The Real Reason For The Holidays.

  So this is about my most favorite time of the year as far as Holidays go. Christmas and Thanksgiving are absolutely wonderful. There's scarfs and sweaters, hot chocolate and movies, and a lot of merry festivities. This is a time for Family and Thanks. A time of joyful memories. A time of reflection and prayer as well.

People are so busy with getting things and buying things. Its all about things and stuff. More and more. What did you get last Christmas? Can you name them all? Can you? Most of us don't remember everything. Maybe the "big" things. Was their a family quarrel? Maybe some stressed tension from the hustle and bustle. Just think about that for a moment....

Most of society says, "Jesus is the reason for the season". But I say, Jesus is the reason for every season. He is the reason for everyday and every moment. Although, we don't celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas, we celebrate Christmas as a time for Family and Blessings. And we thank Him for all that He has done and does. It's a time to celebrate LIFE. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday. It should be a LIFESTYLE. We need to celebrate Thanksgiving everyday.

With these reasons for these seasons stop and slow down. Think, and breathe, and pray. Take it in. Don't rush and push and fuss. Smile and hug and laugh. Savor this Holiday season. Cherish it. Remember this 2013 Holiday season with fondness and with no regret.

This Holiday season is very happy indeed for our family! My sister-in-law is getting MARRIED! This is a time for much celebration indeed. Two lives become one and are following the Lord, now that's a reason for overflowing joy! So these next few weeks will be filled with fun events and activities. Our family is beyond blessed. We are THANKFUL to Him always.

James 1:17
Psalm 95: 2-3
1 Chronicles 16:34

Trusting and Breathing

If you're like me, you are a list person. A planner. An organized nut. You like your ducks all in a row. You like to know of things in advance so you can PLAN. I don't like surprises or unexpected adventures. I guess if I was anything like a Tolkien character, I would have been a hobbit. I don't do anything on a whim. I like familiarity. I like common, ordinary surroundings. I like to be comfortable, and to feel comfortable I have to be aware and educated on my surrounds and my future. It takes me a while to feel acclimated and comfortable, maybe that's part of my introverted self. It's something I battle with.

This personality trait could easily lead to stress or anxiety. Although, I'm not the type of person to show that type of emotion. I keep it in-check and hidden mostly. These last few months have been like a rock sitting on my shoulder. I knew it was coming. I knew we were getting closer. I knew that soon, my husband would accept a job somewhere, ANYWHERE and we would begin again.

My whole life I have lived in a bubble, if that's what you would call it. I've lived my life in a particular radius. My first big step was moving to Florida and attending Florida College. 12 hours away from anything I have ever known and loved. It was new, it was a huge change, it was different. But I learned to breath a little easier, I learned that a crack in the plan was do-able and that different and change was ok. That was a good change. It was what I needed. And it ended up being perfect.

THIS change will be bigger. And different. If its Gods will, it will be for a long while. And I pray that's the case. But, not knowing WHERE this change would be has given me much hidden anxiety and fear, if you will, for a few months. I knew this was the year that decisions would be made and bags would be packed and memories moved. But we were just getting comfortable. Why do we have to give it all up and start over? We love it here. More so, we love the people here. The Christians here. We are just feel at home. Maybe its terrifying to me because of my personality?

Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely ecstatic to be moving to Georgia. I know this will be a great opportunity for us. I have been praying that God will use us there in whatever way He desires. I'm happy for Trent. He has worked so hard for this. I am beyond proud of him.
For me, I guess it's different. Maybe I think too much. I think as wives, we do that a lot. Think things through over and over and prepare and prepare again. It's slightly obsessive sometimes, but we are cautious and care for our family. Why do we worry so much? Why do we bombard ourselves with things we truly can't control? We go to extensive lengths to have control over things and it does nothing but pull us down. We burden ourselves with that which God has told us not to.

This is something I have always had to war with. Its been one of my enemies. Uncertainty, being unprepared, surprises - these make my stomach turn. And I continue to fight. I need to trust more. I need to have faith more. I need to remind myself to trust my faithful heavenly Father and not hide. I can take what He offers. He will guide. He will hold. He has a PLAN better than my tiny human brain can comprehend.  His plan is the best. And it is good because He is good. And I must surrender.

