Ever feel like you're all alone in this word? I know I've struggled with this emotion quite a bit recently. Just when I thought my husband was finished with school/coaching... he signed up for another summer coaching position. And then... the day before THAT was suppose to be over, he was asked to coach an All-Star team. It doesn't sound that bad... but this is a BIG commitment (that's all voluntary, may I add). :) It wouldn't be as terrible if it was all local sports, but my hubby is driving 1-2 hours each way for each practice/game. And now there is out-of-state travel involved. And then, when he IS home, there are always LOTS of phone calls (his phone bill last month alone was over $300 if that tells you anything)... and strategising... and, and, and. It's been really hard. I understand the word "lonely" on many levels. My husband & I are such opposites and our 'needs' are TOTALLY different. He would be perfectly content being gone 99% the time... but I need the emotional support & physical support with raising two young boys.
So... Sunday at church, I look over and see a women who's husband is overseas. They were just married last October and he's from England. I guess he hasn't been able to obtain citizenship here in the US yet and was required to return to his home country. When I looked at this woman's face.... the loneliness was oozing out of her.
Have you ever noticed how much more you hurt for someone after experiencing hurt yourself? Even though our situations are not the same.... I understand that pain. I think that's probably one reason why we're allowed to go through trials and hard times. If we didn't, how would we ever be able to empathize with others?
As I was making this card, I was reminded that even when we feel lonely and deserted, there is always one who is there for us! Even though our eyes can't see Him, He's there watching over us! "I will NEVER leave you or forsake you..." It still isn't easy... but I hope it encourages her a little bit. And... I pray God makes a way for he husband to come back home soon.
This layout is based off of a sketch by Jen del Muro for her weekly SFYTT... and is also for the Ways to Use it Challenge this week at Splitcoaststampers (the challenge was to use birds on your cards).
Stamps:
- Pretty Birds (the Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
- Script Essential Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments) by Cornish Heritage Farms
Ink:
- Pitch Black & Espresso Adirondack inkpads by Ranger
Paper:
- Herbal Garden Medium & Dark Prismatic Cardstock by Prism
- 29th Street Market (Fresh "Mother") by My Mind's Eye
Accessories:
- French Twist buttons by Autumn Leaves
- Waxy Flax by Scrapworks
- Silver Precious Metal Hardware by We R Memory Keepers
- Copic Markers
Tools:
- Paper Piercing tools
Sweet you...I love that you were able to see someone else's need and be an encouragement to her. Will be thinking of you and praying that you can be an encouragement to each other, and that your card will be a first step to that. (and how can those cutie birds not make you happy?) Hugs,
ReplyDeleteDina
Julie, you have always been an encourgement to me. But I am so sorry that you are so young to be feeling so lonely. But if it means amything you've always got me. Love Cindy B.
ReplyDeleteYou've got me too Julie! I know it's not the same as having your husband at home helping you out but I am always a phone call away if you need to talk, or we can talk at work too. You are too good of a person to have these feelings, but I'm sure God has a plan. Love, Mary P.
ReplyDeleteYou are experiencing 1 Corinthians 1:4...God comforts us so that we can comfort others with the comfort we have received. God can redeem everything in our life to bring good from it.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think you need to have your husband sit down and have a very serious discussion about how coaching is affecting you & your sons' lives. It is the little foxes that spoil the vine. He is making choices today that will affect his life down the line and he doesn't realize it. If these are voluntary duties he takes on, then he is telling you and your boys that you are the lowest priority in his life. (Been there, done that, had that happen to me & my children.)There is a serious crack in your marriage that you must address now before it is irreparable. Where is the time spent with you? with the boys? Why does everyone else come first ahead of you? He does not realize the damage he is doing. Does he ask if you are in agreement with all these coaching duties or does he do whatever he wants to do regardless of your feelings? This isn't even his job! Don't take this lightly. That type of attitude from my husband destroyed my marriage. Everybody and their fun & games came ahead of me and the children and it caused deep hurt the longer it went on.
Julie, What a wonderful way to show someone else about the Love of God. I hope you will make friends with this woman and enjoy a lasting friendship.
ReplyDeleteYou do need to talk to hubby as I think every couple needs time together as well as apart.
awww, huge hugs to you sweetheart. I am thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteyour card is darling btw :)
r am so touched by your story. You are so right about us having to experience some things in order to be able to help others -- but don't disregard your feelings. I feel alone almost everyday of my life and my hubby is home all the time-- we are just so different and have been through many things that have separated us even more. It is not the way to live and the worst part is when I realize my son watches this and learns from it. That is not the type of relationship I want for him. I am in no way judging how your relationship with your husband is-- only reminding you to think about yourself too. Whatever that means -- talk to him, accept it or any other choice you make. But as you said the Lord will not forsake you he is the only one we can ALWAYS count on. One of the things that help me at these types of situations is to remember that people don't disappoint us -- our expectations do. I hope you are feeling better tonight.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you are experiencing such loneliness right now. It makes it hard when you have smaller children at home. Have you tried to explain to your DH how you feel? Try to do it in a non-confrontational way. Use "I" sentences and let him know that you love him even though you are going through a tough time right now. I hope he gets the point and doesn't sign up for any more stuff this summer.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for this post today. My husband went back to Korea yesterday for the rest of his tour there (he's in the air force) and I am really missing him. I am living with my Mom, her husband, my grandma and my 3 kiddos, but I am still so lonely. I know your pain too. When we are living together, my husband's career field keeps him at work for 12-14 hours a day. But God is ALWAYS near us, with his arms open wide for us to be comforted in. Thank you again, your post is just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I don't always comment, but subscribe to your blog and love your artwork and comments.
ReplyDeleteI have gone thru alot of things that I would never wish on any one (ie: 3 miscarriages, with one being twins at 5 months-due to car accident, brain tumor and other not fun stuff), but God has used these to make me stronger and to be an encouragement to others. II Corinthians 3 & 4 say: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any afflictions with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
I can see already that God showed you someone that you can relate to and be an encouragement to.
BEAUTIFUL card, Julie and such a beautiful post. Thanks for making me reflect. . .I needed to do that! :) Hugs!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing this lovely card, and the thoughts behind it. your work is so precious, and so is your blog. . .and so are YOU! hugs!
ReplyDeleteYour card and post are so touching. How awesome that God speaks to us just when we need to hear Him most. Sending you a big HUG!
ReplyDeleteOh sweet girl... I can't wait to meet you and give you a big hug! It is amazing that in a crowded room, it's easy to feel alone. You are so sweet to think of someone else when you're feeling the same.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever need to... call me. I'm not far away.
Hugs,
lise
I understand the loneliness, being a military wife. And I know God designed us to have a "lonely" spot within all of us that only He can fill. I have to remind myself of that when I try to fill it with other things. thank you for sharing this. It touched my heart. Ooohh... lights are flashing here so I better wrap up!
ReplyDeleteAmazing layouts! Just found you and am an amateur but so cute and inspiring!
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