I am participating in a women’s bible study right now that is on line. The study we are doing is called the struggle is real.
And oh boy is it! This study is having us dig deep into our pasts and think about how our pasts affect how we live out our lives. Do you have a colorful past? Shame? Guilt? Embarrassment? Heartbreak? Are there things in your past that cause you to have walls up? To block people from getting close to you? Are you afraid to let people see the real you?
God’s Word is ready and waiting for you. Ready to break those walls down and build you up to the person He created you to be.
Sure I know God has forgiven me, and that He loves ME enough to send Jesus for me! But have you realized that for yourself? Do you grasp the way He loves you? I cannot even fathom loving someone so much that I would send my only child to suffer and die for them. Can you? Does your heart burst with the joy of knowing that no matter what today brings God is still God and He is bigger than everything we will ever face?
God has got you! In the palm of His hand. It doesn’t matter what happened today, yesterday, last month, last year or 20 years ago. Give it to Him, allow Him to break off those walls of pain, shame and regret. Allow Him to build you into the person that He created you for! There is no time like the present! He loves you and is calling you by name! Do you need someone to pray with you to hear your heart? Reach out! I would love to pray you through your struggle! God loves you so so much! He is waiting for you
Gosh so often in the day to day life I get so caught up in my to do list. Rushing through one thing because I have so many more things to do. Rushing through every moment, not at all enjoying any of them because I keep thinking of what’s next. This COVID-19 issue has slowed so many people down and allowed us to cut out the things in our lives that was truly just keeping us busy. In the slow down I have really come to realize how little I get down and into His Word. I am embarrassed to say that out loud. Embarrassed to say that some days I do my quick little devotional and have my conversation and prayer time, but don’t get into His Word. I hate to say anything political on this page but the way the world is going, sometimes I am fearful that if certain populations of people get into office, our religious freedom will be stripped away, that our Bibles won’t be readily available. That our places of worship and teaching will be closed…… That terrifies me! And so here I am trying to do a better job of hiding His Word in my heart.
I am so fortunate to be in a church with a group of women who have decided to have a facebook bible study group. We are doing this bible study called “What the Women Saw” by Sadie Robertson Huff. The premise of this study “Do women matter to the kingdom of God?” We are studying the lives of Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, and others. A quote from Sadie about the book ” you will learn from their faith and failures and be reminded that Jesus cared for and valued the women he was surrounded by. He equipped them, listened to them, walked with them, healed them, and empowered them. And he does the same for you now.”
Are you like me? Do you feel ordinary? Not enough? Too boring? Too sloppy? Not smart enough? Not pretty enough? Not organized enough?
Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary for you have found favour with the God
In biblical times, God found favor with Mary. Back then women were viewed as “less than” not as worthy as men. And here is Mary, who God chose Mary, chose her to carry the Savior of the world!
Luke 1:38 And Mary said, “Behold I am the servant of the Lord, let it be unto me according to your Word” and the angel departed from her.
Think about biblical times, about what would have happened if you became pregnant before you were married! You would have been judged, ostracized, maybe even killed. Mary’s entire life is hanging in the balance! She has absolutely no control over her circumstance, no control over how she will be looked at and judged. She probably was even concerned for her relationship with Joseph, maybe fearful that he would reject her and turn her away. And yet she said “let it be unto me according to your word”!!!! How I wish that I could say that I would say the same…… She knew that this would be costly, and yet she said its good Lord use me! She was obedient to His Call on her life. She said whatever you want God, use me.
2020 has been such a challenging year, so many things have seemed so absolutely ridiculous and out of control. I mean if I would have told you last november that our kids wouldn’t be ALLOWED to go to school, that gyms, stores, playgrounds, and everything you can imagine would be shut down, that you wouldn’t be allowed to go to church, to gather for graduations, weddings, births and funerals you would have thought I was crazy. And yet here we are, walking a path that has never been walked before. I want to be a Mary do you ? I want to say “yes God let it be unto me according to your Word” Are you being called into something that is uncomfortable or hard? Are you struggling, is there a still small voice telling you to do something and you just aren’t quite ready? If so, I encourage you, do as He says. He has great things planned for us. When we step out God can change the world with our obedience. Mary knew the love of God, she knew that He would see her through. She knew that this choice would be hard, but she knew that God would be with her through all of it, and now her obedience has shaped eternity.
