On being a Single Mom...For a week!

I've never really paid attention to what my husband does around the house. Not always what he does... but the role that he fills, or the space he takes up just being here. I've always found myself complaining about what he DOESN'T do... so this week while he's gone out of town for work - I find myself overwhelmed and lonely. I've literally slept in the middle of my king size bed (which I never get to do when he's here) and kept his office door closed so that I don't even have to see the emptiness that exists there.

He comes back home tomorrow and I can't wait, but I wanted to share some thoughts that I've had during this time of being a single Mom...

I could NEVER do all of this alone. (Okay, I could if I HAD to... but I certainly don't want to! That's why I got married!) Being a single parent is not something I've ever even considered doing or trying and I hope that I never end up in a situation where I have to learn to survive alone with my kids. I've had to be alone before when Hubs left for work but for some reason this time has been the hardest. Probably because the kids miss him just as much as I do, and ask about him constantly. It was easier when they were a little younger and didn't know any different if he was gone or home. I have a new found appreciation for those parents of kids that have to figure out how to be Mom and Dad all on their own.

Being cooped up in this house makes me feel all depressed and lonely... I'm so glad that I have friends that have called/texted to check on me and the boys. I'm even more thankful and appreciative of the ones who stopped by and visited, watched movies,  had coffee with me, or cooked me dinner! You guys are fabulous and I'm not sure why I've been so blessed to have such amazing people in my life! If my mans not home, they are definitely a good second place to his company! It helped me get through this week without pulling my hair out completely!

Another HUGE plus... I am all caught up on the LAUNDRY!

At least until Hubs gets home tomorrow and unloads his luggage! Ha!

The One Where I Say Goodbye.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dp

This week I've had to say goodbye and struggle with the death of THE most influential woman in my life besides my own Mother. That is my Gram. Her name is Edith Lorene Smith. I got my middle name, my compassion, and my love for all things in the kitchen from her. She taught me how to cook, bake and clean up after myself in the kitchen. She taught me basic sewing. She showed me what having a family was all about, and she would have done anything for all of us grands. She is an amazing woman and I hate that tomorrow I have to say goodbye for good. But not forever. She will live on in my heart, on my face (I think I have her eyes), and in how I live my life. She will be there in how I raise my kids; and also on my hands, neck, and ears - she left me some jewelry behind that I will cherish all of my life.

Gram and I at my house, last Christmas.

For the past two years (give or take some time), I've watched Gram struggle through chemo, radiation and all of the other hardships that come with a cancer diagnosis. She was diagnosed with lung cancer, and lost her battle this week. Thankfully, she passed away in her sleep. She's now among the angels and with the love of her life once again. I can take solace in the fact that I know she is a Christian, and that one day we will see each other again. I pray that she's up there now, watching over us and that she's no longer suffering.

The one bright spot this week has been all of the loving support from my friends and family. I don't know what I would do without these particular people. They know who they are - near and far, they are the ones that rally around me at the best and worst times of life. While some of them are new and some of them have literally been around since (or before) my birth, they all have been a huge part in my being able to survive this week.

I pray that one day my kids will know her through me, because she has been such an influence on my life. I hope to share stories, pictures and many memories about her with my boys.

I love you, Gram. I miss you.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

Gram, with Ryan, at dinner back in May.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."   - See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

3 Months Post Partum!

This week my second baby boy will be three months old. I still can't believe time has literally flown by too quickly! It feels like just yesterday I was in the hospital! I was looking back to some photos of Ryan at 3 months and I'm so surprised still to see how alike these two boys are in looks! They have my Smith eyes and their Daddy's blue color. I'm so looking forward to watching them grow up and become friends as well as brothers. I pray that they remain close through life and that they remain true to who God created them to be. I pray that they become Godly men and follow in the footsteps of the faithful paths their father and I have laid in front of them. It still amazes me every day when Ryan repeats a new word or when Kyle reaches a new development stage. He's trying so hard to roll over and Ryan's vocabulary is expanding daily.

I'm sitting here in wonder at who they might be one day, dreaming of the future and praying for their lives and future wives. I pray that these boys find women who encourage them and love them for who they are. I pray that they become men who support their family financially and spiritually. I pray that they use what we teach them now and apply it to every aspect of their lives.

