Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Non-Hypothetical Car Wreck

Have you ever had a car accident?
Or, have you experienced that quickening in your heart when you get that phone call, "I've been in a wreck."?

This is where we are right now. In real time. A part of me has to laugh right out loud about it... because just a few days ago I was telling you about how much it was going to cost to have some maintenance work done on the van. Now that van is sitting crunched up in a tow yard two highways over.

When my husband called me yesterday morning the first words out of his mouth were, "the van is totalled. I'm sorry." Because...that's the kind of guy he is. He knew I really, really, really liked that silly van. Always wanted one. Finally had one. So I had to butt in to ask if he was ok or hurt. And PRAISE THE LORD he's fine. Not one scratch. The other party involved was just fine, too.

I knew tears would come. Even though its just a worldly possession... it was kind of a "need". We have children to cart around, places to be, food to shop for, life to live. But strangely, the tears didn't come until later - in private - after I was strong for my husband. And that strength was def a GOD THING, because... man I do love a good cry. In the place of tears and worry I was flooded with peace. You know, that without explanation-supernatural-"everyting is gonna be ah-ite" peace. And I rejoice in that. I PRAISE GOD for giving me that peace. Deep down to my toes peace. Because truth is...

-we have NO money to replace that vehicle. {tho, insurance is working on it!}
-Brad's car is literally days away from dying, too.
-it was my van... my...van. I kinda sorta liked it a lot.
-my husband walked away with out a scratch on his body. I've seen the opposite way.too.much every night on the news. This post could be a totally different post right now. I will not go there.

Just yesterday I was reading in Ephesians and reminding myself, no...preaching to myself, that I am God's masterpiece, His workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works.


"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Eph. 2:10


That was such a comfort to me. Though some may be thinking what on earth that has to do with ones prized van being smashed on a highway...


I was reminded and humbled to remember that circumstances, be they good or bad ones, don't dictate God's plan for my life. God is the dictator {the good kind!} and His ways truly are the best ways. I can't see that full picture now. All I see is an empty driveway where my Chevy Uplander sat at my convenience. God has plans for me to do GOOD things. Things that were planned before I was even a sparkle in my momma's eye. And I needed that yesterday.


How do we glory in Christ through these circumstances?

We love & respect our husbands, we love our children... just like we do in the good times.

And, we keep on praying and asking God for His perfect provision. Will you join us?

Monday, January 30, 2012

Happy Homemaker Monday!


Happy Monday ya'll! I'm currently sitting here on my couch while the sicky {my 3 year old} is watching Baby Einstein. She still loves those things! I'm asking for Grace and prayers today...as this momma does not handle tummy troubles well.

The weather:::
It's going to be 59 degrees today here in Iowa. 59 degrees! Is this January or March?!


On my reading pile:::
Still reading through "Made to Crave", but just started "Loving God with all your mind" by Elizabeth George...and of course, let's not forget my Nook books :)



On my TV:::
Currently, baby Einstein. And I'm sure will be followed by various and assorted cartoons and what not. all.day.long.


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Chicken pot pie
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
* very honestly, having a sicko... I have NO idea what this week will look like. Though its all planned out...we'll be playing this by ear.

On my to do list:::
Laundry
General tidying
buy a vacuum...still. {ew}
Wipe out fridge
Plan and begin picking up stuff for Valentines gifts and crafts


What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Blanket. Still.


In Homeschooling:::
No homeschooling here. Although, my 3 year old insists that craft time is school...and thats ok with me :)


Looking around the house:::
An overturned basket of pretend food, bag of giant legos scattered, coffee cup on the table, little girl sick on the couch...


From the camera:::
This weekend we took some of our teens ice skating - here's our girls group shot, courtesy of Hubs Iphone.

Something fun to share:::
Just learning more about my Nook reader. Someone told me you can type the word FREE into most search engines for Nook books and it will list pages of free books. Worked for me on the B&N site!


On my prayer list:::
Ava...tummy healing. Mommy...Grace for the day..and possibly night.
Some teen suicides in the community has rocked a local high school. Very sad. Praying for the families and students.


Bible verse, Devotional:::
Wow, really powerful message at church yesterday from 1 Peter 3. Hoping to get time back in there today!