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
Unemployment ended...my businesses continue to grow
The week of Firsts!
August 26th through September 1st
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
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!"
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!
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!
I'm so looking forward to hearing all about ITALY - AND your husband's employment! What an exciting period of life you are entering.....
ReplyDeleteNow 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.)
ReplyDeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteGO and bask in His goodness, Janette, you have been a good and faithful servant! What a faithful and gracious God we serve!!!
ReplyDeleteLooking 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
Benjamin's expression cracks me up! What a cutie!
ReplyDeleteI hope your trip is fantastic!
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!
ReplyDeleteOh, 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Debbie
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
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.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
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
ReplyDeleteMuch love
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!
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxoxo
Leslie
Oh boy, Janette - it really has been quite a year. When you listed everything out like that, I realized the impact!
ReplyDeleteI 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??)
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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....
CONGRATULATIONS on all of your good news, and especially upon the wedding trip to Italy - and your new business, new grandchildren, and much else.
ReplyDeleteBLESSINGS to you! I am so glad for you and your family.
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.
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed to have faith and it is beautiful to watch the fruits that come with each day.
xoxo Catherine
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!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~ Crickit