{The end of a day well lived}

I can't wait to share later this week all of the projects that have been keeping me away. I know you won't hold it against me that I haven't wrote in almost two weeks when you take a look at what i've been up to. :)

I did want to share one of the projects and the place where I discovered this oh-so-simple fix for our couch cushions.  She does a wonderful job of explaining.  You'll have to take a look.  (The ones I made are white.)

Source: craftgawker.com via Laura on Pinterest

My home is quickly turning white.  All of my thrift store treasures have been slathered with a dreamy white color and i'm experiencing a little heaven on earth. 
I live with the mindset that in a short time we will move but that doesn't mean I can't make 'home happen' as best as possible for this military family.  I love fixing up old things and making them new.  But don't get me wrong some things are worth buying brand new.

I did head over to Goodwill yesterday to search for a pair of shoes for my son since he doesn't own any.  We did find a nice pair for $3 as well as an old wing back chair for $15!! I was thrilled to bring it home and give it a little TLC.  However I should have smelled the chair but how weird would that have looked? Anyways I did spend some time cleaning it up.  Here's a few pictures :)....

Vinegar and warm water to help with the odor.

•My sweet new reading chair•

This was a white tablecloth from goodwill for $2 (target)
I needed to cover it for now since I will be researching how to make a slipcover for this chair.

Basically it could be awhile before it's made.

I did tuck it in better then this picture and it looks good for now. :)

This is what i'm thinking! I linked this picture back to the original source so you can look at the process and understand why i'm scared to begin!

Source: thenester.com via Laura on Pinterest

There is a little peek into what i've been up to.  I really have enjoyed being able to work on a few projects even on a tight budget.  It forces me to be creative in such a deeper way.  To tell you the truth I needed something to do to take my mind off of some things i've been dealing with.  The stubborn girl in me wasn't ready to face God on a few issues and i'm beyond thankful for the gentlemen in him that allowed me to wait.  
Do you ever get off track with a good routine? For me having quiet time in the morning is a choice and sometimes it's not easy to sit up with my hair a mess, reach for that bible and quiet myself before God.  I'm tired and want that extra hour of sleep before my little guy wakes up!  It's selfish and not wise because that time spent with him is what prepares me to follow him all day and it's when him and I decide who will lead.  
Being able to approach his throne after i've fallen short is sometimes intimidating and hard but he's there waiting for me not with a condemning word but a hopeful one and a chance to move forward. I LOVE that.
If you're discouraged today by whatever you're facing remember that he is for you.
Well I need to wrap this up and get to bed. :)


I have just about wrapped up the first chapter of my book and am getting ready to send it to a wonderful friend who agreed to help me edit! What an answer to prayer! This is a huge ordeal for me writing because it's pouring out and sharing a story that isn't always easy to tell but this message is worth sharing. Pray for me please!
Thinking and praying for you today. 

~Laura~

Deployment

He hugs his pregnant wife and kisses her goodbye. 

A man comes up and asks to shake his hand and says, 'Thank you for your service'.

I choke back a sob.  

Be strong Laura..just be strong and don't cry.

He flashes a smile one last time and turns swinging that green sea bag over his shoulder.  

Step after step he moves forward not looking back.

I climb into the car and I start to smile and I pray out loud thanking God for the beautiful day and for my husband.  I ask he'd keep him safe over the months to come and to keep us close.

Oh sweet friend are you walking through this season of deployment? Getting ready for one or are you anxiously awaiting the return of your man? 

It's hard. Don't let anyone fool you otherwise.

There is nothing normal about having your husband gone for 6+ months.

But can I tell you what i've come to learn that i'd hope would encourage you too?

God WILL bless you and redeem that hard time.

The military may direct your families destination but God is in every detail orchestrating the path HE wants your family to be on. Trust Him and go willingly.  There is nothing worse then seeing a military spouse who goes kicking and screaming. I know because i've been there and it's a shame.

You have to make a choice to accept the unfortunate circumstances of your husband's departure and embrace God's plan for your family.

Here are a few things that have helped me:

♦Spend time with God

♦See family 

♦Pray without ceasing.  (For your spouse, family, and for strength.)

♦Get out of the house! (play group, over to a friends house, lunch or coffee dates with a girlfriend)

♦Serve God (I loved helping in the kids club at church).

♦Write letters, email, (and if you miss a call •breathe•or cry if that helps.) :) Don't you hate when that happens!

♦It's okay to cry some days.

♦Have the courage to square those shoulders and do life.

♦Remember the huge sacrifice you are making and see it as a gift to others.  You are in the 1% that serves this country and that's an honor.  Be proud of your man.

♦Remember that God has chosen you for this. He will provide.

♦Don't dwell on 'who has it harder' be thankful that you are able to go to sleep in your own bed, have the comforts of home and are relatively safe.  

♦Choose to love him and work through any differences that arise during the time apart. It's going to happen and miscommunication will occur but remember to seek the Lord always.

God is still writing my story and I have to admit that my stomach still turns into knots when we receive word my husband will be leaving.  There is not much glory in being a military wife but I have seen how God blesses an attitude that embraces and it's incredible! 

Don't walk this road alone and defeated.  There are many other families facing the same thing so dare to get to know another women and reach out to her.  

I have loved how different wives handle deployments differently because it gives me the right encouragement.  There is no one perfect way to handle a deployment.   These are some things that i've picked up from others that i've kept close to my heart because they've worked.

And to close..

Don't ever forget that sweet moment when He walks back into your life with a smile and that embrace...oh that embrace is one you will NEVER forget! 

Treasure that gift dear one.

I am praying for you today and hoping that you are doing well with whatever season you find yourself in today.

~Laura~

Would love to hear your stories on how you handle deployments!