As Jennie Allen said “we’ve got to realized that our choices, those impact our trust. But our trust will also impact our choices. Surrender is not a passive thing, it is one of the most difficult things we will ever do but that moment will come where you”ll say God let it be as you say or you’ll be passive and set down the very things that God’s putting in your life to change other peoples. Mary said yes and you guys it changed eternity”
As I follow this study I hope to gain the strength to stand up and do as He is asking! Whether it is witnessing to someone that I don’t know, praying for someone, calling someone who God lays on my heart. Whatever it is that God is calling you to do, know that He has ALREADY equipped you to do it, you just have to step out in Him. I don’t really know how to share this link to the study but if you are looking for something to encourage you in your obedience and faith. I highly recommend this study
I kind of don’t know where to begin this post. It feels like things have been spinning faster and faster out of control. As I reflect on the last month or so I have learned some things about myself and have literally heard from my Father out loud to calm my fears. As a nurse I have been exposed to many many contagious things throughout my career, which began in 2002. I have been concerned a time or two but never have I been terrified or anxious, never have I lost sleep over the fact that I could bring home some terrible illness to my children.
We have to continuously wear goggles and masks the entire time we are here in the hospital now
Fast forward to 2020, which has been dubbed “the year of the nurse”, I don’t agree with this term, and I certainly don’t feel like nurses are the only people dealing with this COVID-19 crisis. There are so so many people that are dealing with this up close and personal, people that aren’t protected at all. There are non-medical people delivering supplies, delivering food, cleaning etc. There are police, firefighters and EMS that are out there every day as well. There are CO, long term care facilities with technicians, and assistants, there are personal care attendants, there are the cashiers at restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores. There are so so many heros in this equation. But tonight I want to share my insecurity and fears, and share how amazing my God is. Its probably been about 10-12 days since I really began struggling with literal anxiety, which I have never experience before in my life. I have begun struggling desperately to sleep, I have become weepy and scared, and incredibly overwhelmed. I have become consumed with thoughts about what happens if I get sick, and pass away. What will happen to my kids? Or even worse what happens if my children get this and something terrible happens? My oldest has also begun saying things like “Mom if we get it will we die?” And this breaks my heart knowing that my sweet 13 year old boy knows that he is in a high risk category due to his health issues.
And then my God showed up everywhere. He is showing up in the friends, neighbors and strangers around the world, who are praying for and encouraging all those on the front lines. He showed up when people began making and donating face masks, headbands, and other supplies to hospitals. He showed up with the friends who call and text, and pray for you. He showed up in the churches who are literally being the hands and feet of Jesus right now, they are out delivering food to hungry families, they are running errands, and supporting people who are struggling right now due to lack of jobs.
I think when the devil started this mess he thought that it would literally destroy us. But you know what has happened? Families have slowed down, and spent more quality time together. I have been cooking with my kids, doing puzzles and playing games, teaching Sophia to crochet, reading stories together, building homes for the gnomes outside with Preston, so many extra snuggles and cuddles. We have had worship music on almost continuously in my house, and my kids are singing His praises with me almost non-stop.
When the devil started this did he realize that this would be a time that would make people bind together and work harder to support those in need? Did he know that families would get to slow down and love on each other in a deeper way? Did he realize that more people would be exposed to online services and worship would become more personal to each person and their families?
I don’t think he did. And now as we are focusing on the true reason for Easter, and not all of the silliness that people get caught up in, I am finding myself so thankful for this crazy time. Thankful that the focus of our lives has been changed, that the crazy schedules and lack of true personal interaction has stopped. Thankful that this week as we get ready to celebrate the resurrection of my Lord, that Every Single Day my kids will be home, and their education will be geared towards our Lord and Savior.
I just have to sing the praises of God’s people right now. For the people that are going above and beyond to serve others? Thank you! Thank you for serving however you are serving. Thank you for loving on the front line medical staff in such tangible ways that it brings me to tears so often. Thank you to those that are working tirelessly making masks, headbands, hats, food, etc. Thank you to those who are praying for health and strength for dealing with this crisis. Thank you to the businesses that are saying thank you to the frontline workers, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for the prayer vigils, the signs that are thanking the heros, thank you for the food and snacks, thank you for the masks, the headbands, the hats. Thank you for the donations of supplies and anything that you think would be helpful.
