Sunday, April 30, 2006

A little peek...

Well, me and Jackson just got home from church. The girls had a sleep over at my step-daughter's house for her birthday. So me and my little man had a fun little date last night. We went to Sonic for slushies. That is one of our favorite things to do. He loves to go, especially when the girls are not with us. When we got home, he was so excited that he got to sleep with Mommy in "Daddy's spot". That is what they all call that empty spot in my bed. Some of you who just started reading my blog and do not know me personally may be wondering where is that daddy of theirs? Why is she a single-married Mommy? Well, actually I wish I had more time today to really get into it, but I don't because me and Jackson are on the way to visit his Daddy. He lives about 30 minutes away from us right now and the only way to see him is to go to him. Any guesses yet?

My husband, who I prayed for for years and years to become a Christian man is finally that. He is a saved by grace Christian, thank you Lord. But unfortunately God had to deal with him in a manner that none of us would like to be dealt with. He is in prison serving a 4 1/2 year sentence. We only have about 19 months left. So that is why I am a single-married Mommy at this time. I love my husband and made the decision to stick by his side through this season in our lives because that is what the Lord calls us to do. I wish that things could have been different to this point in getting him to his saving grace but the Lord chose another path for our family. But I know that in time when he is released it will be all worth it. We will get to raise our family together according to God's will, not his (which is what he thought in the past). We pray together now. He prays with our children. He prays with other inmates. He has led many other inmates to Christ while he has been gone.

I promise that I will oneday make a "testimony post" so you can see the path that got us to where we are today. It is truly amazing! The Lord has and continues to bless us everyday. Although this is not where I thought I would be at this point in my life, I am thankful that I am. Because now my husband and I are true partners in the Lord. I am excited for the future and the great and mighty things that He will do through my husband! He has already started.

I also know that I could not have gone through this without my Lord. He has gotten me through some very tough times, financially and emotionally. He has blessed me in a way that I can still be a stay-at-home-mom and start a business from here. I have grown more spiritually in these past 3 years than I ever had before. I have had to totally rely on the Lord for everything in my life and the lives of my kids. I have true faith and He has definitely taken care of a certain pride issue! I can say that I had not once missed a house payment or a car payment and all the other bills get paid too. The numbers do not add up on paper but by golly it happens. My family (oh, what a great family they are) has always been there for us and my church family, I can't say enough about them, they are awesome.

So, this is just a little peek into our life! Now we are off to see Daddy. We really love our visits with him and can't wait until he is finally back home with us again. In God's time, of course!

24 comments:

TheNormalMiddle said...

I came to your blog via Blestwithsons. You are one amazing woman! While I was reading I kept thinking how God makes beauty from ashes ans I know that is exactly what he is doing in your family. Your optimism shows dear sister, and your children are blessed by that more than you could imagine! I'll be keeping you in my prayers that the next 19 months fly by and before long, you will all be reunited and together, fighting this battle FOR THE LORD!

Anonymous said...

I remember that late night so vividly when you called and said,"Mom, I just got a call. I knew something like this was going to happen!" I couldn't get to you quick enough to try and comfort you. Fear gripped my heart as I knew what may lie ahead for you and your family. Looking back on the past three years it is so clear that God allows us to feel pain so that we can feel His pain. He allows us to feel sorrow so that we can feel His sorrow. Why does He do this? Because He knows we can't do it on our own. He knows that He has to take away some of our most precious treasures to create the desire in our heart to turn to Him and receive the blessings He has waiting on us. God has truly blessed you and your family and I know as long as you are obedient and rely on Him, the blessings will flow. God sacrificed His Son for all those that will receive Him as their Lord and Savior. He knows pain that we will never experience in our lifetime. We think about how Jesus suffered, but have you ever thought about how God, the Father, suffered as He allowed His Only Son to die such a cruel and agonizing death? The beauty of the crucifiction - He loved us enough to allow it to happen. Thank you, God, for allowing the difficult times in our lives. Thank you for allowing us pain so that we will turn to You, for without it, we may not know who You are.

Rebecca said...

I agree with Lindsey. And I'm blessed to be "acquainted" with you.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a testemony already. Thank you for sharing your life with the world. :)
(((hugs)))

Sandra said...

Just loved reading your post. You such an incredible woman and so inspiring to many.

I think you've achieved spiritually, what a lot of us out there are still trying to and that is truly uplifting.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Remember to keep smiling and keep your head up, there are many out here pulling for you and keeping you in their prayers.
God has truly blessed your family and in due time you will all be reunited again :)
You've been fighting a huge battle for the Lord and you coming through like a trooper :)

God Bless.
Btw, I came here through Blest with Sons :)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ said...

