Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Faith Will Prevail Through All!

I was on my way to work this morning and as I was driving I was thinking about all the people who are in my life. The different struggles each one has in their life and how they face them. Some are Christians and some are non-believers and well some are just confused about all of it. I think a lot of people look at Christianity as an easier life. Let's face the facts here. Just because one has faith in the Lord does not mean life will be easier and there won't be any struggles. We learn to face them differently is all.

A dear friend of mine is a Christian but right now she is faced with sitting by her husbands side as he waits to meet Jesus. She is okay with that because she knows he knows Jesus and he is ready. Her Faith in God shines even through her heartache.
Then there is (for privacy purposes we will call in Mike). Mike is more of an acquaintance. This year Mike and his family have had curve ball after curve ball thrown at him. Now, the latest one is watching his baby girl fight for her life against cancer. He feels like he has nothing left in him that he is completely depleted. I am not sure where Mike's beliefs are but from what I know he doesn't believe. Though he feels alone in all of this what he doesn't realize is God is right next to him catching every tear and holding his little girl in His arms. Prayers go up for them on a daily basis. May this Christmas season be an awakening for them all. I know his little girl is a fighter and she will continue to fight as long as she can. Then you come across those people who are having hardships in their lives whether it be in their marriage or in their home life. The Faith that some have that God will redeem their marriage and know that God is that powerful no matter how bad things may get is such a beautiful thing. It has made me think about how I would feel if I were in that kind of situation. It is a true test of love and Faith.

Then there is B. She has recently come to know Jesus. It has been amazing adventure to see her grow the way she has. I think back to when she would hear me blab on about my Faith and she listened but for her it wasn't anything great. Hearing her testimony that God came to her and she didn't come to Him is mind boggling. She gets it. It brings tears to my eyes. To see how God is a healer and a redeemer! AMAZING!!!!!

So being a Christian isn't easy nor does it mean all your problems will go away. You also may get hurt by other Christians sometimes too because being a Christian doesn't make anyone perfect nor good. Non of us are good, we are filthy and continue to sin everyday. But the Faith that Jesus Christ bared all that on the cross because He knew we never could is a blessing!!!! Where does your Faith lye? Is your glass half empty or half full?  What are you living for???
Until Next Time...

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Who says Blended Families Can't Work?

A little over a month ago I stepped into my "Big Girl Shoes". It's crazy looking at life from the perspective I am now in.( I had respect for my step-dad before but now it is on another level!) In just that little time my whole life has changed. I no longer worry about just me, my first concern is my husband and my new daughter and their well being (oh and our little Candy too). Of course there are some highlights and some low lights as there is in all families. I will go ahead and start with the low lights...

I feel like our family is so busy I cannot wait for life to slow down a little bit. Though I do not see that happening considering the holidays are quickly approaching. But every week there is something, a practice, a meeting of some sort, or trying to fit fellowship in with friends along with family time as well. I am a great multi-tasker but trying to fit everything and everyone into our schedule has become an interesting thing to accomplish! My hubby has been great through it all. Poor guy he is used to things being a certain way and well lately it hasn’t been able to be achieved. He too is making a huge adjustment. Living with another woman in the house can't be easy. In this new chapter there are many highlights as well...

I love enjoying the moments at the end of the day when I get to see my husband. It is well worth the busyness of the day. Getting to see him every night is more than I could have asked for but knowing I am going to wake up next to him in the morning is even better. As much as I look forward to our alone time I get anxious about Wednesdays when we are blessed with Grace's presence. It's so nice to spend family time together. Seeing Grace's smiling face when I come home makes everything feel complete. She is so funny, even when she isn't trying to be. It's great to see her growing into a beautiful girl of God. She has started praying at every meal and we all get on our knees before bed to pray. It is so sweet who and what she remembers to pray for. Also, the way she looks at her daddy makes my heart smile. It's like she sees him as her hero or her knight and shining armor. I am glad we can share him :)

In all of this seeing God heal relationships around us has been extraordinary, especially relationships in my husband’s life. Relationships he cares greatly about, some he thought were lost forever. In fact God has done healing in one particular relationship. We were even invited to attend to celebrate their birthday with them over the weekend. Seeing him smile like he did when we were there is still captured in my head. God can heal all things if one just let's Him in. Praise Jesus!

I know there will be struggles in the future but I am handing everything over to God. Remember communication is the KEY to EVERY relationship. Be open, honest, and embrace what is said instead of shutting down. You will make it through if you put your trust in Him.

Until next time...




Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Young, Married, and being a Step-mom...

Today you see various families. Some are high school sweet hearts that settled and had a family. Others are mixed in one way or another. Well the new chapter in my life looks like this...

I am 23 years old. I have married the love of my life but he is 15 years older than me. He does have a daughter from a previous marriage and she is 9 years old. I never imagined that my life would look like this picture. I imagined the "normal" life style. At first getting used to the idea that I was younger than him and he had a kid was no big deal. Then I started thinking who will I relate to? Will there be anyone my age in the same position as I? None of my friends had married anyone older than them nor had they married anyone that already had a child. God works in crazy ways. 4 months before I was married I met a girl named Nicolle. She married her husband in July 2011. She is a few years older than me but her husband is also a bit older, previously married and he has two kids. One that is currently living with them. The other lives with her mother. Then there is Anneke. She is a few years younger than I and just married her husband in Aug 2011. She married a man 10 years older than her who was divorced and had a kid. The best part is they both believe in God.

Sharing my feelings with the woman and being able to relate made me feel that I wasn't alone. I am able to ask what they are going through and vice versa. God is truly working in all of our lives, and becoming the woman He wants us to be so we can lead our new children by example. But not only that, being able to be the best Godly wife for our husbands. I know that things will not always be a smooth ride and children soon turn into teenagers but I know that if your life is devoted and pointed at the cross God will help get you through the tough times.

It is amazing the work I have been seeing lately in the lives around me. He is healer, He is a father, and He is a forgiver. I must praise Him for that. It is one thing to see it happen in your own life but when you have the blessing to see it front and center in a young girl’s life, or a best friend's life it is something a person can't explain. The best word that comes to mind is Miraculous. That is what He is. I am thankful that He has put the people in my life that I can relate to and dive into the gospel with.