It’s been over a year since I’ve posted.  My broken elbow that occurred in July 2017 ended up causing three surgeries.  I discovered that getting injured on a Saturday means you don’t get to choose your surgeon.  The on-call doctor really butchered my ulnar nerve.  I broke my elbow, but it was my hand that was in constant pain and ridiculously swollen. So, a month later I had the second surgery with the same doctor to try to relieve pressure or something…He made it worse and then quit returning my calls.  I thank God for my family doctor who listened to me and immediately referred me to a specialist.  I had a third surgery, two days after Christmas with almost immediate relief from pain.  I still have nerve damage and several fingers that won’t extend, but am so thankful I am not in constant pain anymore.

Happier news, grandchild number four was born in September 2018, a sweet baby girl named Hunter Rae, born perfectly healthy – so precious!

This past year or so, God has been dealing with me about trusting and relying on Him alone.  I feel like I’m in an odd place in my life…waiting for what’s next, not knowing what the future holds, but trusting God and trying not to worry.  My dream of becoming an administrator seems to not be in God’s plan.  He did provide a job that I enjoy.  I am an ESL Liaison at my kid’s alma mater.  It feels like I came home.

The sad news this past year is that we lost Daddy January 30, 2018.  That was hard even though we knew it was coming.  He had multiple myeloma cancer and Parkinson’s.

The big news this year is my husband was given a promotion.  I’ve prayed for years that God would give him the job of his dreams.  I forgot to mention in my prayers that I would prefer the job to be here, in Texas within driving distance of our house.  The job is in North Carolina….We live in Texas.  This could and may be at a different time an entire blog in itself, but in a nutshell, I do not want to leave my four grandchildren, one of whom we co-parent…my Chloe girl who we have every week-end, holidays, and summer.  Also, my 85 year old mother lives here within driving distance. I love my husband dearly, and he loves me.  I believe God brought us together.  Right now, we are having a long-distance marriage.  Luckily, he travels a lot for his job and that includes here.   Let me tell you, this will help keep your prayer life strong.  I don’t want to move, but I’m learning to trust God for my future whether that means, he eventually gets a job back here, or I move there.  I know God is in control…but it takes day-to-day reminders – staying in the Word and prayer.

I see His hand on my life.  I am privileged to teach our 5th and 6th grade Sunday School class at my church and also sing in the choir and teach a 7th-12th grade girl’s study on Wednesday nights.  I have also been able to design and facilitate a women’s week-end several times at various places over the past two years.  I hope to do more of that in the future.  I love teaching other’s about God’s love.

I feel like this blog is very stream-of-consciousness.  I did say I was “catching up” .  I’ll try to stick to one topic next time, but for now I’ll leave you with this:

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.                  Deuteronomy 31:8

As Chloe used to say, “see you in a little bit,”

Elaine