Matthew 6:25 - 34
Matthew 11:28
Colossians 3:15

The All About Me Syndrome

I guess its something everyone struggles with. We all sin and what is sin? Selfishness. Its about what I want, when I want it. How can I make myself happy? I mean, as long as I am happy then everything is wonderful right? I am here to please me and me only. Isn't that what life is all about? That's what society will tell you, anyway.
I think my generation suffers greatly from this "me syndrome". And sadly, I believe it's getting worse. I suffer with this disease daily, its a constant battle. Whether it's openly or in disguise, it's a struggle. Sometimes we camouflage it to  make it look like we are looking out for other people, when truly we have an underlying agenda that's better for us. 

Those who know me well, know that I have an "old soul". I'd much rather spend my time with those 3 times my age, than those my own age. This can sometimes be a stumbling stone for me and I have always struggled with this. I see less of the "me syndrome" in those much older with wrinkles of wisdom and a life of servitude and its so refreshing to spend time with those who get the big picture. I encourage you to find that someone much older who has much guidance and wisdom to offer. Listen and spend time with them. Let them teach you, let them feed you. Don't put a band-aid over the me syndrome like a temporary fix, treat it like you want to cure it! That means going deeper. That means more time on your part. That means, finding ways to serve.

Here is a way I have realized as of late, that sometimes we can be subtle in our self-fulfilling minds. I have recently, on different occasions, had lengthy conversations with a few different people around my age. After walking away at the end of the conversation, I was somewhat saddened. I realized that the entire conversation centered around them - I stand guilty of this myself - there was no inquiry about anyone, no concern for another, no interest in ANYONE else. But why do we make it all about ourselves? Everything is about me. I want, I need, give me, I did this, I think this, etc. And we are never satisfied.

I write this post not because I have any answers or know the cure or am more equipped - definitely not, this post is just as much for me as any other. These are just some concerns and thoughts that I've been pondering lately. But I know Who can fix this "me syndrome" I have. If we walk in His footsteps He might teach us a thing or two. "me syndrome" will always nip at our heals, but will we let it ride on our shoulders? Lets not.
Lets pray that we do better in this area. Pray that I do better. I will pray for you too. Lets help each other.

Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:3-5, Mark 10:43-45, Matthew 20:26, Galatians 5:13

Have A Blessed Week :)

Learning to Appreciate: Don't Bite The Parenting Hand

As I was making my way to the main front isle of Target this morning to check-out I overheard an argument between a young girl (probably early college or late high school age) and her mother having it out in the middle of the store. The daughter was clearly annoyed and unhappy, with the apparent rolling of the eyes and disgust towards her mother. I stopped and started appearing as if I was looking at an item on one of the shelves and I listened. Call me a "Nosy Nancy", but with their volume and mannerisms, they sure weren't acting like they wanted to keep it between the two of them; and I have also seen this seen before, personally - kinda like standing on the outside looking into the past. So I listened. The daughter was in every way disrespectful, degrading, selfish, and hateful towards her mother with her words and tone. {Her mother was BUYING her daughter some clothes- there were already a couple of pairs of shoes in the basket and some make-up - but the daughter was complaining. She didn't like what her mother liked, it wasn't good enough} At first, I was shocked to see that the mother just stood there like nothing was going on and she just took it. But then modern-day reality struck and I thought, oh, this is how a lot of parents are these days....sadly.

I was really angry with the daughter. I wanted to say something and stand up for the mother. But if you know me and my personality, I'd never actually do that. I couldn't believe the daughter could treat her own mother that way. How could she! But then I stopped dead in my thoughts. I was once that daughter. I was once that ungrateful and hateful daughter.  I have treated my own mother that way when I was in high school. I am guilty of the same exact thing. I just wanted to walk up to the mother and hug her, and tell her it would be okay. I wanted to tell her that hopefully someday-someday her daughter will get it. That someday her daughter will say, thank you mama. That someday her daughter will hug her instead of yell at her and snub her off. That right now her daughter doesn't want much to do with her unless she wants something, but someday she will call her just to talk. Or she will call just to say THANK YOU.

