The Nobles household is not without it's issues, problems and struggles, but everyday I realize how incredibly blessed I am. Here are some highlights of my blessings.
I have a great job! My schedule is crazy & hectic, but also very flexible. I get to work with families, college students & adults everyday. Music is the vehicle that I use, but I hope that the impact is much greater.
My family is amazing. Randy teaches all day, drives buses for sports teams to make extra money, and still has time for us and for the Lord. I am grateful for his discernment and wisdom. My kids' are all unique, and God is teaching me so much through them. Watching them grow into responsible adults (some are further along than others!), and waiting for God to show His glory in their lives is incredible. Patience, that is one of the things I'm learning. Trust is another!
Before I had children, and when they were young I spent many hours "planning" how things would be. I like schedules. I like to have a plan. God laughs at our plans. God is sovereign. I have learned to take one day at a time, but I still like to look at the long range plan. I love that God knows the plan. He just doesn't always clue me in. A verse I claimed when I was pregnant with Aaron was Psalm 138:8, "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me." I still hold onto that truth today.
In making all those plans so many years ago, I DID NOT plan for 4 children. But, they are such a blessing. I remember thinking " how we would ever afford to send them to college." I still wonder when the tuition bills come due! God provides every time! Even when we have two in college at the same time. When Alyssa got ready to go to Berry (no, I do not get a break because I'm an adjunct there), I prayed this verse: "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20. For Alyssa to attend Berry, and live on campus is a God thing. He put her at Berry and Winshape to give us 4 more years with her, knowing that she will ultimately live in Mexico, teach and share Christ with the culture she loves.
Our household has 6 people, 5 who drive. Five cars & car insurance and God provides. None of the cars are new, they need repairs. They have cosmetic issues, but they get us from point A to point B. When Carrie turned 16, she had to be patient because we couldn't get her a vehicle. Over the summer God provided a 5 speed truck for Aaron to drive and Carrie is happy driving the his old Passport. She calls it "Perry". I am grateful that she doesn't mind "hand-me-downs."
If you know our family, you know we love the National Parks. What a blessing to be able to travel and see God's creation. We don't go on vacation often, but when we do ... we do it big. Kate is 11 and has been to 30 states. I love that we have this tradition and we can do it without going into debt!
The last blessing I will name (and there are so many!) is the opportunity to serve the body of Christ. I love having folks in my home, getting to know them, laugh with them, cry with them and of course FEED them! I'm eternally blessed by the many who have shared a meal in our humble home. The fellowship and friendship you provided for our family is so sweet.
God is good and His riches are abundant!
