Snuggling with my children today during rest time, when our littlest one was zonked out in his bed, I had a realization as I lay and cuddled with my awake four.
Love is all you need.
Love is all I need. In so many ways, on so many levels. Yes, love is all you need. I’ve been breathless as I’ve read through your comments and words of support today. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Even though you may not be able to share with him directly, would you please consider loving and supporting my husband during this painful time, too?
Love is all you need. It’s all I need. Today, I drank in the sweet beauty of my children and the love they exude. Choosing to hold firm to the love I know my husband has for our family, even should he decide to declare otherwise, I went about my day. We are moving. I’m picking a place to move with our children. I homeschooled my first grader, clipped tiny nailpolished nails for our daughter, spiked mohawk hairdos onto two others and rocked the baby to sleep. Love is all I need. It’s all they need. It’s all my husband needs. Where that love comes from is a factor. I can’t control that for anyone else except myself.
So today, I rejoiced in the fact that love is all I need, both whispering and boldly declaring the thankfulness I have in my heart for the love I do have in my life.
It’s all I need.
I honestly just do not even know what to say.
I pray that the Lord will send you words of comfort (as I am sure He already has). I pray He will put the right people in your path and I pray that you will stay faithful – as I am faithful you will! From the moment I first heard of your “new” situation I have been praying for Israel – the WORD is in him and he cannot get away from it. I pray that the Lord will put the right people in his path, create stumbling blocks to turn him back to HIM that is Holy!
Children are SURVIVORS … I have no doubt that your children will be fine … as long as they see that Mommy is fine
HUGS!
Better boycott these folks as well…Corporations appearing on The Boycott List for the first time are Allstate (insurance), CCA Global (Carpet One, Flooring America, Flooring Canada, Flooring One, Lighting One, etc.), Chevron (fuel/energy; Xpress Lube, Texaco), Comcast (cable television, Internet, etc.), DuPont (chemicals), eBay (online marketplace; PayPal), Four Seasons Hotels (Regent Hotels), GlaxoSmithKline (over-the-counter medication, prescription drugs, etc.), Marriott (Courtyard Hotels, Fairfield Inn, Grand Residences, Horizons Hotels, JW Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels & Inns, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites), OSI Restaurant Partners (Outback Steakhouse, etc.), Sears (Kmart), Sonic (drive-in restaurants), and Wawa (convenience stores), among others. Corporations continuing as boycott targets from the previously released Boycott List are Basics Office Products, Adobe (software), Wachovia (finance), Nike (shoes/apparel, etc.), Time Warner (Cinemax, HBO, AOL, etc.), Bank of America, CIGNA (insurance), Walt Disney, Johnson & Johnson, Lost Arrow (Patagonia, etc.), Wells Fargo, Whole Foods Market, and Nationwide (insurance), among others.
The new Boycott List includes a revised and significantly expanded “Dishonorable Mention” section, which identifies charitable organizations that are associated with Planned Parenthood and/or its agenda. Among the groups new to this section is the Audubon Society, Alzheimer’s Association, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), American Diabetes Association, Council of Churches (including Church World Service, and CROP Hunger Walks), Glaucoma Research Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), National Education Association (NEA), National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Save the Children, and the Sierra Club, among others.
Hello
I have read your blog for quite some time now and never commented before..but I felt like I should try to put a smile on your face! Im 26..single..never been married..so many might say I have no room to speak on marriage..but I have seen miracles worked in many marriages..even when no one else believed they would work..the Lord took His time and awed everyone..I whole heartedly believe it could happen for your marriage..im praying that it will! 
I just wanted to comment and share my story. Three years ago my husband left our family to go be with another woman. My 3 kids and I had to move 5 states away to start a new life. I was a home schooler and no job. I had to go back to school full time, get a job and put my kids in school. This has been the hardest time in my life. I never thought I would make it. There were nights I just cried on the floor begging God to ease my pain. Slowly I began to feel the peace that only He can give. I never gave up on my husband. Even though he eventually divorced me I still never felt that our marriage was severed. Now he has found his way back again and we are working to build our relationship up again. I know this is all God because it has to be a miracle! I am so excited for the future and I know whatever happens God is in control. I will join in praying for a full restoration of your marriage because I know it can be done. God can change hearts!
