You Raise Me Up

Wow, so much has been going on.   The past few weeks have been such a roller coaster ride for me.  

The obvious news is that Barack Obama was re-elected last night.   While I'm a little disappointed, I can't say I'm surprised.   I truly felt he was going to win months ago.   My perspective, I guess, is based a little on the fact that if we are truly in end times, something about America has to change.   At least that's how I see it.   The bible doesn't appear to mention the USA at all, even symbolically.   If we are the #1 nation in the world, I don't see how that could be overlooked in end times.   That just my opinion and train of thought though.   I guess time will tell.  

Our finances have been quite a roller coaster lately too.   We really need to depend on side jobs to pay our bills and put groceries on the table.   Side-jobs however are a roller coaster in and of themselves.  We've been working on ways to bring in additional income.   A few weeks ago I watched an episode of Extreme Couponing on Netflix and was somewhat inspired.   

Honestly, I think those people are a little crazy.  I mean who really needs 70 bottles of mustard, or 1000 tubes of toothpaste.  However, it did seem like an easy way to save $$ and only have to input a little time each week.   So off I went.   I have enjoyed finding some great buys!   I've also realized it takes a little more work to determine if your coupon is really a better buy than a generic brand or brands that you could buy at other stores.   To date, I've saved over $50 in a little less than a month!  

Homeschooling has been going okay.   I seem to stumble over my own failures rather than anything having to do with the kids.  My own impatience and lack of discipline make homeschooling the challenge that it is.  However the kids seem to be doing well and learning... that's the key :)  

Speaking of lack of discipline, my other disappointment lately has been the state of my house.   The mess, the piles of laundry, the unfinished parts of the house, the torn up couch, and so on and so on just have been eating at me.   Some days I feel SO motivated and then I have a string of days where I am just in a funk.   I wish I could figure out what makes me really motivated some days and bottle it!!   I want to be motivated every day.   So often I give into my flesh and "run away" from my "problems".   It just seems easier to leave the hard things.   Ah, but then when you return, guess what.... IT'S STILL THERE!   I pray often for the power to press on in spite of what I feel.  

Right now, the roller coaster is getting ready to crest another hill.   The pantry has food in it.   The bills are paid.   We may even scrape up enough to get new tires on the van before the month is out... maybe.   But all in all, I know God is faithful.   I'm SO thankful, He is faithful even when I doubt  and even when I'm frustrated.    I can honestly say I don't know where I'd be without Him.   He lifts me up and gives me strength.   Thank you Lord.

I hope you all are having a wonderful autumn season and that God's blessings are pouring out bountifully!