Lessons Learned From a Ministry Wife

I thought I'd play along and join Kelly's SUYL Link up this weekend because it's all about being a ministry wife.  And unless you've never visited my little blog before, you already know that I am one :) But now that I've got a few years under my belt, I thought I'd share some things I wish I would have known going into this life of ours...

Today my husband is a full time Youth Pastor.  His new title is Preaching Pastor to Students, meaning he teaches all of our students from 7th-12th grade, but he still oversees all things Junior High!  We've been at our current church for 6 years now and we love it.  My husband was not in full time ministry when we met, but it wasn't very long before I realized that was definitely where he was headed and if I wanted a future with him, then I was headed there too!  I was 23 when we got married and I defnitely had NO idea what I was signing up for.  Would I change my mind if I could do it all over again???  No.  He is doing what he loves to do, but more importantly, he is fulfilling the calling that God created him for.  I'm so grateful that he loves being a Pastor and although there have been lots of ups and downs, I know he couldn't imagine doing anything else.  So generally speaking, no, I wouldn't change a thing...except maybe all of my preconceived ideas about what this life was going to be like!  ha ha :)

If I could sit down with my 23 year old self, here are some of the things I would say to her, before she said "I do" :

-Youth ministry is incredibly FUN!  And demanding.  Your schedule will never look like anyone else's schedule.  Sometimes that is a blessing, but sometimes it's hard.  Learning to be flexible and embrace a non-traditional life is a discipline that will take time and experience to adapt to.  Surprises and interruptions are a constant part of being in ministry.  It's not always easy to roll with the punches, but it's a good idea not to hold on to anything too tightly.  Ministry brings lots of changes, which can be good but also unsettling and challenging.  Cling to Jesus and hold everything else loosely...

-One of the wisest things you can do is to immediately grow some thicker skin!  It is amazing how much criticism comes with loving someone in leadership.  There is nothing like having your husband's job performance be up for public scrutiny and having to shoulder the burden of being his cheerleader even when it feels like you're standing alone.  I learned the hard way that I cannot handle knowing all of the complaints or criticisms that come across his desk.  Early on I always wanted to know what people were saying but I quickly realized that I could not worship when I was so irritated or offended by the mere sight of someone who had been less than kind to my man.  Thankfully, God has grown me in this area and He has equipped Travis to discern what is helpful and what is just hurtful.  Hard seasons come and go in ministry life, but no matter where we find ourselves, the only way to be free of being hurt is to cling to the reminder that we answer to the Lord first.  If He is impressing something on Travis than we are wise to obey, no matter what other people think of us.  It doesn't always feel good to be in the eye of the storm but God will protect and defend you when you are faithful to Him. 

-It is good and healthy to develop friendships and support from fellow ministry wives on staff, but it is also a blessing not to be taken for granted.  Go deep with other wives, for the sake of staying connected to the Body and encouraging one another from a familiar place.  Keep it centered on the Word and how best to support your husbands and kids, so that it doesn't become a trap for gossip or anything that might cause division in the Church.  If you love each other with lots of grace, it's an incredibly rich blessing to stand with other ministry wives.  Make time for each other as often as you can! 

-Don't hold too tightly to your involvement once you have kids of your own.  What you once did, you will not be able to do after you have a baby.  In time you'll be able to participate in various ways, but for the good of your own family, it's important to pull back and devote yourself to the Lord, your husband and the kids.  Your kids are going to grow up feeling like they have to share their Dad, so it's critical that they don't feel that with you too.  Give them as much stability as possible and look for ways to plug in as your time and your own calling allows.  Be in agreement with your husband in this and pray about everything!  It's hard to find your footing for awhile but the Lord will show you what or if He wants you to do something in the Church... 

-Remember that your greatest ministry opportunity is actually within the walls of your home.  No one will love and care for your husband like you will or should and you cannot minister to other people if your own marriage is in shambles.  It's a dance to be available to people (esp students) in this digital age of constant access, while never letting your spouse and kids feel like they are secondary to ministry.  Go to great lengths to make life at home worth coming home too and make sure that no one gets more of your time than they do.  Even the Church. It's so easy to let this slide, but it's critical that it doesn't for the sake of everyone.  Don't make a living investing in other people while neglecting the gifts God has graciously given you.  The kids will grow up and leave one day, but hopefully you'll still have many years together.  Make sure you take care of your marriage now so that you'll enjoy it later! 