As I have focused on how good God is and how His people have truly stepped up to serve more than ever before, my anxiety has waned. Don’t get me wrong, I still have some stress thinking about catching this virus or bringing it home to my family. But I also know that regardless of what tomorrow holds, my God is Still On The Throne, and none of the future is going to happen without Him already knowing. My God holds tomorrow in His hands! And I can take a deep breathe knowing that! Please continue to pray! Pray for our country and our world. Pray that COVID-19 is the turning point for people to get their focus back on our Creator, pray for the health and healing of all infected by this terrible illness. Pray for all of us that are coming in contact with it, and aren’t adequately protected, pray for our families as we work and stress about not being with them. Pray for those that are suffering financially due to the slow down of our economy, pray for our President and leaders that they would do this God’s way. Turn your eyes to Him and allow Him to give you the words to pray!
Have you ever really thought about what true worship is? Have you gotten to that place where you are singing the songs, just to sing the songs because that is what you do? Do you think about the words you are singing? Do you see how they apply to your life?
There was a song called “The heart of worship” that used to be one of my favorites songs. And I remember listening to that song and being reminded what “it” is all about. When I am running late, and my kids missed the bus? It’s all about Jesus. When my puppy pees or poops on the floor? It’s still about Jesus. When my child is sick (AGAIN!)? Its all about Jesus. When I am fighting with my husband? When the freezer breaks and we lose a ton of frozen meat and vegetables? It’s STILL all about Jesus. https://youtu.be/kZ29ueTkSWM
It is so easy to get caught up in the stressors of life, and forget to worship our creator. We were created for this! We were created to worship Him, no matter what the circumstances we are facing, we are called to worship. And you know what? When you worship and take your eyes off of your current situation, you move out of God’s way and allow Him to work in the situation, or work in you. Either way God can do what He has to do if we just throw our hands up and sing to Him.
I know it is hard believe me I do. There have been so many sleepless nights in the hospital with my kids, there have been so many nights at home with someone hurting or anxious…. there have been so many nights when I am praying about a way to pay a specific bill, or how I need to buy something that I don’t quite have enough money for.
This world? Overwhelming at times for sure! I have a sweet friend who is facing her child having surgery and my heart just hurts for her, for the stress that she is feeling. I am lifting her up and praying for God to give her the peace that she needs. In my own walk, those days of being anxious for my kids are the most amazing sweet experiences that I have had with my creator. When you finally say ok God he/she is all yours I trust you, the peace He gives changes my whole world. It is so hard to let go and let Him be in control but I promise you that when you do your whole perspective changes.
When your overwhelmed? Worship Him! When your scared and anxious? Worship Him! When you don’t know how you are going to pay for your car repair or your mortgage? Worship Him! When your baby is sick and you can’t figure out what is wrong? Worship Him! Let Him have the situation and let Him fill you with peace while you are walking this journey! I promise you won’t ever regret worshipping Him in the struggles
Merry Merry Christmas! Prayers that you have had a blessed day with your family. As a nurse I have worked many Christmas’, but this year I was off until tonight so I was able to enjoy our birthday party for Jesus last night, a Christmas Eve service as well as waking up with my family this morning. I so enjoy the kids excitement for all things Christmas. My kiddos get all excited about Jesus’ birthday cake, reading the Christmas story (I love Christmas books, and so every year I try to buy a new book that is about Jesus’s birth and then we read them throughout the month of December) as well as the actual story of His birth in the Bible. I love the traditions that my family began, I love that my kids know it is Jesus’ birthday first. Tonight I head back to the hospital for work…..
In years past there have been times when we needed help for Christmas, when I couldn’t do what I wanted to for my kids. There have been times where I was so sad that I couldn’t get that one special thing that one of them wanted. This year, was very different for us in the fact the kids were very specific about their desires for Christmas. They actually didn’t ask for tons of stuff, and just had a couple very specific things. I know this is probably a touchy subject, but we never made santa a big deal in our house. We have always said that it was Jesus’s birthday but that we get the kids some presents. I don’t believe Sam and Sophia ever really even thought about Santa. And now with Preston and Paisley things are totally different. And even though we have never promoted Santa, never told them that he was coming, the world has told them that he was. And in that it has brought a different sense of Christmas in our house. Preston and Paisley realize that their gifts are from us…… but they also wanted to leave out cookies and milk for Santa, and we let them. It felt very strange to me…… but they had a blast with the thought of it. And they still know that it was Jesus’ birthday today.
