the allen family

I know that the title of this post is probably baffling….but soon it will be clear. After the day and night I have just experienced I feel as if I could curl up in a ball and cry. I have always known that I am deeply and passionately in love with my husband. I mean those that know us know that ours is truly a love story that fairy tales are made of. I believe with all my heart the longer I know Matthew the more deeply in love with him I become. He is more than my husband he is my very best friend, my confidant, my mirror (he reflects to me who I really am…but much more gently than any normal mirror could), the priest, prophet and provider of our home, the father of my children and mylover.  So as you can well imagine the moment I saw his body/face all ash grey yesterday morning and felt a weak and thready pulse I was more than a bit concerned! Long story short, after being discharged from hospital yesterday morning (without being properly checked over) I brought him home to rest. Matthew slept the whole of the day. He came downstairs to have a bit of time out of the bed, we sat and watched a show, went back to bed and around 10:20 PM he began to say that he was feeling a bit funny again. I called my father in law to come round to the house and sit since Judah was asleep. Once he got here we set off to hospital. Arrived at hospital at 11:53pm…..Matthew had pre assessment done…an ECG to monitor his heart then a history was taken, we were asked to wait in the waiting room and were called back when he was to have his blood drawn. I have to say that there are not many things in this life that my husband dreads..that I am aware of but needles is most definitely one of them! This experience DID NOT in any way improve his opinion of being stuck or having blood drawn. The young nurse did her best to find a vein but in the end was only able to get one and a half tubes before changing location from inner elbow area to top of the hand..the blood just stopped flowing….and the butterfly that was put in his hand drew NO blood at all. So as test for cardiac enzymes and anemia were run. We went back into the waiting room until called back to see the Dr. Doctor had a look over him, spoke with us and asked a load of questions to get a better understanding of what was going and even a family history. The tests came back normal and Matthew was discharged. The Dr at A&E (Ambulance and Emergency) told us he was going to order an echo-cardiogram and a 24 hour monitoring for Matthew…via the GP. We returned home at 3:30AM and I went to bed at 4AM…I kept waking myself….nervous that he wasn’t okay.  Judah woke at 7AM as I had anticipated. He would have stayed in his bedroom much longer as he got a new game last night from Toys R Us….Star Wars The Clone Wars for his Leapfrog Explorer but the batteries went out….. ahhhhhhhh this is not the morning for the batteries to die and me not have extra. Needless to say we are downstairs watching a movie…well I am sitting he is bouncing of the walls. Back to the story… so I suppose now with some sort of understanding of how the events all unfolded one can see that I have a reason to be completely shattered! I felt myself begin to fall apart yesterday morning at the very thought that I could lose Matthew. For a moment I allowed fear to grip me…I suppose that is normal in most cases when there is emergency, our mind drifts to the unknown and the what ifs of the could be’s. I know in my heart of hearts that God is faithful and that He ordained and purposed mine and Matthew’s union, I believe that He has a divine call and purpose for us as a couple, a family and in ministry. Jon Colyer gave us a scripture that he believes the Lord spoke to him for us… John 14:1 Do not let your heart be troubled, trust in God, trust in me also.  I have held on to through the day and into last nights hospital visit. Matthew and I spoke about it and we believe that God is giving us a clear sign that Matthew needs to slow down, rest and just abide. We are sure that God is speaking to our hearts that He is our provider and that we will want for nothing…every need will be supplied.  I am not broken this morning in that I know with whom my hope lies…..I know that my husband is in good hands…..I know that all will be well. However, I am shattered. Emotionally, mentally and physically. I came to the understanding yesterday/last night how much more in love with my sweet husband I am today than I was the day I married him. During all of this those angels in disguise I wrote about in my last post well many many more have been revealed and those who were mentioned were right there as usual. Faye took Judah for me without hesitation, my Mom, although she is 5000 miles away was right there to offer support and prayer…and then there is Matthew’s family who have been checking on him, and last but most importantly not least is our church family. I have been a Christian for 20 years and I can honestly say that I have never felt such love and support. The Gateway family has rallied around us and offered us support from every aspect and we are more than grateful. It is in moments like these that I see why God created us to be part of communities. The old saying that goes “it take a village to raise a child” well it takes a community to live….we are human and God created us to coexist to work together and to depend on one another…we are not meant to walk through this life alone…independent of others! Today I am thankful for a wake up call from God, I am thankful for my children, my precious husband, my family and friends! I feel so blessed and I may feel shattered for the moment but I am by no means broken.

