Then, Now, and Forever

We started our journey together almost 26 years ago as high school kids and it has been a bumpy struggle to say the least. On again- off again, married-divorced, but 19 years ago today we made the decision to remarry and build our family. That was by far the best decision of our lives. Look at this beautiful happy, life we have built. I'm not saying we are perfect, and thank God we don't pretend to be. I am saying that we are imperfectly perfect by the Grace of God!!

IN THIS FAMILY

WE DO REAL

WE DO MISTAKES

WE DO IM SORRY

WE DO SECOND CHANCES

WE DO FUN

WE DO HUGS

WE DO FORGIVENESS

WE DO REALLY LOUD

AND WE DO LOVE, 

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!!!

I can't say that I have always be married to my best friend, because for so long we were just each other's habits. Not until February 8, 2014, did I find my best friend. My husband made a decision that changed our lives. It changed our jobs, town, friends, and family. This was a pure miracle of God. Maybe one of these days he will tell everyone about it, but that is not my story to tell. I am now married to my very best friend. A man that I am extremely proud of. Does he stumble? Does he fall? Yes!! We all do. 

I love this man I am married to more than anything! I can't tell you how proud I am of how far he has come! I am so thankful that my kids have a dad that is strong and courageous, who makes mistakes and shows them how to apologize and take responsibility, who is learning every day that you can only be a victim if you allow yourself to be. He is a dad that is passionate about his feelings and his family! Above all else, I am so thankful that he loves the Lord God (his daddy) with all his heart and is daily learning to walk and talk with him in order to be a Godly example for his children.

I love you Chad!! Happy Anniversary!! 

Different Spring Breaks???

This year, I am teaching in Greenville, the girls go to school in Quinlan, Dalton is still in Caddo and Chad started a new job at L-3. With this situation, I expected our schedules to be a challenge, but comparing school calendars and noticing that my Spring Break was different from the kids, wasn't what I had planned. 

Every year we plan a week of fun as a family. Each year we take a vacation, pick a different place to go everyday, or plan a camping trip. So, since the beginning of the school year, I have been concerned about how we were going to handle this difference. Around Thanksgiving, we started talking about going snow skiing. I had decided just to take a few days off while the kids had Spring Break and go.

The closer we got and the more I started to try to plan everything, the more complicated it got. Caitlyn has track and then cheer tryouts and Dalton has a fishing tournament. Choosing dates became impossible. As we were talking about this scheduling problems, I jokingly popped off that Chad and I should just go by ourselves. Of course we threw that thought out immediately . We couldn't run off without the kids. The girls would be so mad and we can't be away from them that long. 

Then, I kept thinking about this. *Scheduling for the whole family is impossible. *Dalton really doesn't want to go anyway. *It won't even cost us half as much. *We haven't gone anywhere by ourselves for more than a day or so. * We need some time for ourselves!!!

So.... IN 5 DAYS, CHAD AND I ARE HEADING TO THE MOUNTAINS!!  

If you have been around me lately or if you have stuck around for the end of this post, you know that I am SUPER EXCITED!!! I can't wait and the closer it gets the more excited I get. 

Here is a little preview of our 5 day, kid-free, ski vacation. Actual trip pictures will come when we get back.

but for the Grace of God

What you have done nor who you used to be determine your future or make you who you are. Yes, decisions you make can result in consequences, good or bad, that you will have to live with or overcome. If you pick up one end of a stick, the other end comes with it whether you like it or not. Sin can effect your life and definitely effects your faith. It can keep you from walking in the life that you were destined to live. Sin can pull you towards the things of this world, when your are suppose to live under God's promise which is not of this world. 

On the other end of this, is Grace. The sin you have or will commit is not who you are. If you are a child of God, "The one true King," you are LOVED and you are FORGIVEN (from your past to your future). And, even if you do stumble, it doesn't change that. He paid the price for your stumbles and he redeemed you from the curse. 

Hebrews 10:17 "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

All of that being said....I have my own proof!

