Abiding

"O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace.  Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories; The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I have come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow it's calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in truth, from harm by helping me to walking in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.

Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy.

Abide in me, gracious God." {Valley of Vision} 

2015

Looking back over 2015 I am reminded of God's faithfulness and goodness yet again. Although, God's love is steadfast and His grace is abounding,  our lives are not without challenges and struggles. All of these challenges and struggles, I am learning, are to point us back to the One to who made us. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. The One who we call Wonderful Counselor, Almighty King, Prince of Peace and Everlasting Father. His Kingdom shall have no end. I hope to continue to find hope and peace in the fact that I am not in control. That the Almighty King reigns and will reign forevermore!

I am continually thankful for these blessings God had bestowed upon me in order to teach me about his abounding grace and his steadfast love.

Happy New Year, From the Harpers!!

by His Grace alone, 

Sh

Entering Year #3

I can't believe how fast time flies. I know that is such a cliche, but it is so true. Beard and I have had the kids now for 2 full years and we are entering our 3rd year. We now have a 16 year old, 14 year old, and a 12 year old. Can you believe that?! Sometimes I can't believe it.
The past 2 years have been tough. As we begin year #3 it appears that this one will be no different. We have kids that are in the 11th grade, 8th grade and the 7th grade. We have TEENAGERS!!! As if teenagers aren't hard enough, we have our own unique struggles. But then again, doesn't everyone?

I know that it has been a while since I have "updated" everyone, so here is a very quick update. The kid's biological mother took us to court over the summer in an attempt to regain sole custody. She failed to prove "a substantial change in circumstances" (for the better, in her situation). All 3 kids wanted to testify. They did, against our wishes. However, the Judge still ruled in our favor. He was able to see how well they are doing overall, in school, and health. I have to admit it was nice to have some affirmation from the Judge (and objective source) that we are doing what we need to be doing.

So often in day to day life I feel like we are not making any headway. I feel we are just beating our heads against a wall. Beard and I met with the attorney ad litem (the attorney that speaks on behalf of the children) multiple times before our court hearing. Often he would ask us if we saw any changes at all in the children from the 1st court hearing to now. Even small ones. It was a great question and good one to make us reflect on the small things. Thankfully, the answer his yes. We do see small changes and we see that we are making headway. It is hard to remember those things when we are "in the thick of it" every day. As always, God's grace and goodness prevails!

As time goes on, my struggles as a Stepmother tend to be the same as before, trusting God and knowing that He is in control and I am not, trusting my husband and supporting the decisions that he makes for our family, and resting in God's grace and goodness. I don't think these struggles are ones that I will ever "overcome", but hopefully I will learn to rest and trust more readily.

"Lord, what I need is your strength and a new attitude. You say that you will take my hard heart and make it into one that's soft and loving. And you say you will put your spirit inside of me to provide wisdom and truth. I desperately long for your guidance -- your ways. Help me to discern when it's wise and right for me to speak up and when to keep silent. Give my husband eyes and a heart to see and understand the situation clearly. Teach him how to stand beside me and still love his kids. 
Thank you for loving me, even when I feel all alone."
~ Ron L. Deal & Laura Petherbridge
"The Smart Stepmom"

By God's Grace, 
sh