You know there are moments in your life when you recognize that there are people in your life who are much like angels in disguise! I have several of those sorts of people. My Mother is one for sure….we may not always agree on everything but I know that somewhere on her back are two hidden wings. She goes so far out of her way to do things for me, Judah and Matthew (among many other people that she does things for!). I can never say thank you enough! I know that is what Mothers do - believe me there isn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for my son, but not every parent is that way. Another one of those angels in disguise is a dear friend, Faye. I can’t even tell you how much more relaxed I feel now that my house is clean and organized! Faye came in on Monday like rocket ablaze getting jobs done in record time! All but one room in my house is sorted….and the one that isn’t no one goes into anyway! It’s like Faye said….when things (housework) gets out from under us and things are just out of control you begin to look around and say “Where on earth do I begin”? Once the mess is sorted and cleaned keeping up on top of it isn’t so hard. I feel so calm and relaxed, my house is clean and tidy and keeping up with it isn’t so difficult at the present moment because it only takes one second to wash up those two or three dishes…hoover the floor quickly and give it a good wipe with the floor wipes….to make the bed (and for me wipe the awful condensation off the windows) in the morning before we leave.  Faye’s angel wings were working overtime on Monday and boy do I appreciate her more than she knows. We may be VERY VERY different people and may believe vastly different things but we get on like a house on fire and have become quite close friends. It just goes to show that you don’t have to have everything in common to be friends.  Another angel in disguise is my best friend in the world, Betsy! She doesn’t have to do anything extraordinary to qualify for this title…she is just the most consistent friend, she knows me so very well, her concern for me and love for me is so evident. We share so much…so many memories, the deepest of secrets and I know that without a doubt I am NEVER judged by her.  We have been friends now for 11 years! Hard to believe it has been that long.  Another angel in disguise is my Daddy. Do I even need to explain? When considering a spouse I looked for someone who is very much like him and I got just that. I have to say that my Daddy is the most generous, loving, caring, considerate, kind, loyal and gentle man I have known…I am thankful that those same qualities that my Daddy posses’ I have found in my spouse.

I think that far to ofthen we forget to remember and take notice of those around us who are so very special and who make such a difference in our lives. Today I want to remind myself that I have been blessed  by having such specatular people in my life to call both family and friends!

There are days that I wonder if any other Mommy in the world feels as if there house is the sight of the most recent bombing. Clothes and toys are everywhere…..the floors haven’t been swept or washed (yes I do hand wash my floors), the toys although they have a place somehow don’t get put away and if they do they end up in the wrong box/drawer, the bathroom is fairly clean…but could do with a good scrub and the bedrooms…well they could all do with the sheets being stripped, washed, dried and everything smelling like spring! The carpets could do with a good hoover and the windows need to be washed. I just feel like I am standing in the middle of what seems like a never ending task of things to do and ZERO energy at this stage of my pregnancy….so here is what I have concluded….it is not eternal, I am a great wife and a wonderful Mommy…and although I could be very very hard on myself at the moment for my house not looking like a show home….I WON’T! I refuse to allow the enemy or even my own-self to condemn me or make me feel like a failure. I keep reminding myself that I only have a bit longer to go and then my body will return to some place of normalcy. 

I can always remember when I was growing up the look of just sheer exhaustion on my Mother’s face when she would come home from work and see that there were piles of laundry just flooding out of the laundry room, dishes were piled up, our bedrooms looked like a disaster area and there was no help. I can remember but I was so young that it never occurred to me to take on some of the jobs….I was around 8-9 yrs old at the time. I understand now that look on her face….I have to say though that there is one difference and that is that I have a husband who is so very very helpful to me. He sees something that needs to be done and does it! Very often he will come home from work tired but sees that there are things around the house that need to be done and that I could do with some help and he happily without EVER complaining gets on with it. For that I am more than grateful!

