19 years single, 23 years married, 5 years a widow and 5 years married

19 + 23 + 5 + 5 =

 Adding up the numbers above will give you my age.

 

  What have I learned in all those years of being single, married, and a widow?

 

That life can be….

 

 

Isn’t it great when life goes along just like you want it to? Like when you love your job, the kids are healthy, the bills are paid, the marriage is good, friends are there for fun and support, there’s a full tank of gas in the car, your cell phone is fully charged and food in the cupboards. You feel blessed and life is nothing short of awesome.

And then all of a sudden out of nowhere, something happens to us or a loved one and it hurts.

Often stunned, we temporarily fall out of peace, serenity, and consistency. We are torn when told of the death of a loved one, experience divorce, mental or physical illness, job loss, etc.  Accepting unexpected news turns into a mind game as you try to process it all.

We may feel like running away.

Even so, down deep we know the right decision is to deal with the issue or challenge, even if it means our lives will change.

Change usually involves decision-making and decision-making often brings change. Both can be intimidating, uncomfortable and scary.

Most every time I make a decision, that little voice in my head says:

 

What if my decision is wrong?
 
What if this is not the best for me?
 
What if I fail?
 
What if?    What if?    What if?

 

 

———-  Till Death do us part  ———-

I had to make some tough decisions for my children and for myself after my husband Mike suddenly died in 2003. By the way, there’s no manual for how to deal with that storm. There were people who helped guide, suggest and critique my options, but ultimately I made decisions for myself and my children. I am not the only one. There are countless men and women who have to make tough decisions in their lives each and every day.

  ———-  Life after Death  ———-

 

I was a Widow (yucky word) for five years.

The thought of re marrying another man brought on huge “What ifs.”  Did I really want to make a life-long commitment to another man? Should I be getting married again? What if something happens to him? What if my family doesn’t like him? What if he’s not who he says is? …….And on and on.

 

Love seemed to kick those What if’s right out the door and I married again in 2008.

 

I will be honest and tell you that both my current and late husbands personalities are so different. I had to learn and decide how to communicate effectively when I got married at 19 years old to my first husband Mike, and then learn and decide how to communicate differently at 47 years old when I married my second husband Jim. Jim would probably say the same about his learning to communicate with me.

I love being married. I loved sharing life with my first spouse and my current spouse. As those of you who are married know, marriage is not always easy. Honesty, forgiveness, being conscious of each others needs and wants and having an attitude of compassion and affirmation towards each other is unbelievably important.

Marriage is different for me this time around. Not better or worse. Just different and in a good way. I have an appreciation for love and time together in a way that I can not describe. I am seasoned with age and life experiences that have put life into a more solid perspective.  I have learned how God is with me in every situation, circumstance and event no matter what decisions I make.

A little over two weeks ago, my husband Jim and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary by renewing our wedding vows.

Five years may seem like it’s too soon to make this renewal, but for us it was the perfect amount of time. A time to acknowledge before God and witnesses our desire and decision to keep on keepin on with each other. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, till death do us part.

 When life hurts, I suggest you take on the challenges by asking God to guide you. 
Decide to grow in grace through the pain
and you will become stronger in faith and hope.

 

———————————————————————————————————

 Enter below to win a Mini Coffee Gift Tote Bag!

 What’s new in my Studio?

A new Special Selection Gift Tote bag with an amazing amount of goodies inside. Check it out today!

Blessed beyond Measure Coffee and Gift Tote Bag

WOW!

Inside this Blessed Beyond Measure Coffee and Gift Tote Bag, you will find 5 foil packs of delicious Gourmet coffee (Each pack brews a regular pot of coffee), A Ceramic Serenity Mug, Pirouline Artisan Chocolate Wafers, A Wall Cross and a God Bless this Gathering Place Key Holder. All the items are wrapped in tissue paper or gift box.

Purchase this complete Tote Bag as a thank you for your Thanksgiving Hosts or a Birthday, or a Gift of appreciation for that someone special.

More Coffee and Gift Totes found at:

http://www.AmenChristianCalligraphy.com

There are more options to personalize your own Coffee and Gift Tote Bag by choosing delicious Coffee types, Tea, Desk sized inspirational framed Print, Coffee Mug, and a Journal.

With all the holidays and parties coming up, these Tote bags make great gifts for family members, co workers, bosses, teachers, friends and church ministries. Please check our selections today.

Don’t forget to
Enter below to win an I Thank God For You Mini Tote Bag

Values at $28.50.

Included in the tote bag are 5 foil packs of coffee. (Each pack makes one pot of coffee)  Included are Two packs of Holy Grounds regular roast, One pack of Vanilla From Heaven flavored (my favorite!), One pack of Be Still decaf, One pack of Raise The Dead bold roast, One can of Pirouline Chocolate Wafers, a Coffee Mug that says, I Thank God For You, and a plaque that says, In everything, give thanks.

I thank God for you Mini Coffee Tote Bag

 


Win an I Thank God for You Coffee Gift Tote Bag
Enter your name, email and phone and then
Click Submit below.
Drawing to be held on November 15, 2013


NameFirstLastPhone (optional)Email














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Please enter your first and last name along with your email below and we will draw a winning name on November 15, 2013

 

You can also to win a copy of my book Meet Me In The Mountains found to the right of this page.

 

Until next time

Candy

 

I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Bride: I, (name), take you, (name), to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

- See more at: http://catholicweddinghelp.com/weddin...

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