Love Dare

Brian and I are doing the Love Dare journal. It is really cool. Each evening we are reading the devotional - then we have an assignment for the next day.

So far it has been pretty easy - don't say anything negative, do a kind act, buy something special. It is fun to think of things to do for Brian. Since I truly enjoy serving him and doing things for him, it has been somewhat challenging to think of new things to do.

It is also interesting to see what he does for me. He is so creative.

It is good to go to the roots of our marriage and work on the stuff that we have not focused on because we have been doing life and children. God is going to use this to bring us closer and to a deeper level of intimacy. I am so excited!!

Peace

Recently I have felt so peaceful. There are LOTS of things in my life right now that are in a state of flux. But, thank you Lord, I am at peace.

Last Saturday I was able to spend some time evaluating where we are, how God is working and the options I have. It all comes down to - God is so in control.

That is a huge lesson I am learning - giving up control.

It is working wonderfully in our marriage too. For too long I tried to take control of everything - now I have stepped back and am letting Brian be the head of the house. I am so stupid for not doing this sooner. Things are working amazingly.

I guess when we follow the laws God has established - it works that way.

Blessed

I am blessed.

• An amazing Heavenly Father who sent Jesus just for me.
• A Holy Spirit who is always with me.
• A husband who loves me.
• A husband who is a GREAT Dad.
• A husband who is also my friend.
• Children who are growing in the Lord.
• A secure job.
• A home to live in.
• Fairly stable finances.
• We live in a free country

Even though we are in the midst of challenges - I am blessed, AND a day closer to eternity with Jesus.

Challenges

It has been awhile since I blogged. The few days after we returned were busy with Brian's elbow. Thank you Lord it is healing (though still painful).

Brian started his new job on Tuesday. He seems to reallly like it though the ten hour days in a classroom are wearing him out! It is fun to fix him breakfast and pray together before we leave for work.

I am so weary. There are so many situations going on in our lives right now that I just don't understand. I am trying so hard to be faithful and peaceful - but the enemy is attacking with gusto.

One of the hardest things I am dealing with is watching those I love make bad decisions, especially when they know the truth. They know obedience to God is the only way to receive blessings. And I am caught in the crossfire. The bad decisions of others are bringing me down (and probably holding blessings from me).

Through it all, through it all I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God. He will be there for me. He will carry my burdens (Psalm 68:19).

And I am learning to pray at a deeper level - the level where it hurts. Jesus is making me a little bit more like Him.

I will be very glad when this season of our lives is over. Brian and I have a wonderful future full of grace and peace.

A Peaceful Weekend

Brian and I had a wonderful four days up in Laughlin. We left early Friday morning and came home Monday afternoon. We had no specific plans, just hung out - gambled a little, went to Oatman, laid out on the beach, watched some movies. Just spent time together.

The only sad part is Brian has an infection in his elbow. The doctor put him on some heavy duty antibiotics. One of the side effects is having to use the bathroom, sometimes suddenly!!

We came home so he could have it drained, while it still hurts - Dr. Doug is very encouraged though he said it could take several weeks to heal.

Brian has a physical agility test on Thursday. I know God is going to give him the strength to score well.

I am beginning to realize I need to take more time to relax, just do nothing. Spend time with the people I love, rest in God. Give more encouragement, more hugs, more love.

Too close

The last few days have been emotional.

One of our good friends, Dan Goddard, almost died. He had a blot clot in his right leg. They operated twice in two days. The doctors said it was a miracle the blood clot dissolved. (We know better!).

We had the privilege of seeing him on Sunday afternoon. He shared how he had a lot of time to think, to put his house in order. Jay and David were with us and Dan really laid down the line to them. All of us were in tears.

Brian and Dan are crazy together - they are truly twin sons of different mothers. Both of them love Jesus so much. They both are on the verge of doing amazingly great things for God. Both of them are under massive spiritual warfare. They both are doing to make it through to the glory of God.

Not only that, but Dan has an incredible relationship with Jay and David. They respect him, love him and truly value what he thinks.

It brings tears to my eyes to think of how close we came to losing him. I am going to spend time appreciating those around me, telling them how much I love them and thanking God for the blessings He has bestowed on me.

Hope

Yesterday Brian resigned. It is a good thing. He won't start his new position until the end of April. We can spend the next two and a half weeks resting, healing and growing.

Just looking at his face, he is already more relaxed, like a huge weight is off of his shoulders. It is good.

It would be easy to get mad at God for not allowing this to come through last summer; but I know Brian needed to be where he was to expose the darkness and evil. While nothing may change immediately - a seed planted and watered will bloom.

The next few weeks will be wonderful. BTW - I am hopelessly in love with my husband!!