God is Great!

Well, over the summer, my husband and I have been going through some great trials within our church. Its nothing that I want to go into detail over, as I want to keep this blog public. But, just to put it mildly, God is putting us through His fire...the refiners' fire. I know that the purpose of this is to draw us nearer to Him and to grow together, and believe me, its happening!
In addition to all of that, God is dealing with me on some personal issues. To be quite honest, I am an extremely judgmental and critical person. Its not something I let show through, although, I'm sure it does show at times. I don't like that. Its ugly. That's a very ugly side to me. God is definitely refining me.
I always thought I was "okay" because no one could see my sin - my thoughts were my own, and rarely would I make these thoughts known, if only to my husband. What joy for him, huh? But lately, I've been convicted -God has used my husband (as lovingly as possible, let me say my husband has not been pointing his finger at me and shouting, "SINNER!"). He has been very kind and loving, but by hearing some of what he has said, I have thought more deeply about my actions, and I've realized the error in my ways.
I grew up with a judgmental and critical parent. He was a musician, (and let me preface, not ALL musicians are this way) -and very critical of himself, he still is. But, that attitude carried over to me -and also was laid heavily upon my siblings.
I don't want that for my children. I don't want them to wonder, daily, "what's Mom upset about today?"
So, God is refining me. I am most definitely in the fire. And it hurts. It doesn't feel good...but God is making me better, right? I trust in the Potter. He is my creator and he knows me best!

Things (and people) that bring me joy!

This post was inspired by one of my dear internet friends - I decided its a good idea to name many (obviously not all!) of my blessings!

• I love spending time with my husband, and I love how me makes time for me and our kids -in the midst of a VERY busy week!
• I love my little boys' sweet smile
• I love how my baby girl ALWAYS wakes up happy. She is ALWAYS smiling...and is an easy-going, go with the flow, kind of girl...much, much, MUCH like her Daddy!
• I love how my husband can get me laughing when I AM being too uptight!
• I love the cooling of the temperature in fall!
  
• I love getting ready for the holidays!
• I love warm and cozy sweaters and jackets in the fall!
• I love the way the house smells when I baking or cooking something yummy in the oven!
• I love the look on his face when my little guy finds out that he is going somewhere with Daddy (or that we're going to see his grandparents!)!
• I love how Connor LOVES to be around people -especially other kids! And he says, "hello" to everyone he meets!
• I love the sound of my kids playing.
  
• I love how God takes care of us and encourages us- even when we don't know what's ahead for us.
  

Well...I may continue this post for later...but this is "enough" for now!

Tag! You're it!

TAG YOU'RE IT
This came from my sister in an email this morning. If you view this, you have to do it. Then, send me a message back, so I know you did it!

Two names you go by:
1. Aimee

2. Meme (by my son) LOL

Two things You are wearing right now

1. coral colored polo shirt

2. my favorite blue jeans

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Spend time with my family.

2. Keep in touch with friends, old and new, via the Internet

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. A nice digital camera to go with our lens from our "old" camera.

2. A breadmaker (I haven't mastered the technique of the "by hand" method.)

Two favorite pets you have had/have
1. Xena - American Staffordshire Terrier

2. Muffin - a flame-point Himalayan

Two things you ate(or drank) today:
1. Coffee

2. French Toast sticks

Two people you last talked to:
1. Connor
2. Ben

Two things you're doing tomorrow
1.Taking care of my kiddos

2. Going to church

Two longest car rides:
1. Port Byron, IL to Clarks Summit, PA

2. Port Byron, IL to Washington, DC, NYC and Fitchburg, MA

Two favorite holidays:
1. Thanksgiving

2. Christmas

Two favorite beverages:
1. Mocha Punch (YUM!)

2. Mountain Dew (although I can't drink it too often because of the caffeine level!)

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY