God has been so good to me. Jon has been away from us so much in the last four months (maybe five). God has been so faithful to keep my spirit up, to give me the encouragement I need just in time, to give me patience (most of the time). I look back and think, how did I get through that. I would have never imagined myself capable of being alone with the kids so much and still being sane. And not just sane but the most joyful and hopeful I've felt in a long time. As I contemplate this seemingly unnatural peace and joy I can only see God's hand. 1Peter 2.9 came to my mind last night. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." For you this might not seem to fit with what I'm talking about but for me it totally does. It says to me that, I'm God's for the purpose of His praise. All the good, all the trials and peace in them make me remember I am God's and I praise him for it. All I have, physical and spiritual, all I am, is because of Him who has call me.
Thank you Father.

A clean house

Lately my pleasure has been in keeping my house clean. In the past this joy has come and gone and so I don't know if this is just a phase or the beginning of something new for me. I just seem to have to motivation and organization to stay on top of most of the house. I am enjoying keeping things in order. I have to admit to myself that I have always loved order. Not just in my surrounding but in a perdictable day and so on. (something I inherited from my mother)
I can't believe the way it has helped me be a better mother and wife. I think its more my adittude. In the sense that if I am willing to serve my family by keeping the house clean I will be more likely to serve them in other ways. Looking at the people around me and their needs instead of being stuck on myself and my needs. Giving feels so much better than taking. I have felt so much love from my husband the last few days.(he's only been home a few days).
My moto is "No excuses" Just get up and do it. I don't know how long this motivation will last but I'm going to cease this God given blessing now and maybe I'll be able to make something of it.
Lord, I want all I do and say to point those around me, back to You. Maybe my service to my family will show my children what it means to love as Christ did. Laying down his life me.

Off to bed now.