Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Most of the people who read my posts are close family and friends. I guess that's why I feel safe talking about my good days and also the bad ones. I've been struggling with my emotions this week. It began after a conversation and then before I knew it, it was a snowball effect and I was so overtaken that I didn't know how to recover.

One thing that I've realized is that once you open the door to let your emotions control you, it's a battle to close it again. This morning, staring at the computer screen, a verse came to mind, John 12:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I was reminded that when I take my weaknesses, fears, or struggles to God, He always has a remedy. My heart was instantly soothed and the source of this struggle seemed so small. We have been given the Word of God, not just for correction, but also for comfort. In the still of the morning, He was waiting for me. The God who made the heavens and the earth wanted to remind ME that HE had given me His peace and all I have to do is remember that what Jesus did on the cross for me.

What a powerful revelation to me ... I hope that if you read this, you're reminded of God's love for you today and that His answer for your situation is always one verse away.

Cy's Salvation

Yesterday marked a memorable day in our family's history. Last night, Dan and Cy were talking quietly in the boys' room. I wondered what they were doing because those two together are never "quiet" ... I didn't get too curious because Christopher and I were engrossed in something on the computer. A few minutes later, Dan called me and I went into the boys' room where he and Cy were sitting on the floor. Dan said, "We just wanted to tell you that Cy just asked Jesus to come into his heart!" Whoo Hooo!! This has been an answer to prayer. Many of you know that our boys are in an non-Christian household when they are not with us and we are always believing that God protects them from things that they should not see or hear. Christopher asked Jesus to come into his heart four years ago and his spiritual compass is always on! We've been believing that Cy's heart would be open and hungry for the things of God. This was a true answer to prayer... God is so good and continues to show us His faithfulness!

Celebrated Our First Anniversary

It's the Simple Things

We spent this past weekend visiting our friends that live in Denver. We had so much fun! On Saturday, we took a walk to the park and let the kids play in the fountain. Who knew they'd love it so much?

It was just a reminder to me.. Quality time with family doesn't have to be about spending money. The important thing is being together and enjoying the time that we never get back.

The Daily Routine

When I married Dan last year, I not only became a wife, but also an instant step-mom to Christopher and Cy.  While I thought that my many years as an "old maid" had given me time to prepare for life within the walls of a home, I quickly found out how "unprepared" I actually was! Don't get me wrong.. cooking, cleaning, laundry,organizing.. I could do all of that with my eyes closed.  It's the small things that knock you off your feet! 

Over the last few months, I have worked at building a relationship with the boys.  I didn't want to come on too strong or make them feel as though I was trying to replace their mom. This isn't a competition.  Kids don't need parents or guardians competing for their love or attention.  I made a conscious effort to give them alone time with their dad, but I have also planned family activities that would hopefully bond us.  During this time, I would stand back, let them play and then interact here and there.  Honestly, I believed I was doing a pretty good job with all of this! Then, two weeks ago at dinner, Christopher wanted to pray for us, he began thanking God for our food, then the pets, then his Dad, for working so hard to provide, then his brother that he always has to play with, and then me, for whom he thanked God cleaned so well.  It stopped me dead in my tracks.. HE'S THANKFUL FOR MY CLEANING!!! That moment began a work in my heart.. we all probably remember a time when we wanted our parents (or step-parents) to just stop what they "needed to be doing" and just play with us.  It wasn't the that Christopher couldn't see that I was trying to make a good home for him, his Dad, and Cy.  He just observed that I spent the bulk of my time doing busy work.  From that day, I really purpose to sit down and do something that they want to do... and believe me, I don't have much experience with boys! Nope, I wasn't a tomboy either.  I was pretty much a "play with Barbies, play house, an ohhh, don't get me dirty kinda girl! But when I see how they love that time with me and how quickly those moments bond us...I remind myself that dirt washes off and the laundry can wait!

Dan riding up this VERY steep hill!

Beautiful view in Grand Junction