As I sit here my tummy is getting hard then going soft…I find the way God created our bodies so amazing…I know that my body is practicing for labor…that makes me smile! My little one…okay let me be real…my very healthy and sturdy baby is so very active…it makes me wonder if he/she will be as active as Judah is now! Never a dull moment around our house and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Tomorrow is quite a special day for me….a couple of the ladies from Gateway have taken it upon themselves to host a baby shower for me. I feel so honored and blessed. I look forward to celebrating this new little life with them as I did back home with my family and friends in LA when my Mom hosted a shower for me. I believe that God is just lavishing His love on me at the moment and is using so many lovely people; through word and deed.

My Mom has been amazing…she is doing me such a HUGE favor. I have not been able to find post natal nursing pajamas that are the size I need or modest enough for when people pop round to see the little one (and me) here in the UK, so I called my Mom and asked if she could get those for me and ship them to me. and I would paypal her asap….the same day she had them ordered! She wastes NO time getting things done….and always goes out of her way to do for others. I feel blessed that I have had that example in my life and I feel that I take after her in that way. So MAMA thank you for instilling in me such a wonderful quality and gift. You are so giving and expect nothing in return and for that I am thankful.  I love you.

I think I will get to doing some embroidery before bed. Good night to all…well those of you who actually read this blog!

Allenia

It has been quite some time since I have taken the time to sit and blog. Feeling a bit like a slacker but I must admit that there have not been many free moments to sit, gather my thoughts and project them into my electronic journal and the ones that have been free have been spent either resting, spending quality time with my sweet Judah and precious Matthew. The Christmas season has been one of mixed emotions but full of joy. The mixed emotions are two fold, being so far from my Mom, Dad and baby sister (down side)  but seeing how much Judah enjoyed this Christmas (up side). We did get to spend Christmas Eve and even part of Christmas day on Skype with my family……let me just say IT IS NOT THE SAME!…however, it is better than not seeing them at all.

We had a full on Star Wars Christmas theme for Judah….he loves and I repeat loves Star Wars so he got a lot of Star Wars toys, clothing, etc. He is enjoying them so much. I think that the theme will probably leak into his birthday celebrations as well…which can I just say is in one month and 21 days…he will be 4! Where on earth did the time go? Some days it feels like I have only just brought him home from hospital and in the blink of an eye he is a big boy. Not so sure I like this growing up so quickly thing. I keep hearing that it doesn’t get any better and the next thing I know he will be grown and married….oh dear…I think I prefer keeping him small. I know that is not going to happen and that he has to grow up and as wonderful as it is to see the person he is growing into I do still want to keep him small forever! Cherishing these moments….even as challenging as they may be.

New Years Eve and Day were both uneventful. Judah was in bed for 8pm and Matthew and I stayed home due to me being a bit unwell within myself. Just the normal pregnancy stuff….aching back, sore legs and just generally wore out! But it was nice to spend time alone with the love of my life….. watching 24! I think we acted like we were newly married with no responsibilities (ie: a child). It was nice….I enjoy just being in the same room with Matthew, breathing the same air, we don’t have to talk… just being in his presence is comforting, he as a way of putting me at ease. I have found that my husband is one of those rare men you hear about. You know, the ones that take their wife into consideration, they think and put others above/ahead of themselves. The ones who with out being asked do the dishes, hoover the floor, do the laundry, take out the rubbish and care for the child(ren) so you can rest or take a long shower. The sort that understands that although he works outside the home and is tired when he returns that you have been working tirelessly with a small child and have had little to no break in the day and are equally as tired as he is and is willing to get stuck in and cook the dinner or wash up afterward.  The sort that for no reason at all walks over,  hugs you and tells you how much he loves you…the sort that is patient, tolerant, gentle, kind and loving. I have seen that I have been blessed beyond measure with the husband God has gifted me with. I could go on and on about him and how rare he is. I could have never in a million years have chosen for myself a man of this stature….but GOD! This year I have decided that I am going to make the most of telling him every day how much I love him, how I appreciate him, how very much I admire him, how much I respect him not only by the words spoken or written to him but by the grace of God also in my actions and attitudes toward him. The Holy Spirit reminded me that my son will look for a woman much like his Mother when the time comes to chose a spouse, I can only pray that Judah sees in me the sort of wife that loves,likes, respects and honors her husband and that he (Judah) sees how to be a husband by seeing the example that his Father is setting before him. What a mighty responsibility we have!