One year ago today, my husband made a decision that has totally turned our lives around. The girls and I were in San Antonio for the weekend and had no idea what was going on at home. Apparently the Holy Spirit was at work on Chad. 

From the time we first met, he has battled with anger, depression, fear, sin, habits, and hurt. He had attempted changing so many times that I can't even remember, but he was always pulled back in. Sometimes the pull came from friends, family, or just temptations and he never had the ability or the drive to free himself from this cycle he had created...

...but for the Grace of God!!

God intervened and put a dream in his heart, a drive in his mind, and gave him strength that he never knew he could have. I'm not saying he is now miraculously perfect. He stumbles and stumbles hard sometimes. I'm saying he now sees himself as his father does. He is worthy. He is qualified. He is REDEEMED! "He is the picture of Grace."

  

*This man went from literally working his fingers to the bones to have nothing to working the best and easiest job he has ever had at L-3.
*This man went from feeling like he was absolutely nothing to a Godly husband and father. Yes, he still gets on my nerves and can most definitely still push the right buttons, but he is a work in progress and  HE is the man of my dreams. I can't tell you how proud I am of him! 

Chad,
I loved you then. I love you now. I'll love you forever!!

Sweet 16

I remember like it was yesterday, how excited I was to know I would soon have a baby girl. I know my son, that I loved very much, was just as much a part of me as she, but to have a little me to lug around was just a little different. I thought she was my personal baby doll for a while. I dressed her up in every adorable outfit I had; just to take a picture and I started shopping with her when she was just a few days old. Little did I know what exactly I was receiving. God blessed me with so much more than just a beautiful little girl. He gave me a perfect mixture of me and my best friend (Chad).        She has the biggest heart for others and loves Jesus with her whole heart.

     Her family means everything to her and I see it in her care for her sister. 

     She is feisty and fierce. She will never be any one's doormat. 

     She loves our attention, especially as she cheers in front of the TV.

     She is beautiful, yet humble and doesn't quite know it yet (selfies don't count).

     She is TUFF as a boot and needs no one's help.

     She is diligent and determined. Don't get in her way!

     She stands firm in what she believes and works hard to show it.

     She is a true blessing to everyone around her. 

Happy 16th Birthday to my beautiful, sweet, strong, smart...cheerleader, redneck, athlete, Princess.

I Love You the WHOLE WIDE WORLD and I am extremely proud of the young lady you have become. 

     

     

He's Greater

Bring your tired

Bring your shame

Bring your guilt

Bring your pain

Don’t you know that’s not you’re name

You will always be much more to me

Every day I wrestle with the voices

That keep telling me I’m not right

But that’s alright

‘Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed

When others say I’ll never be enough

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

In the world

In the world

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

Bring your doubts

Bring your fears

Bring your hurt

Bring your tears

There’ll be no condemnation here

You are holy, righteous and redeemed

Every time I fall

There’ll be those who will call me

A mistake

Well that’s ok

There’ll be days I lose the battle

Grace says that it doesn’t matter

‘Cause the cross already won the war

He’s Greater

He’s Greater

I am learning to run freely

Understanding just how He sees me

And it makes me love Him more and more

He’s Greater

He’s Greater

By Mercy Me

My Blog: Working on Me!

Yes! I am at it again and hopefully I will keep it up. My niece just started blogging and she reminded me how much of a stress reliever it was. I SOMETIMES NEED THAT. I also, need to continually remind my flesh and my mouth of the "New Me" that I am determined to be. I don't always have to say what I think, put my two cents in, stir the pot, or get dragged into D*R*A*M*A! "They are not my monkeys and this is not my circus" is one of my new sayings. I am learning, especially at work, that the less I talk; the less stress I have. From now on, I am taking care of my business while being a blessing to others and without getting sucked into negative junk and drama that really isn't my concern anyway. I am LOVED, FORGIVEN, and REDEEMED (physically, spiritually, financially, and socially). I have the Blessing of God on my life and I refuse to let stress, negativity, or drama steal my joy nor my peace.