Our plans vs God's plans

As some of you might know about five years ago my husband separated from the Marine Corps. At the time, my husband and I thought that at least one of us would join another military branch in either an active or reserve capacity right away. During that time, the Lord made it almost impossible for that to happen. We could have kept fighting for the dream but we didn't.
Over the years at different points in our lives, we tried again but again it was a windy, rough road that we didn't want to pursue.
As a last ditch effort my husband requested information from our local Air National Guard. In just a few short weeks, everything has come together. As of tomorrow he will officially be signing six years of his life to supporting and defending our country and our local community. I couldn't be more proud of him and his dedication.
This evening as I put our five children to bed, it really hit me that his dreams from five years ago are FINALLY happening. Five years... Most of us let go of dreams or prayers before the end of the first year. Five years is a long time to allow a dream to sit on the back burner, working countless hours at jobs that really seemed pointless. In the quiet of my house, it really is amazing to see how the Lord blesses those who do his work and live the life he has planned for us and allow it to unfold as he sees fit.
As a go to bed tonight, I can only thank the Lord for preparing us during these five years. I am so thankful for the peace I feel during this time. I have full faith that the Lord has huge plans for our family during this next chapter. It won't always be easy but I am ready to stand with his peace and love supporting my husband and children.

Basic Truth

Lately life has been a string of events that happen one after another. Some events are completely expected while others have knocked the wind out of me literally and figuratively.

Life in general has given me more to think about than I ever expected. As a mom of five and wife of six and a half years, I thought I would have more figured out. At the very least what I want to do when I "grow up." Day after day, I think about what is on the horizon for my family and I. I just ponder what the Lord has in store for us. Some days it excites me and other days it leaves me quivering in the corner of a room afraid to even look across the room. 

In every circumstance that has presented itself, I have learned that even when I feel the loneliest, I am never truly alone. The Lord is always with me. He will never leave me or forsake me. In this basic truth, I know that every time life throws me a curve ball that knocks me down, I know I can get up. Even if "up" only means kneeling on the floor until the Lord's strength and love helps me stand back again. I will continue to choose to kneel, crawl, walk, or run when I am called to do it. I will keep choosing to live in his love and grace. 

Deuteronomy 31:6