October 21, 2011 Journal Entry. God Guides us Step by Step.

Dear Father, lately my husband has been asking me if we can purchase a 5^th Wheel RV Trailer. Since we’re already in debt, I don’t think it is a good idea. But, my husband has grown tired of living out of hotel rooms. And, with each new job site location, his homesickness seems to grow.

So, today I told LeeRoy that I’d be willing to go trailer browsing at a local RV Sales park. Just between You and me, I am hoping that the cool and rainy weather might hinder our search. Even so, we’ve made a deal. “We’ll just go to browse,” I said. "The only way, I’ll consider going further into debt over another large purchase is if a Christian salesman approaches us." “Certainly, we’d be hard-pressed to find a Christian car salesman.” I thought to myself.

Wouldn’t you know it, within 5 minutes a salesman approached us and quickly revealed his faith in You? He led us over to a used trailer. By then, our clothes had become drenched from the pouring rain. Yet, I was touched that You had quickly revealed Your plan. As I listened to the salesman’s testimony, my husband signed on the dotted line. Hopefully, now, our rescued puppy, Grace and my husband will enjoy a cozy living space while they are away from home. 

October 5, 2011 Journal Entry. Living Separate from my Spouse.

Father God, thank You for surprising Travis and me with an unexpected visit from my husband last night. Sometimes, it is difficult to remain in our little apartment while LeeRoy commutes home on the weekends. That's why this mid-week visit sure is a heavenly gift.  I was surprised when he walked through the door. Without much of an explanation, LeeRoy simply said, "We finished the job on time, so my boss gave me the night off." Wow! You must have known, that I had been missing my husband.

After a quick hug and kiss, I began reheating some leftover spaghetti while Travis jumped up and down and fought for his dad's attention. It didn't take long before we had caught up on all that was happening in our separate lives.  By 8:30 pm my husband was snoring on the couch. 

This morning, as usual, I woke up before anyone else; made my coffee and grabbed my Bible. As I finished reading Psalm 105, my husband entered the room and kissed me. After a short embrace, I went to the computer to play a song for him. The pouring rain outside, made me quickly think about a CD I had recently come across while cleaning out our storage unit. I put the cd in my computer and hit play.

Right away, the artist began to sing, “I got down on my knees an' prayed. Lord, when I get to Heaven, can I taste the Milky Way? I don't want to come to visit 'cause I'm coming home to stay? I can't wait to see my family and meet Jesus face to face. Do you think, Lord, you could use just one more Angel, to help pour out the rain?”

From the corner of my eye, I watched as my husband wiped his eyes dry. Suddenly, I remembered the song’s 2003 radio debut, the same year we married. I reminded my husband of the day he raced to the Base Exchange to purchase a copy for me. Back then, all I had to say was," I love this song," and off he'd go. 

LeeRoy continued to listen intently to each word as they reached through to his heart. Then, we reflected on how fast the past eight years had flown by. Without saying a word, our eyes met, and we smiled. In my heart, I thanked You once again for this marriage.

Thanksgiving Day this year is Devoted to Praising God!

"Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; 

and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." (Psalm 97:12)

This year, I have given up on the idea of having a traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration! I am not hosting a big dinner, enticing my 23, 22, 17-year-old children to come home, or attempting to travel to my parents home to join their celebration. Instead, for the first time, my husband and I have decided to take a break on the world's expectations and use this day to focus on praising God!

It all started when the thought of a traditional holiday first crossed my mind and a feeling of heaviness overtook my soul. I didn't have money this year to afford the cost of dinner. Further, I knew many of my neighbors would use the occasion to "drop by." And, my energy level was already running low. So, when my husband and I began to fight over our separation in miles, I through my hands up and said, "That's it! No Thanksgiving Day celebration this year."

Soon after, my husband and I prayed together and for each other. We realized that being together was more important than what the world expected we should do. We decided to compromise. I would make the drive down south with our youngest son and join my husband for a week's vacation at the KOA. In turn, my husband would arrange for us to have dinner together for Thanksgiving Day. The rest of the week, we would rest and enjoy each others' company with no hoops to jump through, no fake smiling for family members and no dressing up. We decided to use our extra time to praise God for all that He has done for our marriage and our family.

Once we made this decision, God started to show off and reveal the plans He had laid before us. First, my husband learned that the KOA is hosting a complete Thanksgiving day meal. As short-term residents, we were cordially invited to join in on the festivities. I immediately smiled and praised God! We would still be having turkey dinner, only now, no one had to cook, clean up or referee the usual fighting between adult children.

Next, God relocated my husband's campsite. Now, our 5th wheel would sit directly next to a free swimming pool and jacuzzi. With each call home, my husband provided another opportunity to praise God and see the work the Lord was doing to create a holiday to remember.

As a result, I have begun celebrating Thanksgiving Day early this year by introducing a new tradition of praising God and rejoicing over His love for me. I can't wait to see what God has planned for next year!