In May of 2012, Josh and I decided to take what we thought was a big leap of faith and move into a camper at Wesleyan Woods for the summer. We had no idea what was coming next, or that moving into a camper was just the step to take before jumping off the cliff.
We lived in a camper. A lot of people thought we were crazy, and didn't agree with our choice, even though they told us they did. Many people said it was an awesome adventure. Many people didn't understand that we literally meant a camper, and didn't think about it too much. We learned many things about living with each other, raising a daughter, and how to strengthen a marriage.
We learned patience. We learned how to deal with disagreements and arguments (After all, things HAD to be worked out -- there was nowhere to go in the camper to get away from one another!) We learned how to do with less (but never not enough). God moved, because we obeyed.
We came to October and we didn't feel settled about moving into the house at the front of the camp. That was the most logical, safe idea. We prayed, and we talked. In the end, God said GO.
How could we not listen? God was telling us to jump off the cliff. This was the jump that we had been preparing for. We still didn't have much, but we knew that God would provide for our family. And so we jumped. It was a bit of free-falling for a while; We were obeying God and 'going', but we didn't know what that meant. We were out of a job, which meant no income, and we were out of a home on October 28th. (We had a month.)
And then I remembered that I had a parachute.
You see, God is moving, all the time, all around us. And He wants us to move with Him. All we have to say is "Here I am, send me." We said that, and it has been awesome to sit back and completely trust that God will provide. On October 25th, three days before we had to be out from the camper, we moved in with a family who was also listening to God. They welcomed us into their home, knowing that there would be change, but trusting that God would provide. (Awesome!!!)
I will admit it has been hard. I have had days when I stop trusting, and I try to control what is going on. And it never works. I get stressed, depressed, and cranky (just ask Josh!!) When I try to control things, my desires trump God's. When I let go and let God have control, cool things happen. And He provides.
So here we are today, with people asking us what's next, and our answer is, "We don't know". We are waiting on God, and that is hard to understand. Not only for others, but for us as well. As Christians, or non-christians, we want answers. We want a clear outline of where our life is going or where we will end up. God doesn't work like that. Because then, we wouldn't have to trust Him. And thats what life is about.
When we trust God, God works through us.
When God works through us, people get curious.
When people get curious, they ask questions.
When people ask questions, they hear the TRUTH.
When people hear the truth, they FIND the LIGHT.
When we first got married, both Josh and I thought missions might be something we would be interested in. We said that before we went overseas, we wanted to be debt free, and we wanted to have a strong, rock solid foundation in Christ. While our foundation is always being worked on and made stronger, we are now debt free. We have minimal possessions on earth, and we have nothing holding us here. I think God is finally telling us we are ready.
As we have prayerfully considered this decision, as well as talked with trusted friends/family in our lives, we feel like this might possibly be what God has been preparing us for.
We appreciate your continued prayer as we are seeking Christ in this time of transition, and will keep you updated on where He calls us next :)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Let's Not Make This Political...
But if you aren't planning on voting, you should think about reconsidering, and look into the candidates. I'm not very political, but as a Christian, I don't want the government to continue to ordain abortion and other issues. I ask that you vote prayerfully, and in a way that doesn't only benefit yourself. I have been doing research on the candidates to learn as much as I can about them, and though neither of them really appeal to me, I have made a prayerful decision based on what God would want for this country.
Okay, thats enough about politics.
Have I told you yet that our life is crazy? The name of this blog fits perfectly for how I feel. We have no idea what God's plans are for our life, so we are just trying to take it one step at a time. While it can be a very SCARY sensation not knowing what comes next in life, it is also very freeing to know that God is the one completely in control.
Have you ever tried giving God complete control of every single aspect in your life?
You should try it sometime. I will admit that I worry sometimes: I think about earthly things... How will we eat without an income? Where will we live when our friends get sick of us and kick us out? Where will our income come from? Why can't I have what they have???
But, even when satan tries to bully me into ignoring God, I remember that He is always faithful, and He has NEVER forsaken me, and then I'm like, "Be GONE, satan, in the name of JESUS!" (And he HAS to listen... because the Bible says that even satan HAS to bow down to the Almighty!!!!!!!! It's pretty awesome).
All I know that God has provided me with an awesome family, and some amazing, Godly friends who are a constant reminder that God is never far from me.
Oh, and guess what? We have a new member of the family. She is gray and fuzzy and has green eyes. We have named her Poslea, which means "following" in Russian. She showed up at our friends' house and was just too cute for us to send away. Can't wait for her to meet her brother, Marvin :)
Thank you all for your love and support. Prayer is very much appreciated as we continue to seek God's counsel and wisdom as we wait for His instruction for the phase of life. God Bless!
Okay, thats enough about politics.
