K...so I guess I made my last post sound like Tim and I were dying or something. Whoops! That is NOT the case. We're doing just fine. Everything is picking up and getting busy. That's all.

Just wanted to let everyone know that we're doing great and things are going well....we could just use some prayer...extra protection, you know. You can never have too much prayer!

News

Wow..it's been a while since I've been on here. Things have been a little off lately and I'm not sure why. But, God is faithful and we are pressing on. Just this past weekend I got a tattoo:

I got this to remind me just how captivating I am to Christ. It symbolizes Christ as a lover and an intimate friend. I wanted to get something that symbolized what I believed, but I didn't want to get a cross or Jesus-fish because that's what everyone gets. So, I decided on this. I love it.

We just need prayer right now. Lots and lots of prayer for strength. It's going to be a busy/rough road ahead. Thanks all!

My mood swings

I have noticed in the past couple of weeks just how much my mood depends on whether or not I have spent time with Jesus. When I DON'T take time to be with Him, I can tell within a day. I'm more tired, my outlook on everything is negative and I'm really mouthy and short with people. I tend to think that I can just speak however I want to without thinking first (and that's usually what gets me in trouble most of the time!). I've noticed I'm especially bad with my husband. It saddens me to say that, but it's so true. (You know they say, "you always hurt the ones closest to you.") It's shameful to think about, but that is something I'm trying to work on. I'm trying to work on reversing that famous saying. I want to be EXTRA careful how I talk to the people I care about the most. Not that I don't care how I talk to other people, but I think if you care about someone, you should be more gentle and loving towards them...being more careful how you speak to them.
Anyway, I digress. My point is that when I take that time to spend with Jesus, my mood IMMEDIATELY changes. I mean, within seconds. It's amazing how it happens. I feel so much better about EVERYTHING and I actually remember to think before I speak, especially to my husband. I become the captivating woman I was created to be and everything else falls into place because I took a few moments to refocus my priorities and thoughts. I am thankful for that kind of power and the fact that I am so richly blessed regardless of whether I choose to spend that quality time or not. I am thankful for grace, but I'm even MORE thankful that my God longs for that alone time with me, so he can shower me with love and wrap me up in arms so He can just pour out truth into my soul. It's WONDERFUL.
Thank you Jesus, that you long for time with your children and desire to bless us, even when we are most undeserving. Thank you for your grace, your passion and your never-ending love for us. Praise be to the one who is able to do even more than we can ever imagine!!! AMEN!!!

Update

Things have been a little rough here lately...but we are blessed. God has provided for us in SO many different ways, and just recently we were IMMENSELY blessed when God provided food for us!! It was SO great!! He is to be praised!! :-)

So, Tim will probably be going back to Iraq....we have some plans for me, but we're not sure what I will do while he's gone. Either way, it's bittersweet, but will help us out as a family.

We just got our christmas tree up and we are putting the lights on today!! Yay for Christmas and a time of celebration with family.

That's about all for now....just a small update...have a great day everyone! :-)

Going's on....

It's been a little while since I've written on here. We've had some events this month. Here's the update:

First, the bad news...about 3 weeks ago we got news that my brother and his wife are getting a divorce. It's a long story, but he's doing pretty good and making the best of it. Pray that God would somehow be able to work a miracle in any part of this situation, whether it's healing the marriage or showing himself strong and powerful to both of them and they somehow being able to see the truth about our God. :-)

Goood news about my certification test...I got NIC ADVANCED!!! (There are 3 levels..I got the 2nd level). It was awesome and I'm SO excited that I don't have very far to go until I reach my goal of the highest level before I have kids. :-)

I've been to Wisconsin twice in two weeks...I think that's the most I've been there since I was little. Anyway, the first time we went up was for my cousin's wedding. It was great to see everyone and catch up..I haven't seen some of my cousins in four years and have NEVER met their children in person!!! So, a huge blessing that we got to do that and see everyone. It might be a while before we can do that again.

The second time I went up to the 'Sco was for tea. My mom, her mom and sisters all get together once a year (it's held at a different sister's house every year) and they all have tea, switch recipes, talk and catch up. This year was the first time the married daughters of the sisters were invited (me and 1 of my cousin's). It was SO fun and really great to see my aunt's in a different light. I don't know them very well and I really only got to see them in a adult-child setting....never as adult-adult...so it was really nice to talk to them on a different level and share our lives with eachother.

This weekend we are going to the Marine Corps Ball. I'm so excited!! We always have a blast at there, and there are some people I haven't seen in a while so it will be nice to see them again and have a good time without worrying about work or anything else!!

We're having internet issues at our house right now, but as soon as it's working, I will put up some pics!!

Wild week

This past week has been a duesy!! We've had some family issues pop up and a friend come visit and now I think I'm getting the flu. Ick. So, pray that I feel better before the weekend...we are going to Wisconsin to visit family for a wedding and I want to be there. Hope everyone else is doing well!

Ode to the Mother

So, it's my mom's birthday today. She is 4.......25. Yes....25. Again.

Anyway, she's getting up there and my mom's been through a lot. I didn't really realize just how much mother's go through as parents until my bestest friend had a baby and I got to see/hear all about it firsthand. I was SHOCKED at everything that goes on and changes with a woman's body when they're having a little one. It's a huge sacrifice and a huge giving of self to have children. After I hung out with my best friend and her new little bundle of joy for a few days, I came home with a greater respect for "the mother" and my mother specifically. I guess you can never understand what it's like until you've either seen all the "down and dirty, behind the scenes" stuff OR you go through it yourself (sorry guys!).
So, happy birthday mom! Know that I love you and I appreciate all that you sacrificed for us so that we could be here and be successful in life. It was a great sacrifice you made, and I hope it's been worth it for you and we, as your children, have made you proud!