As for me, I'm doing good now that my body and mind are almost back to normal! Postpartum depression is no joke and my hormones have not been all that good to me. Not to mention the bible study I've been doing has literally been throwing my insecurities in my face and forcing me to face them head on. I pray that I continue this uphill climb and that the holiday season is the best yet so far in our lives! (:

Baby Kyle, Almost 3 Months Old

I am Not Alone.

If you ever think that the people in the Bible had it easy - think again. Some of these folks make even my life look easy.

Let's take the story of Sarai and Hagar in the Old Testament. Sarai and Abram tried for years to have a child of their own. When she found being infertile hard to face; she had the brilliant idea to have her maiden, Hagar, sleep with him as a surrogate. When the plan worked and Hagar became pregnant, things fell apart. Hagar hated Sarai, and Sarai abused (physically) Hagar, who then fled to the desert.

"We naturally despise people whose company we are forced to share if we feel largely threatened by them."  P. 48

 I've had many occasions in my life where I've felt insecure or jealous. I've also been able to trace those feelings back to something or someone that I've perceived as a threat. Personally, when I married Wesley I was not sexually active, and never had been. So for me - every girl that came before me was a threat. One in particular, Marlena (who is now one of my best friends). She had dated Wesley a long time ago (before his first marriage) and is still in his life, as a friend. So to me, at the beginning, she was sort of a major threat. I was jealous that she knew him back then and I felt insecure about their previous relationship in regards to my relationship with him at the time. I've since dealt with these issues and with time they have gone away. I am no longer jealous of her and we've actually become really fantastic best friends because I let it go and decided to give her a chance. One that without the grace of God I wouldn't have been able to give. 

"Jealousy is always the result of a perceived threat. And a threat always 

places a 911 call to insecurity." P. 48

The other person that I could kind of relate to was Saul. Ever heard of imposter syndrome? It's when everyone else may think you are competent and qualified, you know different. We assume that if other people knew us the way that we know ourselves, then they too would see that we just aren't good enough. Saul was tall, dark and handsome and chosen by God to be a king. But from his first public act (hiding among the baggage) to some of his worst moments (trying to kill David) he lived and breathed insecurity. 

Insecurity is driven by the fear of loss - of status, of people, of love. Saul feared losing his admiration and power and he had quickly decided that David would be the one to take them, so he focused it all on him. I personally fear losing my friends more than anything. I'm always afraid that I'll say the wrong thing or we will fight and they will walk away thinking that I'm not worth it. I'm afraid of losing my husband for the same reasons. But I know that I serve a higher power - my God is Sovereign and he can deliver me from these emotions. 

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.   (1 Cor. 10:13)

Insecurity tempts us to wallow in our self-pity and our unhealthy emotions. It gives us that feeling that there is no way out and it takes us deeper into a pit of jealousy and self-loathing. God's word says there is a way out. 

God promises not to give us anything we can't personally handle, but when it's hard and when things are out of our control, He will give us what we need to get through it and survive. 

"Human flesh and blood have no weakness so strong that God's strength is made weak." P. 57

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 12:9)

I am an Insecure Woman.

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you.  

(1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

Jeremiah 17:7-8 gives us a definition of a secure person - grounded in Christ.  This is not yet who I am, but who I strive to be. I want to have that full and total trust in Him to secure me, I don't want to put my hope in an earthly future, but in Him and what His plans are for my life.

When I think of an insecure woman, I consider someone who's not one hundred percent happy with who they are as a person, spouse, mother or friend. She's probably holding on to a lot of thoughts that would hinder her relationships. She's uncertain about her feelings and desires being considered right or wrong in the eyes of others. Beth Moore says in the book that "An insecure woman is a complicated mix of confidence and self-consciousness." I completely agree. That's me.

My insecurities keep me from reaching out to people when I need help. I tend to feel like everyone else's problems are so much more important and complicated than my own, so I feel no need to burden them more. I prefer to 'suffer in silence'. I tend to set some very unrealistic expectations on other people. I expect people to 'read my mind' instead of just swallowing my pride and opening up about how I feel. It's something that I still do today and I'm working on it because I know that doing so has ruined relationships and friendships in the past.

