Thirty Days of Gratitude ~ Day # 11

My Veteran!

Today I am thankful for my "better half".

Once when leading a testimony service I stated, "if dh had known what the future held when he married me, he might have backed-out on the marriage." (He assures me, that isn't so.) Perhaps, he would have had second thoughts, though. Who is to say?

I married a "hippie". My mother never completely got over that. Never-mind he was an ex-Marine (I have since learned, there is no ex where the Marine Corps is concerned), who also did three stretches with Oklahoma National Guard. One enlistment before the Marines and two after we married.

What concerned my mother the most was the fact he stood up for ME. Which was one of the things I loved the most. It was his love, that freed me from always trying to please everyone else; that I had two feet and I needed to learn to stand on them. She saw that as rebellion, especially so, when after 8 years of marriage and three children, he insisted I stop cleaning her house every weekend. Did I mention I was also working full time? He also stopped me from  dropping everything to go "fix" Mom's hair. He showed me that she could at least wait until I had the time. Yes, my mother was strong willed and so is my honey.

He is also gentle and caring. He helped me take care of my mother the last four years of her life. He showed more patience and strength than I could ever find within myself. He turned out to be my Mom's favorite.....even over her own children. God knew, we all needed him.

He is a good father and a good provider. We don't have a lot in the materialistic sense, because he is also a "giver." He would give anyone the shirt off his back. Literally! I seen him buy new work boots, only to give them away before they were worn, to some guy he had just helped get a job. Once when we were returning home from vacation, we were still 400 and some miles from home, and we came across an elderly gentleman who was obviously in need of food and basic necessities. Dh estimated the amount of money we would need to finish our trip and handed the older man all that remained. We made it home with $10 to spare! While his generosity hasn't always made our children happy (who likes doing without?), it has passed a legacy on them. They each have a "giving spirit."

When I say, "better-half," he really is.  He thinks long term, I think short term (much of the time).  He sees the big picture, when I seem to have tunnel vision.  He rarely gets mad, rarely looses his temper.  His ways have had a calming affect on me.  There is now an easy give and take between the two of us.

When I was testifying, my point was JESUS  ~ YESHUA ~ could see the future.  HE knew every mistake, every missed step I would take in the years to come!  Yet, HE still chose me as one of HIS own.  And most of all, HE knew the husband I would need to see me through this life; HE knew who would complete me.

Thank you, Love, for making my life complete!  And, Father in Heaven, I am forever grateful for this man YOU sent my way!

And to all our wonderful, brave, and outstanding men and women who have served or are serving our country,  MAY each of YOU and your families be blessed!

May God's goodness and mercy follow You always!

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Blessings,

Cheryl

P.S.  While Gabby (oldest granddaughter) was here the past few days, we worked on numerous projects for the holidays and I took lots of pictures to share.  I am having a bit of trouble deciding on how I want to post them.  I need my "techie" son to come by and HELP!  Just wanted you to know, I haven't forgot!!!

Here is a list of some of the things we worked on.  Later I'll post the pictures and instructions or recipes.

Country decorator stars

Foot butter

Candles

Bath salts

Thanksgiving decorations

Banana Nut Bread

and more!