In high school sometimes my Mom embarrassed me and my Dad "cramped my style". I thought they were too involved in my life and  I didn't understand why they cared so much (I reckon its safe to say everyone has felt that way about their parents at one time or another). Now, I can't get enough hugs. I can't get enough advice. I wish I had taken advantage of their wisdom instead of pushed it away. Hold onto the "lectures" that your Dad gives you, because there will come a time when you can't sit at his feet and listen to his wisdom very often.

              Why do we bite the hand that feeds us? We do that not only to our parents, but we do it to our Almighty Father as well. We are ungrateful children in many ways.

Soak up the NOW. Listen to your parents advice NOW. Hug them NOW. Spend time with them NOW. Just randomly tell them THANK YOU. Honor them. Appreciate them. Be GRATEFUL for them. 

...........I wish I could have told that daughter these things.

We need to encourage children to do this - to WANT to be with their parents sometimes. As children and high schoolers we are encouraged to want to be with our friends our own age and we complain about being with our parents - "its boring". They need to know the value of truly spending time with their parents, I think that helps with them understanding appreciation. They need to learn the wonderful VALUE of that time.

I feel like this post as been kinda all over the place and I am sorry. I took for granted all the opportunity I had with my Mama and now she is my best friend and I am learning to understand it all, to appreciate, to value, to honor her. Go home and love your Mother. Go and hug your Dad. Every opportunity say THANK YOU. If you are fortunate enough, they will become some of your very best, dearest friends one day. :)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: "That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth" ."

            Ephesians 6:1 - 3.

Our Martha Agenda's While Our Mary Hearts Thirst.

As a wife who is trying to always keep the house in order and inviting, prepping meals, and constantly trying to figure out the best and most efficient way to organize this cracker jack small-of-a-house, I sometimes feel like everything is spinning and I just can't keep up as I do this and also work. I make list after list of things to be done. I dusted an inch of dust off of our bedroom furniture and thought to myself I just dusted this a little over a week ago, how can there be this much dust? How does the laundry pile up so quickly?.... Oh, and there are only 2 people in this household. Somehow I just smile because I deeply love all of this and think how I can't wait to add little faces to this chaos, Lord willing - someday. As women, through our constant battle to keep our homes in order, it's never ending, there is always something that needs to be done. If we stop for just a day, there are things that get backed-up. And we thirst for something more...

Lately, I have been thinking about how this in some ways parallels with our spiritual walk. If we don't regularly "check-in"on ourselves and re-access ourselves things can get nasty. We cannot take a break from the MOST important thing.  Am I as diligent to regulate and grow in my prayer to my Lord as I am to vacuum consistently in our home? We are so crazy-focused on making our homes presentable when we know company is coming, but I fail in working on my hearts presence before my Father. We set goals for the cleanliness of our homes, but are we as ardent to do so in the growth of our faith?

A clean home is important, for sure. But perspective and priorities need to constantly be in-check. This is something I'm in much need to work on, but I also know I am not the only woman who battles this from time to time. May we remind each other it's not about this earthly home as much as it is about our heavenly Father and our hearts towards Him, daily. And let us hydrate ourselves on the Words of LIFE. 

Sometimes I just need to read this a few times, over and over. 

Luke 10:38 - 42.

Washing Each Others Feet

      Recently I was brought back to some of my childhood memories. Being a 10 year old girl and having those knock-down-drag-outs with my younger sister, Anna. Boy, did we have a lot of those back in the day. From quite a young age my parents, from time to time, would used quite an odd form of punishment for this behavior between my sister(s) and I. With our young faces full of child-like hatred and crinkled noses of defiance, my mom or dad would send us to the bathroom. We knew what this meant. And at the time we absolutely hated it. We thought this form of punishment was gross, weird, and like I still believe to this day, odd. One of us would kneel down by the tub (not saying a word to one another of course, much tension still in the air) and the other would sit on the side of the tub with our bare feet inside and pants-legs rolled up. After turning the water on to warm and grabbing the bar of soap, one of us would start to scrub the others feet. Once finished, we would trade places. And so this, as odd as it may be, was one of our forms of punishment when my sisters and I quarreled.
     John 13:1-17, this scripture is when Jesus washes the disciples feet. I remember my Dad reading this to us a few times. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." (vs.14-17). Christ was the ultimate example of humility. Though most don't go around literally washing each others feet, to a young child, my parents used this as a way of showing us that it's not about "me". They used the washing of each others feet as a tool to show us it's about SERVING one another. My sister and I would often get into arguments because we each were being selfish in some way, this "gross" action of having to wash each others feet was teaching us a deeper meaning not for that present moment only, but as we grew older as well. 
   How can we wash each others feet today? How can we serve someone? Paul tells the brethren at Philippi, "let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem OTHERS better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of OTHERS." (Phil. 2:3-4). The more we give of ourselves and humble ourselves, the more we learn about Christ. Let's LOOK for ways to wash each others feet and to SERVE. I myself, have much to learn in this way. I am thankful my parents sought to teach this value to my sisters and me - and showed us through their actions as well. 
I am reminded of the hymn we sometimes sing: 
           Lord, help me to live from day to day in such a self-forgetful way
          That even when I kneel to pray my prayers shall be for -Others.
          Others, Lord, Yes others, let this my motto be, help me to live for
          Others, that I may live like Thee.....

