YESTERDAY BROUGHT A NEW TRIAL AND TRIBULATION TO OUR LIFE...

Today isn't such a great day to report, but I know through my faith in Jesus I will come out a stronger person.

Today my 13 year old daughter informed Ben and I that she did not want to travel with us to Virginia in May. This was a complete surprise, as we have been panning out carefully for her new high school and cheer team. She was so excited and this has totally taken us a few steps back. It was a tormenting moment for me, knowing my unsaved daughter could possibly live in a home where they don't worship the Lord.

When speaking to my daughter’s father, he criticized me for being "selfish" and educating myself. He said I robbed my children of giving them the opportunity to bond with them, instead I chose school and work. Somehow I feel at fault and guilty either way for wanting my children to have a good life and be a model for them. It is never easy being a single mom trying to provide.

Today I felt after a 2 hour conversation with my daughter's father that I became under fire and attack.

In reflection...

How often as Christians do we come under fire? Should we bear the brunt of the insults and smile or should we go cursing and hating the whole world? This is another test to pass in this Christian school we call our lives. We Christians are at times always trying to do something significant, trying to climb the social ladder. Such people do become vulnerable to criticism. So does that mean we just sit back in our chairs and do nothing? Our desire is to do the will of God, which includes being loving and respectful to all people. If we have done this, it can be enough. Criticism will not touch us. God will make sure that this criticism will be used for our ultimate good. Our character becomes particularly important if we decide to stick to the truth and come under fire. Let this not worry us. The Holy Spirit will show us the way out. All it requires is to be trustworthy and faithful.

The Lord is close to the broken hearted and and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

THE WEEKEND

This weekend has been absolutely wonderful! Ben and I have spent family time together. Friday evening I snuck home early and we went to dinner with some friends without the kido's. Saturday evening was full of fun at Lori's house with high school friends for a food, fun and games.

Sunday was full of fun after church. We had Chinese for lunch with friends and then the kids did karaoke at Colby's. We were all rolling!!!

Sunday evening we went to our marriage class... what an epiphany we had. Just when we thought we had it perfect, Ben and I walked away realizing we have not been giving each other everything we should as a couple. The sermon today had already began our conversation about putting God first and then our marriage next... it is so amazing how many things you overlook when it is brought to your attention.


Today was a GREAT day for us as a married couple!

Coming Home

There is nothing like heading home to your family. I have been away at a accreditation visit for ITT High Point, NC. It has been an interesting visit to say the least. I always have great meals on the trip with ACICS, this time I ventured out and had Salmon. Ben, I am sure is proud of me, since he has been trying forever to get me to try it.





Sitting in the airport, you always seem to have more time to think about how much you miss the people you love. Every time I am apart from Ben I realize how much I value him and remind myslef over and over how lucky I am.








Reflecting back on the past days, Ben has been home with the kido's, most likely praying that I will come home quick. He has not felt well for a week and Will is just getting over the flu. The week has been long for both of us... but I am headed home. :)

1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Today is the first day of blogging my journey of my walk in faith with my husband Ben. The lord has richly blessed me in every way possible in my life. On November 17, 2007 I married Benjamin Paul Hays and blindly took a leap of faith and made a commitment to Christ that I would return my heart and soul to him. The first year of our marriage, I spent many countless nights on my knees praying for the strength to get me through Ben’s deployment to Afghanistan. It by far was the hardest test of my faith. I kept in constant prayer that the Lord would return my husband to me. It seemed to be the longest year of my life, What a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Christ with a gift of having my husband returned to me safely! The best Christmas I have ever had! The whole family was home!














As the New Year has started, Ben and I have committed to start the first “real” year of marriage together, growing in Christ. We are attending a marriage class at Hilldale Baptist Church, led by Bro. Terry Brown. We are so excited to have some foundations to begin our journey together. Bro Terry also was who conducted our marriage counseling and helped us make the decision that God had chose us for each other. We will follow together…

Thank you Lord for my husband… I am richly blessed