Boot straps...

Chrysler Museum

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Life is not easy, but He gives you the courage to pull your boot straps up and start a new day. There's more than what we see. He knows the bigger picture and we move forward with trust in Him! I have started a new job. It is hard. But I can either press on and be courageous giving it my best, or quit. And I don't want to quit. I won't quit. Just like my sweet L said to me yesterday, comparing my job to MMA class, "When you first go it's hard and a lot of people don't come back. But if you keep going you start to get it and then it becomes fun." The precious wisdom of my 12 year old. Today is a new day and I will not wallow in the lies of the enemy. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and giving it my best, and that is the best. To God alone be the glory.

Pulling my boot straps up for a new day with my Father!

Being a wife and mom...

Yes, randomness for the pictures. Some funny, mostly older but the sweetest memories of daily life through the ups and downs. It is because of this man and these five precious boys the Lord has blessed us with that I can be called "Mom." I say often in my mind that marriage and motherhood is not for the faint hearted. It is a gathering of sinful people trying to work together and love each other more than themselves. It is a process of humility, constant grace, forgiveness, courage and learning of the true meaning of love...something only done through Christ.

I love these six people madly. They teach me daily. They show me Christ daily. Our days are not fuzzy and sugar coated but they are real and full, most times with joy, but some with tears and disappointments. It is here I cling to Christ, to His Word and His mercies being new every morning. We live, we love, we forgive, we extend grace, we pray, we do over, we laugh, we breathe.

Thank you, Father, for blessing me with the privilege of being a wife and mom.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:13-14 ESV