We are less than 4 weeks away from seeing our newest little baby. I can hardly believe that the time has passed so quickly. I feel completely unprepared….I still don’t have a cotbed, the unit we are using as a changing table/storage unit is on the floor in the front room in pieces being painted and I still don’t have a chest of drawers for the baby’s clothing, blankets, etc. Everything was well in place before Judah came….poor second child…I can imagine that it gets progressively worse with each child! Nevermind! It will all work out.

Many people have put their two cents in as to their thoughts about the sex of the baby! I think that this time round there seems to be a fairly even split between the girl/boy divide.  I have a feeling but one can not be certain…I mean at least not until the child makes his/her grand appearance! I am so looking forward to the surprise I get when I deliver.

Matthew is back at work, Judah and I are spending our days learning through play and training.  Until the next time…hopefully before the baby is born…if not there will be an update with photos to come!

So I was up this morning at 6:30! I thought it would be nice to be up  in a nice quite house with a cup of coffee, scrambled egg and low fat cream cheese wrap, my  bible and Creative Correction devotional! Enjoyed the wrap, the coffee and the Word! Spent some time praying then heard the distance a faint little voice shouting “Mommy” then it stopped. I figured that Judah found his Leap Frog Explorer (Thank you again Mama (Gigi) the best thing that have ever been purchased for Judah) so I got to making him some breakfast before going upstairs to get to him. Got the eggs cooked, apple cut up and  clementine peeled..then off I went to get him. I got upstairs only to be told that he was thankful that I made him breakfast and that it was going to be yummy but wanted to stay in bed a bit longer to play his game! I I left and told him to get his clothes on before coming down,

I suppose at some point I have to bring in where the challenging part comes in. Week 1 Day 1 of Creative Correction devotion…. We Model God! Okay as if that isn’t a daunting thought…..we proceed! She opens with 1Peter 1:14-16 “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ ” Reading  further we are reminded that our children closely identify us with God. We represent Him to our children, they observe  (watch) us each day and sketch a picture of Him in their minds and hearts. SCARY!!! Will Judah paint on the canvas of his mind  and heart an angry tyrant, waiting to pounce on his tiniest mistake or will he paint a loving an caring Father who is full of grace and mercy! Hindsight being 20/20  I can see that I have poorly represented the character of God. Lord help me!  I know and believe that raising God-loving children is to be my highest goal and first priority as a parent/Mommy.   However I have discovered and come to the gut wrenching truth that most of the time I harbor hidden motives… such as Pride…. I want other people to admire my son and in effect praise mine and Matthews parenting skills. It is as if when Judah is on his best behavior, I look good. And if he isn’t….I look like a crap parent who doesn’t know what she is doing! I become embarrassed, angry, disappointed annoyed and feel g uilt. As  result of naughty behavior I am quick to try to correct when my comfor is disturbed …sometimes…well most of the time it come out in anger and  all without considering how I am modeling God to him! Can we say conviction!!! As a Mommy my goal should be to ensure that my reflection of God makes Judah long to touch the real thing! I should focus on parenting my sons heart rather than primarily on his behavior. 

Having  said all of that, one should ALWAYS be at the ready when studying anything that invloves LEARNING a lesson. There will ALWAYS be a test…and boy did we have one this morning. I have had to put into practice this morning showing the loving character of God while disciplining my son. I thank God that I have a godly husband who is FULL of patience,  grace and mercy. Matthew is the most patient person I know and I tell you what…. there is a reason God gives a child two parents. Don’t get me wrong… I understand that life happens and people become single parents for whatever reason but I can fully see why parenting is meant to have a Father and a Mother. Two distinctive rolls are being played out. It is now 10 AM and we are on the calm side of the morning meltdown. Thankful that through godly discipline parents and children are brought into reconciliation from a breech that sin/disobedience creates… funny it is has so many parallels to our relationship with God.

Until the next time!!!!

Thursday was the first day I have really ever asked myself…..well what on earth am I to do with myself….why did I ask myself this you may wonder.  It was the first day that Judah has ever been in anyone elses care for more than a couple of hours and I had the  morning and early afternoon to myself.  That sort of freedom was very strange and I had a flood of mixed emotions.  My friend who had him for me said that he was GOLDEN….she didn’t even know he was there half the time as he kept to himself playing with toys and didn’t cause a minutes troubles. So what did I end up doing??? I went into Halesowen looked around….popped  into the bank to make a deposit, then into WH Smiths, then to Subway and then went and had lunch with the love  of  my life. 

