Life as I know it in 2013

Once again, it has been over a year since I've last blogged! Life is so busy, that I neglect sharing my stories, as living them takes up much of my time. In this past year, from June 2012 to June 2013, the love of my life, best friend and husband has been serving his country in Dubai. After much prayer, we came to the conclusion that, if he stayed here in Charleston, SC., our family would have to up-root and be moved to a new military duty station. With our kids being in their senior year of high school, my husband and I decided that it would be best for the kids, if he goes on a 360 remote, and the kids and I stay behind. Needless to say, it was a very hard journey for the family, but one we felt was necessary. With the faith we all have, we feel life is what you make it, and that we would not let life's trials come in between our family. We made it!!! As of June 1st, he came home! Some of the hardest lessons we learn come when you least expect them. Last November, my husband and I,(at 44) were blessed with a surprise pregnancy. Not something we planned, due to him being away, but something the Lord gave us. This little life, that was growing inside of me, for a short time, opened our hearts to what love can bring our family. My husband, having no birth children of his own, was overjoyed and excited about the possibilities in our future. Unfortunately, our little blessing went home to be with the Lord before we could meet. I take great comfort that one day in Glory, we will meet our little child! My husband came all the way from Dubai, when I started feeling sick enough to be concerned and spending a night/day in the ER. That act of love that he showed the kids and I will never leave me. He raced home and cared for me, while we tried to hold on in prayer. Mark, is that one person in my world I know without doubt, I can depend on. He's generous with his love for me, and expresses his love deeply in his actions. I'm blessed beyond measure. 7 short days after we lost our baby, my oldest was getting married in CA. The kids, Mark and I flew out to support this union and to share time with our families. I hadn't told many of my loss, not even my pregnancy, as I am older and wanted to wait until the end of my first trimester. So, my son and his bride had no idea. It was an emotional time for all of us. Mark, Jake, Sierra and I were grieving and celebrating at the same time. I did my best to show noting was wrong, so that my son's wedding day wouldn't be gloomy. All and all, it was a wonderful trip with loved ones and I needed that family time, as it helped me with the grieving process. In May my youngest graduated from high school. She is heading to Bible College in CA., and is very excited to start this new journey. Though she is a little nervous, as she's not been away from home much. She has been planning to attend this college since she was 9 years old. Knowing, even now that the Lord has called her to very specific ministries in her future. I'm so proud of her for following her calling and trusting the Lord to meet her needs in life. My middle son, who has had issues with school, will take a few more courses and graduate in Sep. Once he takes care of schooling, he plans to enlist in the USMC, like his older brother. I am proud of him for his willingness to serve our country. I'm also very anxious, as I have been through the deployments with my oldest son. I know that God will supply all the needs for my son, while he is away from home. It is my faith in Christ, that keeps me going strong. He carries my burdens and sorrows, gives me joy and blesses me, even when I do not deserve them. When June of 2012 came, I felt empty and afraid to be without my best friend. Through the wise words of my husband, I realized that I married the one person on this earth, who loved me for who I am. He loves me through my faults, in my weaknesses, for my laughter, for my desires to help every lost child who is in need of love and a home. This man, who promised me, himself. He promised me a lifetime of compassion, understanding, honesty, fidelity, faith in each other, and promised to love me for a lifetime. With his words, I had peace in my soul that we would be fine living this long year apart. And with that conclusion, we set off to the airport and said our goodbyes. Now, as he sits on the couch watching his favorite show, while I sit at the table blogging, he looks at me with his crooked smile and lovely blue eyes and I know this one thing. This past year has been a wonderful gift. I thought that I had learned how to trust again the day I met Mark. However, with the thought of him leaving, I was honestly scared I would end up hurt somehow. That is the farthest from reality. I learned how to trust in every word he said to me. That he IS the man of character that I feel in love with nearly 4 years ago. My love is even stronger now, and I never want to be without this man, I call my husband. As we continue in this year of 2013, we will be moving up North to our new duty station. I will once again say goodbye to all those I've grown to love in SC. I will take pieces of the hearts I have connected with and continue on my journey. Forever, I will be thankful for SC! Here is where Mark and I shared our first home together. Our kids planted roots here, spent their high school years here, and have made life long connections and learned so many valuable lessons. Here, In this very home, is where I found that love comes to those who wait on the Lord. Love comes to those who love back with all honesty and puts another heart & soul first. Here, is where we made a baby and bonded even in that loss. Here, is where we had our fist date! I call SC our home! We are never really done learning, and exploring. I'm so thankful for God's great mercy and love for my family and I. He always prepares us for what is around the corner and gives us each other to face all obstacles. I serve a great God! I look forward to the next half of 2013 and the many more fun experiences and blessings. I'm counting on it! Life is too short to sit in worry and regret. Live it, enjoy it, be thankful for all you go through, because everything shapes us into who we are! I have so much happiness in my heart and I hope that it over flows to you. Until I blog again~ Sarah