Let me apologize in advance for this post. Those of you who’ve followed me for awhile know me to be fairly goofy, which I am. You also know me to laugh a lot, which I do.
This post will deliver neither, I’m afraid.
There are times when certain aspects of having a blended family become overwhelming. Overwhelming to the point your heart feels like it will pound out of your chest or simply stop beating. Overwhelming to the point the emotions bottled up inside have no release except through a fountain of shed tears. Overwhelming to the point you feel you could literally scream at the world, “I can’t take it anymore!” . . . . but you don’t because you don’t want the world to know how much it hurts.
I’m thankful my God knows. I’m thankful my God hears. I’m thankful my God sees.
I’m thankful He comforts me.
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” ~ Psalm 119:50
My heart hurts for you….but your transparency is refreshing. So many times in blog world we only share the good side of life. And let’s face it, we all have an ugly side. In fact you may have seen my family on Jerry Springer a time or two. Feels like it anyway.
So thank you for sharing what you were feeling and for pointing us to the one and only source of comfort when the ugly side of our lives get the best of us.
I’ve prayed for you friend.
Talysa´s last [type] ..Curriculum
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Thank you for your prayers, Talysa. They’re much appreciated!
[Reply]
I am praying for you. But I do have to say you have no reason to apologize. If someone comes to this blog only for a laugh and nothing else then I say let them move on. Just a sister’s opinion though. I love you!
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:03 am
*snort* I love the sister stance. xoxo
[Reply]
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony with us. I love Joshua 1:9 for the same reason – “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”.
Kyla´s last [type] ..My Crafty To-Do List
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Ooh, that’s a good one. Thanks for sharing!
[Reply]
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” -Psalm 138:7
“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” -Nahum 1:7
God does know every part of our heart and mind. He knew our names before we were born! I am so thankful that we can always count on Him to hold us up.
Marsha´s last [type] ..withdrawal- home ec- creepy me and a giveaway
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:04 am
I love the verses. Thanks for the encouragement, friend!
[Reply]
*hugs*
darcy @ m3b´s last [type] ..Stylizing your images using actions
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:04 am
xoxo
P. S. Totally off subject. Did you ever watch Chasing Liberty? If not, I’m bringing it.
[Reply]
Whatever you’re going through, I’m confident He can sooth your worries!
XOXO!
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last [type] ..IF MY HOUSE HAD THREE WISHES
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Thanks, JJ!
[Reply]
((HUGS))
I hope that whatever is causing your heart to ache will pass quickly and that you will continue to let God comfort you until it does.
Lorie´s last [type] ..Personalized Game Pieces
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:07 am
I think all of life, not just being a part of a blended family, is about learning to deal with the challenges and trusting God to give you wisdom in facing them.
Thanks for the encouragement!
[Reply]
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{But he’s promised to hold my hand
He promised to help me stand
When the velley’s too low and the river’s too wide
I know that He will lead me to the other side
His promised light my way, never let my feet to stray
Living in His word I will overcome
Standing on His promises one by one}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Love you, Mom!
[Reply]
Well said, Ruthanne. And see what wonderful supporting texts you generated in the comments! My brain is too fried right now to make a significant contribution in the Scripture department, but know that you and your family are in my prayers–and I bet I’ll be up to doing coffee soon if it’s time for another meeting of the female minds.
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Coffee sounds wonderful. Hope you feel better soon. Missed you yesterday.
[Reply]
((hugs)) I don’t know exactly what your life is like or what you’re going through, but what I do know is that God loves you. So do I. I know you can do it! Xoxo!
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Thanks for the encouragement, Hannah!
[Reply]
” We know that suffering produces patience, patience produces character, character produces hope. Hope will never deceive us; for, the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
I am so right there with you dear sweet friend.
And by the way, you are quickly becoming one of my very favorite bloggers.
love you,
edie
edie´s last [type] ..Logos School Curriculum Choices 2010
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:08 am
I love that passage. Thank you for reminding me of it! xoxo
[Reply]
He knows and He cares. Blessings!
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:14 am
Thanks, Tracy!
[Reply]
Don’t apologize, this post is a beautiful testament to your faith. Frankly, I’ve been struggling lately with doubt and disappointment in God over things happening in my own blended family. I wish I could feel, like you do, that God is there. Deep down I know he is. I’m just so tired of the pain that is affecting the one’s I love and instead of seeing how He is working in our situation I only see how it is getting worse.
LaurieS´s last [type] ..A Quiet Day at Home
[Reply]
Ruthanne Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:14 am
A lot of times I think, when things appear worse from our perspective there is a greater battle, a spiritual battle, being waged which our eyes can not see. We have His promise that He has a plan for our lives ~ for our good and His glory. All may not be explained to us on this earth, but one day it will all make sense.
[Reply]
I usually don’t comment on your posts, but know that I do follow your blog! I love your writing, your smile, your hair
, your soul, AND your photography! 
I pray that God will help you through these difficult times in life when you just don’t understand why something is happening. I still struggle with moments of, “it’s just not fair!” in my daily life missing my momma. But, I just have to remind myself that God is Good and His mercy endures forever! And because of His goodness and his grace, everything’s gonna be alright. 
Love you and know that I will keep you and your beautiful blended family in my prayers. <3
[Reply]
And here’s one of my favorite verses during tough times:
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)
Sending ((((hugs)))) and prayers!
[Reply]
How did I miss this post? Please don’t feel pressure to always be the *snort*ing bloggy friend comedian. ‘He’ gives beauty for ashes, Ruthanne. Beauty. ((((((hugs))))))
H-Mama @ Family Team´s last [type] ..You know that heart-stopping moment
[Reply]