Water Off a Duck's Back....

My long time friend Nate once said he never worries about things (things that don't matter much) and lets them just roll right off like a 'water off a ducks back'. This came up again when Joe, he and I were talking outside of church tonight. We were talking about how we have loans to pay off and how others have homes and have them because they don't have much debt if any other than the house they are paying a mortgage on. I said how I hate paying money to something that is not going to yield any profit- renting. He said 'you have a place to live right?' I said yes that is true but I want a place to call our own. Because once I have that then we will begin the road and setting things up to start having children.

He continued to say how he doesn't worry about debt- as long as you have the money to pay it off and you have each other and God what else do you need? This is true. It reminded me again of Nate's philosophy. I need to develop this. Water off a duck's back. Let God handle it. This is one of my biggest struggles. It's terrible I know! I am a control freak- there I said it. I am working on it. I'm working on letting Joe do more household chores to help out. I know he can handle it I just don't know how to hand it over. Again it's hard for me to give things over to God. But doesn't he already know what is going to happen? Why is that so hard for me to understand? He knows ALL. He holds me in the palm of His hand. He has it all figured out- I truly don't. I'm not a know it all!

God help me to understand that You know my future. You know my coming and my goings . You know when I sit down and when I'm going to stand up again. You know how many hairs I have on my head. God you are my all in all. You get me. Now Lord take my worries, my anxious thoughts, our finances and guide me and bless us the way only You can. Keep us safe and grant us mercy. AMEN.

We are in the process (well actually I am) in finding out what our Redemptive gifts are. These are different from Spiritual Gifts. Joe is pretty transparent and can be figured out right away. There are seven that God has and one of which each person is given. Prophet, Exhorter, Ruler, Teacher, Giver, Servant, Mercy. Joe is Servant. I'm pretty sure I am Giver. Check out The Redemptive Gifts of Individuals by Arthur Burk.

The Chapmans

Joe's favorite singer's family just lost their 5 year old adopted daughter to an accident on their property. As most of you know Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter Maria Sue was accidentally hit by the Toyota her brother was driving out of the driveway. She had just celebrated her 5th birthday 10 days earlier. The family had just hours prior been celebrating their eldest daughter's engagement and were preparing to have a graduation party for their other son. My heart just breaks for the family and particularly the son who has to deal with this trauma. I hope you will join us in praying that God wraps His loving arms around this family and holds them tight. I can not imagine what they are going through!

The Summer of Weddings

It's another year just like we had back in 2005. Alot of weddings! The first one is this coming weekend May 24th. Skip a week and then my cousin's is on June 7th. Then flip to the following week on Friday June 13th at 6:30pm. No this couple isn't crazy I think it's rather cool to defy superstition! Then Sept 13th is the fourth one. Not sure if there will be any in between but we've been surprised before so we shall see!

June 10th is fast approaching- our 2nd wedding anniversary. Crazy! This yr has been a better one as we get more use to the married life and I am no longer on the pill. It made me go crazy and I didn't feel like myself at all! Poor Joe he probably wondered who the heck he married! I've felt more like myself than ever well since we've gotten married that is- thank the Lord! I laugh more and yell less! And perhaps worry less too I think!

So I got my dress that I need for at least two weddings (luckily it's not the same group of people) I do love this dress:

with this sweater:

I can't wait to wear it! i broke in my shoes too so that's good. I won't slip or anything! At least hopefully I won't fall while dancing!

I'm excited for these next few weeks! Something to look forward to!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Today I spent time with my mom. Yesterday we spent time with Joe's mom. We slept over Saturday night and went to church at my home church. We went over to Pastor and Paula's house (our family is very close with them and their son Chris). Two other families whom my family is close to as well joined us. We had chicken, steak, potatoes, salad, a healthy and delicious coucous, tomato and feta cheese dish and dessert was ice cream cake from Brusters (or however you spell it)! Yummy!

I love spending time with my family so much. I want to take some time and talk about my relationship with my mom. We have a mother/daughter relationship that not many of my friends share with their mothers. My mom and I are nearly 20 yrs apart. We are like sisters. Although we hardly fight. We did maybe a bit in my teenage yrs but that's because I was young and naive and she was just trying to protect me---mom I'm sorry for the incident with wanting to drive to VA by myself to go see nasty Greg!

My mom and I are alot alike and we have our little inside jokes, clothes, movies, music, and the same personalities. I go to my mom for everything. I can tell her anything. Yes to some that surprising but I regard my mom as not only my mom but my friend and confidant. I am so glad we have that relationship because it has been so much help over the years. I can't imagine having a different relationship that I do with my mom. Who needs a diary when I have my mom!
I love my mom's friends too. They are so much fun. I love to hang out with them. They are hysterical and only bring out the best in my mom even more! They have a great support team there.

I love my mom so dearly and can't say enough about her. Mom you're the best! And I'm glad you are mine!