Now that we have 2 kids under 2, we can’t blog all that often…surprisingly! Since I updated the ole blog today with a post, I decided to check back through my emails to see if I had anything else I could share.
I dug up a very encouraging blog from John Piper’s website. When all hope is seemingly lost…infertility, separation, adultery, addiction, divorce, etc…focus on God’s promises, not circumstances. His promises are His Word. And there’s a reason He’s called The Faithful & True!
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/trust-promises-not-providences
Enjoy!

Yesterday, I was reminded of an old song that made me really sad when I applied the lyrics to my husband and son since he’s gone half the time working offshore. I had to remind myself that when my husband is home, he revolves his whole life around his children and family.

Lyrics to Cat’s in the Cradle
by Harry Chapin
My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say “I’m gonna be like you, Dad
You know I’m gonna be like you”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home, Dad
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
can you teach me to throw”, I said “Not today
I got a lot to do”, he said, “That’s ok
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed

And said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home, Dad
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then

Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while”
He shook his head and said with a smile
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then, Dad
You know we’ll have a good time then

I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you”

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you comin’ home son
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then, Dad
We’re gonna have a good time then

Then today The Lord led me to a great devotional for military wives, but is just as applicable to any spouse whose spouse works away from home days/weeks/months/years at a time.
http://www.faithdeployed.com/2010/12/the-seven-deadly-lies-of-deployment/

I just wanted to share truth.
Jenn

Joel 2: 12-14 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?”

Have you ever found yourself in the far country, like the prodigal son, wanting to return home to the Father, but afraid that He will not accept you? Well, I can say that I have. In June of 2012, I almost threw away my marriage of 10 years. I moved out, asked my wife for a divorce, and even started seeing another woman. I found myself taken captive by the enemy, deceived into thinking I was doing what was best, all while walking a path of destruction. I knew the truth, but the enemy had so deceived me that I thought my circumstances changed how it applied to me. I remember looking at myself in the mirror and asking myself how did I ever get in such a mess. On August 8, 2012 I returned home to a praying wife that was standing for our marriage, and to the Lord. I remember the struggle with my flesh as the Holy Spirit dealt with me, but when I submitted in repentance and came home that night it was the most peaceful night’s sleep I have ever had in my life. One month later, after 10 years of infertility, we found ourselves pregnant with our first child, a son. We named him Ian, which means “God forgives”. Today, 2 years and 10 days later, we are pregnant with our second child, a girl. Her name will be Ariel, which means “lion of God”. This was a name given to my wife during her stand by the Holy Spirit which she promised to give her daughter one day. The irony is that one of the reasons I left was because I wanted my own children. When I returned home, I thought I had to give that up in order to be obedient and come home to my wife. My gracious and merciful Father not only received me back and relented from bringing disaster on me, but He blessed me beyond measure with what I desired most in life: A family. Wherever you find yourself today, return to the Father in repentance, and He will receive you. Who knows, He may leave behind a blessing!

John Wesley