-There is NOTHING more important or worthy of your time and devotion than the Lord.  He is everything and in Him are all things.  Make Him your greatest pursuit and He will be faithful all of your days.  When you are hurting from all that life throws your way, including people in the Church, go to Him first and pour out your hurt.  He's a safe place to land.  When sacrifices are necessary and feel unfair, remember what He did for you and the great inheritance sealed for you on that great day.  When the nights are lonely and you shoulder the parenting alone, believe Him when He says He never leaves you and will give you the strength you need.  And when everyone else loves the Pastor but you, cling to the Covenant He established between you and choose to love. 

A dear Pastor's wife who was also a friend, once told me that when ministry was going well, it was often easy to engage and be involved.  But when ministry was hard and she was struggling, she stayed faithful for no other reason than this...God was worthy of it.  Serving Him, being obedient to Him, worshipping Him, dedicating a lifetime to Him...it all pales in comparison to what He's done for me.  On my worst day, He is worth all of it and then some.  I wouldn't change this life for another one and I wouldn't give up the privilege of being married to a Pastor for all the money in the world or the house of my dreams or the vacation of a lifetime.  I love this life and I'm thankful for it.  I'd be lying if I didn't say that I don't always have a great attitude about it or that I don't feel like I live up to what other people expect me to be.  But at the end of the day, for all that I lack, God gives more grace and unbelieveable blessing...

And He is worthy of everything I offer Him.

So grateful to be a Ministry Wife!

The Good Shepherd

I've sat down with my laptop several times this week, trying to find the words to write or the update to give.  I think it's obvious from my silence that I wasn't able to get beyond the idea of blogging, into something that resembled a post.  So I'm not sure where this is totally going, but I'm giving it a shot this afternoon while my kids nap and my husband is enjoying some guy time with a good friend.  My house is quiet and my mind is tired, but I'm working through some things the Lord has been teaching me and speaking over me.  It's been a hard week returning to "normal" again, mostly due to the sobering effects of mourning a loss with people you love and ache with.  There is something about experiencing the death of someone who is close to you, or even the death of a dream and life as you imagined it.  It's just not easy to walk away from that without reeling for awhile.  How do you wrestle with life and death and eternity one day and then go to the grocery store the next, you know?  Life has a funny way of moving forward and changing all of the time, whether you are ready for it or not and this week, I've been struggling to find my footing again while the world keeps spinning away. 

But even when hard things in life come from all directions, I've been reminded again at how faithful our God is to draw near to us when we draw near to Him.  He is so merciful to prepare us for the road ahead, even when we have no idea what's coming or how He has already been working behind the scenes in many ways.  I love that about Him because it gives us a glimpse of how tenderly He cares for us and yet, I think it's something that's often missed by many of us for a variety of reasons.  We have such a limited ability to see much more than what's right in front of us, but in His Sovereignty and Wisdom, He sees everything and knows all that has ever been or will ever be.  He is God and we are not.  When we don't understand what He's doing or where He is in the midst of our pain, I've learned to set my feelings aside as much as I can and instead, cling to Him and to the truth He has revealed.  While our emotions and feelings are gifts that come from Him, we cannot only operate in them because they will lead us astray.  Our feelings can change on a dime and are influenced by the wind, but He is our Rock, the Unchanging One who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  When my mind wants to despair and my heart grows weary, I am learning to look to Him first and only. 

I've been reading a little book since December that has been a real gift for this season of life.  My Mom first recommended it last year and then Travis read it this summer with some of his volunteer staff.  I picked it up before Christmas and have been reading it with a couple of students and a friend. 
It's called "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by W. Phillip Keller. 

