Finally, the Good News

It's been a rough few months around the Rainbow household - oh, who am I kidding? Years would be the more accurate term. Anyway, you get the picture. I don't like to sound like I'm complaining, but I'm sure it must come across that way, so I want to take this opportunity to point out the good stuff. And there's quite a lot of it, actually. I just hadn't noticed for all the whining.

Several weeks ago in Bible study, the pastor asked if we knew the meaning of "sacrifice of praise", and as I raised my hand to answer, it dawned on me that although I understood what it meant, I hadn't been putting it into practice.

I may have given lip-service, but I cannot honestly say that I sincerely praised God with my whole heart for allowing my children to remain separated from one another and from me. Yes, I believe beyond a shadow of doubt that He is in complete control of every aspect of our lives. Yes, I absolutely trust Him to work all things together for our good and His glory. Yet I have been complaining in my heart, begging God "please change their hearts, Lord, or change mine."

Oh, I am so human. How tempted I have been to give up. How easy for me to forget that the way I would resolve this matter is not necessarily the way He plans to resolve it.

How often He has reminded me that He's on it, and He's answering prayer, even if the answers don't look like I expect them to look. And that, my friends, is good news.

But wait! There's more.

My wonderful husband has endured all the shineola that my ex and kids have dished out for the duration of our marriage, and he's still here. Praise the Lord for his love and support.

Just when I think things couldn't get much worse, they do. Praise God that His strength is perfect and is not limited by my weakness.

Praise Him for walking with me through it all, and carrying me most of the way.

The ex and I have actually had a few civil conversations in which we have agreed on a plan of action regarding The Spiteful One. I know! Amazing. It's all God. Praise His Name!

The Spiteful One's behavior has turned most of my attention away from the absence of The Aloof One. Totally unexpected, and not at all what I had hoped for, but I know it's all under control. Praise the Lord for answering in His way rather than mine.

There really is so much more, but I'll save it for another post. Have a blessed week!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"

Philippians 4:4

First, the Bad News

Wow. Has it really been 3 months since my last update on the wayward offspring? Well, allow me to remedy that. See, I am nothing if not prompt. Now let's see... where did I leave you hanging?

Ah yes, in our last episode, the red-headed problem child was off visiting her boyfriend and his parents.

The story resumes as Smarty McMoutherson returns home with no major incidents to report. She had paid a visit to her dad and sister while she was there, and though they weren't exactly pleased that she hadn't made the trip for the purpose of spending time with them, they were glad to see her and treated her accordingly. It's probably not even worth mentioning that the dad didn't call her on her birthday, which is really neither here nor there, I suppose. Except that he didn't call her on her birthday!

Oh well. No animals were harmed in the making of this segment. Film at 11.

So we're back to the normal routine, which isn't really all that normal, but you take what you can get. Then suddenly, it's Spring Break, and we're making yet another trip to Arkansas. I'm thinking The Aloof One will be coming home with me for a week so we can go do stuff, and I'm all excited about having some one-on-one time with her. She, on the other hand, had other plans. Well, not really plans, as in "I've got other stuff I want to do." No, it was more like "I don't want to go to Georgia with you," bless her hateful little heart. So I drove back home all by my lonesome, only to return the following weekend to retrieve The Spiteful One.

This time, there were major incidents to report, and at least one animal was injured, but there's no film to prove it. There were teeth marks and bruising inflicted upon the father mammal by the insubordinate daughter mammal, and a few rather bold, yet unsuccessful, classic made-for-Springer attempts to get him to strike her.

I swear, y'all, the family tree does fork! Plastic utensils, of course. Somebody'd put an eye out otherwise.

Anyway.

The following day, on our way back home, we stopped by the dad's to discuss our concerns about her relationship with Sonic boy, and she took my car sans permission and drove to his parents' house. I called looking for her, and his step-dad said he had sent her home. When she still hadn't come back fifteen minutes later, I called again and was told that she was on her way. I said "she's not here yet", and he snapped, "I can't help that." When I asked how long ago she had left, he said "she's leaving right now."

That was the last straw. Since March, all phone privileges and contact of any kind with the dreamboat/shipwreck and his parents have been rescinded until further notice.

Alrighty, then. I think that brings us up to date. Mostly.

Coming up next: some good news.

Having Fun with T-shirts

Well, it's been a while. I've been keeping busy with my online gift shops, trying to learn as much as I can about graphic design and experimenting with different programs. I've got a long way to go, y'all. Here are a couple of my latest designs:

This one's perfect for the college grad, don't you think?

This one was inspired by Melanie, whose poem last month had me in stitches.



Y'all have a great weekend, and I'll try to catch up with all of you soon!

Another Post Already? How Odd!

Hi again, folks. I'm back with a couple of prayer reminders and a new request. I've been remiss in keeping you up-to-date with Heather and Kelli, so I just want to take a moment to remind you to continue praying. Please make it a point to visit their blogs if you aren't already following their stories. Amazing women. Amazing grace. Amazing God.

Also, one of my fellow shopkeepers is needing our prayers. Her husband rushed her to the emergency room this morning, and it was discovered that she had suffered a heart attack. She is now in ICU and resting, but surgery is not an option because she is diabetic. Her name is Debbie, and her husband Bill has informed me that they are Christians, but they aren't active. Prayers on their behalf are much appreciated.

That's all I have for now. May you all have a blessed week!

Playing Catch-Up

Hi, y'all! It's been crazy around here lately, and I'm having a heck of a time keeping up with the blog. Last weekend, after my wonderful visit with Dawn, I came straight to my computer to tell you all about it, and the blasted thing froze up on me - right in the middle of my post! After hubby got it running again, he sorta took it over. His laptop is also on the fritz, and we're having to take turns using mine.

I can't believe it's already been a week since Dawn and I MIRLed. I picked her up from her sister-in-law's house and got to meet some of her family. Dawn greeted me with a hug, then we headed out to find a nice spot to take pictures. We decided on the Botanical Garden, thinking it would be in full bloom, but the cold snap had taken it's toll. We had a great time anyway, talking non-stop for the next two and a half hours and taking a few pictures before we had to part ways. She is as lovely in person as she seems on her blog, and I'm thrilled to the bone that I got to meet her. I still haven't had a chance to get my film developed, but I will be posting pics as soon as I can.

In other news, at hubby's insistence, I opened an online gift store, and have been trying to get that going. I've got a lot to learn, and I'm grateful for his guidance and expertise. Dear Melanie of This Ain't New York has already linked to my shop and sent me lots of visitors. Thank you Melanie!

I will eventually open another store geared more toward humor. Here's one of the designs I have in mind for the geek section. I'd like to know what you think!


(Should I spell out "protractor"? Hubster thought it would be too obscure if I did, but I'm not sure.)