joyful appearances

These past couple weeks have been filled with different struggles and happy celebrations!  In so many aspects of my life I feel completely endowed---our life isn't perfect, BUT most days I can see God's grace and gifts abounding.

Joy appears in these places:

A husband, that no matter how annoyed he may be with me, continually

befriends me

knows how to communitcate with me

loves me through my craziness

lends me a helping hand!

My family, no matter how close or far away, without hesitation

prays for me

supports me

and laughs with me through life!

Our firstborn, who, oh yes, tries our nerves but still
wants to pray when he hears an ambulance
almost every morning, tells me he wants to just see Jesus!

Our secondborn, no matter how chaotic our home is, manages to
bring us peace
sing beautifully
dance with spirit!

Our babysitter, that we trust or boys to daily, who
is Godly
consistant
and makes my boys smile!

My God, no matter how many times I fail him

picks me back up and reminds me that I can do

ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM THAT GIVES
ME STRENGTH!

Lately, I've become raw by so much strife in this world...disease, death, addictions, gossip, infidelity, the consequences of divorce-- this list could just go on and on.  I just needed to take some time to list a few of my celebrations.

May I learn not to worry about the evil on this earth, and may I learn how to guide others through their storms and prepare my heart and soul for my own!  Oh, to be more like HIM!

1 Thessalonians 11-12
Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.