Immeasurably More

I’m snuggling my daughter in her bed with tears in my eyes. It’s almost time for her and her brother to go to their dad’s house for the week. When I married their father, never in my dreams did I imagine I’d have to say goodbye to my children every other week. It’s not something you think about when you’re walking down that aisle to pledge yourself to someone. Not something I thought about having to do when each sweet baby was born. I know there were times I thought “Oh goodness, I could use a break!” Yet, now I have to say goodbye to my children every other Sunday, and my heart feels like it’s being ripped out of my chest. These are the consequences for the choices I made. The choices that seemed worth it at the time. Yet, now the reality is I don’t get to see my children as often as most parents do. I do strive to enjoy the break. I try to be as productive as possible to keep my mind busy. I still take the kids to school everyday, so I do get to see them each morning during th...

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:14‬ ‭NLT‬ Ever hear the phrase “All you need is love!”? Songs have been written about it. Most people in any kind of relationship understand that not to be the case AT ALL, but somehow we still expect everything to magically work out, as long as we love each other.  Love is not  the answer to everything. Love does, however, create an element of security in relationships. Example: a coworker or associate who lies, cheats, and steals will probably not receive as much grace as your child who does the same. There will, of course, be consequences, but at the end of the day, that child will receive more grace and forgiveness because of your deep love for them.  “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Marriage relationships are complex. We chose to l...

Being married the first time was a shock to me. It brought a lot of new experiences. We were young and immature. We made a ton of mistakes, went through some hard times spiritually, emotionally and financially. We grew up together. Had kids together. Built a life together. It was far from perfect, but we had a lot of good times and made some good memories together. It’s easy to forget all the good and focus on the bad about a person when you’re bitter and hurt. When the life my first husband and I built together came crashing down, people were shocked. We weren’t. There had been so much heartache caused by both of us. I fully accept responsibility for my role in it ending. My ex was loyal until the very end and stood by my side faithfully while I put him through hell the last year of our marriage. I know God has a purpose. His timing and will is above ours. I am remarried. This second marriage has also been a shock and, again, far from perfect. In some ways, being married agai...