Thanksgiving

I spent a lot of time reflecting this weekend. Partially because I was actually kid-free for several days allowing me the luxury to just sit and think. Another part was because my fiance Steve was also kid-free for a couple of days so I was able to spend many hours with him just talking and hanging out.

I am overwhelmed at God's provision, His mercy, His plan. When Steve and I compare our stories and our timeline, there are so many things that point to God having our backs that it simply is amazing. Seems our spouses began their betrayals within months of each other. Mine took longer to come clean, but their hearts left their God and their families around the same time. And now I can look at so many little steps, decisions made, events, words spoken to me from times of prayer...all gently leading me here. To this time. To this place. To this person Steve.

I had a good marriage. So did Steve. Both of us poured our hearts and souls into the relationship and the family...and it wasn't enough for our respective spouses. Nothing would have been. They left in spite of our best, in spite of our surrender to Christ and our utter commitment and loyalty to them. Some people just can't handle that kind of love I suppose. But now we are free to express that to one another. And I cannot begin to tell you the difference...the difference in Steve's response to my expressions of love to him, the difference in how he expresses his love to me. Surely this is the mystery referred to in the Bible - how marriage reflects the love of Christ towards His church, His people.

It helps me to not feel as much anger and hurt towards Rob. Honestly, I feel so sorry for him...and for Steve's ex. Oh, what they are missing out on! Any anger I feel now stems more from the pain the children experience - I don't see it outright in my two since they were little when Rob left and are still rather little. But I see and hear the struggle first hand in Joe and Ben. My heart just aches for all of them and I have to remember that God can and does use pain...if it can bring these 4 boys to Christ, or make their hearts more in tune with His, then so be it. Ultimately, our pain and our trials here are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us if we allow Christ to purge, mold, work in us...even through tears.

I hope and pray that while Steve is not Ethan and Noah's dad, and I am not Joe and Ben's mom, that the two of us will reflect Christ in our relationship and our relationships with them so much so to ease some of the pain of loosing 1/2 of their biological parents. If we can model a Christ centered life, and a Christ centered relationship, and a Christ centered family, and allow Christ to use us as His hands and feet towards our children to ease some of their suffering and restore their hope and security, then that will truly be an honor.

As I reflected this weekend, God brought to my remembrance several prophetic words given me in the summer and fall of 07, and allowed me some new confirmations that I am on the right path. That joining families with the Wegman's is pleasing to Him and will bring Him glory. Sigh. God is so good. His mercy ENDURES FOREVER. I can say that now, at this point in my life, I am just beginning to understand that I will never fully understand it. God's love and grace and mercy - the Word speaks of how deep, unfathomable, mysterious, unconditional, everlasting it all is. How human eyes have not seen and ears have not heard and minds have not comprehended the richness and completeness of God. It makes me long for Heaven and to be in His presence. Maranatha, Lord Jesus!

fyi: concerning updates

I had saved some posts that I started way back as drafts. finished them this weekend and learned that drafts post wherever you start them... so there are a few new entries back in September that you might have missed...

Late, I know. But here is our Fall Festival/Halloween pics...

My mom's facility always has a trick or treat the week before and the kids really enjoy it... Ethan and Noah were pirates this year. Mostly because I thought it would be cute...and I found pirate accessories at the dollar store!
Always a treat to have cousins join! These are my sister, Holly's kids...Drew, Brianna, and Destiny.

For Halloween night, our church has a big festival. Ethan tied his shoes for the first time! Thanks, Steve, for the encouragement!

Both boys wanted their faces painted...I talked them into continuing with the pirate theme...

I just love their pirate faces! These are going to be great graduation or wedding photos! :) (evil laugh...yes...you KNOW I would!)

Cox Arboretum and Wright Patterson AFB Museum

Area 51?

Inside a cargo plane

always with the bunny ears...