"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Three Months and Now Walking

I just had to share a praise. Today my husband had another follow-up appointment after his pelvis surgery. After 12 weeks of having no weight bearing on his left leg he now is able to begin to have weight on it again. He has attempted some walking here at home and I can't tell you how good it is to see him up on his feet again without having to use crutches, a walker, or wheel chair.

We praise God for this big step in his recovery. We know that there still is a longer road of healing with his hand, but we are so thankful for the healing he has had so far.

No matter what we face, we pray God will use us to show others the importance of serving and following Him. He never promised an easy path for us, but yet we choose to serve Him!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

In just a couple short days it will be 12 weeks since my husband had surgery to repair his fractured pelvis. We return to the doctor later this week to see how he is progressing and whether he can start putting his full weight on his leg. The days and weeks have blurred together. By next week it is likely that he will be able to return to work at least part time for a while.

He still has a long road of recovery ahead of him when it comes to his arm/hand healing. It could be anywhere from another three months to two years before he gets back full movement and feeling. Through it all we have felt the Lord's peace and strength upholding us. I have often had people comment to me about me being glad when my husband returns to work, and that never has been the case. I will miss him.

On this Father's Day I can't help but think of how proud I am of my husband for being a man of integrity. He has made a point to be an active part of our boys' lives. He helped out with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and even with swimming. I am blessed to be married to him!

Yesterday we celebrated our oldest son's graduation which will be in a week. I had several poster boards of photos of our son in the early years of his life. I smiled as I looked through and chose photos for this event. Many memories are portrayed in those photos. I couldn't help but think of all the things we have done as a homeschooling family. Many vacations were spent doing educational things together. I realize the sacrifices my husband has made so that I can stay home with our family.

So I salute you honey on this Father's Day, for all you do and for all that you mean to me. I know that we have been through a lot lately and times have been hard. But there is nowhere I would rather be than right by your side, serving the Lord together.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Quiet

On Tuesday my sons left for training for the summer as they both serve at a local Christian camp. My oldest son will be a senior counselor and the youngest son will be serving through maintenance. I have mixed feelings as I think about the summer. I know with the beginning of training, and then right into camps, the time will quickly pass. I am proud of them for being willing to serve the Lord in this capacity, but I also am missing them as well.

On July 23rd my youngest son will be boarding an airplane by himself to head to Los Angeles where he will meet the Youth Quests International team that will be traveling to China for 18 days as part of a summer mission trip. Originally my son, husband and another teen were to go on this trip together. Due to my husband's accident, he will be unable to go. The other teen opted to go on a different trip to China. So we are stepping out in faith, letting our 15 year old go by himself.

After my husband's accident I figured the trip would have to wait a year, until he could go too. But my youngest son was persistent. I knew that over a year ago he felt the nudging of God to go on a missions trip to China. As I was praying about it one morning I felt the Lord saying to me, "Can't you trust me to take care of him in China?" Gulp! I know that I can. So we have taken a leap of faith and are in the midst of preparing for him to go.

I don't always do well with it. When we recently paid for the flight from Virginia to California, I started to panic a little when I thought about my son having to navigate through the airport on his own, finding his luggage, and figuring out where to check in. But yet, I know that this is something that God is calling him to do. I felt another tug on my heart this week when we received his passport back from getting the Visa approved.

Finances still haven't come in for his trip. I guess I struggle with this since my husband will have some days of receiving no pay and only partial pay as he hopefully returns to work at the end of this month. I know that we have very little extra that we can support him. So I guess it means stepping out in faith that God will provide - for our needs as well as my son's needs.

I guess I rely on the truth that I have been telling my sons the past several months. I don't know what God has in store for our future, and how He will provide for us. But I am assured of one thing....I know that I can trust Him!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Fences

I have noticed lately the number of fences that are around me. Our neighbors just installed a tall fence that completely encases their back yard. In fact all of the neighbors that have adjoining property to ours, has a fence of some sort. As I saw the newest fence going up, I couldn't help but think about how much things have changed in our world.

We build fences to have privacy. So many of Americans today come home and drive into their garage, and enter their home without having to talk with the neighbors. We have become a society that focuses more and more on self. We build hedges/fences around us.

Even within our own hearts we can have fences built - fences that provide a barrier from someone becoming too close and learning our inmost thoughts and feeling; fences that prevent God from dealing with sin issues in our hearts as well. When we face tough times these 'fences' prevent us from opening up and sharing what is really on our hearts. We miss the opportunity for others to come alongside to help and support and we also prevent people from being blessed in the process.

Are their any fences that you need to tear down in your heart and life? Is there anything that is preventing you from reaching out to others?