The Beat Goes On

Well hello everyone :)

I am so glad you stopped by to see about us again.  We are doing ok. My hubby and I spent a few weeks this past month just being hubby and wife. I tell you what, you don't realize how many things you don't do anymore until it's just you and your spouse together at home alone.  I enjoy my girls. They are my life's joy and most precious gifts. (I of course include my grand-daughter in that!) I have to admit though I have enjoyed things with my husband that I haven't done in a long time... things like sitting on the front porch enjoying a sunset; snuggling on the sofa in a dark room watching a movie; riding in the car with no particular place to go, just so we could spend time together; TALKING.  There were so many small things we shared these past few weeks that the busyness of life just didn't make time for. I thank God for showing me that an empty nest will be manageable and this trial run for it made it ok. We raised our daughters to grow up and leave the nest, but I never said it would be easy to watch it grow empty.

Now, you might ask, what happened these past few weeks to make me feel like a momma bird? Heather as you know was my first nestling. She calls me regularly, something for which I am very blessed, but she lives almost 45 minutes away as the mom drives. Tiffany has been busy making finishing touch wedding plans and Rochelle has been traveling- first to Branson, Missouri and then to Anchorage, Alaska.

Tiffany will soon be Mrs. Christopher Michael. Her wedding is set for August 18th, a mere 13 days away. I am very happy for them and as soon as the wedding is past and I can get pics uploaded you will have one to see. They plan to go on a cruise to Mexico and when they return they will continue looking for a home to buy. Her wedding shower was yesterday and, true to form my mommy moments were trying to surface but she didn't see them. I explained a few years ago what mommy moments were, so if you've read any of my posts you know I get teary eyed about the quickness of my girls growing up.

Rochelle's travels took her to Branson with friends in which she met the guy she thinks is the one who broke J.D. Sumner's Guiness record for lowest note hit by a human voice. The Alaska trip was a mission trip with our church.  I am so glad she had the opportunity to go and experience serving the Lord and being someplace that I've never been. I am also excited that she brought home the coveted pictures of hills (which look like mountains to us) and moose! It was her first time flying and she got to experience something called turbulence which she did NOT like.

I am proud of the girls we have raised. They have loving, generous hearts and they have professed Jesus as Savior. I know that no matter where they go in life they will be ok as long as they keep Him at the center of their lives because when all else doesn't make sense He is the One you can turn to.

David was given the opportunity to preach during the absence of our pastor and the other 6 church members who went on the mission trip. I am glad he was givne this opportunity.  He has taken a pause in sending out resumes until he finishes his Master's course in seminary; but rest assured he will continue answering God's call as often as he can. Pray for him as his job has gone to permanent nights which makes it difficult to study.

Our only mode of transportation's theft system has begun to lock us out. This seems to be common for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. We keep resetting it by the 10 minute method but we know that it is just a matter of time before it just won't start anymore. Right now we are focusing on getting back on our feet and getting a wedding paid for so another vehicle is out of the question. In addition to this our oven has gone out and after the first new payment on the house we have been informed that the note is going up already.  In all of this we know that "God works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). David and I want so much to not live on what I have begun to call borrowed dreams so we choose not to go into debt anymore. The Bible says to neither a borrower or a lender be for the borrower is slave to the lender (as evidenced by the rise in the house note). In this day and age it is difficult to live by that principle. Yes, we HAVE signed loan papers on the house in the past few months BUT this is something we have recently determined in our hearts through reading God's word so the loan has to stand until we can pay it off, hopefully before the time period of the loan is over. Please pray for us as we embark on this step in following Christ.  

I am spending some time keeping house, running with my parents to doctors and getting some crochet projects done.  I am making cell phone pouches and purses and some requested items, as well as continuing the bag mat ministry our church does.

I guess that is about it for this update. I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and safe. Take care and God bless.