Patiently Enduring?

A couple of days ago I wrote about patiently enduring. I think satan visited my blog. How come when we think we are doing better - got a handle on things - have more joy in our hearts, then that black cloud comes over. It was not just one specific thing, but just a few things adding up, dealing with "normal" every day stresses of a large family, to dealing with rejection and trying to help the kids heal through the growing & healing times. It's learning to have attitude adjustments, learning to forgive, and patiently enduring. I did not do well with the PATIENTLY part. Both my dh and I were discouraged and felt under that cloud again. And it hit both of us in church with missing Matthew, trying to hold back the tears. Our church bulletin just started printing the birthdays for each month. May's came out Sunday. Matthew's birthday is May 28th. It wasn't in there - not that it had to be - but it's the void - the date that should be there - the sting of death, again.

But then there was good and I am thankful here at the beginning of a new week, I can see that. Norm was very busy with lawnmower repairs, that he actually could not keep up with it from day to day. This is a GOOD problem and has happened the last two weeks and been encouraging to him. It's so much a desire of his heart to have this home business work, and I think the discouraging part of it is not everyone sees it that way and thinks he should get a real job! That's hard for him, when he really needs encouragement. The boys especially really love working with him. It's neat to see Benjamin (12) be able to do minor repairs now on his own, or go step by step with Norm guiding him.

And Stephen, our oldest had great news with his job. The place he has had the internship at has "temporarily" hired him, but their goal is to have him come on full-time and eventually have a managerial position for him. One of the men he works closely with is a new Christian, and so it's neat for Stephen to be an encouragement to him. The boss is great with Stephen and continually teaching him new things and giving him responsibilities. We are really excited to see the posibilities in the future for him. He's learning a lot - and now just brought home another "totaled" vehicle he bought cheap to either part out or fix. So, he's having fun while working!

Our "baby" turns 3 this week. The kids are all excited about it - more than the baby understands! But she understands about cake and presents, so I am sure she will be just a little spoiled!

Another busy week ahead. Our third oldest son is taking driver's ed (SCARY!) and is going to that everyday and our girls are helping a lady with weeding her gardens, and then just normal everyday stuff from errands to church to a BIRTHDAY!