In the book, Beth Moore talks about our 'false positives'. It's the ONE thing we think we can change to make everything else better. For me, it's my body. I've always felt that if I had a better body/weight that everything else would just fall into place. That's not necessarily the case. I have a wonderful husband who tells me more than once on a daily basis that I'm beautiful and sexy. Do I believe him? Yes, most of the time. Then when I don't, it's only because of memories from the past. From back in high school and before, of people telling me I wasn't pretty enough or popular enough. I've always allowed other people's opinions about me carry a lot of weight on what I do or how I look. It's time to change that and this journey is already teaching me so much about myself and how to do just that.

In my next post I'll talk about being in good company, sharing stories from the bible of insecure women AND men, as well as some more of my personal journey.

Here is some more scripture to ponder over;

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can 

do the good things he planned for us long ago.

(Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.  

(2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT)

The Challenge of Consecration without Isolation.

Chapter two in Love Like Jesus by Judah Smith revolves around Luke 5. It's all about the disciples washing their fishing nets. Part of the moral of this particular story is supposed to remind us that cleaning out nets means we use them to fish. We don't just clean them to keep them clean.

In this story, Jesus was preaching at a lake and because the crowd was moving in on him, he got out into a boat to preach from the water. He looked for Peter, who was washing his nets and got him to put his boat back into the water so He could continue to preach. When he was done, Jesus asked Peter to go fishing - after fishing all night and not catching anything, Peter let down his clean nets and caught tons of fish. He immediately declared himself a sinner and Jesus as Lord.

"...[J]ust as the purpose of clean nets is to catch fish, so too the purpose of our purity is to reach people."

We need to maintain purity. It's so easy to get comfortable with our nice, shiny, and clean nets and lose touch with the sea. Then Judah breaks it down like this: We get saved, God forgives us our sins, and washes us clean with His Word. We feel so clean and happy that we want to spend all our time with other followers and forget about the other sinners still waiting for their chance to be saved.

"It is easy to forget that we were pulled out of a pit so that we would help others out of the same desperate situation." 

Proverbs 18:1 says 'A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire.' We tend to isolate ourselves because that's where we are comfortable and it's hard and risky to leave that comfort zone and reach out. God sets up apart not so that we stay isolated, but so that we will have strong and healthy nets and resources to help pull other people from the depths of their sins.

My Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for isolating myself. I'm so thankful that you've saved me from my sins and from the depths of them. Please cleanse my life so that I may be a person worthy of reaching other people in Your name. Amen.

Ky's Birth Story!

Kyle Steven Addison

8/13/13

 12:25 pm 

7 lbs 11 ounces 19 inches

Now that it's been almost a MONTH since my second son was born, I figured it was time to share the story about how he came into this world! Don't read if you are very modest at all... I'm going to be pretty brutally honest! (:

On Monday August 12th, I went in for what I thought was a regular 38 week check up. I was hoping to get my cervix checked and find out I'd made some progress and then go back home to my toddler who was staying with a friend so relax for the afternoon! That was so not the case!! When the nurse took my blood pressure, it was a little higher than my normal range. The week before it had been lower than my normal range... so it was out of place for me. I hadn't had much swelling so I personally wasn't worried about per-eclaimsia, but my doctor was. She checked me, I'd made no progress at all in two weeks but she was worried about my blood pressure. So she sent me next door to the hospital, to go to labor and delivery to be monitored for a few hours on my BP and to start a 24 hour urine collection so they could make sure I wasn't losing any protein in my urine.

This news of course scared the crap out of me, I was worried about me and the baby - and after a phone call to Wesley, I found out he was in Atlanta at his work's second location for servers and NOT nearby like I'd hoped. My call to him I think scared him some though - but he was able to calm me down because crying and worrying wasn't going to help my BP at all. So we hung up, I went into the hospital and he started his journey to come and meet me there. At this point, I didn't think we were actually very close to meeting baby Kyle at all.

I got admitted into a room and hooked up to baby monitors and a BP cuff that would check my pressure every 15 minutes. Every time it took my BP, it kept coming down, looking better and better. I also immediately fell in love with my nurse Meg, we clicked right away! She was amazing and very supportive and calming. It wasn't long before Wesley finally got there and that helped me calm down as well. I hated being alone!

Not long after Wesley finally arrived, a tech came in to do an ultrasound and check baby out. They wanted to double check my fluid levels in there because apparently it can be dangerous if my levels are low. Turns out, they were a little low. That mixed with my up and down blood pressure and the fact that Kyle's heart rate keep dropping dangerously low with each contraction forced my doctor to make the decision to go ahead and induce me.