The Joy In Choosing The Hard (Mother-Giving)

I was in Barnes and Noble (love this store! I could spend all day there) reading this morning and I saw a woman and 2 small school-aged children sitting at a table with many books open as they were deep in study. I saw that and new immediately what it was. My heart smiled. I know this scene very well, and anytime I run-across this beautiful picture joy fills my heart and I just watch for a moment. The mother looks tired and looks as if she is running on empty, and its only Monday. She helps the smallest child with a question and I continue to watch. I see the love in the mothers eyes as she gives loving attention to the little one. She does this because she is THERE. There is contentment at that table and memories rush back. I am most certain those sweet little children don't understand yet the gift their mother is giving them. She is giving herself to them. She chose the hard. But when the little one smiles with understanding as she gets the concept they are studying, the hard is so rewarding. I inwardly thank the mother for her selflessness for choosing to be there and to GIVE. I have seen first hand the hard of it, and as I grow older and look back, everyday I am thankful more and more.

I have learned a new understanding of my own mothers sacrifice now that it has been a few years since I flew the coop. She chose from the beginning to STAY. To teach. To be THERE. I advocate this kind of mother-giving to the core. I pray often that the Lord will allow me to give of myself like this one day - this special kind of mother-giving. It is precious. It is a gift.

I stand to leave my table, and one of the little ones smile at me, I see the joy in that adorable face. On a Monday, on a school day, she sits across from her mother. What happiness :)

Perspective

These last couple of days I have been reading a wonderful book you might have heard of or even read yourself, Kisses from Katie. My eyes have been blood-shot and weepy. I'm soaking it all in of this girls selfless heart of a servant. If you haven't read this book or even heard about Katie's story, you can read more about it here, http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ . She is so giving and humble. Go read her book.
As I have read this book, I had a recent different perspective on my life and how easy and spoiled it is. I went to the store to buy groceries today and I walked into a huge building that had A/C and worked so well that most of my time in there I froze. I also was able to use a buggy for my groceries, so I wouldn't have to carry everything around, every item is neatly situated and organized on the shelves. Something as simple as  beans come in a can or a simple bag in a freezer section... I just pick them up and sit them in my buggy. I check out and hand the lady a debit card to pay for my groceries. I hand her a card. So many of us have these cards because we have been blessed with a generous amount of money that we save in a bank. Are you following me here? I come home a little later and work on paying some bills. That adult thing that's always hovering over you. I was BLESSED to pay the water bill, the power bill, and a medical bill (yes, 4 months after I broke my leg they're still coming, but that's okay). I walk to the bathroom to wash my hands and the clean warm water and soap cleanses them. Anytime I want I can go flip on a switch or turn the nozzle on and blessings turn on or flow out. It so simple isn't it?
I hope I can do a better job of being thankful for the everyday things. Its unreal how much we take for granted so often. This isn't a deep blog post, but I hope it will get you thinking. Just thank the One who blesses you over and over and we don't deserve any of it. Now, I'm feeling quite muggy from this Alabama heat, so I have the capability to go turn on our cool air, and I will be thankful because He continues to bless me though I fail Him often.

Being Married to a Christian.

I haven't posted anything in a good while, I just haven't had much I wanted to talk about I guess. But Saturday night as I was trying to fall asleep, I couldn't stop smiling....

