Growing pains~

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. "

2Corinthians 4:8

I was remembering today how stretched I felt when I only had 3 kids. I remember the days that I would think to myself..."I can't do this! God help me!" He stretched me little by little. Then, I found out I was pregnant with sweet Dakota. I honestly struggled with the thought of having another one. I often found myself at church of all places "fighting" with God and wondering how in the world I was going to do it! I struggled throughout the entire pregnancy fighting pregnancy related sickness but even more so sickness of the heart. Doubt crept in and consumed me and I found myself crying out to the Lord over and over again. Why is it that I always have to learn the same lesson over and over? I can't do anything in my own strength. Every day I fight the very sinful nature I have that says..."I can do all things." Yeah right!

This morning has seen many challenges...definitely feeling hard pressed and perplexed at how to handle a very strong-willed little 3-year old boy, a fussy teething baby and a 2 year who is out to do anything to annoy her older brother.

Thank goodness that "His mercies are new every morning." I am needing an extra dose today.

I also can't imagine our family without precious little Dakota. God has definitely used her little life to stretch me more and rely on His grace. The stretching and growing is painful at times but at the same time very much of a blessing.

I wouldn't trade where God has placed me for anything in the whole world.

Even on days like this.