We had a Christmas musical at our church this past sunday. I am so proud of my children. I will share the link for the service from YouTube. Samuel did an instrumental solo playing my grandfather’s over 100 year old trumpet! He is very hard on himself and doesn’t feel he did a good job, but I think he did amazing! Sophia has been feeling sick for several weeks, and hasn’t actually been practicing her song with the choir, but she blew me away with how wonderful she did singing her solo “Mary did you know?”. Their musical talent is truly a God given gift, and I am so thankful that I get to enjoy it. My sweet Preston was Joseph, and Paisley was a Wiseman. The cool thing about this musical was that Santa actually came…. So the amazing thing was that Santa told the story of Jesus, and at the end he bowed to Jesus…… It was certainly an interesting spin on it, but I think it was cool to point out that all will bow to our KING of KINGS.
Have you heard the song “It’s about the cross” by the Ball Brothers? This song wow! This season is so crazy, the hustle and bustle and visiting and planning and prepping….. When you think of the manger do you also think of the cross? Do you think of His whole life here on earth? Do you think of what His birth did for us? Do you think about the fact that without the manger there would be no cross? Do you think of where you would be without the gift of Jesus?
This year there were so many around us that were going through some painful things, the loss of parents, the loss of a job, or finances, or health. A dear friend of mine is constantly approached by members of the community when there is a family in need. The needs were so great this year. Even just for basics. A 6 year old child with holes in her shoes and her toes sticking out, a family whose entire house burned to the ground, and only the people got out, not their pets, nor anything else, and several more families that were really struggling this year. People we know were struggling with severe illness as well. This year it has felt like the devil really is upping his anti and fighting harder against God’s people. I am so thankful to be surrounded by people who love and serve God however they are called. I am thankful that I was able to help some struggling families, and thankful that it isn’t necessarily financial needs that are always needed, and that God uses whatever we can offer to help others. Helping/giving is the best!
Merry Christmas again! May you be surrounded by His love, your family, and wonderful happy memories of this Christmas and those in the past.
Life has been crazy, and busy and beautiful as always. So often people get caught up in the business of the season, the searching for the right gifts, the gatherings with friends and loved ones. The preparations for performances at schools and end of semesters. The hustle and bustle of decorating, prepping and running here there and everywhere often leaves me feeling completely overwhelming exhausted and overwhelmed.
This year, due to the circumstances of my husband being out of town most of the time due to work, and the unexpected addition of a new puppy, and referrals to new doctors for the kids, this is unfortunately just such an overwhelming season for me. But yesterday as I was finally decorating our tree (one I had to pick out, transport home and put up without my husband for the first time ever) my sweet kids brought me back to the real reason for this season, the gentle reminder that this season, this business? It isn’t supposed to overwhelm us, it isn’t supposed to stress us. It is supposed to point us to Him, the reason for the season. I can’t say that I am 100% stress free, but I can say that that gentle reminder was a soothing breath to my weary soul, it was a dash of peace to my frantic mind, it was a joyful hug to my tired body.
I don’t know your scenario, I don’t know what you are going through, but I do know who can go before you, who can support you and who can carry it all. If you are like me, and are getting caught up in the busy chaos, go back to His Word, go back to the story of His birth, go back to the absolute miracle of the season, let that remind you that HE is with you, and this season is about Him coming to be your help.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. … Isaiah 9:6
Are you walking around kind of in a daze at times, wondering if you showered today? Forgetting whether you ate or not? How many times have you had to rewash that load of laundry as you keep forgetting to switch it over?
This mom stuff? It’s so hard, and exhausting, and some days it feels like I can’t possibly do one more thing. BUT GOD! Always God! I was so blessed to go to a Heidi St. John conference here recently with one of my best friend’s on the planet. She flew in from out of state and the two of us took a nice drive (with no kids asking us if we were there yet!) for a weekend to recharge. If you are unfamiliar with Heidi St. John and her “Mom Strong international” organization I highly recommend you get on board. The resources that she has, the encouragement, the support in her community are like no other. This conference was so biblically sound. In our society more and more people are straying from God’s Word, and not standing on the foundation that He has given us! God is no silent, His truth doesn’t change. No matter what our society says about any of it, God’s Word is our ultimate study guide, it has every answer we could possibly ever need. Do you have an amazing mom friend? A prayer partner? Someone you can share this mothering with? If you don’t I highly recommend finding another momma that you can encourage and that she can encourage you.