Friday at lunch Judah and I met Matthew and  Andy Shepherd to have photos made! So excited to see them….Shout out to Andy…he is pretty great!

Today was great. I took Judah to gymnastics then came home just in time to be picked up by a dear friend, Sandra, for a girls lunch out  (was one of the best parts of my day…I love meeting with Sandra…we always have such  a great time together). Once I returned from lunch and a chat with Sandra I came home to spend some time with Matthew and Judah before going out tonight. Kez had Judha for us so I went to the hospital to fetch her and got to see Gramp…he  looks good…and we had a good chat….then off Matthew and I went to Tahillah… it was  good. I am in a bit of pain…I find I don’t do well sitting in chairs or standing for a long period of time.

I got to talk to my Mom this evening about some things that have been swirling around in my head. I am thankful that she listens and can understand where I am coming from.

I am exhausted and need to get to bed…..until next time!

I have had a  lovely morning with my precious boy. I took him to Tesco this morning as I had a few bits and bobs to get, he asked if we could go look at the toys. I think the best part about him looking at the toys is that he knows that we aren’t going to be buying a toy. I thought that we needed to be out of the  house a little longer today so I took him to Toys R Us as well. He was in HEAVEN! We found one aisle that had  a whole side dedicated to everything Star Wars! I love to watch him with all the toys….the look of wonder on his face is so beautiful. It hit me today that it won’t be much longer before it isn’t just me and Judah. I have enjoyed it just being me and him for these nearly 4 years. I hope that I am able to still  give him the time and attention that he is use to having. I don’t want him to feel like all of a sudden his brother/sister is  more important than he.  I am  hoping to get a calender of things to do with him just me and him while the baby sleeps. I am sure that there are many Moms out there who have thought the same thing I am about to say….so I don’t feel so alone….but I wonder sometimes how in the WORLD I am going to love this baby as much as I love Judah. I know it will  come and  there is enough love for each of our children but I just don’t understand it yet because I haven’t experienced it. Although parenting can be a bit of a struggle at times I never knew that I could love someone so much. I love my husband but there is something  so different about growing a little person and giving birth….and the love is instantaneous.

My sweet sweet Judah!  As the days are drawing near to him not being our only child, I pray that I (we) can make some very  special memories with him….just him. This is our last Christmas with our oldest child all by his big boy self!

I managed to get some sorting done last night and I feel like it is a move in the right direction. Growing more and more excited everyday!

Today was an incredibly weird. I have for some reason unknonwn to myself had a very emotional day. I am not sure if the rainy, cold weather or a combination of that and being cooped up in the house has caused bit of a low. Could it be the hormonal state that I am in….could it be the build up to the arrival of the new baby….who knows but it happened.

I have been going through the baby clothes that I have, some old and some new. I am now just waiting to get a chest of drawers so I can get them all  sorted into thier proper place. I feel a bit out of sorts because everything is  just laying around the house. We have not got the cotbed yet (but will be getting it next month). The days are dwindling down now…it won’t be long. Things feel so out of order and I just want to be able to get things organized and cleaned….without over doing it so badly that I feel rubbish at the end of the day! AHHHHHHHHH Third trimester is  the hardest for me it would seem.

I am so exicted about meeting this little bundle. My mind is going wild with wonder….is it a boy or a girl?? What will he or she look like. How big will this one be at birth??? Will he or she be another little Mini Matthew or will they look more like me…or a great blend of the two of us?? There are so many wonders to the miracle of life….I am growing more and more excited every day. Then again…I am just as nervous. Mostly about the spinal before the C-Section. I am sure everything will be fine but it is just the nerves!

My husband is home now and I am going to have a chat and watch a show with him. Maybe even get a bit of knitting done!

Until tomorrow.

It is another cold and rainy day here in the UK and we are taking that as an opportunity to stay cosed up in our house enjoying a bit of a rest.