It is a great little book that walks through Psalm 23 from the viewpoint of the author, who was a Shepherd in Europe, and he really unpacks that Psalm by providing some incredible insight into what it's like to be a Shepherd and what's unique about sheep.  The Shepherd/Sheep comparison between God and His people is not one that man came up with, but it's a description of who He is that God himself gave us.  I've been blown away by how many misconceptions I've had about what this Psalm is really about, but mostly I've just been impacted again at the incredible care and wisdom and love of our Shepherd.  Just as a good Shepherd goes to great lengths to protect and provide for his sheep so that they thrive under his care, THE Good Shepherd has done and does the same for us.  Keller makes a strong point in his book that it matters whose care we are under and who we call Shepherd.  The same sheep can starve or thrive based on who is leading and caring for them.  As I've journeyed through this week and all it's ups and downs, I've thought of that truth so often.  Without Christ and the Truth of His Word, I do not know how I would get out of bed. 

It's been the kind of week that has found me more often than not, curled up on the couch with my Bible in hand and worship music in my ears.  I've had to anchor my soul this week to keep from giving into despair.  Not much has been accomplished around here, but some weeks just warrant chores being cast aside so that you can sit at Jesus' feet instead.  Grief is tough and it comes in many forms, for many reasons.  However, as I've experienced again, death is not the only way that our world gets shaken.  A betrayal, a job loss, a diagnosis, a frienship severed, a relationship strained, we all face losses of many kinds and sometimes in one wave after another. Yet God is gracious in every way and faithful to those who call Him by name.  He gives us emotions that help us empty and heal, but knowing our weaknesses  He also says to just come to Him and lay it all at his feet.  He knows that we are feeble sheep who need a Shepherd and a Savior, so He came to be both. In His care we not only survive, but we thrive.  And when we trust Him with all of our broken dreams and hurts, He is there.  He doesn't promise us an explanation or an easy road to take, but He says He'll take us by the hand and walk with us through the fire.  He won't let us get burned or even bear the smell of smoke.  Because we are precious and honored in His sight and because He loves us, He will never leave us or forsake us (Isaiah 43:1-5).  He is jealous of his reputation as a Good Shepherd and so am I.  He has been so faithful to us, to me, and I know He'll continue to journey with us as we move forward.  I would never choose to go through the hard stuff of life, but as the dust settles and the tears dry up, I am ALWAYS reminded that the hard stuff is where I find Him the most present.  The depths of our relationship have been formed and forged in the darkness and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. 

We are well over here, just pressing into the Lord and doing our best to trust Him with what we do not know or understand.  Please keep my brother in law and sister in your prayers, their grief is much deeper and their road long.  We sure do love them and I'm thrilled that we get to spend some more time with them soon.  I've got two little rays of sunshine who have a way of making hurting hearts heal.  

I hope you have a blessed weekend and if you're hurting or facing a loss of some kind today, I pray that you will lean on your Shepherd and remember whose care you're in, if you've trusted in Him as your Savior.  In all things, He is faithful and He is there...and He is EVERYTHING.

"My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to your Word...This is my comfort in my affliction, for your Word has given me life...Unless your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.  I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have given me life.  I am Yours, save me...Through your precepts I get understanding...Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path...You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your Word...The entrance of your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple..."  Psalm 119:28, 50, 92-94, 104-105, 114, 130

With Hope and Because of Jesus

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope..."  1 Thessalonians 4:13

There is a gentle, quiet snowfall today that is blanketing my world in a beautiful, winter white.  With its' entrance comes a reverent stillness that a snowfall often brings, a welcome peace as millions of flurries fill the sky.  To behold the majesty of it, is to remember what once was brown and dead and longing, has gradually been made new and washed clean before our very eyes.  And unlike many projected forecasts, it didn't happen overnight with large fanfare and attention, but instead this winter transformation has been gentle and quiet, even sweet. 

Not only has this long anticipated snowfall been good for the earth today, but it's also been good for my soul... 