Have I told you yet that our life is crazy? The name of this blog fits perfectly for how I feel. We have no idea what God's plans are for our life, so we are just trying to take it one step at a time. While it can be a very SCARY sensation not knowing what comes next in life, it is also very freeing to know that God is the one completely in control.
Have you ever tried giving God complete control of every single aspect in your life?
You should try it sometime. I will admit that I worry sometimes: I think about earthly things... How will we eat without an income? Where will we live when our friends get sick of us and kick us out? Where will our income come from? Why can't I have what they have???
But, even when satan tries to bully me into ignoring God, I remember that He is always faithful, and He has NEVER forsaken me, and then I'm like, "Be GONE, satan, in the name of JESUS!" (And he HAS to listen... because the Bible says that even satan HAS to bow down to the Almighty!!!!!!!! It's pretty awesome).
All I know that God has provided me with an awesome family, and some amazing, Godly friends who are a constant reminder that God is never far from me.
Oh, and guess what? We have a new member of the family. She is gray and fuzzy and has green eyes. We have named her Poslea, which means "following" in Russian. She showed up at our friends' house and was just too cute for us to send away. Can't wait for her to meet her brother, Marvin :)
Thank you all for your love and support. Prayer is very much appreciated as we continue to seek God's counsel and wisdom as we wait for His instruction for the phase of life. God Bless!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
One Big Thing?
If you have been searching without success to find your one purpose in life, then this book is for you. Phil Cooke has written all about finding your One Big Thing, or OBT. He takes the reader through the process of finding their main purpose in life -- the thing that they are good at, or succeed at. Why be average at a bunch of different things when you can be good at one big thing?
This book gave me a new outlook on embracing the fact that we all might actually have this "One Big Thing". I have come to be very good at being good at multiple things, without really finding that one thing that I feel passionate about or that I am extremely good at. Cooke does a good job at explaining the reasons why we should strive to find that one thing, and has a good layout and guide to finding it. The book is easy to understand, and a comfortable read (not too wordy, and not too difficult).
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to figure out what their OBT is, all while keeping Christ at the center of it.
This book gave me a new outlook on embracing the fact that we all might actually have this "One Big Thing". I have come to be very good at being good at multiple things, without really finding that one thing that I feel passionate about or that I am extremely good at. Cooke does a good job at explaining the reasons why we should strive to find that one thing, and has a good layout and guide to finding it. The book is easy to understand, and a comfortable read (not too wordy, and not too difficult).
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to figure out what their OBT is, all while keeping Christ at the center of it.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Downright
I want to know You, and I don't just want to say it.
I want to feel you close, to trust in You even when I don't.
I want to believe everything You say, and know it will all be okay
But doubt gets in the way, and takes over.
I know the truth and know what's right,
but somehow I keep believing Satan's lies.
You are the way, the truth, the life
Make me remember, give me another sign.
I ask this of you without demand.
I know you're there, but I feel so far away.
Angry and mad, wanting what the earth has
Instead of what You have to give.
Create in me a clean heart,
full of truth and light and faith.
I give my life to you tonight,
Fully, completely, downright.
You are the only way, O God
I know this and believe it.
I pray in Your name, "satan be vanquished"
I believe in Truth, and shall pursue it.
------------------
I need you Lord. I can't do this alone.
Thank you for never letting go, and loving me although.
Amen.
I want to feel you close, to trust in You even when I don't.
I want to believe everything You say, and know it will all be okay
But doubt gets in the way, and takes over.
I know the truth and know what's right,
but somehow I keep believing Satan's lies.
You are the way, the truth, the life
Make me remember, give me another sign.
I ask this of you without demand.
I know you're there, but I feel so far away.
Angry and mad, wanting what the earth has
Instead of what You have to give.
Create in me a clean heart,
full of truth and light and faith.
I give my life to you tonight,
Fully, completely, downright.
You are the only way, O God
I know this and believe it.
I pray in Your name, "satan be vanquished"
I believe in Truth, and shall pursue it.
------------------
I need you Lord. I can't do this alone.
Thank you for never letting go, and loving me although.
Amen.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Grandma Betty
I'm sitting here in the computer lab after my class, and reflecting on the last week+, so I figured I might as well blog about it.
I'd never lost anyone really close to me before this weekend. I can say that if you have experienced it, it is a really hard time full of confusion, sadness, and emotion. As we drove to the hospital on Tuesday night to see me grandma, I think I knew that it would be the last time I would get to see her on earth, but I was still holding on to hope that it wouldn't be. I don't want to say my hope faded as the early morning came, but rather changed; When I arrived, I was hoping that Grandma was going to live and I would be able to see her in her garden or in her sewing room again. As the night went on, I hoped that she would just let go so that she could meet Jesus sooner rather than suffering here on this temporary home.
