Perseverance

"God knows when something glorious in the future necessitates something difficult in the present. Because He knows the glory will be worth it, God will risk being misunderstood."

-Beth Moore

How thankful I am for a God that wants to walk with me through times I just can't understand. I love Him for being o.k. with the fact that I have questions and want to know why. I have had more than a few times in my life where all I could do was trust His hand in leading me. I remember a specific time where I prayed so hard for His direction and His will in a decision. To be honest, I wanted Him to choose the answer I had already chosen. But I asked Him to close the door in a way that I knew only He closed it if the answer was "no." Was I completely broken-hearted when He did just that--closed the door? Oh yes, I cried myself to sleep more nights than I would care to admit.

But God.

He carried us through to so much more than we could ever have asked or imagined. Clearly He had our best interest in mind and knew we had to go through a present difficulty to have that glorious future. I had the good fortune of seeing a glimpse of why God directed our path in the way He did. Years later I had a defining moment in my life as I realized just how fortunate we were that we did not get our answer in the way we wanted.

Yes, the glory is worth it!

As I help my child go through an experience today where I pray he learns this, it is so hard. The mother in me will experience many tears for him. Yet I know God is shaping him to the man he intends for him. And I know he will have an experience to share of how God used this present difficulty to provide a glorious future.

One of my favorite songs reminds me the when we don't understand, when we can't see His plan, when we can't trace His hand, trust His heart.

Snow in the ATL

We sure have enjoyed these last few snow days! Brent has been able to recover from his surgery longer instead of going back to school 1/2 days. Brandon, Ashley, and Victoria have certainly had fun in the snow!

We've had fun sledding down the hills around our house!

Brent even had the opportunity to stand outside for a little while today.

I thought this one turned out cute--looks like our little dog is pulling the sled!

More than anything, I am thankful for the time we have had to spend as a family.

Beach Living

We sure enjoyed our time at the beach. I really miss living close to the water. Destin is truly our favorite beach to go to, but the water was not as pretty this year. There was so much algae and seaweed that we spent our time in the sand and in the pool. I have to believe the ocean is compensating for the oil spill.

That being said, we still had a great time as a family. It's times like this that I start to realize how much different this picture will look as the kids get older. Already, the boys are taller than me, and it won't be long before the girls are!

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

I can't believe my little girls is 12! She is such a beautiful, young lady that we are so proud of!!!

Won't Be Long Now

Tomorrow I get to see this face again, and I can't wait! Brent has been on a high school mission trip to Australia for the last 2 weeks. We've heard so many positive things already, but I know there are endless stories of God's faithfulness.

I know this was a great time of growth for Brent to be away from his twin brother and parents, making his own decisions, and planning for what he needs. His sisters and brother have all missed him so much. David & I are counting the hours to be able to hug our son again.

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi

Sometimes I just need a reminder

Praise You in This Storm

I was sure by now,God, You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining

as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

Happy 4th of July!!

We took the girls to their first Atlanta Braves game today to celebrate the 4th. It was really strange not to have Brent with us, but he is having an amazing time in Australia on our church mission trip. The Americana service this morning was neat--brought back good memories from growing up in Mississippi.

One of our church members lost their son to the War in Afghanistan today. He was only 22 years old. This serves as a clear reminder that our freedom is not free. Thank you so much to all who serve our country.