Judah woke up just 10 minutes to 8 this morning so it was a nice little sleep in. Shortly after waking this morning I got Judah’s breakfast sorted, kissed my husband goodbye so he could get off to work and then rang the GP to get an appointment for  Judah. To my surprise they were able to get him at at 9:10AM…what a bonus. Got him there and was called back directly. Dr Chan checked him over and asked me a few questions. He said that Judah’s chest sounds clear. So we are now on an inhaler in hopes that it will help break  up all this congestion. I was quite adamant that I DID NOT want Judah to be diagnosed with Asthmaas I didn’t want that staying with him (on his medical record) for the rest of his life. Dr Chan reassured me that at this age they do not diagnose children with Asthma. He said that as children they are too small to do all the appropriate tests that are needed to determine or diagnose. That was quite a relief.  I have  been asked to administer the inhaler just before bed, upon his waking in the morning and before any  activity (running, playing, gymnastics..) and to keep a journal of when I am giving it to him and if I am noticing any difference….then I have to take him  back to see Dr Chan in 3-4 weeks time. I  just want my baby to be rid of this aweful hacking cough that he has had now for nearly 10 weeks!

I love the cold weather for a few reasons. The main reason I like the cold weather is that it puts me in the mood to KNIT! There is  something so right about curling up on the sofa with the radiators (or a fire…if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace) on, a lovely cup of coffee (or hot cocoa) within hands reach and knitting pins, wool and a pattern! I know I sound a bit like an old granny but I love it! Another reason is the Fall/Autumn colours! I love it! All the gold, reds, oranges and browns….such cozy colours! And of coarse  the holiday’s ….Thanksgiving in November and Christmas in December! It is, as they say, the most wonderful time of the year. I love the sights and smells of this time of year.

I wonder what I am going to do for Thanksgiving this year??? Maybe we will have a small meal here at the house…with a few friends. Who knows. 

I better be off….time to get lunch on the table for my little man. Until tomorrow

Today has been a rather interesting one. Started off with cleaning the house, dropping off a wee (urine) sample at the GP’s office then back home to have a morning visit with my sister in law, Claire, and her two little ones. Levi and Judah get on really well and always have a good time. Jasmine is just too precious for words, I can’t believe how much she has grown, what a little doll!

Going back to the interesting part I mentioned earlier. In the middle of me cleaning Judah had been asked to do something and very matter of factly looked at me to tell me he was not going to do what he was told. We then had a time on the naughty step….it carried on and escelated to the point where I went mental! Or at least that is how I felt. I had to pop quickly to the GP’s to drop of above states wee sample and that is when the poo hit the fan!  Judah decided he wasn’t going to come with me and as I went to get my stuff in the car I said good bye to him and well he began to throw things and scream like he had no sense in his head! I proceeded to act like a raging mad lunitic and showed no grace whatsoever and spanked him. I did not do it in love and he knew it. I since have had to apologize to him for my lack of selfcontol in my spaking him in anger. I DID NOT however apologize for disciplining him. He got two smacks on the bottom..they weren’t very hard either but it wasn’t about that…it was about my attitude in it all! The Holy Spirit has since gently dealt with my heart and I have reflected on how I can better handle those sort of situations. The boys ate a bit of lunch and then played for a few more minutes before they had to go.  While Claire, Levi and Jasmine were  here Judah was a bit off.  He didn’t look right and was not acting like himself….he was pale and had dark circles around his eyes. He was just breaking down crying about the silliest things, so I called the GP to get an afternoon appointment for him. As soon as Clarie and the kids left I took Judah upstairs, read him two books, laid him down and told him I love him and to go to sleep! Which he did without a fight (that should tell you that he wasn’t well!) He slept for 3 hours! He woke up looking better and acting his normal self.

During the time that Judah was napping my appointment with the weight management during /post pregnancy team came around, so 1:30 Anne arrives! Here is where the opportunities in the most unlikey places comes in! God is so amazing in that HE ordaines every moment. NOTHING is coincedince. Anne is a LOVELY lady and I am so thankful that I got to meet her. Over the last couple of weeks I have been feeling like as a Domestic Enginere and Teacher (LOL) that my opportunities to minister are so limited. However, during this time God has been teaching Matthew and I about community and intergrated church. I am learning how the relationship people have with God or are looking to have with God is supported and nurtured through community! I got to speak to Anne about some personal issues that I have with food and how to deal with them. We talked about God, missions, ministry and  life. Come to find out Anne needed to hear some of the things that we talked about. I have made a new friend and am looking forward to God creating opportunities to minister to and be ministered to through this new friendship. I have seen how, even in my what seems to be mundane life as a stay at home wife/mother, I have opportunities to be light and salt! 

Feeling inspired and encouraged!