As I shared last week, we've been journeying with Dave and Jennie and Dave's family, while they stood watch over Dave's Dad this past week.  In an instant their lives were turned upside down by crisis and the past seven days have been a roller coaster of emotion as we pleaded for a miracle and believed that one way or another, Ron would receive the healing God intended for him.  Last night, that healing was delivered and with his family near, the Lord took Ron's hand and led from this life into the next.  Like a quiet snowfall, he took what was broken, what needed repair and He fulfilled His promises by welcoming him to his eternal reward.  The angels rejoiced as Ron and his Savior must have embraced.  The hope that Ron clung to, the urgency that drove him over this last season of his life, and the author and finisher of his faith finally and quickly became all to him, his reality forever altered.  It is a precious comfort to picture with our limited minds, the paradise that is Heaven and to know that just as quickly and quietly as a winter snow, all the troubles of this life and the broken hallelujahs we lift up with longing hearts can be answered with a breath that begins in this world and ends in the next.  

There is peace because Ron is healed. 

There is hope because Ron is with Jesus. 

 There is assurance because God's Word is truth. 

There is blessing because Ron's life was evidence of the life change that comes from someone who has been rescued from sin and death.   

There is grace in the legacy he leaves, in the priorties he had.

There is love because he loved hard and he loved well.

But even still...

There is hurt because he was taken home so soon, and without warning.

There is sorrow because he was a beloved husband, father, papa, son, brother and friend. 

There is pain because his smile was infectious and his charm undenying.

There is an aching because he was cherished and loved by many. 

So today, while the snow falls and things are made new, the bitter cold that comes with snow is a reminder that this world is not our home.  There is a reason we long for more and a reason death brings heartache.  We hurt with Dave and Jennie, with Wendy, Brooke, Braiden, Anne and John.  I am thankful that we will be able to be with them this week, to stand with them as we celebrate Ron's life.  I'm grateful that we will not forget Ron because he lives on in the lives of his family and in the impact that he made for Christ.  But more than that, I'm filled with hope because I know Ron is with Jesus and his healing is complete.  I will see him again, as will all who have also bowed their knee to King Jesus and who actively place their trust in his finished work at the cross. 

Death is many things to many people.  But because of Jesus and Jesus alone, it is wrapped in hope and life for the believer.  It is a promise kept, an inheritance secured, a foe conquered and an entrance into an Eternity with our Savior.  Death was all those things for Ron and because of that, we grieve not as the world does, but we grieve with hope. 

I think times like this are a gracious reminder from the Lord to make a decision today.  We do not know what the future holds or if our next breath will be granted.  Jesus himself told us,

"I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." 

 John 14:6

He also told us to,

"Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." 

Matthew 7:13-14

He's even merciful to give us a warning, so that we are sure we belong to Him...

"Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly, "I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers." 

Matthew 7:21-23

Eternity apart from Him will be nothing short of horrific.  Death is a great time to search your heart and ask questions because while we've all escaped it thus far, one day we won't and God forbid that day comes and it's too late for us.  Ron lived passionately during his final season of life, making sure those he loved and knew were right with Jesus.  While his passion was clearly God given, now more than ever, he would want his death to not be in vain.  He would want us not to waste this opportunity to share the good news about Jesus and the hope we have because of his life, death and resurrection. 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast...remember that at one time you were seperate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.  For he himself is our peace..."

Ephesians 2:8-14

I would love to ask you to pray for Dave and Jennie and for their family.  This is a bittersweet time and the road ahead is uncertain and filled with great need.  But as they cling to the Lord, we know and they know, that He will be faithful to them.  He knows how they feel, He also grieved the horrific death of His Son, and He knows what they need before they even do because He is God and He is Shepherd of their souls. 

As a big sister, I'm looking foward to being home with them and hopefully providing some much needed sunshine through two little people I know.  I know we'll cry and we'll reminise and we'll be blessed as we hear the stories of how the Lord was already preparing them for this day and how he used Ron to bring glory to His name.  Bittersweet...

With hope and because of Jesus, the sun will come up tomorrow and we'll see Ron again...

All About Carty Boy!!

Now that I'm out from under the pressure of doing monthly updates, I decided that it was time to fill you in on all things Carter!  He is so much fun at this age and full of life.  We get the biggest kick out of him, I am so thankful that the Lord gave us Carter.  I can't imagine our family without him! 

