Friday, October 23, 2009

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Truth

You know, I really believe that the Lord knows us. He knows our capabilities. He knows our talents. And I also know that he loves us enough to give us just enough challenges to grow...but not enough to send us to the looney bin.

Case in point. This week, I have been without a computer. I have been without my wedding ring. I blew out a tire on my car across town from home. I have been trying to go about my life with a degree of grace and self-confidence when all I wanted to do was hide in my closet and cry.

And yesterday, just when I thought I might not make it, the Lord steps into my life from the shadows from where he was waiting. My computer was fixed 2 days early. My ring was back a day early. Tony rescued me from certain death in a car with a completely flat tire (that was a little dramatic, but you get my point.) The newly remodeled Zips just 2 miles from home started carrying diet Dr. Pepper on fountain. And so when one of the greatest challenges of my life was due to begin, I was at peace.

You see, Tony left today for a 6-month deployment (but I won't be sharing where or other details). And the honest truth? I love my country. But I love my husband more. And I believe in him and I am learning to believe in me. So I know our family will weather the storm.


Until we're all together again.

27 comments:

The Brough Family said...

I've been thinking about you all week. I wish the week could have gone smoother for you. I'll call you SOON. You can do this, I know you can!!!

AngelaW said...

HUGS! Wish I was closer to offer more help, but you will be in our prayers.

April said...

Ambs, you made me cry! You are a strong women and I have LOTS of cell phone minutes, so call me LOTS, okay?

We love you! And I'll kick Tony's trash for you at Battleship, okay?

Jeni said...

Fountain is for sure the BEST!

I am so glad you have your computer fixed....I am five months and 3 days (who's counting) into my deployment and your blog has been some sunshine on my cloudy days!

Don those supermom wings and good luck with your first night, weekend and week! I will be thinking about you all the time.

Go Amber, go Amber, go Amber....

Montay said...

WOW... Amber I write this with tears in my eyes just when you think your having the worst day possible someone else can be having just the same kind of day and then to hear you family is helping protect the rest of us and all the sacrifice that goes with that I say THANK YOU THANK YOU remember on the darkest days you have a friend out here in blog land who is so proud of you and your family. again thank you so much!! I will be counting down the days with you until his safe return lots of hugs from blog land.

Mimi said...

Amber, I haven't met you in "real" life but can tell by your posts and the incredible sweetness of your "P" package to me, that you are an incredible woman of faith, love and perseverance! I pray that God blesses you richly during this time of Tony's deployment. Thanks again for my "p"s I love them!!

Lacey said...

I'm so sorry. Jason left the beginning of June and I am trying to wait patiently for him to get back. It is hard, but we somehow find a way to make it work. Maybe we should sit down and cry together. Trust me, I have done it multiple times over the last few months. :0) Here to hoping that the next six months run smoothly and go by quickly.

Cara said...

Oh I'm so sorry he'll be gone for so long. Thank you to him and you for the sacrifice you both make for our country. Good luck the next 6 months!

Kathleen said...

you're such a strong woman--even if you don't think you are on some days! i'll be thinking about you often over the next six months. please know i'm just a phone call away any time you feel like you're going to lose it--i wish we were closer! 'glad you have your diet dr. pepper to keep you sane :-).

Marisa said...

He will be in our prayers. Good luck to you and to him and you both sacrifice for our country.

Sonja said...

Amber! I wish I could drive up there and give you a hug and some help!

So many of my dearest friends are facing the monumental challenge of deployment right now.

You are so wise to have all the most important things around you at this time: computer, your fix (dr. pepper), your ring (constant reminder of eternal love), and probably most important, your testimony.

Much love to you!! Keep those posts coming, we're here for you.

Bonnie B. said...

Thinking about you, April. Hang in there! You are a fabulous lady, and loved. Praying for you and your family.

Mrs. Ohtobe said...

Hugs and prayers and most of all: Thanks for Tony's ( and yours)dedication to our great country.

Leenz said...

We've been thinking about you this whole week. You guys will be in our prayers. Love ya!

Jenn said...

Yikes - six months, that sounds horrible. But you can do it. You are such an amazing person. I hope you have lots of visits planned from family or to family. Miss you!

Sydney said...

I know we've never met, but I can tell you are a strong person. Your faith and your personal strength will get you through the next six months. Hang in there! Prayers for you and your family!

BeckyRuss said...

It's amazing how the Lord seems to watch over us when we need it the most. We have been thinking and talking a lot about you and Tony and the kids and how much we love you and can't believe how strong you all are. We pray for you and your kids to be strong and comforted while Tony is gone and for Tony to be safe for these next six months. Love you!

Kristi said...

Oh Amber- I wish I could be there to give you a big hug. I just got back from Time Out in KC and it was such a spiritual recharge for. I am so filled right now I hope you won't mind if I share one thing that touched me. One of the speakers shared that God does give us more than we can handle sometimes- but it is so that we will turn to Him and then He can help us through it. He's there for you- and I wish I could literally be there, but please know I love ya and am praying for you!

MooreInterest said...

Hang in there Amber and Tony! We love you both, and know Heavenly Father loves you more than anyone else! You are an AMAZING mother. If you need us, we are always here!

Heather said...

Hang in there Amber. You will be in our prayers. You are loved!

Anonymous said...

my children pray for the "soldiers" (all military) everyday during our family and meal prayers...I also pray for their families that sacrifice so much in our behalf, tank you.

Amy said...

Sending you and your family tons of love and support..... And a little something to help you pass the time..... =)

Kyndra said...

That's so hard Amber! You're amazing and of course you'll hold down the fort, but still, nothing can comfort the soul like the husband can. I'll be thinking of you and hoping the next 6 months pass by quickly for you and the kids are extra good.

shawna b. said...

Amber. You're at it again. You sweet girl, I am thinking of you. Tony will be in our prayers, and so will the rest of your crew. Oh, Amber. Now I'm crying. I just cannot imagine how difficult this is. I am proud of you and am proud of Tony and thankful for military families like yours who make such a big sacrifice.

Sure love you.

Jessica Jane said...

I don't know how you do it. My brother in law is in the navy and leaves all the time too. I just really have to admire and appreciate the sacrifice. I don't think I could do it.

I'll be thinking of you. ( =

Jenni said...

Hi Amber,
Bless your heart! I am praying for you even as I write this! I am so glad the other problems got solved before he had to leave, too. Believe me, those other things alone would have been enough to put me into tears! :) I hope and pray the next six months pass by quickly for you all. :)

HUGS,

Jenni

Anonymous said...

You are all in our prayers. So sorry to hear Tony had to go back and that your family has to live without him. We send you strength, many blessings, and our gratitude.