an introduction

Hello.

Welcome to this cozy little corner on the internet.

My name is Melissa and I live in the currently very chilly state of Nebraska. I have been married to my husband, Charlie, for 11+ years and we have 4 kids ranging from 3 to 10 years. I homeschool the oldest 3 with the help of a university style school. We have been attending our amazing church for almost 8 years and are very involved with our small group. Jesus has been a part of my life since childhood, but my Dear Friend for about 12 years.

Some years ago I had another blog. It was personal and was really for keeping our extended family informed after we got married, moved across the country and started having babies. It was a nice little blog. But not very deep. And that was ok. But as life got more difficult and problems showed deeper, I didn't feel like that was a place to share the struggles. Thankfully God placed some incredible people in our lives while we lived on the East Coast. Even though it has been a while since we moved back to the Midwest, those dear people still hold pieces of our hearts.

We moved back and came back as different people. Sure we looked almost the same on the outside but it wasn't the same. Things were rough. Financially, spiritually and relationally. Add to that 4 kids in 6 1/2 years and the toll that took on all areas of health. Jesus and I got close, because sometimes He was my only friend. There are some posts at that time that I never published in fear of what others would think of my brokeness. My anxiety, judgemental heart, jealousy and discouragement were not things I wanted exposed.

Then a few years ago God started working on my fear. The knife of His Word started cutting through the tumors. It was/is painful and good. He brought some friends into my life that helped me grow and pushed my to follow Him more. This past year has been the most difficult. My husband has struggled through some depression/mid-life crisis type stuff. It has been...I'm not even sure what the words are for what is has been. But with support from our God, friends, church and family we are on the upward swing. Thankfully the consequences of the decisions made are fairly minor and Jesus held Charlie fast.

There you have it. A glimpse into life as Melissa thus far.

Isaiah 43:1–4 (ESV)

[1] But now thus says the LORD,

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

[2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

[3] For I am the LORD your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

I give Egypt as your ransom,

Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

[4] Because you are precious in my eyes,

and honored, and I love you,

I give men in return for you,

peoples in exchange for your life.