At 16.5 months, he is a big guy.  We've been to the doctor a lot lately, so I know that he weighs 26 lbs and he's 33.5" tall.  That means he is tall and lean, which is where he's been most of his young life.  He's so tall (93rd percentile) that most people automatically assume that he and Ava are twins now, which isn't too out of the question considering they both weigh the same and are only about 2 inches apart. 

When we were recently in the pediatrician's office, she watched him for all of 30 seconds and then looked at me and said, "Well, I can tell he is BUSY and I'm guessing he's a climber??"  BINGO!! 

I'm not sure a better description has ever been given :)

Except maybe, happy too! 

Carter is a monkey to his core, always looking for things he can scale and unlike his sister, he is basically fearless.  He LOVES to torment Ava and throw her "sleeping babies" off this little bunk bed, so that he can climb up and get to his ultimate destination...

...her bed!

He basically hurls himself over the frame and dissolves into an immediate fit of giggles and smiles.

Many, many times a day this is where I find Carter.  Or this is where Ava informs me he is, after she tells me about the way he "throwed da babies, mama!!!"  It might help his cause if he looked even remotely remorseful, but this is all we ever get.  A big GRIN :)

And speaking of that grin, check out all those teeth in his mouth!  At my last count, I think I found 12.  It's great for all the eating he wants to do, but the poor little guy certainly paid the price for each of their back to back entries.  He's had a rough couple of months.  I'm sure hoping he gets a break!

Carter is always up for anything that sounds or looks like fun.  He's an easy sell for a sing a long or dancing or some kind of action to follow.  It's fun to see him recogize some familiar songs we sing or to watch him hear music and start to groove.  He and Ava are big fans of a dance party so it's not unusual for one to break out at any time! 

I love this picture of him because he looks like the little Swede that he is, right down to his nordic sweater and pants :)

It's also the picture that confirmed how badly he needed a hair cut!!

 I took this picture last Sunday because I hadn't taken a sibling pic for awihle and because I loved their little outfits.  It's nearly impossible to get both of them still, but at this particular time in our lives, Carter is the cooperative one and Ava is the stinker :)

With all the illness we've had lately, we have spent tons of time at home and I have a pretty good idea of a few of Carter's favorite things!  He's finally reached a season where he will sit still and look at a book now, which is fun.  We've read books to him for awhile but he's never particularly liked them or lasted for more than a page or two.  However, just recently he's starting to bring books to us or sit and look at them on his own.  I've become an incredible speed reader just to get through a whole book with him!  I'm also good at just summarizing most of the pages, and thankfully, Carter is good with that :)  

We do like to joke that at this stage, Carter has NO coping skills.  When things don't go his way or he even thinks that they aren't going to, he starts to whine or cry or make some kind of noise that gets our attention.  He's famous for wedging himself in tight spaces and then crying because he's stuck.  He keeps us on our toes, that kid!

Carter loves this rocking chair and it's hilarious to watch him climb up into it.

He manages though!  I love to see him just sitting there, or sometimes, standing there.  We've proved over and over that Papa made this chair VERY sturdy.  We've had no accidents yet but Carter has pushed his luck more than once too :)

At 16 months, these are Carter's favorite books, his "go-to" books.  He LOVES that number hunt book more than anything.  It's got lots of "lift the flap" pictures that he likes to look at over and over, but this week he's taken a greater interest in that trucks book.  That is IF I can get it out of Ava's hands :)

He's also into this little people thing we bought him for Christmas.  He's getting better at putting the cars on the tracks but like a typical boy, he goes to great lengths to do it the "uncoventional" way!

This basket is full of cars and trucks and is also part of his daily routine. 

As is playing at this little kitchen in his room.  Maybe he'll be a chef? 

He likes these cars too and often he and Ava are racing around or chasing each other on them :)

Scout is also a favorite toy of Carty's...

...but nothing, NOTHING, compares to his beloved "giraffey"

A few months ago, it became his security blanket and he takes it anywhere and everywhere.  He sleeps with it and doesn't get out of his crib when he wakes up, until he grabs his giraffe and his paci.  Lately he's taken to holding it by the tail and when he's tired, he strokes the tail with his thumbs.  It's so darn cute, we just love it.  I have no idea what we'll ever do if he loses it...and no, we don't have another one. 

