Thankful

Yesterday our little family had a very busy day. We woke up running.

We needed to finish payroll, run to the bank, the shoppe, the store, and the warehouse. We had to get groceries. We had to go here and there and do this and that. We had to go by the antique mall, Jesse had to show some houses. We were on the phone ending services and starting new ones. We were paying bills and cooking dinner. We visited some friends. AND when we finally got home at 9pm (and dinner had not been cooked yet) Abram had a fever of 104 degrees.

SO we called the doc, texted the doc, called the doc's office and got him on the phone. NEEDLESS TO SAY when we went to bed we were so tired. Of yea, we did however squeeze in a movie together, some much needed sweetheart time.

Every three hours we had to get up and give Abram some medicine to lower his fever.

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

And here we go again. IT IS WEDNESDAY ALREADY?! Only today we have even more to do. Errands, real estate stuff, doctor's appointment. All on a deadline because we were scheduled to speak in Pembroke, GA at FBC tonight. I was suppose to speak. They had promoted us speaking there for weeks on end. So what does a missionary do in this case? My baby had a fever of 103.3 today. A church in Pembroke is waiting to hear what I have to say.

What DOES a missionary do? A missionary does what a mommy would do. She calls the church and let's them know that her husband, also a missionary, will be her replacement tonight. To be honest, it was a bit bitter sweet.

I always speak. Jesse is always there to support me. Tonight Jesse spoke while I supported our son. I wish I could have been there to hear him. I know he did a great job.

As Abram was napping today- while Jesse was driving - I started to think about my past two days. I was thinking about how busy they were. It started to "get to me". You know what I mean?

THEN God reminded me "In all things give thanks." SO, put yourself in my shoes for a minute... my baby boy is helplessly ill and I can do nothing about it. I am not able to speak at the church tonight - which by the way- I LOVE to do. We have been soooo busy that I am exhausted. Not to mention (until now) that I am trying to rest and I am STILL thinking about being busy. Ironic. huh?

Well, back to giving thanks in all things.

God so gently, as He always does-with grace, reminded me in all these things of these two days what I should be thankful for.

Errands? Yes. Be thankful that there are things, there are ministries that God trusts me to lead and to serve in. God provides for our family through the booth we have at the antique mall and lets me be creative there as a bonus.

I'm thankful Jesse is showing houses. It is so exciting to see him busy already. It is even more exciting to see him excited and encouraged.

I'm thankful for good friends that God gives us that we can visit. God has given us more community than we deserve.

I'm thankful that we had money to pay our bills yesterday. I'm thankful that God gave us an opportunity to save some money on some service bills.

I'm thankful that we have Abram. I'm thankful for a doctor that loves Jesus and loves us. I'm thankful for God giving me sweet time with my son while he was sick. I'm thankful that God shows me my son's love for me when he looks at me for help. I'm thankful for the reminder of God being my heavenly Father.

I'm thankful we had money to take Abram to the doctor today. I'm thankful for more real estate stuff today. I'm thankful that I have a partner in ministry. I'm thankful that God gave us the opportunity for me to move aside and Jesse to take the stage, literally.

I'm thankful for my family being there for us.

I am thankful that God speaks to me. I am thankful that my ears are turned to His voice.

I am thankful for these things. I pray that whatever you are going through today or have been going through that you will be willing and be able to turn your eyes to Jesus and give thanks in all things.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)

¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

One Year - Two Year

I can not believe that my lil BABY son is about to turn One year old. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was waddling around with him inside. This past year has been one of the busiest years of my life. I think I have felt every emotion you can feel. This time last year I was 9 (which felt like 40) months pregnant. We started Shoppe 3130. I gave birth, celebrated my one year anniversary and ... well that is all but that is more than enough!

Time flew by last year. I guess it is true - time does fly when you are having fun. I have loved every stage of Abram's life. I loved the cuddling when he was newborn. I loved feeding him, rocking him, and singing to him. I loved watching him learn to grab things, sit up, roll over, crawl, and now walk. I love his laugh, his singing, his expressions, I even love his little cry. I love his hugs in the morning and his kisses all day. I love that he loves me and that he knows I love him.

I love that he wants me to take care of him. I love that he needs me.

God has taught me so much over the past year with Abram. I was afraid I would not be a good mommy at first but not anymore. I want to be a good mommy. It is one of the most important things to me in this life. It is important enough that I had to leave a job I loved.

Today Abram threw a little fit.. yea... not even one yet and he knows how to throw a fit (as my momma would call it!) In the midst of his fit I realized that I have done that same thing to God. You see, when God won't give me my way - I often throw a fit, a pity party, and simply do not want to hear any reasoning. I simply want my way.. anything else ... well anything else is not what I want. I tense up, plant my feet, and remain stubborn until God gently reminds me that I need him. He reminds me of His love for me.

I am excited about this next year with Abram. I know that God has much more to speak to me about and to teach me.

UPDATE ON DADDY

My dad is half way done with chemo. He has responded pretty well. He has good days and bad days. I think he will do better when the weather is warmer. He has been in the house most of the winter. I am thankful for sweet times that God gives us. I am also thankful for the way I get to see my daddy love my son. I pray he is here to love all of my children.

Jesse and I are now MSC Missionaries. That simply means we are self supporting missionaries: we raise our own support.

We never know just how God is going to provide for us. We just know he will. He does. He has. God provided for us this month in some pretty amazing ways. He is always on time.

Jesse is now a real estate agent. That is exciting! He is a little anxious because he has never done this before. I think it is more exciting that way - you see when we don't know what we are doing, we can't claim the glory for our self. If he does well, God receives the glory. I like it that way.

There are some things on my mind right now that frustrate me. I won't go into any detail for the sake of not stirring the pot. I will just ask that you pray for us. We need closure and pray that God will give us that with some issues.

I am so thankful for you, friend. Have a wonderful day, night, or if you are like me, early early morning.

Much love,

Jen