Mama Grace

I was really worried about how my older kids would be with a new baby in the house. Boy, was I ever worrying about nothing! They are all smitten! Who wouldn't be? Have you seen our cute baby?

 

 

 

He's getting so chunky!

 

 

I have been really surprised with Grace. I knew she'd love him, but it amazes me how natural her mother instinct is. She's a natural!! And Britten has really taken to her. If I'm not feeding him, then she's right there to ask, "Can I hold him? Can I hold him?" I have had to implement the rule: the baby can only be held if he's awake. He will sleep all day long being held by her- it's not great for his schedule, or mine!

 

there have been a couple times I've come to my room to find the baby gone. I wander looking for him. I have always found him in Grace's arms.

 

 

 

It has been so helpful to have a little helper!!



Stepping Stone to a Promise

Yesterday was Dustin's last day as an officer. It is bittersweet. Well, for him, not me. This was his dream! For 12 of our 16 years of marriage, he kept begging to be a cop. It took me a while to agree, but I eventually realized he had a right to be happy at what he was doing. For four years now, he's been just that. HAPPY! Now I have a depressed husband (he said it will take time to adjust).

 

To help us get by, Dustin took a part-time job as a security officer at Worker's Compensation Fund. He's worked there for over two years. A couple months ago, the VP of HR asked him why he hadn't applied for the investigator position that had opened up. Dustin informed him that he only had 4 years experience as a cop and it required 5. The VP winked and said, "Don't let that stop you." Dustin took this to say, you need to apply. So, he did. Long story short: he got he job.

 

I was excited because this was a promise being kept to me long ago when I took the leap of faith to allow him-yes I said ALLOW- to take the steps of becoming an officer. I was scared, but promised that he would move up quickly and be successful. Well, four years had gone by and nothing. Oh, I guess you can count the $.70 raise he got last year. WHOOPEE! Not my idea of fast or successful. I was starting to complain, but only in my head. When this job offer came along, I knew it was the fulfillment of a promise. I just needed Dustin to see it.

 

This was a hard decision for him. And it was his decision. There was no way I was going to make it for him because I never wanted him to look back and blame me for taking his dream away. In the end, he said he felt like being a cop was a stepping stone to getting this job. He will no longer be a cop. That is a hard pill to swallow for him, but he knows this job is a blessing. He will work regular hours, the environment is better, and it came with a huge pay increase. It almost doubled his salary!!

 

We are both grateful and find it amazing how the Lord's hand is truly in everything. I sometimes hear it said that it the Lord doesn't care what you choose as a profession, but I disagree. I think He wants to be a part in every aspect of our lives.

 

We are excited for this change. I was able to go shopping with Dustin and choose clothes I never thought he'd wear. I almost got him to buy some awesome boat shoes today. He put them back, but one day. It has opened new opportunities for both of us. I might just stay home now. We'll see. I haven't fully decided. It's just nice to have the choice now!

 

 



Behold the Wounds

One of my favorite cds to listen to is, "Day of Rest" by Jericho Road. I highly recommend it. All the songs on it are about the Savior and the peace we will find when we allow Him to be a part of our lives. I just wanted to share this song. It touched my heart today.

 

 

Behold the Wounds

 

David Naylor & John V Pearson

 

 

Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,

the marks upon His side.

Then ponder who He meant to save

when on the cross He died.

 

We cannot see the love of God

which saves us from the fall,

yet know that Christ from wood and nails

built mansions for us all.

 

Behold the outstretched hands of Christ,

our Lord, who came to save,

whose love and grace redeem our souls

and lift us from the grave.

 

Though bruised and battered as we stray

His loving hands caress,

He washes and anoints with oil

then in His arms we rest.

 

Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands.

Look to your Lord and live.

He yearns to bless you with His love

and all your sins forgive.

 

Oh, empty is the heart of man

when it is filled with sin.

Come, open wide your broken heart

and let your Savior in!

 

Behold His wounded hands and feet!

Come touch, and see, and feel

the wounds and marks that you may know

His love for you is real.

 

Then as you fall to worship Him

and wash His feet in tears

Your Savior takes you in His arms

and quiets all your fears.

 

 

 

 

 

I am so grateful to know my Savior. His grace is what gets me through life! He makes up the difference when I can't give or do anymore. He really does still the storm in my heart. I know He loves me. And I know He loves you too!