Oh My!

What a week this has been!!!!  I don't think I have had such an emotionally trying week as this one in a very long time.  I really should have expected it after the holidays, but nope not me!  I am glad today is over!  I think I am all cried out now and look forward to a more peaceful weekend. 
  Although it has been a trying week, God has been working.  I think that will bring the tears back again, but my precious Lord picks me up each time I stumble.  He sent someone to pray for me, gave insight into the word today, ministered to me through music and allowed for time away tonight.  He has provided me with a precious family.  My husband and children are very gracious when I have had a melt down and are very strong encouragers.  I am so grateful for them.  I am so grateful for the prayer support I have been receiving this week, even those I don't know that are praying for me. 
  God meets me where I am and provides encouragement when I need it most.  God is good!  He provides grace, giving us good when we really deserve bad.  He is my strength.  He is my refuge.  He is the lifter of my head.  God is for me and not against me.  Even when I was overwhelmed and crying my heart out, he could have shook his head at me and turned away.  He did not!  He drew even closer to wrap his arms around me.  Thank you Jesus!

A song from Kutless that God used to minister to me today.

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think its more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes

It's not just faith, because people have faith in lots of things.  It's God that makes these mountains move and the hope that never ends.  God makes miracles happen and prayers get answered.  God heals the broken heart and brings peace. God gives strength for each new day.   That's what God can do!

Where has the time gone?

I can't believe it's been so long since I have been here!  It has been a busy holiday season as it always is.  The season was filled with lots of baking and family time.  I enjoyed the time with family and have learned a few things I hope.  How many of you overdo during the holidays?  I inevitably do each year!  Always with good intentions and hope of blessing people.  I believe that I blessed many families this year.  I do know though that I could have did far less and still blessed them.  Does that make sense?  I don't think I remembered to take a single picture!  Oh well!  Memories are in the mind of many.  And other people shared pictures of the holidays.  So grateful for that.  I do regret not taking pictures of the Nerf gun fight on New Year's Eve though!  It was hilarious watching people of various ages 4-59 running through the house shooting each other with Tommy Guns!  Only Nerf of course!!! :)    
  We did some house cleaning in the holiday season as well.  I have a nice open living room now.  Even the office is picked up!  My honey helped move furniture and build some new book shelves.  I don't know if a person can get too many bookshelves.  Can they!?  I appreciate things being able to find a home!  We also helped one of two families move during the holiday season.  It was such a eventful holiday break.
  We are back to school tomorrow, much to the dismay of my children.  Children in the public schools go back tomorrow.  Mine think they need one more day, but since we took a few days off before they did, we are back tomorrow.  It's amazing how quickly I can forget where we were and where we are going.  My journals have been helpful in keeping things in order!  Don't know where I'd be without them. 
  Well, I am getting off here for now to get some sleep.  Got a big day ahead of us tomorrow!  TTFN and I hope you have a great week!  God bless you all!