Thankful and Blessed

It's been a year this past week since my husband had his open heart surgery. He is doing good. Diabetes is not better so I assume the heart is not improving but he is still here and has had some work but still hasn’t been able to find a job. My business is holding it’s own but I can’t support us. We are still in our house (that is really crazy) but I am thankful.
It has definitely been a long year. One filled with hopes, then disappointment, fear, and anxious moments but God is always there to remind us:
He has everything under control.
His ways are not our ways
He is ALWAYS faithful
He will never leave us
He is our provider
He is our comforter

Several months ago when I was in one of my desperate moods He reminded me that
He Loves ME
He is never in a hurry
His timing is perfect
I need to trust Him and let go

This has been a year of growth for our family. We are strong and I am thankful. He has provided for all my daughters needs and they are growing into faithful women I am so proud of.

As for my marriage.
We will be married 29 years this March.
Our vows have truly been tested in the last several years and I know the true meaning behind the commitment we made all those years ago.
To love each other for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
Has it been easy?
Hah! No but it is rewarding to know you can count on each other and know that we have each other no matter what we are facing. It feels good to look back and see how we have honored that committment we made so many years ago when we were young and hopeful.
Looking back through the times when we weren't so happy with each other or just to distracted with life we neglected each other. I am so thankful we remembered our commitment to each other and God and stuck it out.
It's rewarding to look back and see (as my Mom used to say) it all comes out in the wash!
Sometimes life gets real tough but we have a big God who loves us and has our back. I'm still trusting that He has a wonderful plan for the rest of our lives and "This too shall pass".

Remember:
to love those around you even when they are not being lovable
stick with it.
you are not in control and you are nothing without God.
We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!

Have a wonderful week!

A Book about Dogs, Love and Houses

I just recently joined Library Things "Early Reviewers" program.
I thought it might be fun.
Well I got a book my first time choosing and what a perfect book it was for me!
Carol's story of her 42 year marriage and the 10 different dogs they had through the years sounded so much like my life!
I have only had 4 dogs and I hope I am a better chooser of breeds than she was at times. Her quick wit with the stories of her dogs made me chuckle out loud many times to where I was annoying my husband. Which leads me to her relationship with Millard, her high school sweetheart! It is so refreshing to read about a real couple. The things they loved and shared and the things they just put up with. Their love was deep and special and I am glad Carol chose to write about their life.
If you love dogs, fixing up houses, antiques and especially have a good long lasting marriage, I think this book will give you a few good evenings of pleasurable reading!
It's available now at Amazon.com or many other book stores.

(note: the real cover has a Jack Russel on the front)