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.




Saturday, August 24, 2013

Mother's Heart Week of First

Could anyone have prepared me for the changes in my life over the last year?

NO!!

The changes started last August 2012, when our second son became engaged.
 Just weeks later, our daughter became engaged... on the day of our beginning unemployment
Our future grandson was introduced to our family
We entered a short season of employment, which ended on the weekend of our daughter's wedding
I began teaching and started laying ground work for my businesses
Months of unemployment
Our grandson came to live with his parents
My daughter-in-law AND daughter announce their pregnancies
My teaching came to an end as I embark on my business ventures
Sonograms reveal two fall-birth GRANDSONS
Benjamin gets registered for school, ending my home schooling career
Passports are ordered for the four of us
Reservations are made for us four to travel to Italy for our son's wedding!
Our son prepares everything for us to enjoy our trip to Italy
Unemployment ended...my businesses continue to grow

 The week of Firsts!
August 26th through September 1st


Benjamin enters Second Grade at a Charter School
1st time in 29 years for our home to be empty during the day...two sons to school...two parents to work...a major first
I retire from 25 years of continuous home schooling.

Stephen begins to drive... ALONE!



Passports in hand...our first ever...we leave for Italy on Wednesday.
First time to travel abroad.




September 1, 2013 - son's wedding at a Villa in Italy.
William and Catherine Wright



When you hear the earth shake with a roar of Bravo, Bravo God, then you will know I have stepped on  Italian soil.  The lady who has had her faith stretched over and over again this year, will stand in amazement.
This servant of the Most High God will shout "How Great is Our God."
I am sure more than once through this trip I will be shouting "What an Awesome God we Serve!"

The silver is still being refined, but for this week, I am going to bask in His goodness.  The adjustments are still being made in my heart, but I know He is faithful.  Would I have ever guessed how this roller coaster ride would have gone, and is still going? 
NO!!!!!!!!

I could never express how your prayers and encouragement have kept this weak saint going.  Thank you
sooooooooo much!  I will return with pictures in hand to share of our week of firsts!



17 Joining in with more words:

Rebecca said...

I'm so looking forward to hearing all about ITALY - AND your husband's employment! What an exciting period of life you are entering.....

Vee said...

Now you have left me all grins...you know God can only do things in our lives as we cooperate. You have been most cooperative! Have great fun in Italy. (Ben's expression is priceless...praying for him to have an excellent school year.)

Debbie said...

This whole post just warms my heart so much! The year was a GREAT one in spite of the difficulties you faced. Only God can do this. I am excited to hear all about Italy! Enjoy and cherish every little minute (I know you will!) The pic of Benjamin was darling...loved that expression! Travel safe! And many blesses to the bride and groom!

Sue said...

GO and bask in His goodness, Janette, you have been a good and faithful servant! What a faithful and gracious God we serve!!!
Looking forward to you sharing, please give my best the to the happy couple, BTW a I might add "a beautiful couple."
Please tell that handsome gentlemen, Benjamin, that he is in my thoughts and prayers, and wishes for a most blessed school year.
Love you .
Sue

Pom Pom said...

Benjamin's expression cracks me up! What a cutie!
I hope your trip is fantastic!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

The Italy trip sounds so exciting! Sending prayers for you all with so much change. Your faith and God's goodness is wonderful to read about!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Oh, I am so, so excited for you and this trip to Italy for this most special affair. Your son and future DIL are adorable! You have been such an inspiration Jeanette and I'm sure the Lord is only beginning with all the great and mighty things he has in store for you. Hugs to you!

Debbie Petras said...

I am so excited about your trip to Italy. What a special wedding that will be. I hope you take lots of photos to share with us. Yes, God is so good. Just reading all that's happened in your life makes my head spin. I guess because I can identify in many ways. Of course, we each have our unique challenges but I'm so glad we've been able to encourage one another through it all.

Love,
Debbie

Tanna said...

Weak is never a word I would use to describe you, Janette. Never. What an AMAZING year. God is always with you... and, it shines through this whole. entire. year.

I can't wait to hear about Italy and all the joys of this trip.

Benjamin's little face is priceless... prayers for his blessings in this coming school year. hugs and ciao, baby!! tanna

Debbie said...

Don't know if you'll get a chance to see this before you jet off for your adventure, but I wanted to wish you BON VOYAGE and tell you that I just know your FIRST trip to Italy will be wonderful.

I'll be looking and stalking for some pictures so I can pretend I went along too. (And I'll be lifting you in your absence for a renewing of strength to handle the floodgates that are opening over you right now.

Because I can hear the hinges creaking. Yes, I can.

Maryann said...

It has been quite a year for you, nice that God only gives us limited knowledge of the days ahead. Had you known all that was about to happen you probably would have been overwhelmed, but he took you through it step by step giving you much grace along the way. So excited about your trip to Italy...take lots and lots of photos
Much love

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Nobody deserves these joys more, dear friend! I am ecstatic for you!!!! Eager to see n hear more! Have missed catching up but feeling so encouraged (once again) after my visit!
xoxoxoxoxo
Leslie

Sharon said...

Oh boy, Janette - it really has been quite a year. When you listed everything out like that, I realized the impact!

I cannot wait to hear all about your travels in Italy - and please share photos.

And, as always, I love watching God work so mightily in your life.

GOD BLESS!

(Benjamin either looks excited or a little scared. Is he doing OK??)

Nancy said...

God had a plan and even though walking through parts of it have been hard He knew all along that He would bring you and your family through the heat refined and even more equipped to serve Him.

I can't wait to hear and see the pictures from your trip to Italy...I know it's going to be wonderful..Enjoy His gift....

Marsha Young said...

CONGRATULATIONS on all of your good news, and especially upon the wedding trip to Italy - and your new business, new grandchildren, and much else.

BLESSINGS to you! I am so glad for you and your family.

Catherine said...

Dear Janette, You give me encouragement and strength through your journey. I am happy for you and encouraged. He is a good, gentle and steadfast God.
We are blessed to have faith and it is beautiful to watch the fruits that come with each day.

xoxo Catherine

Crickit said...

Enjoy your trip to Italy and your sons wedding! There has been much change in your life recently! You have so much to look forward to in the coming year with the birth of grandchildren!

Blessings~ Crickit

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