Eating Out

Well, that was an adventure last night. We took the boys with us to dinner at a restaurant in Reno. We tried to find a noisy place that wouldn't stress us out in trying to keep the kids quiet. We wanted to find a place that had things for the kids to do at the table. We wanted good food. Texas Roadhouse won Jesse's vote and since he's the daddy his vote wins.

I wish I had brought my camera. You should have seen all the eyes glued to us as we herded five children and a baby through the aisles to the back of the restaurant. Jesse and I sat across from each other while all the kids were stuffed in between us and the wall. There were peanuts for the kids to shell and eat and pages to color. So with all 8 of us nestled in at our table waiter after waiter came to ask us if they were all ours.

This is a new question for me and at first I hesitated as Joey was looking and listening to our conversation. My new answer, "They soon all will be." I can't tell you how much joy it brings Jesse and I to have all these gifts together. Sure dinner was busy and tiring as the baby didn't want to be put down and Josh kept telling everyone who went by our table that he wanted a hot dog and applesauce. I ate my pulled pork over Nate's head without spilling any on him and that was a miracle. One waiter even asked if Isabelle and Joey, who are 7 months apart, were twins!

God is good to us and faithful to those who seek Him. Yesterday was the first day that the reserved Joey called me Mom. My heart melted and I knew God was working in his heart also.

Praise God for His many mercies, and to Him be the glory forever.

Love, Jessica

Battling With an Old Friend

I had a visit today from my arch enemy : Doubt. He reared his ugly head as I was resting comfortable with baby Nathaniel laying on my chest.

"What if you can't handle this?" he said. It was one simple question that ran through my brain gaining speed and trying to take root. It was a question that I haven't entertained very much in the last month because I already know what the answer is and don't need to rehash it.

I can sit here and type how I know that God is in control of all things. That He never leaves or forsakes us. He is all knowing and all powerful. He sounds pretty awesome doesn't He. But sometimes He needs to remind me that I am none of those things. I will feel inadequate, lost, overwhelmed, alone, incompetent, and at times like an all around failure, but God. And that is my answer to it all. But GOD. If Christ is not seen in all that Jesse and I do then the viewer is blind.

Doubt. My enemy. Christ died for that too! I am forgiven and for that I have the power to lay doubt to rest and leave the details to God.

I was pondering how at the end of May I had the whole summer planned out to a T. Then one phone call changed my summer and life forever. I can try and plan my days, but the Lord directs my steps. Will I submit myself the the changes joyfully? Will you?

LOVE, Jessica