I have read your blog for a few years and have never commented. My heart is so sad for you and your babies. My heart is even more sad by all of the judgemental comments left for you regarding what you choose to write on your blog! Really ladies, is that necessary! Maybe its the momma bear coming out in me, maybe its because I am old….I just dont see the need for it! It makes me so sad to see so many men choose to leave…they not only leave their spouse, they leave their children! I have no doubt he loves his family…and his family loves him. Quite frankly Jennifer is handling herself very well, I am envious of that, I cant say I would be so kind if it were my husband or any of my son-in-laws that would choose to leave their families! Yikes! Please ladies I dont mean to offend anyone, just try to be kind to one another! Jennifer I will continue to lift your ENTIRE family in Prayer. I admire your strength and courage. You are stronger than you realize!
I follow your blog and love to read about your family. You are an amazing photographer. I aspire to be as good as you. I have been through something similar, so I can understand how much you are hurting right now. Faith has gotten me through alot. You have a strong faith that will pull you through. I truly believe everything happens for a reason and it is not for us to understand why. Focus on your strengths and your beautiful children and hang in there. You are inspiring to other women.
My heart goes out to you. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jennifer, my heart broke when you posted about Israel leaving. Praying for restoration of your marriage. He (God) is amazing and only wants to do amazing miracles in our lives. Can’t wait to see what He is going to do with yours!
Have read your blog for years and not commented. Feel like you are a dear friend. Praying and will continue to for you all of you and the kiddos too!
Jennifer: Must agree with the wise words of the therapist Erin in being aware of readers extracting ideas and thoughts from subtle insinuations that may or may not be true but that you probably want to explore at least at first with a good counselor of your own. Honestly the sentence “Where that love comes from” does imply that he is seeing someone else and if that is not true, it could be damaging to you and your children. I’m thinking of practical legal matters here. As a counselor myself, I completely understand your need to vent and to be listened to and strongly encourage you to find a top notch counselor for you and your wonderful kids. Having a nurturing, understanding, supportive place for you all to vent can be life altering and refreshingly helpful. Just realize that here on your blog, inferences can be made.
And now I would be remiss if I did not add, on a very practical level, that you should probably also be in touch with a good lawyer for the protection of your children’s financial support rights. Please forgive me if this has already been done; I do not doubt your intelligence for one moment, but you do have so much emotionally and physically going on that it might have slipped to the bottom of the list.
If you and Israel cannot work back into a marriage, I do hope that he can work back into a solid, consistent relationship with your children. Thoughts with you. The picture is so nice but Lachlan is needed to make it complete!!
You have plenty of love here on your blog, friend!
Sending you hugs and prayers!
Wonderful post. Inspiring in its strength and simplicity: it’s so much easier to go through life loving even the people who are hurtful or mean to you.
I try to change my critics’ view of me with kindness and education – and its amazing the positive effects that has sometimes. I try to turn someone who personally attacks me because she disagrees with my parenting choices into someone I can talk to. We don’t have to agree, but I deserve and demand respect — and will give the same in return. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with being loving and kind. It take the power from them if you don’t fire back with the same ugliness.
I hope people will show respect to you and your family in this trying time. I applaud you for going through this with grace and focused on what is most important – your own and your kids’ well-being. You will be stronger after all of this. Thanks for reminding all of us that you have a lot when you have love.
I am so sorry that you are going through this but I do have one question. Will your husband still see the children? Just wondering because even though you have separated, I would think he would still want to see the kids. He always seemed like such a good Dad but from your postings, it sounds like he isn’t going to see them. That would be a shame for the kids. Like one reader said earlier, Stay Strong!!!
Thinking of you and your family…and wondering what will happen to Roobii and the kitties??
My husband and I have been through a lot over the last few years, unimaginable things, but we’ve come out stronger than ever.
Prayer WORKS. Don’t lose hope, don’t break your vows, don’t sign those papers until you have complete peace… even if he is not IN the house ever again. Divorce is necessary at times but it’s soooo sooo hard on everyone and years down the line you want to look back and know you did all you could..
Lay it at God’s feet and live day to day, even minute to minute when necessary.