I was completely floored. I was to be put on cervadil over night to induce labor and open up my cervix some more. That medicine is the worst thing I've ever experienced in my entire life!! I was up all night cramping and contracting! It was awful! By 7am the next morning I was practically screaming for them to remove it! When they finally did, I'd progressed by a few centimeters and was already contracting pretty regularly. We would definitely be meeting Kyle that day.

By 8 am my midwife had come in to check on me and I'd already seen my doctor as well too. They broke my water and put me on some pitocin to keep the contractions coming stronger. They ordered my epidural and things got under way. By about 11:30 - 11:45 I was already 10 centimeters and ready to push, the pressure of his head pushing out was overwhelming and I felt like I couldn't wait. I didn't push for nearly as long this time and she had to cut me for him to fit... but he arrived at 12:25 pm on August 13, 2013. If he'd of been any bigger my bones wouldn't have allowed me to get him out - my doctor was preparing me mentally for an emergency c-section because Ky's heart keep dropping with each hard contraction & push.

I'm so thankful things turned out like they did and my precious baby boy is home to be with us and he's growing and thriving every day! I'm so thankful to everyone that prayed, called, texted, facebooked, or visited us during all of this. We love you all!!

Here are some more photos:

Instant connection!

He's so beautiful!

Big brother checking Ky out...

Daddy & his boys!!

Blessed and Thankful.

My Dad, Steven, was in a serious car accident earlier this weekend with 3 of his friends in Sioux Falls, SD. The truck, trailer and 4 motorcycles were totaled but thank GOD everyone is doing good, they had very minor injuries. My Dad has a broken collar bone and his friend Melvin had a head laceration that was stitched/stapled up and mostly superficial. The other two (Paul & Tony) came out mostly unscathed.

They'd been on this motorcycle trip since the 18th - they were headed back home on Friday. It could have been so much worse. 

Basically they had someone pass them and cut them off on a two lane highway, forcing Paul (the driver, and my Dad's Pastor) to slam on breaks while pulling a trailer twice as long and twice as heavy as the truck pulling it. They were pulling all 4 bikes in the trailer. The action of slamming on the breaks caused the trailer to fish tail badly and with all the weight sent them into a grassy median, flipping the truck/trailer probably more than once. The top of the trailer came off when they finally stopped, landing on the side; and the bikes, along with the truck and trailer, were just ruined.

My Dad and Melvin have been released from the hospital and after a hotel stay that night they used some buddy passes from a friend in their church to continue their journey back home (Paul and Tony drove a rental home with all the personal effects they were allowed to take from the wreckage) to all of their wives and families. 

We got to see Dad yesterday for lunch after church and I'm just so thankful that he only has a broken collar bone and some bruising. He was very sore though and supposed to see his doctor today. I'm praying he won't require any surgery to repair his clavicle. He's thankful to be home but still talks about how much of a great time he had and he'd do it all over again. He was so positive and I'm so thankful that he's home and safe and that the wreck wasn't any worse... now we wait to see if insurance says about the bike. 

Here are some photos from our visit yesterday: 

One of my happy places, with both of my parents!

My crazy child, in the dog bed with Sasha!

 

30 Days of Thanks

I'm making this post to keep up with what I post on Facebook for the 30 days of Thanks. So keep checking back to see what I'm thankful for! (:

1. Today I am thankful for a loving and forgiving God! He died on the cross for me and I know I'll have eternal life with him in Heaven! Missing my Gramps today, but thankful I know where he is and that one day I will see him again! Love you, Gramps!!

2. Today I am thankful for my husband - the man who stole my heart when I thought it was time to give up on love; the man who loves, supports and appreciates me even on my cranky days; the man who works for our family's living and has given more than I could ever even ask for! He's the rock in my life and I would have never gotten through this last year without him! Wesley, I love you!

3. Today I am thankful for modern medicine and doctors who have extended office hours! Ryan and I both went this morning - coughing and congested. We are doing better now, but it's been a long day! 

4. Today I am thankful for Lifesong church and the people it's brought into my life! I pray daily for them and love them all like family! They are kind, considerate, and caring when it comes to me an my family! 