Marriage is truly FUN. There are so many wonderful things about marriage that I could talk about it all day. But one really important thing had me grinning ear to ear as I thought about it the other night. Sometimes we take things for granted and we don't just sit and take things in. We are so busy that we don't let the simple - wonderful sink in. Being married to a Christian.... to a faithful Christian, is truly a gift. I know so many amazing Christians that have a solid faithful Christ-like marriage. But do we ever just sit and think about that? Just thank God for this gift? It really separates us from others, there is an understanding of a more deeper, precious joy within it. One of the many blessings of being married to a Christian man brought tears to my eyes just a few days ago. Trent was preparing to lead singing at services on Sunday morning and we were sitting on the couch talking about the songs he could lead the next morning. Its a really simple moment, but when you think about it, how lovely it is! You can share something like this together. There was a song title he was thinking of and couldn't think of the melody. I knew exactly what he was thinking of and started humming the melody. I began to think about what it would be like if my husband wasn't a follower of Christ, or if I wasn't one, we would never have these moments. I couldn't imagine. I'm thankful everyday for a husband who loves the Lord more than me and is a leader for our family. Men like that are far and few these days. Thankful for those men who choose to follow the Lord and be courageous men. Praying for growth as a learning Christian wife, it is not easy, but when you share a life with someone wanting to head in the same direction, it sure does help! Being married to a Christian sets a certain path for your marriage, there's no question who is the CENTER and Who you will look to for answers, Who you will pray to always, and Who you will thank for the good and bad. Thankful for the little things, there's so much joy in the simple :)

When Your Spouse Isn't a Morning Person.....

When we got married I knew that Trent wasn't a morning person, but I didn't know how MUCH of a morning person he just was NOT. I am a morning person. I love to start my day early even if I don't have work or anywhere to be. Sometimes its a struggle getting him out of the bed in the mornings. And for those of you who might have a spouse who isn't a morning person, you might understand this a whole lot more. I thought I might share some funny ways I have tried to get Trent out of bed in the morning....

1) 'The Nice Wife' approach: The first month after we got married, I tried making him a nice breakfast each morning with eggs and bacon or sausage, or pancakes/waffles.... But then, I realized that it was only aiding in  the problem. He would just sit in bed and eat the food. He also informed me that  he isn't even much of a breakfast person. Fail.

2) 'The Earthquake' approach: This is when you just jump on the bed as violently as you can and maybe even sing very loudly. This has worked only a couple of times.

3) 'His Favorite Jam' approach: When you turn his favorite song on very loudly (Any Pentatonix song). This has also worked several times.

4) 'The Cold Cruelty' approach: This is, like it says, very cruel.... When you turn the fan on HIGH and pull all the covers off. Mwahahaha! (This can also put them in a grumpy mood, so I use with caution).

5) 'The Video Game' approach: If your husband is a big gamer, and really loves it when you show interest in it or play video games with him, this is when you get smart. A few times I have started playing a PC game and turn the sound up just enough where he can hear it from the bedroom, and in no time at all he walks into the living room with a puzzled look on his face wondering WHY I have voluntarily, in the early morning, started playing a video game. Works. Every. Time.

Anyways, this is just a silly post about the struggle of having a spouse who isn't a morning person. And to make things clear, I'm not bashing my husband.  Most of the time Trent does it to be stubborn and mess with me. And I love that he isn't a morning person because it balances out my morning hyper-self :)

Domesticity.

First off, I would like to share some pretty super-duper exciting news: I was released from Physical Therapy on Friday morning! Woohoo! I will still continue to work-out my leg at home with exercises and such, but I no longer have to endure the "house of pain"!

With some contemplating and debating and some Pinterest reads, I decided to start making homemade laundry detergent, and in the near future, homemade dishwasher detergent as well. Yes, you might think I'm being a little radical or hippie-like, but it really does make sense for us to do. We are young and married and my husband is still in college so we have a limited income. It would only make sense to come up with the best ways to save money and make money. For us, this is one of the ways we do SAVE money.
I was using a regular liquid laundry detergent that cost about $12.39 at Target and could do about "50 loads", and that was for not a named brand. Laundry detergent can be really expensive, unfortunately.