Your entire family is lifted up in our prayers right now!!!
jennifer
Praying for you guys after the shock of reading yesterdays post
. God will help each and every one of you! If you seek Him you will find Him 
… I know that you are already doing that.
You said something in your last post like “the air being sucked out of.” sigh. I wanna give you a hug. I hope you are able (like it looks in this post-nap pic with your kiddies) to find time and space to breathe. O Lord, breathe life and love into her, her children, her husband. And yes, most definitely your husband too. Because he didn’t get to whatever place he is at because of good feelings or choices. Hurts and wounds and lies can do a fine job of deception. I know he’s a hurting unit too. May you all find clarity and Love, through God’s never ending love and grace.
i haven’t been able to get your family off my mind since i first read your post yesterday… my heart just breaks for you… just wanted to let you know i’m praying for you, your husband, and your children. and i believe in the power of prayer! God is able! and He is good!
Jenn,
I am sad for you but I am holding all 7 of you up to the Lord in prayer. This is warfare, and prayer can will over such darkness.
I just read this article this week and thought it would be an encouragement to you.
http://mobile.theweek.com/article/index/99512/the-last-word-he-said-he-was-leaving-she-ignored-him
Blessings,
Diane
we as readers don’t know why he left so we have no right to judge.you want us to support so we will support all involved.i personly feel the heartach of your children.i pray that everything works out and i hope you still have the cats and roobii.they will help with the hard days.i am sending prayers,love,and gentle hugs to all of you.i pray things will heal for all of you soon.
I am praying for all of you! What a sweet picture of you and the 4 children.
Prayers for you and your family. Seek advice form godly people to help you and your husband thru this time in your lives as I know you have in the past. Know others are praying for you, your family and your future. Update us when you can so we know how to pray for you.. Take time for yourself. You have been thru some much in th last few years. God Bless you family
All of the comments are so loving and supportive — you are so loved and cared about. I don’t see one comment about anger or bitterness at McDaddy. My first instinct is not to pray but to wonder WHAT he is thinking, assuming he is even thinking. You and the kids deserve a husband/dad that will do whatever it takes to support your family. Exiting when things get tough is wimpy. Stay strong, but remain true to yourself. This is one instance where submission is NOT an option.
Just a couple of thoughts I have had, and feel pressed to pass them on. You have always made a choice to speak respectfully about (and towards) others–that’s a great character trait of yours that I love!! I can’t imagine the flood of emotions you are feeling right now or how difficult it must be to put into words what is going on. I just encourage you to do all you can to maintain the reputation and integrity of Israel. Just think what that would say to him, if he realizes he can trust you with his heart, even at a time like this. What a great show of respect this would be! I am praying fervently for you all!
I have no words, so just
{{ hugs }}
Today I got on my twitter account, I do this maybe every 6 months to a year, just to announce that I don’t like it. I did run down the twitter list, I never normally look at. Yours caught my eye and I thought it has been a few years since I have been to your blog (I pretty much quit blogging). I quit blogging the year my marriage went bad, I tried to revive it later after my divorce. Hasn’t happened but I am happy and that is what matters. I was shocked when he left me and so hurt, in despair. Life went on and things are so much better these days. My thoughts are with you. I wish you much happiness and peace in your life. You deserve it!
I am so very sorry for what you and your children are going through. Prayers coming your way.
I’m praying for you and your family during this time!
I am playing on the computer during naptime, and I just thought to myself, “I wonder what that awesome Mckmama is up to?” I haven’t been reading blogs much lately, so I hadn’t read yours in awhile. I guess God just put it on my heart to check in, and tell you (along with hundreds of others) as I swallow the tears, that I’m praying for you and your family. He is mighty to save, He is.
Hi Jennifer,
I hardly ever post a comment, but I wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family. I´m praying for restoration, reconciliation, strengthening, peace, protection, freedom from bitterness, humility, grace, joy and wholeness. God is powerful to restore and heal, and He is faithful in all. May your faith in HIm and His love be renewed today. May you feel His loving arms sustaining you and your children.
Hugs to you.
I am so sorry to hear that you are having to go through. To say that I even begin to understand your pain would be lying. I can only say that I will be praying for you all. Know that the Lord’s loving hand is going to lead, guide and direct you.