Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Broken Together



Some times you just have to stop and say.....That man of mine.  Today is one of those post.

I have known my husband since I was 14.  I even have diary post of the day I meet him and where.  Funny, I meet him in the city we now live in, even though we both lived in our home town of Austin, Texas at that time.  Our age difference of seven years prohibited anything but a friendship to form. He was more like the older brother I didn't have, and I his younger sister.

Flash forward to today.  We have been married over 35 years, birthed six children and the grandparents of six small boys.  We have lived in five houses over the years, three we owned and two we have rented.  We have done the reverse, owned then rented, as our income has rocked up and down.  Multiple jobs and changes which redirected the dreams we had in the earlier years of marriage. We have loved each other deeply and also frustrated each other greatly.  There are days we couldn't imagine life without the other and days we both wanted to run away from our marriage.  I think that is the true definition of marriage.

As our family has increased in numbers, a dream I had from the time I was in my teens, we have also seen our financial resources dry up.  This has lead to learning how to live very creatively!!!  It also has lead to learning what "living by faith" truly means.  May I say, "Yes, God is faithful!"  It has also meant that we forgo gift buying for each other in order to buy for our children and grandchildren.

That beings said, however, my husband ALWAYS finds some way to put something under the tree.  This year he was the most creative and on point of any year I can remember, therefore, my shout-out to my man.

He took his gift card from his Christmas party, from his boss, and headed to the mall.  He entered Barnes and Nobles.
Let's stop there..................this is a man who knows his wife.  Yes, by this time you would think he should, but I sometimes wonder.


He proceeded to buy me two of my "dream-to-be" magazines.  You see, in my mind I would be a very good business woman.  I have always dreamed of being a business woman, even when I was in high school.  I dreamed I would own a dance studio. I trained in college to do just that.  I was a dance major with a business minor.  I took courses in business in order to run my studio.  Later, I owned a decorating business while my children were young. Recently I have tried again.  All of these helped with income.................none would make me end up in a magazine or on TV.  You see...in the midst of this business dream, my real desire of raising a family always trumped the other.  Instead of a dance studio, I became a stay-at-home, home school mom.  No earthly awards or income, but still the most rewarding job I will ever have.  Yet, I still read through the books, magazines, blogs and watch the shows, showing others business successes, and continue to dream...maybe one day.

Because he knows me he picked up the magazines.   He also picked up a  CD. You see, next to reading I love music.  This past year I loved and allowed to sink into my heart, a song by Casting Crowns.  Lastly, he went down the mall and bought some perfume.  I am not good at keeping or spending money on perfume, but he loves when I smell like something more than household cleaners.

This man...................and I................have been broken together.  We have brought our shattered dreams to the table and looked at each other and said...................we are staying together.


I don't tell him enough. I don't acknowledge him enough.  Today I shout out to him....I noticed.   May you stop and listen to this song, that inspired this post.  May you help those around you let go of the unrealistic expectations they hold, that only rob from today.  May you see God in all the brokenness, and His promise that He will make beauty from the ashes.

15 Joining in with more words:

Christine said...

You may not know this, but I have looked up to you through all your in's and out's, ups and downs. I've cheered you on and cried with you. Through it all, you showed that you are a REAL woman and a Godly woman. God knows who you are and will reward you for being a blessing to everyone you meet. (Or in my case, haven't met.)
Janette, I can't tell you enough, how happy I am to have found your blog and be amazed with each post.
Your "shout out" to hubby is wonderful and I'm sure he'd "shout out" about you, too.
I am BLESSED to know you!

Rebecca said...

I promise to take the time to listen to the song....but in the meantime want to affirm you for publicly expressing your appreciation and love for your husband. Marriage is NOT easy. I'm glad to be in the company of people like you who don't give up on it ♥

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

What an inspiring post and you are so right, marriage is tough and only the tough survive for sure. And, by that I mean those that rely upon the Lord to see them through all the ups and downs that life throws. I'm betting that the Lord is not nearly finished with you and your hubby and all that He has in store for you. Blessings abundant to you my friend!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Okay my friend, you hit this blog right out of the park!! What a completely honest and precious post Janette. I have heard that song and it caught my ear right away... Casting Crowns has a real ministry with the words God has given them, they hit a chord with all of us.
YOU have touched each one who reads this today. Marriage is not a 'given', to christians or non-christians either one. It is work, determinatiion, laughter, tears, and trusting God as He weaves us together. The journey is both hard and wonderful. Commitment is not a light hearted thing, it's a choice, and I have such great respect for you and Bill. You have chosen to honor God and your lives are a testimony. I think God has SO much ahead for you and your family. His plans include what our hearts desires are, especially when those desires and gifts were put there by Him.

Bill will be so blessed when he reads this Janette... and so am I!!

Love you sister!

Sharon said...

What sweet words you have shared here, Janette. Just precious. I love that your hubby is still so romantic! And I'm sure it means a lot to him to see how appreciative you are for all his efforts. Yes, marriage is hard sometimes. But when we work with The Carpenter, something very beautiful is built!!

Blessings to you both as you share a very special journey together!

GOD BLESS!

Nancy said...

What a tribute to the grace of God in your marriage. Yes, it's hard and sometimes we want to run away but God says stay and let me help you through this hard time. You are such a godly example to all those who know you and come in contact with you and your family. I am blessed because of knowing you.....Your hubby is a blessed man to have you in his life....

podso said...

What a wonderful post and testimony to God's faithfulness in your marriage!

Debbie said...

Oh Janette what a truly wonderful post! And you have soo described marriage in all its wonders and it's thorns. When I look back at some of the paths we have come down, and some of the hard times and strains, it's a wonder and a testament to a mighty God that we have survived 40 years! Marriage while rewarding and wonderful of course is VERY VERY hard. I do know that the longer I am married the more and more I realized how truly blessed I have been.
Whatever I would do without him is something I never want to know. I loved hearing this story about your hubby's gifts this year...what a wonderful, godly man and how blessed you truly are. I LOVE that song btw!

Theresa said...

Your story is so beautiful and such an encouragement to me. Your dedication to God and your family is an inspiration!

Lisa said...

Janette
This was such a loving tribute to your sweet husband! You guys have really stayed the course and fought the good fight. I commend you both!

Vee said...

A beautiful tribute to a rEaL marriage. I will listen now...

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Your post eloquently describes marital life, the struggle, the growth, the deeper respect and love after breaking and then healing together. You are a wonderful testimony of a supportive spouse, and it sounds like your husband is too, when it counts. God bless you both.

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

How did we both get so lucky to have our wonderful husbands with whom to ride the marital roller coaster? Only God... Beautiful post, my friend.

Maryann said...

A beautiful post Janette and a tribute to God's faithfulness in your marriage. Sounds like your husband is a "keeper"

Debbie said...

The post and that song were both beautiful. You made me cry.

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