Before I start, I would like to excuse the ramblings that will come out in this post. I have so much to put in since I have been away for a while.
Since we have put out family values int place, our family unit is beginning to change. I have seen my children's attitude change. My son, while not always agreeable, is understanding more of why we do what we do. I think he does most of it to get at his sister but I'm not complaining.
Rick & I have had our ups and downs with Amber. Unfortunately, we have had to have a disappointment talk with her. At one point, I had to tell her how disappointed I was in her for disappearing for an hour at a public place while with a friend. It wasn't horrible and she was fine but we had to explain the anxiety the friend went through. She got the message loud and clear after that. She even redeemed herself by going with another friend and staying with them the entire time!!
On another front, I have never felt more content in my life. I am finally embracing the season of life I am in! I'm even opening myself up to more spiritual growth than I thought could ever be possible. This past weekend, we had 2 different "bonfires" going at our house. Friday night, we hosted our small group at our house and loved every minute of it. What a relaxing evening and great fellowship.
Saturday night, it was just our family. Then Rick suggested I call a few friends and family and invite them over. I'm sad to say, no one came. HOWEVER, I am happy to say I got to converse with two wonderful ladies. This actually leads into my next weird thought.
Tonight, as my husband and I read a chapter from Mark (my daughter picked it) I was reminded that these two ladies are my family. Mark 3:34-35 says "Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said Behold My mother and My brothers! for whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." Even though each of these ladies faces different trials and have different lives they are still my sisters. I am learning as I become closer to Christ, he is putting more and more Christian brothers and sisters in my life. I may only vaguely know my sisters but I feel so connected to them. This can only be of God. Only HE truly knows that as I lose more of myself and my old friends, I will need new ones to converse with and hold me accountable. For Hebrews 10:25 says "Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
I challenge all of you who read this to hold me accountable. Encourage me and I will encourage you. I want to meet with each of you personally but my schedule with 2 kids doesn't always allow that. I will instead pray for those that I'm not able to see personally. Please stay in contact with me so that I may continue to grow but so YOU too can grow. You may also comment on these posts and I will see them. As these are posted on Facebook also, you can send me a message and I will respond. May God grow you and He is me.
