UNDER CONSTRUCTION...GOD AT WORK

I, Annice, am a 36 year old Stay-at-Home Mom of 4. My husband and I have been married for almost 13 1/2 years. We have known each other for 21 years. Our oldest turned 7 in August, she is in first grade. Our second oldest is 5 1/2, she is in Kindergarten. Our third oldest is 3 3/4, he will be 4 in December and is currently in Preschool. Our youngest turned 2 in May and is not in school. Three years ago, while our oldest was in Preschool, the Lord laid it on my heart to begin Homeschooling. In August of 2012, Vine & Branches Schoolhouse was started. In July, I became an Independent Consultant for Thirty-one. My life, like most other women out there, is very busy. 

Hello, my name is Annice Oxford and I am a work in progress. Every aspect of my life is under construction. Philippians 1:6, Paul wrote: "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." I am SO thankful for this. He, my Lord and Savior, began many good works in me, Wife, Mother, Teacher, Consultant, to name a few. Works that will continue to be perfected until He returns! I DO NOT have to be perfect now, neither do you. This broken and sinful world we live in will tell you otherwise. Look at the cover of almost every magazine out there. Look at the cast of upcoming movies or TV shows. Look at musicians or listen to their songs. Perfection, or societies distorted view of it, is everywhere. To me, perfection is of the Lord. It is a continual, ongoing process...something I am working toward. NO ONE in this world is perfect. There has only ever been one perfect being...Jesus. 

I have struggled with postpartum, have had issues come up in my marriage, dealt with anxiety, have wanted to just throw in the towel and give up, have a hard time making girl friends....etc. 

Philippians 2:3 says, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I had a both, this past weekend, for Thirty-one at a Community Day. God had His hand in that entire day. The few days leading up to it, all I did was complain and question why I was going. When I got there and started setting up, the reasons were revealed. Next to me was the sister of one of my Bible Study leaders, who was there alone too. She and I talked and helped each other out when needed. Behind me was a man with his two young children. The Lord revealed to me things about myself through this man that cut me deep. Also, I was able to talk to many different people and enjoy some time away from my children, which is definitely needed from time to time. The weather was rainy, so we all shut down early. That was a blessing, because I got to spend some time with my family that I didn't expect when I left that morning. 

The main thing that really impacted me was purchasing a bracelet that was in support of a 10 year old who was recently diagnosed with Cancer. It made me rethink the purpose of my business and how God is perfecting it, and me. It broke my heart. It's painful to see a 10 year old with Cancer. Knowing that God has a purpose for that, makes it a little easier to handle. God just wants you to accept Him, know Him and love Him. He has great plans for each and every one of us.

Heavenly Father,

Lord I pray that You will show Yourself, to at least one person who reads this, that doesn't know You. Wrap Your loving arms around them and comfort them. I pray for Madi. Give her strength to endure all the tests, treatment, and days in the hospital. Open her heart to You. Be with her "Army" that is fighting alongside her. Lord, only You know the purpose of her sickness and the result that will come. Be with all the ladies out there that read our blog. Comfort them and give them strength to talk to someone if there is something weighing on their hearts. In Christ's Holy Name I pray, Amen

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