Updates and Insights

Brandon had his two-month checkup for his heart last week. Thank the Lord, he is doing well. The blockage is still only mild and therefore, nothing to be concerned about. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health and wants to see him again in two months. So, praise the Lord that our little guy is doing so well! He's weighing over 14 pounds now and is growing way too fast for mommy!!

My parents have begun their preparations for returning to the mission field. This time they'll be gone about two months. The Lord willing, they'll be back here in the states in time for Thanksgiving. Pray for them for safety and strength as they endeavor to minister to the people God has placed upon their hearts.

My brother in law is supposed to be able to come home from Iraq at the beginning of October. He's been over there since August of last year!!! He's been through so much and needs time to recover and rest. We continue to keep him in our prayers and thoughts. He's hoping to get out of the Army and be back in San Antonio sometime after New Years. We hope so too!!! We all miss him so much!

My younger brother is still doing over there. He's really busy (read: in constant danger) but his spirits are up and he's doing what he's been trained to do!! Like David, we're praying for him constantly!! I do love that boy!! and I miss him!!

I have realized recently that my life is totally about my husband, my boys and our home. Some would say that I'm wasting my time and have no purpose, but I'm coming to realize more and more that my daily duties are FAR from mundane!! Making a sandwich for Ryan, sitting for an hour to nurse Brandon, taking the time to make dinner, changing diapers-- these things are my calling. This is what God has called me to do, and it's what is the most important thing for me right now.

Our pastor has been preaching on the importance of a Christian living a life of total and complete committment to Christ and a life defined by love for God. I have thought about these things and wondered if I was doing all that I should be doing for our church and for the ministries we have. Should I try to do more, take on a more active role in some way?

Well, the Lord has reminded me that what I do as a wife and as a mom is EXACTLY what I should be doing! My husband is my ministry. My children are my mission field. My home is my calling. A "keeper at home," called to love my husband and my children for the glory of God!!!! There is a rest in these truths for me. I don't have to worry about being involved in every outreach opportunity or in even one! I just have to take care of what God has given me- my family.

I don't always do a good job of being a wife and a mother, and I definitely have moments of failure! But I know that, like with all things in a Christian's life, God alone is my strength. He alone gives me grace to be what He has called me to be, and He alone will enable me to continue on and fulfill this role He has given me. Through much prayer, the Lord will help me in these areas to bring Him glory and be a blessing to my family and to my brethren at church.

I have had so many thought rolling around in my head the last few weeks. This is my poor attempt to share them with you all. I hope that you will pray for me and with me about these things. I want my priorities to be HIS priorities for me! My desire is to do all that I can for the furtherance of God's kingdom through the ministry He has given me!

Until the next time I have a few minutes of quiet....