5. Today I am thankful for my sister Stephanie - she is such an amazing, loving person! She is one of the most important people in my life. I'm thankful she took my dog, Larson, when I didn't think I'd find him a home. She is beautiful inside and out; she has a super creative mind; and she is a great Aunt to Ryan! Love ya, Steph!  

6. Today I am thankful that my voice can be heard! Get out today and vote! Praying for today and remembering we are "ONE Nation Under God". 

7. Today I am thankful for all the little things: getting my hair done, sleeping in clean, warm sheets, early morning coffee, baby smiles, toddler love and dinner plans with some great friends! I'm going to focus on the good things and rely on my faith to get through the next four years.  

8.Today I am thankful for my parents and all that they have done for me and my little family. Not only did they raise me to be who I am today, but they have continued to remain a huge part of my life, and my son's life as well. I love them very much and look forward to a future full of love, and giving them more grandkids to love!

9. Today I am thankful for Netflix - helping keep me sane in an insane world! (Catching up on Bones, hoping the put the next season up soon!)

10. Today I am thankful for my Dad's home-grilled burgers! Yum! (:

11. Today I am thankful to all the branches of military who serve this country and fight for my freedom! Also, remembering veterans today, thank you for your service! Remembering specifically my Gramps who served in the Air Force.

12. Today I am thankful for my best friend and cousin, Kim Chance! Not only is she my blood, but she's connected to me by heart as well! Double trouble as kids and now we are just as much more trouble as adults! She's the first person I call when life gets hard, and she's the only person who knows and understands me on that level that matters. I love her with all my heart and look forward to our futures as Mom's! (Also, I can't wait to plan our 30th trip together!) Love you girl!     

13. Today I am thankful for my sister, Renee Smith. She doesn't always hear it from me, but I love and appreciate everything she does for me and my little family! I'm looking forward to her wedding in the future and wishing her well in her life! Love you Sis! 

14. Today I am thankful for a lady who became my friend at a time when my life was changing drastically and she helped to make it a smoother process for me... more than once. Marlena Worthan Bell has been a great friend through the past three years and I don't know what  I would do without her. She was the one around the most when I was pregnant and when Ryan was born, she was the person I looked to when I needed advice on being a new Mom. She was also the one who turned around and came back to my house after I called her about my Gramps, to give hugs and support. Thank you for being my friend, especially for helping me make it through some tough times. Love ya, girl!  

15. Today I am thankful for my new friend Laura Ricks Miller. I've known her for over a year now, but we've just recently become closer than ever. She is an amazing woman and a true friend! She is a SAHM as well so she's around when I need someone to talk to during the day... and she is always willing to listen, no matter how small my problem. I love her already! I look forward to many more years of her family and mine being close! I love that our husbands get along and that we can hang out as families and have a good time!  

16. Today I am thankful for my online friend Mariska. She is such an awesome girl and she is always challenging me. She was there with me through all my years of dealing with my Ex and she also shares my love of One Tree Hill. She's stronger than she knows and I love that we have a relationship where we can encourage one another and also teach one another. I've learned alot from her over the past few years and I look forward to meeting her face to face one day. She's such a talented photographer as well as a creative person!

17. Today I am thankful for another friend of mine, Bobbie Stanley! She is a rock in my life and I love her to pieces. She is that one person that I can literally be brutally honest with and bare my soul to without fear of judgement in any way. She's the person who shares my love of music, tattoos and Adam Levine! She is a person that I want in my life for years to come. I love that our boys are close to the same age and that we don't live too far away from one another! I can't wait to go visit her in March for the Maroon 5, Neon Trees and Owl City concert! (:

18. Today I am thankful for my lifelong friend Devin Ragnow... she ended up farther down this list than I originally planned, but I've also known her the longest. She's such a great friend and it's not uncommon for us to not talk or visit for a while, but when we do, it's like there was never even any distance between us! I love her with all my heart and I appreciate her so much! She's got so much potential in this life and I can't wait to see where her future goes! Love you, girl! 

19. Thankful for great friends and a mountain getaway that cost way less than most!

 
 

Eyes of Faith

So, in continuing this devotional about being A Positive Wife, this weeks entry is about being faithful. The text from the bible is Numbers 14:5-9 (NIV).