We just love this little guy so much.  He is really starting to talk to us now, although lots of it is just very animated babbling still.  One of our favorite things is that he calls Ava, "Ada" and it's so fun to hear him call for her or ask for her when she's still sleeping. 

We've been trying to help the two of them learn to be kind to one another and to forgive one another, so we recently realized that if we tell Carter to say he is sorry to Ava, he will go over to her and sort of lower his head and nudge her.  It's similar to a dog but so cute because it's his way of trying to apologize and give her a hug. 

And naturally, it works every time.

How could this face not make you forgive him????

Life with Carter is all about keeping up with him and keeping him out of too much trouble.  He is an explorer to his core, just like his Daddy, but also so happy and tender hearted.  I just love this stage with him and I'm so grateful that he is still a great napper and sleeper at night...believe me, we need the break to stay on top of him!  I love having a little boy in our family and I'm so glad that little boy is Carty.  I have no idea what the next stage will bring, but if it's anything like all the rest, I know I'm going to love Carty and learn to like all the challenges and adjustments that come! 

We love you Carter!!

Plan B

Whew.  What a week. 

We have been hit with a few punches this week and not the kind that are easy to roll with.  Tonight, we are finally feeling like we've returned to the land of the living, after dealing with a NASTY bout of the stomach flu.  On Tuesday night, Travis told me he wasn't feeling well before we went to bed and unfortunately for him, that was the beginning of an awful night.  I have never seen (or heard) him be so sick before, it was an all night affair that kept both of us awake.  We started Wednesday off with about an hour's worth of sleep and Travis feeling so sick that he couldn't sit up or get out of bed.  I also felt badly but one of us had to take care of the kids so I limped through most of the day until late in the afternoon when it hit me like a truck and I started getting sick too.  Ava woke up that morning having thrown up in her bed, but thankfully that was all that happened for her.  Carter steered clear of everything except for some recurring diarhea.  Last night I was the sick one and Travis limped through taking care of the kids. 

We agreed that there is nothing like having the stomach flu and still having to take care of kids to make you LONG to live closer to the Grandparents!  We were dying for some help but we managed to make it through.  My good friend brought us some groceries last night so the kiddos could eat and so that we could start sipping on sprite and saltines.  Poor Ava and Carter, I'm not sure what was running through their minds but they had to wonder what happened to their Mommy and Daddy??  We did lots of "parenting" from the couch or our bed, often with our eyes closed.  But today was a new day and thankfully, Travis was feeling much, much better and I started to turn around this afternoon.  We tried to make up for our lack of involvement and play with the kids today, while doing at least 6 loads of laundry and lots of cleaning and disinfecting.  I'm a happy girl to be in bed tonight, with a shower and clean sheets and pillows.  It's amazing how a fever and some kind of nasty bug can just wipe you out.  We both feel like we were hit by a truck but thankfully I think we've reached the end.  We're both eating again and tonight will be the first night that we climb in bed without a bucket next to us :)

It's the little things that make us smile these days!

I suppose it's ironic that I started reading this book on Saturday night, because it's been a theme this week.

Sadly, the hardest part of our week had nothing to do with the flu.  On Sunday morning we got a call from my Mom, who told me that my sister's father in law had suffered a massive heart attack.  As the hours unfolded we learned that they were able to save him and that his heart has sustained no damage, but due to an extended period of time without oxygen to his brain, he also showed significant signs of brain damage.  It's been a heartbreaking week as we've waited for signs of improvement and news of any kind.  His story is not mine to broadcast, but I can tell you that there has been no change and with everyday the odds stack up and the agony deepens. 

I spent Monday and Tuesday keeping myself busy, but also just having to go back to scripture to make sense of the whole thing.

I had several Biblea laying around the house while I went back and forth, reading and praying and wrestling with the "whys and hows" of the whole thing.  It makes me so sad, he's so young and his family so young too.  But it's also gut wrenching to know my sister and especially my brother in law are hurting so greatly while they are walking this hard road.  It's been another reminder about the fragility of life and the importance of knowing where you'll spend Eternity.  In an instant, life can change forever.

