Helpmate

The news is covering the death of Ruth Graham today, and the radio program I listen to on my morning commute they was talking about how God provides helpers, especially in the cases of husbands and wives.

And I can wholeheartedly say that my husband is my helpmate, and that I have made it my life's mission to be his. I went back and reviewed our wedding vows and the wise minister who wrote them included the term "helpmate" 16 times. And, anyone who attended remembers who brief a ceremony it actually was, but that term is clearly important to God, and important to us.

God really does raise up individuals to become great men and women for His work -- but sometimes he raises up one in the forefront and the other works behind the scenes and I really think that is my role -- as Tim's wife I truly feel like I'm doing His work. That's not to say I don't have my own goals, aspirations, or even plans. But my marriage is so important to me that often those goals and aspirations are ones that were Tim's that have now become "ours".

I can tell God is working in our lives right now, and that big things might be headed our way. I just don't know what they are, but you know how sometimes you can just *feel* changes... I look forward to seeing what's going to happen and I pray we're as lucky as Billy and Ruth Graham who had more than 60 years of marriage.

Billy Graham said this about his wife, and I pray I'm lucky enough to have this said about me when I'm gone:

"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."

Quick update

You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. This is what I command you: love one another.
John 15

Just a quick update on some things:

• Tim comes home in the next day or so from 2 weeks apart ... we're both ready for the separation to end!

• No update on my appliances. Since my kitchen light isnt working there is no rush to install the microwave so I have a call in to an eletrician recommended by a friend.

• I was offered a new job last week. A slight raise in pay, closer to home. But the duties sounded too adminstrative and I cannot possibly take a job that isnt creative at all. So I passed. But it made me so thankful that God provides all the time, He knows what's right and while this door seemed to be opening He also gave the wisdom to know there are too many things not right about the position. I had peace the second I called and turned it down.

• Health issues have returned - this time it's my legs and feet that are feeling the tingling/numbness and heaviness making it difficult to walk with confidence. I have therapy tonight so I hope to get some relief. It's hard not to get down about it. I'm actually frustrated about not being able to work out and exercise - who would have thought I'd ever reach that place! But, as if God spoke to her heart, my dear friend called this morning to check on me and give me wisdom to trust that what's going on with me isnt my worst fear of MS, but that instead it's got to be related back to the accident so I'm not as upset today as I was last night. I had such bad cramps in my muscles last night that I just cried out to God for some relief. That I know He gives you only what you can handle, but seriously... help a girl out already! :)
  

• Tim passed his paramedic practicum test where they run you through real-life scenarios to make sure you'd treat a patient in the proper way - now it's just the written test which he will take next week so please pray for him!
  

UGH appliances!

I have to vent -- so, our microwave died probably 2 months ago by now... I had our home warranty take a look and they offered to either fix it or replace it. I took the replacement option, and I've been rethinking it ever since.

I went to Sears, got great service and walked out with a receipt for a new one that would arrive right when we returned from vacation, and I had a friend offer to install it. Got back from vacation, and the microwave is nowhere in sight at Sears. They apologized, said I'd have it that Friday. Friday I called and still no microwave. Saturday I called and still no microwave. At this point I'm fuming mad bc it's been 2 weeks since I *ordered* the unit and even longer since I could actually cook/defrost/make popcorn. And with Tim gone a microwave would have been handy to cook for one.

In any case, the micorwave has apparenrly been there since this weekend and no one knew it - and the customer service personnel are *SO* unkind that they got snotty with me when I asked/demanded they deliver it and/or install it for me since my husband is not around to do so.

Lesson here: don't use the same Sears I did --- I have to pick it up tonight and leave it in my car since I can't really lift it, and hope that someone will install it soon for me... only good thing is I didnt have to pay for it once I get my check from the home warranty people.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Back to life, back to reality

Sigh - vacation is over, and real life is back on track. Bills to pay, tons of emails to return and I haven't even started on my voicemails yet. I spent the first 2 hours recapping our trip and showing a few pics to friends.

Here's a taste of our mountain vacation with a full photo recap hopefully coming later tonight!

Make sure you click each picture to blow it up full screen.... awesome shots!