Meat Grinder

Drew and Lu,
So, I am feeling pretty discouraged today. There are times in life when you feel like you are being asked to go through a meat grinder. There is no way out, you can't get around it, you must go through. Our friend Stubbs received news of new charges being filed against him. Aunt Kristi told me she has a new boyfriend, even though she is married.
Honestly, the lessons I am learning are just barely unfolding. When does truth overshadow grace? I am finding out. I think when people choose their path instead of God's path, it is time for TRUTH to stand loudly.
What are the things that the Lord is screaming truth at me about? Consider it JOY when you face trials and tribulations. I know the plans I have for you. I will work all things for my glory. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
I know our God is faithful. He never changes. I can trust him. My hope is in him.

My prayer is that I walk faithfully with You through this time. I feel satan whispering and slashing at my heels. Lord, do not let me be overcome. Hold me with your right hand. Keep me safe. Do not let him use me for his small victories. Lord, you use me for your mighty works.
amen

Growing Up Fast

Girls,
I can't believe that you are both growing up so fast. Drew, you are playing softball for the second year and you are doing fantastic. Two nights ago you got two hits, so daddy took you out to Coldstone. Lucy, you are riding your bike without training wheels now. We are so proud of you, you learned so fast.
Lately, I have been praying for you both to do everything with joy in your hearts unto the Lord. We are going to be working for a long time on that, but I know that you will both learn it. I love you both so much.

Drew Katelyn

My sweet Drew,
You are seven...boo! I adore you. You are so fun, and you have such an interesting mind. You can be so compassionate. It has been so much fun to be in your classroom this year. I love watching you learn and share. You are so strong and determined. Drew you have the best laugh. When you and Lucy get laughing together, your laugh brings a smile to your Dad and I. You have a great imagination, and I love hearing all of the ideas you come up with. I can't wait to see what great things you end up doing for our God. I can't wait to encourage you and experience your victories. I love you so much sweet Drewbee!
My prayer for you is that you would fall in love with God. I pray that you would be a leader for truth. I pray that you are the type of friend that people can confide in, laugh with, depend on, and look up to. Lord, protect Drew, keep her pure in all of her ways. Please help her to be diligent and full of joy. Thank you that I get to be her mom. Help me to be the best mom for her that I can be.
In Your Name,
Amen

Cheerful Example

Drew and LuLu,

So Randy spoke at mom to mom the other day and he seriously said the best way for me to teach you cheerful obedience is by example. He actually said that I need to be cheerful in all that I do, so that you too may have a cheerful heart. I hate it when he comes to mom to mom.
SO, I am going to try very hard to be cheerful when I am doing my daily tasks. I know that when you guys read this down the road you are going to laugh, because you won't believe that I ever struggled with being cheerful when I cleaned......only in His mercy. Good thing I have such a good example to look to.
God give me the cheerful and thankful heart that you desire for me to have. Let me think about you, and rest in your strength, to be transformed.
Love you girls

Whoa, it's been how long?

Hey there precious ones,
Your baby cousin Laney Jane was just born...five weeks early. She is AMAZING! What a little fighter, already making her way when the whole world thinks she should wait. I am sooo excited to get to know her little heart. She was actually born in the same room at Portland Adventist as both of you..crazy huh? Laney's birth has brought back lots of fun memories of you two. I think the best is remembering how much I love you, and knowing that not only does God love YOU more, He loves ME more than that too. I love the creation of love. I am so thankful to be your mom. You are both fantastic. Every... frown, will challenge, tear, teaches me about His mercy. Every....laugh, booty shake, thank you, teaches me about His grace. You are both....more than words can express.
Love you

Lucy Jane

Happy Birthday Lucy! I can't believe that you are five! My little baby girl, I love you so much. You are such a light in our lives. Do you know that is what the name Lucy means...light? So fitting. You are so fun, and such a little spitfire. Your Dad and I are learning how much the Lord loves us because of you. We long for you to use your spunk for His glory in how you love people, your friends, and your sister. You bring such delight to us. I can't imagine how much God loves us, because he loves us more than we love you, and that doesn't seem possible.
Lord, thank you for our beautiful daughter. Please protect her. Please help her love you with all that she is. Please help her to stay pure in mind and body. Please let her bring glory to you in all that she does. Give her wisdom and strength that abounds. Let her husband love you and fear you. In Jesus Name, Amen

The hits just keep on coming

Dear Girls,
Uncle Seth lost his dad on Wednesday. I had stopped by the hospital to drop off snacks for Sandra and Sarah, and when I got there Sarah told me he had just passed away. I waited until Uncle Seth got there, that was one of the worst moments of my life. Gary Tucker was in for back surgery, he wasn't supposed to die....yet.
When you get to a moment in your lives when you can't take one more thing...cry out to God, and then cry. After you cry, go do something fun and thank God for your blessings.
I pray that when you two girls go through hard times, that you can trust that God will use it for His glory. There are lots of times when I can't see or imagine how anything positive could come from hard things.....but they always do.
Love you, Mom