People often will say to me "God has something special planned for you" when we go through these trials and things we just never imagined. I will think often, but I don't WANT something special! I just want normalcy. But then God shows how He can bring glory and honor to the situation, no matter what, no matter how deep the valley, and bring others to Jesus because of it. And then, looking into the future, I know it will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.

My heart cried with you, as I read your post about your husband. I marvel at you for staying with him through this. What an example you are to your children and those around you. I know God will do great things for you, through this, and He definitely has something special planned for YOU!

Loni

Carol said...

I am constantly in awe of how God works! He can, and often does, use even the worst of circumstances to call one of His own. Such a praise! Thank you for your godly wisdom and example.

Maria said...

My heart too, has cried out to for you. You have such an amazing outlook your spirit if just incredible. Thank you for sharing.

no_average_girl said...

hey girl! what an amazing testimony you have! it's incredible that you chose to stick by your husband through the tough parts of life! he is one blessed man!

may you both continue to seek the Lord in all you do and forever be united in Him!

Laura Talbert said...

Angie,

Thanks for sharing this "peek" into your marriage and family. God has strengthened you in amazing ways. To Him be the glory!

Anonymous said...

Angie,

I have been so, so, so impressed with your positive attitude, your hard work, and your dedication to God, your husband, and your family. Lady - you rock!! Keep standing on the Rock!

Praying for you...right now!

Angie said...

Wow guys, I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support you have sent my way! Thanks so much! I can feel it, I really can! I almost feel like I have a whole new extended family!

Each day is a new day that brings us closer to the goal at hand. And I literally have to make that choice to trudge forward every single day! Although this is no "cake walk" I know that the day will come when this whole journey will be ALL worth it. He has promised that! And I have seen a glimpse of it through what He is doing in the life of my husband. He is where he is for a reason beyond the obvious one. He has turned into a real warrior for Christ. So, never doubt the plans He makes for us, we may not know the reason until much later, if ever! I love all of you guys!

Stacey said...

Wow, what a story you have!! It's amazing how God works in each and everyone of our lives to bring us to Him, isn't it? Glad to hear you are all doing good. I can't imagine what you must all face each day of your lives but it seems you're all very strong!! Praying for you and your family today that you'll continue to work together and make the best of every day!!

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

God bless you...richly, sister. Your testimony is a brilliant beacon of God's redemptive power. Blaze on.
Ann V.

Susanna said...

What a work of faithful patience the Lord has worked in your life. Praise His name that the trials are niever too much to bear for His children. Thank you for your testimony.I wonder how many siants there will be in heaven because of the divine wisdom that led you and yours to the place that you are (thought grace of course,not works!)Praise God that your husband knows and loves the Saviour and that you have a future to look forward to and rejoice in.

'Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see,
ALL I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me'.

I wonder what great work that LOrd has ahead for your family....truly he is preparing you through the fires of trial. Keep going and tell your husband he is prayed for too.

Susanna said...

P.S Apologies for the spelling mistakes!

GiBee said...

It's simply amazing how God can change people!

God is so good.

And yes, you do have an extended family! The family of God!

Thank you for sharing your story!

Randi said...

What a blessing it is to read about the faith that you have! God is just so good and I will be praying that God restores the years for you and your husband!

Bethany said...

I am so glad to hear about your husband finding Christ. That is certainly worth everything!! I know it must be tough for your family but oh, what a beautiful spirit you have!

I will be adding you all to my prayer list!

Anonymous said...

God is so faithful! I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and encourage you and provide for the needs of your family. I also pray the time until your husband comes home will speed by for you.

Unknown said...

You have a truly beautiful story of the awesomeness of our Father God. Praise His holy name for how He has worked in your family.

I'm anxious to read the testimony post one day.

Keep looking up!

Aimee said...

The effectual fervant prayers of a righteous wife availeth much!

I'm sure the angels are rejoicing!

I rejoice with you, too!

Blessings!

Destination...Gloryland! said...

Wow! What a testimony of God's faithfulness and grace. It speaks volumes to have an example like you of sticking through the tough times...being committed to your marriage.

Praising the Lord with you!

Anonymous said...

I too am a *single* SAHM who is married. My husband is in prison as well. (((hugs))) Some days it is that choice that I made alone with God's leading that get me through. But God is faithful and just!! Thank you for your post!