The Here and NOW

One of my favorite pastimes is reading blogs... I follow several other bloggers, but I will admit that there a few blogs that are an everyday read for me. One is written by my friend, Jaime (well, I like to think of her as my friend). She blogged yesterday about the weird world of blogging. She spoke about how we monitor ourselves sometimes or have concerns of sharing to much about the reality of our homes, daily family life, and how we respond to what life brings along. She was absolutely right.. I find myself wanting to share something, but then wondering if it's too "real and ugly" to put out there and have others actually see my struggles, not just my epiphanies and times of rejoicing. 


Sooooo..... here it goes-
My husband and I are in the middle of a storm. A Hurricane Katrina sized storm... We are enduring the most trying times that either of us have ever faced. Now let me just say this, our marriage is the one thing that has not only grown stronger, but has developed deep roots of commitment and satisfaction. The past eighteen months have brought struggles in health, finances, being physically separated because I needed to be in Texas, and a few other situations that I cannot share at this time. As I write this today, we are DEPENDING on the Lord to not only provide for each day and make things right, but also intervene on behalf and work miracles. We are standing on His Word.. acting in Faith.. and praying without CEASING. 


I have no doubt that my Father in Heaven will make a way where there seems to be NO WAY. During this time, our hearts have been broken, we have cried many tears, spent much time on our knees, and even asked the question, "Why us? Why all of this at once?" My husband and I listen to the Casting Crowns song, Praise You In This Storm, over and over again. We know we have one another and we have our families and friends that are continually lifting us in prayer, but we have to make a daily choice to praise God and worship, no matter what reality appears to look like. 

I have chosen to share our life with you because I know that we are not alone. It seems as though everyday we hear of someone else who is going through a struggle and my heart always breaks for them. As Christians, we are called to encourage one another and do what we can to meet the need in others lives. I hope that reading this helps you to reach out and share your needs with others. I read a Facebook post today from my friend, Lee Roy, it stated: 

The easiest way to get discouraged: get alone and think only about yourself. Reaching out is good for you. 

So here I am friends.. reaching out. I am here for you. Email me, call me, send me a comment. I want to pray for you, encourage you, and do anything that I can to help you through whatever you are facing right now. And remember, there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother Proverbs 18:24.