Lucky Number 8

Today we celebrate 8 years of wedded “bliss”.  I use that term in a light-hearted way because anyone who is biblically committed to their marriage knows the ups and downs, trials and turmoil’s, arguments and fights  and many roadblocks that come with the journey of marriage. 

A smile gently comes across my face when I think back to our engagement and wedding day.  It wasn’t the usual planned event most women choose to have; it started out that way, but it ended with a much smaller ceremony on a Tuesday. I am so grateful for that day.  It poured like a tsunami for 2 hours prior to our ceremony time.  Just as we pulled into the parking lot, the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared.  As I look back on that, having the scripture knowledge I do now, it is a reminder that no matter what trials are before us, His love and presence will always be there.  God  showed himself to us that day, regardless of where we both were in our relationship with him.

We have had so many ups and downs.  In the first 2 years of our marriage we had: 3 job layoffs, 2 children and a new house.  Talk about a test of one’s strength and perseverance alone and as a united couple.  Through all of it, we made sure we both remembered the vows of commitment we made to each other.  Sure, there were times each of us was ready to walk…but we didn’t.

I am so proud of the husband and father Josh has come to be.  I have watched him grow in himself and in his children, the love he has for them is beyond amazing.  He came along in Ian’s life at a pivotal transition point, and the 2 of them are no less a father/son that if they were blood related.  The bond is stronger than that. Josh has also been able to pursue his dreams, albeit not the fullest…yet.  I am proud of the example he has set in that when you go after your dream, you leave no regrets.  I am thankful to him for allowing me, and supporting me, in being a [most of the time] stay at home mom.  Working part time has blessed us in many ways, and he is a tremendous father to our kids when I am away.  I never imagined that he would be as nurturing as he is with them…he has surpassed my expectations!  I never have to worry about the kids when I’m away, he’s got it all under control.

I love the relationship we have grown together.  I look forward to the life experiences we have in the years to come.  Each “trial” we have encountered and conquered has brought us closer together, stronger together and reminds us that we are better together. We balance each other in so many great ways.   I love you, Josh.  A deep, intense and respected love.  I hope my prayers for you continue to grow, uplift and support you.  Thank you, not only for your love but for the beautiful family we have and for choosing to live this life with me.

In Him,Forever Blessed~

Jenny

 

 

My Giving of Thanks

I’ve been wanting to blog, been thinking of blogging, but I’ll be honest; when the ‘free time’ rolls around…I’m ready for bed.  This is the time of year when I begin to feel a bit of resentful fury build inside of me and it is now that I need to lean unto Him even more.  For my Lord does not want me to feel this way towards my fellow brother and sisters in Christ.  You see, beginning November 1 Face book, twitter and blogs begin to fill up with “Thanks of Day so-and-so”, a time when people begin to list the many ways they are thankful and the many facets of life to which they have gratitude.  I enjoy reading these.  For the most part.  Except for the generic comments and those that are completely out of line with ones actions and daily walk. So this year I opted out.  I’ve come to the realization that it is not necessarily what people read of me on the outside that counts, or even my behavior, but more so how I am behind closed doors.  How am I showing my God thanks and gratitude when my kids are running amuck, dinner is late and the laundry is piling up?  What about when my temper is short and I’m exhausted?  Better yet, each time I feel the urge to want better things?  These are the times that try me, the times I need to drop to my knees and give praise to my Heavenly Father for all that is.  You see, more and more I am finding contentment in what God has given to me.  Through all the tragedies of years past, be it financial downfalls (i.e. our recession-which we avoided), acts of nature, health conditions, the loss of our unborn child, the homeless and desolate in our USA and the always present famine and pitiful living conditions of third world countries I am seeing how truly blessed I am to have even the most meager of “American style” living conditions.  Not to mention that the celebration of Thanksgiving has turned into nothing short of sales and shopping. So much for family and gratitude.  Does anyone plan family time or they only setting their destinations into the GPS system of their overly expensive vehicle?  I’m disgusted by it (duh!) and therefore I don’t shop over the holiday.  It’s my way of rebelling, my way of honoring the original meaning when Pilgrims and Indians gave thanks to a Lord who poured out blessings (even though not many Indians came to believe in the Gospel)

I am so thankful for my God and the freedom to worship him publicly.  To have the freedom to spread the Gospel in any way I can.  I am grateful for Josh, my (ex-smoker!)husband of 8 years who, being an atheist, has never shown hostility towards my Christian beliefs.  Who will not leave me because of my belief, for this I am so very thankful.  I consider it a blessing to grow and walk my testimony in life with him.  I hold on to the hope that he will one day see the truth, but if not, I have faith in Gods sovereign plan. Each of my 4 children are a blessing in my life, each in their own way.  This includes our 5^th that was lost and now my 6^th growing inside of me.  To know that he will feel the love of God before taking his 1^st breath, that is an amazing gift. Through my BSF program, my eyes have been opened in ways I never imagined to the Word of God.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am gaining such knowledge and understanding with each passing lesson.  It leaves me hungry for more!  My group this year is amazing, and I am thankful for the Lords hand in choosing us all to be together.

I could go on and on and on but quite honestly, my God knows my heart and that is what ultimately is most important.  My prayer is that each of you will take a few moments to really think about what you have been blessed with.  Is there a need that has not been met?  As we trend into Christmas season, let’s not get so caught up in the secular view of giving items of “wants” over items of need.  Our children are so bombarded with commercials and ads for toys and things that are not necessities.  Let’s remember…3 gifts were plenty for Jesus, is that not plenty for your family?  Considering how he selfishly and brutally gave of himself to death for all of us on the cross, let’s return that by remembering him in an honorable way.

 

In Him,Forever Blessed~

Jenny