I found hope in Psalm 73 this week and found myself camped out in this passage.  If we've trusted the Lord and call Him our Savior, He says He is always with us, holding us by the hand.  He guides us through life with His counsel and even escorts us into Heaven when He's determined that it's our time to come home.  When we're faced with life and death situations, it becomes much easier to put things into perspective and remember that only one thing matters and that is what we choose to do with Jesus.  Because when our hearts and flesh fail, which they will, He is the one who gives us strength and He is the inheritance that we look forward to. 

We are praying for a miracle for Dave's Dad and trusting that no matter where his healing comes, on this side of Heaven or the other, He knows the plans He has for us.  He is Sovereign God, He is near to the brokenhearted, He will never leave us or forsake us and He is the hope of glory!  We ache for Dave and Jennie and their family.  There are no easy answers and a probably a difficult journey ahead.  This week has been a tough one and yet, one that reminds us of Who is truly in control of our lives and how much He loves us, even in our darkest hours. 

This is the link to the Caring Bridge for Dave's Dad.  Please join us in praying for a miracle and for peace and comfort for their family while they watch and pray. 

I hope you have a blessed Friday, friends. 

More importantly, I hope you take the time to hug your loved ones and make ammends where necessary.  You just don't know what tomorrow holds, but if you know Jesus, you can take great comfort in knowing that HE holds tomorrow and because of who He is,  He's all we really need to know.

When God Writes Your Love Story

I love the Lord because He has been good to me...

He wrote a love story for me that I never could have predicted or orchestrated on my own.  When I waited for the man He had for me, He brought me one who blew every expectation and desire out of the water.  Travis, you were exactly the man I always wanted to marry, but better than than, you are SO much more. 

10 years ago today, you told me you loved me and my life took off in a new direction.  It's been a wild ride, but one that I wouldn't give up for the world.  I love our life together and I love the story God is still writing for us, now with a precious little girl and boy to love too.

Although these two little people have a way of consuming our day, it's you that makes my heart stop and it's you that I can't wait to see walk through the door each night.  I love the time we find to carve out for each other and I adore closing out each day with you by my side. 

I'm grateful for the way you love me and honor me and take care of me.  I'm also grateful for the way you do the same for our kids.  Nothing makes me fall harder for you than to see you with them. 

There isn't anything magically different about today but I do love Valentine's day because of what it means between us and because it's always a good thing to stop and consider why I love you and what it is about you that makes me grateful.  I've only scratched the surface on this post, I'll give you my real list tonight :) But I can say that you have changed my life and I am a very happy and contented woman who is proud to be your wife. 

Happy Valentine's Day, baby!

You are the one my heart loves, rich or poor, in sickness or in health, for better or for worse.

I wouldn't choose anyone but YOU if I had to do it all over again. 

I love you so much...

Love,

Me

Uninspired.

I'm finding myself in a bit of a funk today, not really motivated to do anything.  Tomorrow is Valentine's day, which I typically love, and as of right now I've done absolutely nothing to prep for it.  I made the mistake of looking back on the blog last year to see what we did and now I *officially* feel like a loser.  Last year I made a big themed breakfast, I had gifts for everyone, we got a babysitter, went on a date, exchanged gifts with each other, etc., etc.. 

But this year, with one day to go, I've got nothing. 

We've got Bible study in the morning and Carter has an afternoon well-check appt. at the pediatrician, but that's about it.  I don't know what I'm making for dinner, I have no gifts for the kids or Travis and shock of all shocks, I haven't made a single sugar cookie. 

Can you say, lame??? 

The worst part is that I'm tired today and completely uninspired.  I hate it when that happens. 

So, I have a few options. 

-I could forget the whole thing and just act like it's another day. Kisses and hugs for everyone, but that's about it.
-I could get on pinterest, get inspired to step up my game and come up with something special to redeem the day.
-I could drag myself out to Target tonight, to get supplies and groceries for afun/romantic night in tomorrow.

or

I could sit here and do nothing.

Which is what I'm currently choosing to do. 

I need some holiday help...

Anybody...Anybody??