Monkey and I had great plans to have a Halloween party with lots of good treats and friends. However, we had to cancel the party because of illness. Even after I decided (a couple days ago) to call off the party tonight, I had hoped we'd at least feel well enough to enjoy the day. It seems that it's just not in the plan this year. Unfortunately, even Sarge has managed to get sick. He is still deployed and is absolutely miserable.
I hope to get out in a bit to get our annual Jack-O-Lantern pizza and I picked up some fun Halloween mac and cheese to make for lunch today too. Once Monkey wakes from her nap I will probably go ahead and get her dressed in her Halloween costume. I think we will just plan to snuggle up, munch on some pizza, and probably watch some some Charlie Brown. Maybe Sarge will feel up to Skyping later too.
I was searching for a cute printable sign to put on the door to let trick or treaters know we wouldn't have any candy (and to stop my doorbell from ringing incessantly all night) and couldn't find anything, so I decided to make one myself. It's nothing special, but if you'd like one to print and put on your own door check out the facebook page where you can download the sign I made. Be sure to "like" the facebook page if you stop by! Once we hit 100 likes I'll be doing another giveaway!
I'll be posting about our fall festivities in the next few days! Also -- be sure to keep an eye on the blog for a VERY big change and announcement!
How is it possible that it has been an entire year since this we finally got to meet this little one who has stolen my heart and captivated my soul? My heart is overwhelmed with emotion and there is so much I want to say.
I will be back to post about her birth story and her birthday celebrations. However, tonight I have the very important job of making sure everything is set for her to enjoy the most amazing first birthday celebration in the morning. Things have been a little hectic around here, but I am determined to make tomorrow (er - today?) absolutely the best day possible!
I promise that someday soon this blog won't just be random ramblings when I'm working through a hard time.
I keep praying that I'll be able to use it for something more... but maybe, this is exactly what I need to use this blog for right now -- to work through the hard times. Maybe my ramblings will be used to show someone who randomly stumbles upon this blog during their own hard time that "my help comes from the Lord" and no matter how difficult my circumstances, I know that if I turn to Him He WILL be there and I will get through whatever it is... sometimes He doesn't take away the pain, tears, or battle we are facing. Maybe it will encourage someone to know that sometimes the best thing He can do is walk through it with us, and when we are too weak to walk it is then that He carries us.
Today, after listening to me pour my heart out about my circumstances one of my very best friends posted a link to a song on my wall. No words were needed... just that simple link, and it was spot on. I don't have the option to pull the covers over my head and cry. The circumstances are not just going to go away. My daughter needs me to be strong. My husband needs me to be strong. I have to just find a way to keep keeping on.
Where does my strength come from? It comes from the Lord because He will never leave my side. He helps me handle anything I am given.
So God, I'm choosing to praise YOU in this storm because you are who you say you are. Though my heart is torn, I will praise YOU in this storm...
I was sure by now God You would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls I barely hear Your whisper through the rain "I'm with you" And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away
And I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to you And you raised me up again My strength is almost gone How can I carry on If I can't find You
But as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you" And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth
I know God is near, I know He is lifting me … yet at times He can seem so far away.
Christa Wells has a song, that says, “A thousand things are happening in this one thing, like a thousand fields nourished by a single drop of rain…so wrap yourself in promise and wait the morning light, a thousand things are happening tonight.”
We don’t often see things from His perspective -- But He is working, moving, and walking with me on this crazy difficult path.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
