I heard

This week:

I heard from a man dying from cancer by all reports by man ... yet by God's report he is living.

I saw a home falling apart ... yet built on a solid foundation of the Lord.

I prayed with a woman I felt shaking from an illness ... yet continuing to walk in faith.

Sometimes what we see, hear and feel can't be trusted, but His word can always be trusted.

No matter what my life looks like, sounds like or feels like - God's word remains and I still remain thankful and blessed for the Lord is so gracious giving me what I have.

#lovealltheseturkeys #weloveandmissyouseth #wishiwouldhavetakenmorepictures

16 Years

16 years ago on this very night this photo was taken - Clint proposed. And in true Clint fashion he did it his way. He was afforded so many romantic opportunities to propose, but chose instead after this party.

It wasn't in a romantic location, just our bed.

It wasn't with an audience, just us two.

It wasn't with the sunset in the background, just a 60 watt bulb shining in my face.

It wasn't with a heartfelt speech, just a comedic throwback.

And it really didn't need to be anything special, because every day after has been special.

Happy Anniversary bae, here's to 15 more!!

17

The definition of festive is cheerful and jovially celebratory. This morning Hunter was quite festive dressing up for a Christmas dress up day at school. But he also was festive for another event - his 17th birthday!!

17 years of joyful celebrations

17 years of celebrating what an amazing young man he has grown into.

You bring so much joy to people's lives.

You bring life

You bring light

Your joy exudes into compassion, thoughtfulness, appreciation and encouragement to others.

Your selflessness is quite amazing!

I pray that everyone today showers you on your festive day with as much joy as you bring into the lives of others.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3

You have proven that your faith and staying steadfast has produced a plentiful harvest of perseverance and there should be much to celebrate in that!

I love you Hunter!!!

Happy birthday!!

My Guy

I know a day late and a dollar short, but never too late to just mention if you didn’t already know how blessed I am to call this man my husband. Soon we will mark 15 years of marriage. I will probably forget as usual (thank you to Kimberly D Duplantis though for always reminding me) yet I never forget his birthday. Like all his birthdays, we wanted this one to be special. Yet, plans to make a gumbo and blackberry dumplings were delayed by a chaotic day. Car trouble, hacked checking account, daughter with a severe nose bleed and a close call car accident into a building set off several triggers for me - one being an accident nearly 14 years ago. It brought me right back into that moment and scared me. Even then I was losing control of quite a few things not just a vehicle being veared off by an 18 wheeler towards a bayou - loss of job, loss of home all due to a storm that rocked our lives.

I thank God for Claire & my safety yesterday as God’s hands protected us from further harm in each situation. I thank God that sometimes I am not in control and that He takes care of it. Just when we start to lose control in the storm we have to release the helm and give it to Him. Release all anxiety and let His spirit fill us with peace. For He is in control - He is our captain in the storm. I am so thankful that He guided my ship to Clint Gautreaux 19 years ago. No other man can put up with my shenanigans and crazy wife moments, no other man can understand me quite the way he does, no other man can comfort and settle my heart the way this man does. I slept the best I have slept in months and all it took was me being able to lay my head on his shoulders. Thank you Lord for these reminders even in the midst of our storms, you gave me a light - heck you have given me a great, big, giant, hairy fishermen’s lighthouse to guide me to safety and for that I am so thankful. I love you bae and Happy late birthday!!!!