Happy New Year!

Just got in a short time ago from enjoying a parent/teacher night at the local high school. I love to meet my children's teachers and enjoy hearing about their classes and friends too. My hubby stayed home with the youngest children and I was thinking about how, last year at this same time, I couldn't have gone anywhere without my little one. She is now 15 months old and is a joy.

My other children are also doing well and are praying for another snow day tomorrow. I would love one too because it allows me to "sleep in" past 5:45 in the morning :) My boys are pretty good at helping me clean up after the snow storms if my husband is at work, especially my oldest son.

My oldest daughter was home from college for over a month and I enjoyed every minute of it. Our relationship is changing and we are becomming a little bit like "friends" and not so much parent/child. She was so domesticated when she was here. She made us dinner many of the nights that she was here and she did all of the shopping with me for the ingredients. She helped me organize the basement of all of our children's clothes and she also helped shop/wrap/prepare for Christmas.

I was very saddened to have to say goodbye to her yesterday. She is back at college now.

My husband found out yesterday that he has the shingles...He was having a lot of back pain and I noticed a "rash". He is asleep on the couch suffering with a migraine on top of it all. I pray that he will feel some relief soon.

My father found out that he had bladder cancer a short time ago, but when they removed it they were able to get it all and it is a non-invasive type. Blessings abound :)

I have been reading more...a couple of good books including the Bible and also a book called "Life Without Limits" by: Nick Vujicic (an inspriational story about a man who was born without arms or legs).

I have started attending a Bible study again and the baby is cooperating by being willing to stay with the nursery women without screaming. We spent some time on temptations today. The story of Joseph and how he resisted being tempted by Potipher's wife, but still suffered trials. What a great story to reflect on and to remember that even when we obey God, we are not always showered with blessings, and that is ok...God has a perfect plan and everything happens for a reason. Much more was covered and I look forward to many more rich lessons. Fellowshiping with the saints is such a blessing.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version, ©2010)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We are called to meet together as Christians and I know, speaking from my own experience, how much easier life is to handle when I am in the Word and am consistantly gathering with other believers.

I have been so blessed by my Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and all of my children...each and every one of them is a special gift.

Your blogs are all gifts to me. I enjoy opening them every time you post. I may not always post a comment on them, but know that you are being thought about and that you are special to me.

With love and Hope,
Cheryl