Updates and stuff

Again, nearly a month gone by without a post. *sigh* Updates, updates....

The Princess was allowed to audition for the musical "A Christmas Carol," and made it! GH figured the commitment time was shorter than with her other theater group, so he allowed it! We're pretty excited. Rehearsals are Sundays from 1-5, so it doesn't interfere with any other activities...until Production Week. Then, we're traveling 40 or so miles, in traffic to rehearsal at 4, then picking her up at 10 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday! Then, on Wed., Thurs., and Friday mornings, we have to be at the theater at about 8:15 a.m.

Can I just be honest? I love it! I think I'm a stage mother, without the whiny, "my-child-has-to-have-a-lead-role" attitude. The Princess gets to do the stuff that I really wanted to do at her age (but was not motivated enough). God has essentially given me a second chance, and I'm so glad.

Both kids got to perform at a Senior Center recently. The Prince, playing the keyboard, accompanied his sister as she sang "In Christ Alone." There were audible approving murmurs from the folks in the audience. It really warmed my heart. The Princess also performed the song from "White Christmas" called "Sisters" with an 8 year old friend. They had done the same song for our homeschool graduation in June. Seeing as the average age of their audience was, oh, about 75 years old, and they therefore were very familiar with Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby and the like, their performance was well-received! The kids really enjoyed performing for the folks, and I made sure that they socialized with the folks a little, too.

I was always afraid of old people when I was a kid; my only exposure was at a rest home, where most of the residents were in really bad shape. I had this perception that all old people smelled bad and drooled. Sad, but true. I'm so glad my kids have energetic grandparents who live nearby so that they can have regular interaction.

My work has finally dried up, almost completely. I'm alternating between panic and peace. Weird, I know.

Here's the deal: For YEARS, I have felt the Holy Spirit's urging to stop working. I've even prayed to be "able" to stop working, meaning that I wanted GH to make enough money to sustain us. Well, I ignored the Lord's leading, time and again, always wanting to "save" us financially. And here I am, with a teenager and a pre-teen who become more expensive by the day, and not enough to make ends meet. And God said, "Guess what? You're not working anymore!"

I have to trust that He'll work it out...He always has. Miracle upon miracle, GH is applying for several much more lucrative jobs...which he put off for years, partly due to the fact that his wife (that would be me) wasn't allowing him to provide for the family! I respect my husband more than I ever have, watching him rise to the occasion; he doesn't even want me to look for a job. God is revealing to me how important obedience is; I've always known it, but this situation really drives it home.

The Princess is off camping with friends this weekend. The Prince and I are off to babysit three little darling boys while their mom takes the older two kids to a symphony. We are absolutely in love with babies, so this should be fun!

May the Lord richly bless you today!