As a mom, I constantly am wondering if I am doing this right? If my kids will know that they know that they know, that God is God and He is their father. That He sent His only son to die for them, that He wants to take them home to heaven to be with Him. Recently there have been several events on the news that have just absolutely broken my heart, as I have learned about the loss of such young lives. And when I look at my four sweet babies, and I hear the crap that they are hearing at school, and from their friends, I am just so heartbroken for them. That this world is so lost and so broken. My sweet little girl has been told she is fat in the last couple of weeks by her “so called friends.” Now I know that school can be tough, but my sweet girl has spent so many days upset and broke over this craziness, and the world? It keeps filling people with mean spirits, with hatred, with jealously and greed. And as I raise my kiddos I am trying so hard to keep them focused on Him, and to continually remind them that they are HIS, and what the world says ultimately doesn’t matter.
I didn’t put the following scripture or the following slides together, and give full credit to Heidi St. John and her team for pulling these together. God isn’t silent, in the confusion of this world. And we CANNOT BE SILENT EITHER! As Heidi St. John would say “Get off the bench” and fight for your kids. Fight to keep God in their lives, fight to keep His truth in their heart, fight to keep the atrocities of abortion, gender confusion, sexual immorality and so much more away from our kids! You’ve got this Momma! And you’ve got the God of the universe and all of His Armies standing with you!
GOD IS NOT SILENT
Gender Identity Mark 10:6 Created male and female
Human Sexuality Romans 1 and 2 The creator’s instructions
Do you remember where you were on 9/11/01? Do you remember what you were wearing? Who you were with? What you were doing? I remember it vividly. I was in nursing school preparing for one of my first exams that morning. I remember we got the notification as soon as our exam was finished. I remember hearing my class mates wailing, weeping, and hysterical as we watched the news. I remember them saying over and over which family member or friend worked in the twin towers….
But more than that I remember the days that followed, the days of incredible sadness as we learned the horrific unimaginable loss that we had experienced. I remember the stories of the heros of that day. The stories of the first responders and the American citizens who did whatever they could to help. I remember the way our country united. I remember driving down the streets and seeing American flags flying everywhere as tears rolled down my cheeks. I remember the songs that were played on the radio, I remember how the national anthem began to get played on many radio stations every day at a specific time, and how I would change the station just so I could hear it.
I remember the solidarity of sports teams, and celebrities, who were coming together for the good of our country. I remember that politics, economic status, education, race, NONE of it mattered. All that mattered was that we were AMERICANS, and that we were strong and that we would get through this.
As I remember that day I am thinking about the countless families that were shattered, without notice, without warning, without a chance to say good bye. And it makes me think….. What if today is my last day? What if it is your last day?
Have we accomplished what God created us to do? Have we impacted the world for HIS GLORY? Have we been the hands and feet of Christ to a dying world? Have we allowed the world to see Jesus’ love through us?
Have we left things unsaid? Not forgiven those that hurt us? Have we held grudges for so long we don’t know what was even the beginning of the problem? Have we judged others when we are not to judge, only God is? Have we told the ones that we love that we love them and appreciate them? Have we appreciated our friends and family for the incredible gifts that they are? Have we thanked God for His provision in our lives?
Today as I ponder 9/11/01 and the way it changed the world, I also am reminded of the love that God poured out on me that day and all the days since. I am reminded that He has called me, to share that love with others and that we are not promised another minute on this earth outside of His plan. Are you ready? Are you fulfilling His calling on your life? Knowing that today could be the last chance you have?
1 PETER 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
I literally have no words to explain how God has been so good to us. You know when the devil starts messing with you and God shows up bigger? That has been the story of my life…… A brief synopsis of our situation….
WE bought the new house which needed TONS of work. We needed to be out of the rental house by this coming saturday the 1st. My husband realized this weekend that he wasn’t going to be able to finish all the work that needed to be done in the house. I put out a request asking for help. I heard from Jessica on sunday night that her and another friend from church would be coming to the new house on monday and that they would complete the painting. Yesterday morning, Jessica called me and said that I could bring Preston and Paisley to another church members home and that she would watch them for the day. As I was dropping the kids off I received a call from Jessica again stating that another couple from our church were headed to my old house to help me pack. Once I got back home I learned that that couple had brought their daughters with them to also help! We loaded their truck and then drove to the new house. While unloading at the new house, Jessica let me know that there were more people coming to help….
