Though the year actually started 4 days ago, I feel like today is the first day of the new year. Probably because I'm back at work, Lee's back to work, and Slade's back at school. Happy new year everyone!
The kids and I had a wonderful trip visiting family and friends in Oklahoma City, Stephenville, and Dallas. for 8 days It was a long time to be gone, but so good to be around my loving family and spend the time with my mom. Even better, when I got home, my sweet husband had taken down the Christmas tree and put away all the decorations so I wouldn't have to do it. What a pleasant surprise!
I spent a lot of time thinking over the weekend, and talking with Lee, and have several ideas for how to accomplish certain things this year. I tend to take on too many "resolutions," so I'm trying to focus on one thing in each key area I want to improve.
The most important thing I plan to work on this year is studying my Bible more. Lee and I also plan to begin a study together, one separate from the one for our Bible class. Not only will that help strengthen my faith, I think it will help me focus on the blessings I have, rather than on the bad things going on right now in my life. It will help me be more patient with my children and husband. It will help me be more encouraging to others. I will be more prepared for Bible class. I will get to do something with my husband. And I will be happier.
My other areas of improvement are to work out twice a week, eat healthier, and get more organized at home.
It was sooo good to have you all here! Amanda looked at the pictures I took of the boys and couldn't stand she wasn't here! I am so excited about Rage! How funny! We plan to come, so when we do, get those cards ready! I can't think of a better way to start out the year, in more Bible study. A family study is such a very good idea. The boys will remember that God and study was a priority in you and Lee's life. God Bless you in the new year to come. If you, Val, or your mom ever need me, I'll be there! Love you!
That sounds like a really good plan--keep us updated on how it goes...I like the 2 days/week goal for exercising...sounds very realistic rather than trying to commit to too much and giving it up very soon!
I know I've been a lousy poster lately, and I'm sorry. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support during our family's difficult time, and I can't even put into words how much it's helping. I haven't posted much because I really don't want to be a downer to everyone out there, so I'm trying to process through my pain in other ways.
I have found through this difficult time, that I actually feel stronger spiritually than I have in a long time. I'm not usually very good about turning things over to God, but I've found that some days I can actually do that (other days I still struggle, but I'm getting there).
I also want to mention that I am so grateful to my parents for instilling God's word into me as a child, and for helping me study and ultimately become who I am today. Though some of my family's beliefs are up in the air right now and Satan is vigorously trying to make that permanent, I will always thank Mom and Dad for their example while I was growing up.
I'm thankful you can have that perspective. They were both great teachers, not just to ya'll, but to others as well. I will always appreciate what I learned from them.
Good seeing at the party the other day. Seems like it's been 10 years. I don't even remember if I ran into you at Val Gal's wedding or not. Anyway, come on down to the meeting in Texas City if you can't. You won't regret it.
What would we do without our Christian family and friends, even if I'm blood family! Read I Peter 1, and remember there are various trial to deal with, but what an inheritance that is waiting for us. You all have a great trip to OKC and we'll see you the 29th!
Ooh, it's material that Bro. Wally O. has put together for us. I'm sure it has parts of Bro. Fontenot's study to it. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you guys using it. There are alot of discussion questions for husb/wife to really talk about.
btw, you and your sister and mom are being incredible examples and encouragment to many others, even those who do not know you that well. I have faith that God's word will win out. Hugs and prayers.
Hello everyone, just wanted to say thanks for all your prayers, calls, and notes during such a tough time. I am working very hard on turning things over to God, and some parts of some days, I feel like I'm succeeding. I appreciate your support.
Gold gets you more friends (although, I don't think I really need that at this point). It also allows you to send messages and post private comments for people. And you can make your posts private, if you want to. It also gives you a lot more freedom in formatting with your comments.
I haven't been on here in awhile, so I added you to my special family and friends list!! Beth called me, and filled me in. I posted to her^ the same, I love you and we are family and we are here. I'll pray and pray some more! Give the boys a hug for me. Remember I love you!
This will be a short post. I would like to ask for everyone's prayers for me and my family. Satan has wormed his way into our family in a very direct way, and he is trying his hardest to devastate us. I don't want to go into details, but I would appreciate your support and prayers during this exceedingly difficult time.
Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, and I hope no one (including myself) lets a day go by that we don't thank God for the good things we have in life. We don't realize how good things are until something bad happens.
You are certainly in Sommer and my prayers. Mickey and Celeste talked to us about it Wed. night. Our Lord is infinitely stronger than the adversary. Keep believing in His power.
I have had a couple of great days. I wanted to share that with everyone, since I know I've been talking a lot lately about the bad stuff going on. I decided I have done what I can do to help those situations, and all I can do from this point forward is pray. So I am praying. And I feel so much more peaceful.
I have made a concerted effort to really and truly enjoy my life, despite the bad stuff. I have loved the weather lately, spent extra time with my kids, tuned in more to what's going on that's happy. I believe it's a choice to be happy, and it's up to us to find that, not rely on others. Obviously, seeking God is the utmost thing that will help too.
I had a great time Tuesday with my sister too. After work that day, we went shopping and had a great dinner. It's been so long since she and I did something just the two of us, without our parents, or my kids, or our husbands. I cherish her, and knowing we can help each other through the rough stuff makes me happy too. Love you, Val!
I don't wanna just comment on your down days. Glad things are going better, or at least you are managing it better. There's a lot to enjoy in life. And as far as sisters go, I find it interesting how Proverbs chooses the relationship of sisters to personify wisdom and call our "intimate friend". You are blessed to have each other. God Bless.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I know it was two posts ago that you asked for prayers, but just know that they are still coming. We do remember you, and care about you, and pray for you and your family. God bless.
Hello! It is so good to hear from you! I'm glad all is well with your family... Yes, We are attending Kleinwood and we have sold our house so that we can move to that area. We love the group of young people there. I hope you're boys are doing good. We miss seeing you! =]
