When life stings

I have so many things to be thankful for.  A wonderful, supportive, loving, kind, compassionate husband who daily reassures me of his love for me and our family and seeks to lead us as God leads him.  Three amazing, ornery, smart, and sweet little boys who drive me crazy and challenge me often, but who I love and wouldn't change for the world.  A new addition on the way...of the female gender, and who our family can't wait to meet, hold, cuddle, and love.

I have parents, siblings, in laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who love and support us and God's call on our family even from a distance.  They encourage and pray for us, and we are so thankful.  We have students that I think the world of.  They rub my belly, stop by our house, and have grown deeper in their faith before our eyes.  I have sweeter friendships than I have ever experienced in this life.  Godly women who I can laugh and cry with, pray and study with, and enjoy doing life with.

I have a roof over my head, food to eat, money to pay our bills, a car to drive, and clothes to wear (although, admittedly, they are getting a little snug in the belly region...hmmm....wonder why that is?).

When I think about all the good gifts the Lord has given me, it's easy to love Him.  To serve Him.  To offer Him praise.

But, what about the times when life hurts?

My little sister is suffering with the sudden loss of her father-in-law.  My sweet friend is walking through the illness of a grandparent and another of a spouse.  I have a heaviness in my own spirit and some things that I am struggling with daily.  What about then?

God is teaching me just how much He can teach me during the times when life stings.  Its a choice I have...to wallow in self-pity, asking "Why? Why, me? Why now? Why this?"  Or, to trust in Him and His plan and His sovereignty, even when I don't understand why. 

When I was growing up, I remember hearing about God taking people to the woodshed.  I've had a similar experience this week.  I'm so thankful that God disciplines those He loves (Rev. 3:19).  He revealed to me that I've had the wrong mindset about trials, temptations, and thorns.  His Word tells me that if I want to follow Him, I must pick up my cross DAILY (Matt. 16:24).  He also promises that His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).  He tells me that He knows the plans He has for me (Jer. 29:11) and that He will work all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28).  I could go on.

The point is, who would each of us be without the trials, tribulations, and thorns that come into our lives?  As a teenager, our family went through a pretty rocky time.  Yet, so many times, I've heard my mom say that she is thankful, because it was during that time that Jesus became real to us.  Its often at the point where we reach the end of ourselves and have no other option other than to trust in the Lord that He becomes real to us. 

I am working my way through the "Brave" Bible study by Angela Thomas, and this week has been all about thorns in life.  So, in closing, here are a few things that have really stuck out to me. "Do you need a fresh reminder of God's grace for your thorn?  Sufficient means God is enough - not almost enough or barely enough but fully and completely enough. ...God wants us to see His power.  He wants us to worship Him as master of every circumstance.  He wants us to trust that His power is being perfected through us. ...God is all-powerful, and when He brings His power to your weakness, buckle up.  You will see mountains move and hearts of stone made new."

Yes, Lord.  Today I choose to walk in Your truth.  Even though life stings sometimes.

Because I know you're dying to know...

Today I burned my pregnant belly on the stove as I tried to reach into the cabinet above it for an ingredient I needed for dinner. It really hurt.

Camden's new favorite thing to tell me is that he doesn't love me..."now cry." But, when I pour on the fake tears, he just smiles and laughs and says, "I still don't love you."

Camden does NOT play that game with his daddy, for whom he saves approximately 90% of his love, devotion, kisses, hugs, and sweetness.

I'm not kidding.

But, it makes it extra sweet when I get a little lovin' and I know that little stinker loves his Mama.

Landon, Ayden, and I are going to see Disney on Ice later this week, but at first, Ayden wasn't sure he wanted to attend, because he "rather thought it might have too much drama." His own words, folks.

Landon very proudly sang, "Zaccheus was a wee little man..." to all passerby in Target today. Complete with hand motions. Very endearing, if you ask me.

I had the rudest cashier at Wal-Mart today that I believe I have ever encountered. Ugly words and retorts were bubbling up, but I did not give in. Thanks, Lord.

Landon is now enrolled in preschool. *Sigh* My second baby leaving me for school. *Tear* I am not ready for him to go...but he was ready to stay today!

All three of the boys refused to even taste their dinner tonight. I know, I know....shocker! If it wasn't for those darn "begetables" I insist on putting in everything.

Camden has started answering questions I (or others) ask him, with "Uhh, I guess." Maybe its just me, but its so funny coming from his little 2 year old self...and such a perfect picture of his independent and stubborn personality. He also frequently growls at people....he ranges from being a dinosaur to a monster to a lion and, occasionally something really sweet that would never growl at people in real life.

Ayden's favorite book to read at night is his Bible. Love this! Tonight we read about when God sent fire from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice.

Did I mention I burned my belly? That means its too big!!

When Landon gets really mad at one of his brothers, he calls them a baby. Fightin' words, for sure. I think he might have called Camden a baby about 68 times today.

Landon and Camden have become puzzle masters. They play with their puzzles almost as much as they do with their toys during the day.

I am so thankful to be able to spend the days at home with these crazy, wonderful kiddos. I'm glad I'm not missing all these silly and serious and frustrating and overwhelming and sweet and tender moments.