat.......where is God? Where are my priorities? GOD has to be my First Priority, to glorify Him in all I do.

Lord, hear my prayer that I will trust in you, that I will turn to you for all my needs. I know that you know my heart better than I know my own heart. Lord, please help me to cast my cares, worries, and concerns on you, for you will give me the rest that I need......you will sustain me. Thank you Lord, for loving a sinner like me and still saving me. Amen.

A New Day....

Ahhh, a sigh of relief as I start a new day, a new week, a new chance to glorify my Lord in all I do. I am so grateful for a new day, last week was a struggle to keep my head afloat. I felt overwhelmed and like I was drowning, but today is a new day! I feel much better and I finally feel as though the waters are drying up! I can see new life in the world around me.

Spring has sprung in God's beautiful creation and in my heart! At church yesterday I felt something change in my heart. I can not explain it. I only know that it came from the Lord and I am going to rejoice in His blessing. I have been working on my prayer life, my quiet times, and our daily schedule. I feel as though the Lord has answered my requests in more ways than I could have ever asked of him. Don't you find that joyous? I mean, when you ask for something and the Lord gives to you, but He gives more than what you ask? I just think that is AWESOME!!

Do you have something to pray about? Go ahead....ask it and the Lord will answer. Maybe not like we had hoped or asked, but it will be better than what we thought we needed. I can assure of that!

Let there be peace.........

Today I woke up sick. My head hurts, throat hurts, back hurts, nose is stuffy and I'm very tired. How can you go to be feeling fine, just tired and wake up like this? I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Is this emotional exhaustion? Is it a cold? I truly don't know. I do know that I am going to listen to my body and rest today.

I had a rough day yesterday. I have been spending much of my time in prayer and searching God's word lately, looking for truths. Trying to define myself, who does God want me to be, where does He want me to go? I haven't had alot of free time this past week or this weekend. Yesterday my sweet husband and I spent time talking about a relationship in my life that needs some attention and work. I took his advice and tried reaching out, but didn't get very far. I didn't get anywhere and I feel like I am back at square one. I keep praying for peace, but don't feel it and I don't know what to do. As I was talking to my husband this song came to me...."Let There Be Peace On Earth" you should notice it playing in the background...

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me

I believe in a sovereign God and I know that I didn't just think up this song. I know He wants me to make peace through Him with this relationship. Where do I start? How do I start? I feel like I am drowning and going in circles. I don't even know where this post is going...it feels so random like my thoughts. I guess sometimes you just need to vent and get things out there. Thanks for letting me purge on you and if you think about me through the day, could you lift me up in prayer? Thanks! Have a Blessed Day Y'all!

Wishy Washy??

After a day playing in the snow, we watched as the snow quickly melted away. Now we have only traces of snow left and tomorrow the weather is expected to be in the 70's!! Go figure! It's amazing to me how crazy the weather can be....so wishy washy, inconsistent, much like my life.

I have had to look at myself and re-evaluate who I am....what do I stand for.....what do I believe....does my life follow my convictions? I have joined a women's Bible study at church on a book "Faith and Doubt" and it has me thinking alot about myself and where do I fit into this world. I have really enjoyed the few sessions that I have attended, but I am struggling to find what God wants me to see. I think some days I know who I am, I am firm in my convictions and I stand strong....then something happens to knock the wind out of me and I can't stand up straight, I wobble, I turn and hide.....why am I like this? Why do we cower away from our true beliefs? Why must I always let the world in which I live in influence who I am or how I act? All I can say is that God is growing me. He has a purpose in my life, a purpose far bigger than I can see, a purpose He will reveal in His time and for now, I must wait, must persevere, I must continue on the path that I believe He has set before me and pray, Pray, PRAY that I am being obedient to His word.

To you this may sound like a random post.......but to me, it speaks of my struggle right now. for now, I will seek Him on my knees and praying that He answers me loud and clear. May we all meet Him on our knees and humble ourselves before our Lord and King.

Have a Blessed Weekend Y'all!

Lesson Plans....

I finally got some lesson plans done today! I have never made lesson plans. I have tried a few times, but I never get too far and never followed them. However, today I packed up my stuff and took it to basketball practice. As the kids had their practice I sat there working on my plans. I now have plans through March. Woohooo....yay for me. I am so excited about finally improving on an area of my life I have been praying about for a long time. I have friends that do their lesson plans in the summer, some do it every month, but I never could figure out just what or how to do my own.

