Joy in the Journey

 I was thinking today about how quickly January has gone by, and about the things God has been speaking to my heart.  I wrote in my prayer journal on January the 7th, “Father,  Let this new year be a year of change.  Change in my heart, my life, and my mind.”   I had no idea when I wrote that how quickly the changes would begin.  Less than two weeks after praying this, Natalie and Joey announced they were moving.  Not exactly the kind of change I had in mind, but God sees the big picture and I only get the thumbnail version.

So, now I am wondering what God has in store next.  It seems as though He has begun to lay the ground work for other changes as well.  Ashley (Hubby) and I have been discussing the possibility of putting Drama Queen back in school in the fall, and me going back to work.  We had originally thought we would homeschool at least until she went to sixth grade, but now we are wondering if God has a different plan.   If this is the direction God is leading us in, it will mean many new changes. 

I am a little overwhelmed at the thought of dealing with all that goes along with putting DQ back in school, she has learning difficulties, and it can be a daunting task dealing with teachers and counselors to make sure her needs are being met.  This was one of the main reasons we decided to homeschool in the first place, because they weren’t.  She had great teachers, but our state’s educational system is very flawed, especially where kids with learning difficulties are concerned.   So, we need to spend a lot of time in prayer before any decisions are made.

This journey we are on leads us down many different paths sometimes, and I for one, don’t usually like being taken out of my comfort zone.  I have at times balked at the changes God has brought into my life, but this time I prayed for them, so I have no right to complain, do I?  I need to find the joy in this journey God has me on and remember that my heart’s desire is to fulfill His purpose for my life. 

Have a great Friday!

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Melancholy

I am feeling melancholy tonight.  The house is quiet now, although just a short while ago it was filled with the sounds of laughter and talking, and the occasional squeal of a little one who’s toy had been taken away by either a sibling or a cousin.  The scent of the meal still lingers in the air, and I need to go finish cleaning the kitchen, but I wanted to write while it was still fresh on my mind.

I stood in the nursery tonight changing Ladybug’s diaper while Spiderman, Cupcake, and Blue Eyes played in the princess tent that Drama Queen has outgrown, and I felt such a wave of nostalgia sweep over me.  I could remember so clearly how it felt almost three years ago when we first moved down here to be closer to Phillip and Beth, Natalie and Joey, and the new babies.  I can remember the joy I felt that we were here and  that I was keeping Spiderman and Cupcake on a regular basis.  We had begun a new chapter in our lives, we were now not just parents, but grandparents.

We took every opportunity to be with the kids and the grandkids, and enjoyed them thoroughly.  And before we knew it, we found out we were going to be grandparents again.  How exciting!  God added Blue Eyes and Ladybug to our family, and we couldn’t have been happier.   

The past few years have flown by so quickly and I am grateful for every minute that God has allowed us to be all together as a family.  I realize that we have had an opportunity that not everyone is able to experience, and I will never take that for granted. 

 I know that change is as inevitable as breathing, but part of me wants things to remain the same, at least for a little while longer.   But it is not to be, God has a plan that must be fulfilled.   I know whatever God has in store for our family, it will be for our good and His Glory!     

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We Did It!

After letting way too many years go by without having it done, we finally got the entire family together and had our family portrait made.   We had one made of the whole family and one of just the grandchildren.  They both came out beautifully, I couldn’t be happier.  I can’t wait until they’re ready, which will be on February 8th, and then I will post it to my blog (if I can be patient enough to wait for dial-up to do it’s thing).  

Hubby was off today, so we went over to Natalie and Joey’s after we got our homeschooling done and helped them finish packing and do some odds and ends that needed to be done.  They are packed except for the last minute things, and then they will just have to clean and do touch ups.   

Cupcake came home with us to spend the night and she and Drama Queen are in DQ’s bed giggling as I type this.  It’s way past both their bedtimes, but this will be the last time Cupcake is able to spend the night for a while, so I’m letting them have their fun. 

 I’m going to miss Natalie and Joey and their little ones so much, I don’t think it will sink in totally until after they’ve gone.  I’ve enjoyed being able to spend time with them at least once a week, I can’t imagine how it’s going to be seeing them only every couple of months or so.

I suppose we just have to embrace the life changes God brings our way, even when they are difficult to accept.  He has a plan and a purpose for our lives that we don’t always understand or comprehend, I’m just glad He is in control.

Have a great night!

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Focusing on the Positive

I have been in a funk for the past few days and have not wanted to post, (1) because I didn’t feel like writing anything and  (2) I didn’t want to bring anybody down.  I would really like to try and keep my blog as positive and uplifting as possible, there’s already so much negativity in the world, no one needs more from me. 

I have been feeling sad because our oldest daughter, son-in-love, and two of our precious granchildren will be moving away in about a week.  Outwardly, I have tried to put on a brave face, but inwardly, I have been really bummed about the prospect.   A precious blogger friend, Sharon, encouraged me today and helped me to see things from a different perspective.  (Thank you Sharon)!  So I am going to change my attitude and focus on the positives in this situation.

1. Natalie and Joey are following God’s call on their lives.

2. They will be helping troubled girls to get their lives back on track and demonstrating the love of Christ to them.

3.They will have the opportunity to grow spiritually in a way they wouldn’t if they stayed here.

4.They will be living in the beautiful mountains of N.C.

5.They will see SNOW more often! (And we can visit and play in the snow with Cupcake and Blue Eyes)

God is so good, He puts up with my nonsense, feeling sorry for myself and indulging in self pity, and loves me in spite of it.  That is amazing to me!  If it were me, I think I would have given me a good swift kick in the rear, but God lovingly reminds me that He is in control and I need to let go.

I am so thankful that He teaches us life lessons in order to help us become the person He wants us to be.  I have so far to go, but at least I’m on the journey!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Update on Paul

I don’t have an update today, but as of Sunday, Paul is continuing to make progress and grow stronger!  Thank you so much for your prayers!

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