We are on our way up to Indy church this morning and looking forward to seeing everyone there again. We have many special memories and friendships from last summer.
Leann shared with me this morning some thoughts she had last night and I'll try to relate them to you. Through our marriage there have been little things about me that she would have liked to change. She realized now that she has all of them, but not in the way she would have expected. She wanted me to sleep more and not be such a morning riser. Now I'm sleeping 10 hours at night plus taking a nap in the afternoon. She wanted me to spend less time at work and spend more time with her, and to help with schooling the children. She also wanted me to be more interested in relationships and spiritual connections to other people around us. So now she realizes she has everything she wanted all along, but much of it came as a result of God having to wake us up in a big way.
So we wonder what should we have done years ago? What should our attitudes have been? Leann feels like she should have been more focused on becoming more Christlike herself rather than trying to pressure me to change. We don't view our trials just as punishment from God, but we know in the big picture they will work a refining in all of us. It is really out of God's love for us that he allows tribulation in our lives in order that we can be drawn more close to him.
Physically, I'm feeling a little worse each morning. It just seems my back and neck is a bit more stiff and painful each morning. Once I get going the days are pretty good and I'm thankful I sleep really well. I started feeling a little nausea on Friday and Saturday but it is better now today. Thanks again for all your prayers and encouragement. We continue to be humbled by all the cards and emails we receive and appreciate them so much.
Love,
Derek & Leann
Have a blessed day as you worship our LORD. May you feel His peace always. We love you!
ReplyDeleteU Bruce and A Becky
Praying for you all as you endure the searing heat of the refiner's fire. Remember that the craftsman never takes his eyes from you in the refining process. He waits, so patiently, watching for his own reflection. God is good and God does good, all the time.
ReplyDeleteLeann, I agree with you. There were things about Stan that drove me nuts, but now I'm just so thankful he's still here that no of that matters. I keep telling myself why did I ever let it matter before? I tell people now, Stan & I are very blessed because we are getting a second chance to "get it right", where some people don't get that chance. When I get upset, I just have to look at Stan and then nothing matters except living and being like Jesus. Praying still. Stan and Colleen
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasant surprise to see Nathan, Cheryl and family in Columbus church today. They said they were coming from being with you. I asked about a site, and they shared this with me. I've heard bits a pieces about how you are doing from time to time from various people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing those thoughts. ~ Scott & Hope Schambach (Nenadov ~ not sure if you remember me or not!)
ReplyDeleteLeann,
ReplyDeleteMy cousin shared your blog with me and I also spoke with Kevin today. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for your husband Derek and your family. May He bless you all with the strength to get through each day.
Thinking of you,
Stacy (Hinrichsen) Carroll
I continue to pray for you as you all deal with the conflicting emotions and spiritual growth that comes with such trials, so thankful you can feel the Lords presence with you!
ReplyDeleteWendy (Schulz) Wettstein
I finally realized how to comment. I wanted to share that we are praying for you. May God be with you and provide all your needs in this journey. Our love and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ's love,
Karen and Randy Kellenberger