⁵ Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. ⁶ Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes ⁷ and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. ⁸ If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. ⁹ Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

How does this story apply to our lives now? It's so easy to be like the 10 spies and focus on all the negative in our lives and in our husbands. As positive wives, it's our job to eyes towards faith in what Gad can do, and stop concentrating on what's not being done or what's gone wrong. By changing this focus, we can begin to see all the positive blessings that God has provided us thus far and will provide a in the future.

So, what positive blessings can I be grateful for in my marriage? Let's see... I have a husband who loves me for who I am and doesn't even attempt to change it. I have a son who was created out of that love. All our bills get paid - we have a roof over our heads, cars to drive and food on the table. Sometimes it's really hard to look past all the things that are negative (not enough money to do fun things, no extra gas money to travel), and be happy for what we have. This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way and things are finally turning around.

This week I will choose to replace those negative thoughts with faith-filled thoughts.

"Faith does the same against the devil 

as unbelief does against God." - John Bunyan

Not so Fast!

This is my second study in the Devotional 'Power of a Positive Wife'. The last post talked about praying for my husband, supporting him and being a good wife.

This post is about being patient. Waiting for God.

Exodus 13:17-18 (KJV)

 ¹⁷And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
 ¹⁸But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on a road that runs through the Philistine territory even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promise Land. He led them on a route through the wilderness toward the Red Sea, and the Israelites left Egypt like a marching army.

He chose not to lead them on the shortest route because the shortest way isn't always the best way! In this hurry up world , we tend to want results immediately. Just remember that God may have a plan, a more powerful plan. Friends, I encourage you to prayerfully wait upon the Lord. We may not always understand why he is taking us along a certain route in our lives, but we can always trust his love for us.

Currently, in my life, I've been having my own issues with friends/family and trying to figure out why things are happening the way that they are. I don't always understand why God brings people in and out of my life, but I trust and love in Him so I know that in the end, he will take care of me.

Second only to suffering, waiting may be the greatest teacher and trainer

in godliness, maturity, and genuine spirituality most of us ever encounter.

-RICHARD HENDRIX 

Love is All We Need!

The Five Love Languages

It’s time to talk the language of love. I read this book years ago when it first came out. I’ve wanted to re-read it since I got married, so that I can get a better handle on my husband and myself. Knowing your partner’s and your own love language can help make your relationship so much stronger. It can help you communicate better and it can also help you love deeper. I really do suggest this book by Gary Chapman for anyone that wants to better their relationship, or just want to learn some more about how they love and how they need to be loved.



Here is a basic explanation of all five languages:

1. Words of Affirmation: Sometimes, actions really don’t speak louder than words. This is your language if compliments and “good job” comments mean the word to you. Hearing the words “I love you” from your partner means everything – but hearing them tell you why they love you means even more. You are sensitive to insults and tend to remember the hurtful words for years to come.
2. Quality Time: Nothing says ‘I love you’ to this person more than their partner’s undivided attention. Being there with this person is important, but being there undistracted – no tv, music, video games – means even more. It’s hurtful to this person if you postpone dates, forget important events such as birthdays or fail to listen when they are talking.
3. Receiving Gifts: Don’t mistake this for materialism, this type of person thrives on the thought and love behind a gift, more than the gift itself. The ‘perfect gift’ for this person shows that they are known, loved and cared for. A missed birthday or anniversary can be devastating and a thoughtless gift would break their heart, so would the absence of everyday gestures.
4. Acts of Service: Can swapping out the laundry or taking out the trash be a gesture of love? Sure! Anything to ease the burden of some responsibility speaks volumes to this person. The words they want to hear is “Let me do that for you”. Laziness and broken commitments tell this person that their feelings don’t matter.
5. Physical Touch: This isn’t all about touch behind closed doors – it’s about a hand on the back while walking through a store, or holding hands during a movie. These are all ways to show care, concern and excitement in the relationship. Neglect and abuse are destructive in this partnership.

So, which language do you speak? What about your partner? Go to Gary Chapman's site to take an assessment to find out your love language!!

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My scores on the assessment were:

8	Words of Affirmation
10	Quality Time
1	Receiving Gifts
6	Acts of Service
5	Physical Touch

So, as you can see... my top two languages are Words and Time. The assessment is a series of statements that you choose which best applies to you or your relationship. I love spending time with my husband, but I also love hearing him tell me how good I look in an outfit or that he loves me. It's as simple as that!

What's your love language??