2011 was a year of brand new adventures for our family. If you recall, at the end of 2010, Matt resigned from his job – a job that kept him away from our family for way too many hours each week. It was a huge leap of faith for our family, bringing Daddy home. We knew God would take care of us, but in what ways specifically? Would our business ideas and dreams become the reality we hoped they would? Would our ministry plans take off like we wanted them to?
I can’t even put into words the joy we’ve experienced in following this path we felt God calling us to take. The year has not been without some stress. We’ve had to make some big decisions. We’ve had to make adjustments in our schedules and over all lifestyle, as we are now fully self-employed and running several businesses. But we’ve seen God working in mighty ways this year in our family, in our businesses, and in our ministries. He’s kept us very busy, yet allowed us to be very flexible so that we have been able to say yes to opportunities where we see He is calling us to serve. We’ve especially enjoyed holding marriage classes in our home and reaching out to couples in different ways to help encourage healthy marriages.
And our boys. It is amazing the growth we’ve seen in each of them over the last year. I feel that much of this is because they’ve been able to work with and spend so much time with Matt. I’m not sure there’s a better gift we can offer them than time spent with their daddy.
2011 was a great year. I love how God works to bring people into our lives, to love on us and to be loved on by us. He always meets the needs of his people. God is good.
Share how God is working in your life on your blog, then come link up with us here. If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for!
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What a blessing to be able to work side by side with your man and their dad! Wow! I am so glad that God is enriching your lives in this way. May God bless you in 2012!
I have enjoyed watching your “ride” in 2010. I believe that God will always redeem the time for the faithful. You stepped out on faith and brought Matt home. God has greatly blessed you for that leap of faith. What a wonderful example.
You’re very blessed to have your husband at home!
God is SO good… all the time!
Laura: It seems like you had a great year and it’s incredible that your husband has been at home for a year already! We have daddy home too and the boys appreciate and enjoy it! They need him there.
What a blessing to work as a team from home :).
God is good! So great that your family is able to be together more and experience God’s peace and provision in other “out of the box” ways. Bless you all in 2012.
Thanks for sharing this, Laura!
Amen!
I am new to your blog, and I love it! It’s so encouraging and refreshing! What a wonderful opportunity to have your boys spending so much time with their dad!
I am so thankful for the rest my husband and I have experienced together over the last 2 weeks (he’s a teacher and just finished his winter break); 2011 was a difficult year, and we really needed the time to reflect, reconnect, and enjoy time with one another and our 3 boys. I’m so looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in 2012!
I love your blog :) Thank you for the opportunity to link up :) It’s so funny because I had just posted this morning about the importance of writing down one thing that we are thankful for each day and then I came over to read your blog and this was the first post I saw :) I am thankful for so many things but especially for my hubby :) He is my joy and my rock
I love and enjoy reaading about your family! Thank you for the allowing me to join in with Gratituesday!
:)As a Military spouse, I have learned to be thankful for so much in my life!
Thanks for hosting, Laura. :) Today I’m sharing a few of our plans for 2012 and how grateful I am for the opportunity the new year gives us to accomplish our goals and dreams!
Blessings, ~Lisa :)
I wish more families realized the importance of dads spending time with theirs sons! (and daughters)
You are blessed. My husband travels a lot for his job, but he is very “here” when he is home. I am thankful that he takes the time to invest in our childrens’ lives.
I’m glad that 2011 was such a good year for your family!
My husband works from home and has arranged his schedule so that he is done with his workday by the time the kids get home from school.
Time spent with dad is SO important, equally so for boys and girls! I never had that as a child, so I am so very grateful that my kids have such a close bond with their dad.
GREAT POST!!! GOD BLESS!!!
I am so blessed by being able to read your posts. What a great example you and Matt are. I would like to get a website up and running and praying that I can do something beneficial for Empty Nest Moms. I look forward to getting your daily blogs and working on my blog in 2012.
Praise God!! I am so glad to hear you are able to sing his praises as you walk by faith into 2012. God is so good. His mercies are new EVERY morning!!!!!!!! As long as you have breath, praise God!!
Laura, you are a great encouragement to me. My husband would also like to be able to stay home – but we’re afraid to take the leap. You’ve given me the faith that it CAN happen. Thank you.
I am thankful for Heavenlyhomemakers.com making changes in eating habits are easy with her recipes. All I have to say to my kids is “it’s Laura’s recipe”.
I am so glad your year was so great. We too feel greatly blessed.
It has been such a blessing to “watch” your family over the past year, I am sure that you have not documented every struggle but your joy in the Lord and contentment shine through your writing. I am thankful that as Believers we can rejoice when others rejoice and your Thankful Tuesday posts always do that. God bless your family in 2012!
Great post, reflecting on all your family’s blessings! Wishing you a very blessed 2012 as well! With love in Christ, Kelly
Thanks for hosting! I found you through Far Above Rubies facebook page and enjoyed your post.
Stefanie