Starting over....again...

We are starting over yet again.  By this, I mean, the kids are gone again and I have to get use to them being gone all over again.  Except this time is different.  I have to get use to them being gone for 3 months in DC. I don’t have the luxury of going to see them any time I want.  I feel this is a trial for me to have to get use to them being adults.  At least God is doing this in portions and not all at once.  So we drove to DC last week to move them in.  That drive was so long!  I learned that I do not like driving the big Dodge Ram truck down mountain hills, and that West Virginia has a lot of mountains and not enough places to pull over for breaks!  Only saw one Cracker Barrel, yes just one!  Well, we got them moved in and it was the hardest thing I had to do was to leave.  And yes, in case you are wondering, I did cry.  And Robby laughed at me.  I don’t care.  That’s my babies, all grown up, doing adult things.
Well, we came home Saturday and I don’t think Robby wanted me to drive after the whole WV mountain experience driving down, so he drove most of the way home.
So now its back to our normal stuff.  And as you would expect, I have already called them, last night. Ty starts work today and Erin doesn’t start until next week.  It seems like they are settling in and my worries are starting to go away.
Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And that is what I have done.






Love to all,

Being a parent

Being a parent is a tough job.  I have a lot of friends that are just now starting their families and I just want to say, savor every minute.
My kids can be frustrating!  It has been different things throughout them growing up.  As kids they would just throw their clothes and toys or other things all over the house.  Hey, wait a minute, they still do that!!! I am sure, matter of fact I know, I have caused frustration with my parents.  But we are not talking about me!
I wouldn't trade anything for the times I have with them.  The times we talk or argue, the times we have hugged, the times I play with Erin's hair or trade back rubs with Ty, or just sitting in the living room, all of us together, not having to say a word.  This is my family.  I love my family.
I am now, yet again, sending them off again to school this week.  The difference is this: 1- they are seniors this year and 2- this fall semester they are spending in DC.  I am so happy they have the opportunities to experience life if full while they can before the "real" world comes.  But why does it have to be so far? and why do our kids have to grow up so fast!
Whirlwind back in time with me~~ my kids are 4, I put them to bed every night.  And every night I rock them in their rooms and sing to them.  Just me and them, individually, sitting, snuggling.  I remember this like yesterday!  They are in chorus and band concerts, playing and singing their hearts out.  I am in the passenger seat, teaching them how to parallel park in an empty parking lot. And so many more memories that I don't ever want to forget.  I hope I have given them many memories too.
So as sad as my heart is knowing I am going to have to let go yet again, my heart is full, because I know I have raised my kids to be an amazing man and woman of God. 

Psalm 55:22- "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

Love to all,

Doors

"Sometimes God closes doors because it is time to move forward.  He knows you won't move unless circumstances force you." TobyMac #speaklife
I read this today after an eventful day today.  I got to meet with our Honduras team leaders today to finalize our dates and plans for 2019 trip!  I am so excited that I am a part of this plan and team to go and do this for others.  It is a lot of work to plan this out!  But worth it all.
But the big thing today was another door was shut and I am not sure why God is closing doors when I am trying to move forward.  I applied for a job that I would really like to be in.  But it was given to the other applicant.  We both were equally qualified for the job, I was just hoping I would be the chosen one.  I am not mad or upset, I just want to know what God has in store for me if it isn't to move forward.  I need to learn contentment and peace in where I am at and use what I am doing to be a light to others.  My job has so many positives. 
Even though I was not chosen for the job, God has chosen me for his plan.  I have a job, to trust him, listen to him when he talks to me and have the courage to obey.  God will open doors for me and it may not be the door I am expecting.  But I know it will be an amazing time!  He has a plan started for me in my missions trips also.  So who knows what he has in store for me or our team!

Disappointment and hardships come in life, but in life there is also happiness and joy.  I choose JOY.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Love to all,