Long story short, more than 20 people helped throughout the entire day yesterday. They packed and loaded and unloaded I think 7 trucks and trailers. I am so blown away and humbled by all of it. There were people that helped that didn’t even know us. Our church (and all of God’s people) were totally the hands and feet of Jesus to my family. Our church family has organized someone to come power wash the house as well as has hired someone to come finish the painting that we haven’t finished yet. People helped unpack things, set up beds etc etc….
The devil has tried to have his way in all of this blessing too…… on sunday night the air conditioning in the new house stopped working (did I mention that it is HOT here right now? 100 degrees today, and high 90s for the next week), my van died three times (I have never had one issue with my van EVER), and then last night the refrigerator in the new house broke! But God is resolving each issue in His time, and His answer is way better than mine. The refrigerator repair man is coming tomorrow so we will see what he says……
I feel like sometimes I sound like a broken record but all I can say is WOW GOD! He is just so good. Our circumstances can sometimes be overwhelming and daunting, sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but God has it all in His hands, no matter what the world throws our way HE HAS GOT IT
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I literally am blown away right now. I can’t even begin to explain to you how God has shown up over and over again here lately. It has felt like Satan has been attacking our family and friends nearly continuously in the last few weeks. There has been illnesses, financial crisis, family crisis, housing issues, job issues, school issues and so many things.
And all I can say is WOW BUT GOD….. in every situation. We were told that we needed to get out of our rental house, and there literally was a major issue with our credit, it is hard to stay on top of the medical bills when there are thousands upon thousands of dollars……. and then my credit score went up more than a 100 points.
There was NOTHING in our area that would allow our kids to remain in the same school system that they are currently in, that was within our price range….. And then a house that Matt had been interested in a while back, that had a pending offer on it, fell through and came back on the market……
Matt’s dad had the “widowmaker” heart attack! But God miraculously saved him. He spent nearly a week in the ICU, but is now home and recovering. My husband was able to be up there for the last week and support his parents, and his brother Tim was able to get there too….
While Matt has been gone over the last week Sam began running a fever of up to 105.7 and was diagnosed with flu. As you can imagine caring for four HEALTHY kids would be a challenge without a spouse, but sick kids, while working?. But God provided aunts, grandparents, friends etc to help through all of this.
With Matt being gone, I was concerned with inspection and things at the house we are interested in….. two wonderful men came out to the house we are buying and went along with the inspector, as well as measured rooms and commited to helping get the physical work done that needs to be done in the new house.
I literally have been overwhelmed, and exhausted. Wishing I could be with my father in law and lay my eyes on him and kiss his face, wishing that I could be physically helping him but being unable…… Working extra shifts, and sleeping less trying to be a single parent while Matt is gone, dealing with all of the illness, dealing with house showings for the current house we are in. Dealing with friends and family that are going through crisis…… I have been feeling like I got run over by a truck. But literally God is carrying me through. And wow is he sending HIS people to help me during this time.
I can’t share all the details but God has made provisions for us financially that are truly miraculous. I find myself shaking my head, as I think about how He has blessed us in this last month. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely wish that the medical debt would miraculously disappear, but for now my God has opened the door to a brand new start. There has been an incredible fundraiser hosted by our church, and a loan that we never could have dreamed we would have gotten, and a gift that has brought me to tears, to help with the closing costs.
And then there is all of the childcare assistance. Not only has our sitter been willing to care for our kids during normal circumstances, she has also come when they have had the flu, when we needed her overnight, when we needed them transported somewhere etc. These lovely ladies are such a blessing. And then we have had numerous friends that have helped care for the kids. This weekend I am working all weekend and Matt will remain in massaschusetts with his parents. And the village that God has given me is loving on my kids all weekend while I am working. They are all looking forward to sleep overs and fun all weekend.
This last week has been incredibly hard, but also such an eye opening experience, God has shown up EVERYWHERE! If you are struggling know He is there, and though the struggles come, sometimes mountains of them, take a step back and look at all He has done in the process. BE BLESSED. Know that He is walking right along side you, and when you get to the point where you feel as though you cannot possibly take another step, it is then that He shows you His glorious provision in every aspect of your life
Beautifully Blessed 