Sentencing (from Lisa)

As you may or may not know, on December 9, 2009 David was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography. (Here is the link to the newspaper article: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/counties/wake_county/story/233939.html )
He is now a convicted felon. I cannot believe this is my life.

He was sentenced just shy of one year since Federal agents showed up at our door. Little did I know that day (December 16, 2008) would change my life forever. For as awful as the last year has been, I can say that some good things have come out of it. First, even though David and I are physically separated, we are closer than ever. We (he) have no more secrets. We have learned and still are learning how to communicate with each other. Second, we are both much closer to Christ. ( Jeremiah 29:11) God has a plan. This has become our motto. God knows what he is doing. We may not like what his plan is, but he has the ultimate say. Third, we have helped others along the way. I have had countless women email me through this blog telling me their stories. Most are in the very same situation. Please stay strong ladies. This is not your fault. Believe it or not, what your husbands have done had nothing to do with you. It took me a while to realize that. It's hard not to take it personally, but don't. And lastly, I'm becoming independent. And I don't mean single. I have realized that I have always lived with a man. My parents, my first boyfriend out of college, and then my husband. There were a few months here and there I was alone, but not to the point where I had to truly take care of myself. I always had someone else's advice, thoughts, guidance, etc... I am now in control. It is a very difficult thing when you are not used to it. I am still struggling with making decisions on my own. I look for others input. Not to say that advice from others isn't helpful or sometimes necessary. But I mean that I am learning to be an adult and not to rely on someone else to take care of me.

I'm not sure what this year will bring, but look forward to the future and all good things with it. Thanks for reading.

Lisa Chatham