Thursday, May 29, 2008

What's goin' on!

Some have asked, so here you go! Highlights of my life in the last 30 days.

I'm a stay at home mom now! WOW! It's an adjustment, but I love it!

I got the privilege of teaching our 5 year how to ride a bike.....without training wheels! She hit a tree twice, cried and then said "I wanna do it again!" I love that child! She is now officially riding on two wheels.

Working with our 8 year old on how to hold, swing a bat and hit a softball. She has a great stance! Both girls have been going to softball camp this week, so they should be pro's by their next game.

How blessed am I that I get to share in these great moments with them!

I had a wonderful Mother's day! My first one. Cute little homemade cards and little gifts. Michelle's ex-husband, who is in another country right now, called that day to wish us a Happy Mother's Day and told all of us to go out to dinner, his treat. I thought that was sweet.

I mentioned before that my Mom's reaction to me still being gay was one that was comforting. That was her initial reaction. It has been sort of a uncomfortable, bumpy, rocky road for the last 6 months. I think I will share more about this in a separate post but for now, let me just summarize. It became hard on her, she has spent much time working through the fact that I'm still gay and the many things that come with all of that. I think her biggest concern though has been me becoming the person I once was. I can honestly say that I wasn't living a life that was pleasing to the Lord.

The Lord has comforted me so much in this time. Where I have wanted to jump in and help her and my step dad through things, I felt that I was to leave them be, allow them to work through things on their own, in their own time, in their own way and in the meantime, pray and trust that the Lord will work things out.

There were some uncomfortable moments, sad moments and things said throughout that time, but just last week, my mom and I sat down together and she shared with me something the Lord had shown her about me being gay. It was something He had also shared with me in such a perfect time. It was something that makes me tear up each time I recall it. The way His tender, gentle, majestic voice spoke to both of us weeks apart from one another. I believe my Mom has a greater understanding of the love Michelle and I share, as I do too.

This has also been a time for them to get to know more about one another. My Mom just loves Michelle, thinks she is pretty incredible. (Me too!) One of the things my Mom had mentioned when we were talking is that she is noticing that I'm not the same as I was before and things seem much different. She commented on the fact that Michelle and I seem to have a healthy, loving relationship and life together.

I believe our actions and how we live our lives speaks greater volumes than any words ever said in trying to prove a point to someone.

We just had my Mom, step Dad, brother, Michelle's Mom and some friends came over Monday, we shared a meal together. That was the first time they all came over, together. It was wonderful. Things and people seem to be coming together.

We have been coming out to others when it's time and of course, when others find out. Reactions have been different, you can never predict how one will react. I have lost some friends and have also gained some new ones.

Michelle remains incredible, phenomenal. So many times, she leaves me speechless with her selfless love. She has been busy with the church, making new connections and preparations for the next two years in seminary.

With all the upcoming changes, we have found ourselves having some wonderful opportunities to have some dialogue with other Christians who have looked at things much differently than we do, mainly with the topic of homosexuality. They have been challenging conversations, yet I have seen the love of God prevail and Christians come together regardless of differences. I always find it refreshing when this happens.

I am seeing the great work of the Lord being done, beliefs being challenged, (my own included), religion being set aside, people coming together, hearts opening to the endless possibilities of God and His great love for all His people, Jews and GENTILES alike.

I see more and more of His call on my life and Michelle's. I try to keep my arms and heart wide open to receive.

3 comments:

Hidden in Christ said...

oh my gosh stephanie! where do i even start? what an awesome post! thank you for it!

i especially was encouraged by how much the Lord has done in your family. i continue to pray for that day when me and my Love can have our family over for supper. that would just be fantastic!

your blogs are so encouraging. keep it up! i'm a faithful reader :) and i love reading about how God has blessed other gay christian couples!

Anonymous said...

Wow, it seems like you have had a very busy month but so many wonderful things are happening. I wish you continued blessings and peace.

Stephanie said...

hic- Your exctiement is awesome! I love it! I'm glad you find this blog so encouraging. Thank you for your sweet comments. Blessings.

Hill-Wonderful things are happening, I get so overwhelmed and amazed at times. I wish you blessings and peace too my friend.