Happy Anniversary! Years 15-20

These years were some of the most disappointing in a few ways, but they also prepared us for the next 5 which have been some of the best in every way.

When I think of this particular group of years....I think of them as the Feed Barn years.  We bought a feed store business that was a dream come true in many ways.  We were so excited for all the potential that it presented.  It was pretty short lived though, as we were partners with another couple and it didn't work out.  We owned it for only 27 months.

We had a lot of hopes and dreams attached to this business and when it didn't work out like we thought, we were absolutely distraught.  We had never experienced that level of stress that came with the disappointment of the whole situation.

But God!!!

He made beauty from ashes.

Isaiah 61:3 New International Version (NIV)

2 

    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

    instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

    instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

    instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

    a planting of the Lord

    for the display of his splendor.

  He brought such sweet and needed lessons and some amazing new friendships out of a very difficult situation.

The gal that worked in the office with me has become one of my dearest friends.
She is a prayer partner and a friend and a mentor to me.
  I used to tell her.....if she were the only good thing that came out of that experience it was worth every bit.  
I truly believe that.

The BLESSING of those years that overshadows the memory of the stress-filled years was that at the end of our time at 
The Feed Barn I became pregnant, and Reece Charles was born in December 2007. 

 I can't think of any better way to get my mind out of the pit of disappointment than to focus on a new precious energy filled life.  We, of course did not "plan" it...and YET, the timing was PERFECT and it was just what we needed to get our eyes and our attention on BLESSING.
  Focusing on a new baby and blessings and being grateful for all that God has done and was continuing to do became much more productive than focusing on "what could have been" with a failed business venture.

I would not trade the lessons and the growth and the friendships that came out of this time, but I'm sure glad it's behind us.