I have been praying that God would help me be more accountable to the kids and with our lessons. We have made GREAT progress in the past 3 weeks, now that the kids are healthy again. The girls are just flying through their studies and loving every minute of it. We have a field trip coming up to Old Salem soon as a reward to all of us for our dedication. God has been so gracious to put people in my life that influence me in a good way. He has provided for my every need in more ways than you can imagine. I continue to pray for His strength each day, His guidance in teaching His children, His wisdom in the subjects to teach them and for His patience to pursue this path. I see everyday where God is sanctifying me and bringing me closer to himself. Thank you dear Jesus that you have given me the power and strength to get through another day. May tomorrow be another wonderful day of homeschooling and may you bless all the rest of our homeschooling days.

16 years ago today......

16 years ago today I married the man of my dreams, my soul mate, my best friend, my better half, my help meet, my love, my everything. God has blessed me with an evenly yoked marriage. My husband is the head of our house, the spiritual leader of our family and I honor him today. I am so blessed to call him my husband. He has been a strong influence in my life, as we have been through many trials together. He has blessed me with 5 children and given me the opportunity to stay home and teach those children. He works so hard everyday to provide for us and he never complains. He has such a sweet and giving spirit at all times, he doesn't ask for much in life, just simple obedience from his children and love of his wife. So, today my dear husband, I honor you with a prayer from my heart and all I ask is that God hear my heartfelt prayer and grant you everything you deserve.

Dear Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the gift of marriage and the gift of unconditional love. You have granted me both things in a man that you created all for me. Before either of us came to be you knew we were meant to be together, evenly yoked according to your will. While I look at our past and see the sinners that we are, yet I see the mercy and love you have for us, your children. Lord, I thank you for saving us from the pit of death, saving us for each other and for granting us so many wonderful years together. Lord, I sit here in awe of your works...your wondrous power...your faithfulness to us through so many trials and I thank you for each of those trials. I praise you that we are where we are today only by Your grace! May You Lord, always be first in our marriage and in our lives.

Today Lord, I thank you for my help meet, for the love he has for me and the love I have for him. May our love continue to grow stronger everyday only by Your power. Lord give us the strength to continue the good work you have started in us. Lord, we trust You to guide our ways, give us wisdom, provide our every need and lead us where You would have us go. Thank you for the 16 years we have had together and may you bless our marriage for another 60 years, if it be your will. Help me Lord to always honor my husband...daily, not just today. Help me to always see what a blessing he is to me and make him feel special. Help me to not burden him with trivial and meaningless tasks, but lighten his load as he provides for our family.

Thank you for our 5 Earthly blessed children and our blessed child in your care, may you guide our ways always and forever. May the life and marriage that we continue to live only bring Glory to your precious name. For it is in Jesus' name that I pray, AMEN.

Dearest Husband, I offer this prayer as a gift to you, for you are the best gift, a gift from God, which I am truly thankful for! I love you more today than the day we married. May God continue to grow our love. Your Bride, Kassandra

Refreshing...

Last night I went to dinner with a girlfriend and my dear hubby stayed home with the kids. It was so refreshing to get out and away from everything. We had a blast! I got a margarita and SUCKED it down! Hee Hee It had been way too long since I indulged in a drink or time out with a friend. We met at 7:15 and we closed the place down at 11. When I got home my dear hubby had all the kids in bed, the kitchen cleaned up and he was in the bedroom watching TV, just waiting for me to get home. We talked for a little while and then it was lights out. The end to a perfect evening, however my son decided he wanted to continue his waking and screaming fits at 1:30am. I cared for him, then he was up again at 5:30, this time I let him cry it out.....after 2 hours he finally went back to sleep. It was a long night, but easy for me to handle since I had a break earlier in the night.

I am always amazed at how God provides for me. I don't know why, but every time I just sit back in awe of His marvelous works. This morning I was reminded how refreshing just a few hours "off duty" can change your whole perspective on things. Instead of being irritated at my sleep being interrupted, I was happy to go to my sons side and calm him. I have been flexible today with the children, not easily angered and relaxed. Why does it take a night out for me to understand and appreciate all that God has given me? Then after all this, I go and read a fellow bloggers blog this morning and I am overwhelmed with emotion.....crying in joy for her and seeing how small my problems or irritations are compared to others. My prayer today is to feel refreshed everyday and not take things for granted. I pray that I see my blessings for what they are.....blessings from my Heavenly Father!