This is what I used to make the laundry detergent:

8 cups of Borax ($3.69 for a 4lb. box at Target)
5 cups Baking Soda ($1.79 for a 2lb. box at Target)
1 cup of dried lavender. Fortunately, I had some dried lavender left over from our wedding so I used that. But you can also use (and what I plan to use eventually) lavender scented Epsom salts ($4.69 at Target).
Mix the Borax, Baking Soda and lavender up really well.
For about a medium load of laundry, I use 1 cup of the mixture. It was amazing at how much cleaner our clothes were when I used this compared the regular liquid laundry detergent! They also smelt a whole lot better! This was a success for sure.
After I made the detergent I had almost HALF the box of Borax left, and a little less than half the box of Baking Soda left, both of which can be used for other household needs.

Hope this was maybe helpful to anyone who has considered this before and was just skeptical of trying it. :)

Engagements, Marriage and Such...

So excited we don't have to hold it in any longer! It's been quite a task keeping such a happy secret.... Alicia, Trent's sister, is engaged!!! We are incredibly happy for her and Taylor (her fiance). This is such a fun time for them indeed! Now begins planning the wedding, what most every girl dreams about since she was little. I'm just thrilled to bits for Alicia, she is going to have such a blast planning her wedding and I know it will turn out lovely!
It's truly a giddy time - engagements.  And it feels like you are floating on a cloud. I remember waking up the next morning after Trent and mines engagement and looking down at my ring, it was very REAL. And for the next several months I would find myself staring at my left hand and sometimes playing with my ring. If I was having a bad day, Id just stare at it and couldn't help but smile. After almost a year of marriage, I still do the same thing. Now understand, it has nothing to do with the physicality of the shiny ring, its what it MEANS, what it represents: a commitment and a covenant....which become much deeper once you say. "I do". It's binding. "...and the two shall become one flesh" (Matt. 19:6). Life is not about MY needs any longer, it's about Trent's needs. Its about serving the Lord together. Now, I am no expert of marriage and surely don't understand it fully, but it's fascinating and I enjoy learning more about it. Lots of our friends from Florida College have gotten or will get married over this Summer. It's encouraging to see so many godly marriages and exciting to know that there are many couples out there of the Faith.
To wrap this up, here's part of a verse from Hebrews 13:4, "Marriage should be honored by all...".
Lots of happiness in the Faris family and Jones family :)

Oh No, It's a Blog....

Yeah, we created a blog, you can now throw us into that "stereotype". But it's kinda fun to tell about our life and our ideas, not that anyone really cares, but why not?  We are getting back into the swing of things. For about 2 months we took a detour because I had broken my leg hiking over spring break. I spent most of my time in the house, on the couch, or on the bed just waiting on my leg to heal. My sweet husband was caring and patient as he had to do most everything.  He had to juggle school, work, teaching a Bible class at church, laundry, dishes, making meals, and the first immediate weeks after the accident he even had to help me take showers and sometimes get dressed. We were very blessed to have some help from friends and family who brought us food, and we are forever grateful. As I watched my husband through all this, I fell in love with him all over again, like it was the first time.  I had one person say to me, "It's a shame this happened during the first year of your marriage, kinda puts a damper on things", I was really taken aback by this persons comment. I just kinda laughed and shrugged it off because at the time I didn't know how to quite explain that this whole situation was anything but a "damper". It was really a blessing. No one really prepares themselves to have to take care of their spouse in THIS way until they are old and gray. For us, this happened much sooner that planned. If anything it brought us closer, it made our love stronger, and taught us both about sacrifice. Marriage has its ups and downs, but what would it teach us if there wasn't those challenging times? I would never say that breaking a leg within the first year of marriage is a "shame", its an opportunity. It's an opportunity for growth, not just as a couple but as individuals as well. And I sure couldn't have made it through all that without him. He is my rock. Now that I am up and about and doing my normal daily activities and continuing to take Physical Therapy, I sure am more thankful for two working legs, and my ability to care for my husband now. I won't take for granted being able to do the laundry or make dinner, or do the grocery shopping. Before I broke my leg I loved doing all those things, but now it means much more. There's a couple of passages I wanted to share...one that I can now understand in a whole new way and one that my Mom shared with me. Have a blessed Monday! 

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor, for if they fall, one will lift up his companion, but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."
                                                                                                       - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

"Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make strait paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed."

                                                                                                       - Hebrews 12:12-13