Grandma was an exceptional lady. I don't just say that because she was my grandma. She loved many things, but most of all, she loved her family. When we moved to Clare in 2000 to be closer to her and grandpa (1 mile away!!), I didn't quite understand why we were moving. Now I know. My grandma was always the one cheering the loudest at my 7th and 8th grade basketball games, or clapping loudly with a huge grin on her face at my band concerts. Grandma was always there for me, and she got to experience my life rather than just be a part of it a few weekends out of the year. I am so thankful for that time I got to spend with my Grandma.
Grandma had pulminary fibrosis, a disease that basically binds up your lungs over time, and keeps you from taking in enough oxygen. Grandma knew she had it, but continued on experiencing life and didn't let it stop her. She had always been a fighter, even to the end. She loved shooting skeet at the Rod and Gun Club, and especially loved beating the guys (which happened more often than not!!). She loved sewing and gardening, and mowing the lawn. She reminded me that it was the simple things in life that matter most.
One of the biggest lessons my cousins and I learned from Grandma and Grandpa was what true love really is. They were married for 53 years, and every year, the love just seemed to grow. Watching grandma and grandpa dance was one of my favorite things to do. They could move around a dancefloor so gracefully, and you could see the passion and love they had for each other while they danced (and afterward, too). They stood by each other through everything -- hardships and good times. They loved unconditionally.
My grandma isn't hurting anymore, and she is now dancing and singing with Jesus, her Beloved. While I miss her, I am thankful for this. I can't wait to see her again in Heaven, where I can dance and sing with her.
I love you, Grandma. Thank you for being the best Gram a girl could ask for. See you later :)
I'd never lost anyone really close to me before this weekend. I can say that if you have experienced it, it is a really hard time full of confusion, sadness, and emotion. As we drove to the hospital on Tuesday night to see me grandma, I think I knew that it would be the last time I would get to see her on earth, but I was still holding on to hope that it wouldn't be. I don't want to say my hope faded as the early morning came, but rather changed; When I arrived, I was hoping that Grandma was going to live and I would be able to see her in her garden or in her sewing room again. As the night went on, I hoped that she would just let go so that she could meet Jesus sooner rather than suffering here on this temporary home.
Grandma was an exceptional lady. I don't just say that because she was my grandma. She loved many things, but most of all, she loved her family. When we moved to Clare in 2000 to be closer to her and grandpa (1 mile away!!), I didn't quite understand why we were moving. Now I know. My grandma was always the one cheering the loudest at my 7th and 8th grade basketball games, or clapping loudly with a huge grin on her face at my band concerts. Grandma was always there for me, and she got to experience my life rather than just be a part of it a few weekends out of the year. I am so thankful for that time I got to spend with my Grandma.
Grandma had pulminary fibrosis, a disease that basically binds up your lungs over time, and keeps you from taking in enough oxygen. Grandma knew she had it, but continued on experiencing life and didn't let it stop her. She had always been a fighter, even to the end. She loved shooting skeet at the Rod and Gun Club, and especially loved beating the guys (which happened more often than not!!). She loved sewing and gardening, and mowing the lawn. She reminded me that it was the simple things in life that matter most.
One of the biggest lessons my cousins and I learned from Grandma and Grandpa was what true love really is. They were married for 53 years, and every year, the love just seemed to grow. Watching grandma and grandpa dance was one of my favorite things to do. They could move around a dancefloor so gracefully, and you could see the passion and love they had for each other while they danced (and afterward, too). They stood by each other through everything -- hardships and good times. They loved unconditionally.
My grandma isn't hurting anymore, and she is now dancing and singing with Jesus, her Beloved. While I miss her, I am thankful for this. I can't wait to see her again in Heaven, where I can dance and sing with her.
I love you, Grandma. Thank you for being the best Gram a girl could ask for. See you later :)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
College Life (2 Days A Week)
Today is a Tuesday, which means I am at college. The difference of today from the last few Tuesdays is that:
1.) I started carpooling today with a girl named Jessica. She's pretty cool, and our schedules are pretty much the same, which makes carpooling work well.
2.) I had some surprise visitors meet me outside of my first class (they were both super cute ;P) and then eat lunch with Jessica and I.
3.) Lunch actually ended up being Josh, Aurelia, myself, Jessica, Kyle, and Brady, at McDonald's. It was a lot of fun.
4) I don't have any homework to be working on right now, so I am just enjoying my time between classes.
Also, I am writing you a blog just to write you a blog. It was interesting today, having my 'college life' meet my 'real life'. It can be easy to get into the flow of things here, at college. It was a lot of fun having Aurelia and Josh here -- it made me appreciate them even more than I already did. I absolutely love being with them, and I am glad that my life has worked out the way it has. It might not be traditional to go to college and get married before you finish, but God definitely knew it was what was right for me. Without Aurelia (or Josh), I don't think I would be as motivated at college the second time around. Also, I forgot how much fun it was to just hang out with people and be crazy. If anything, Aurelia just adds to it, because she is crazy!
Anyway, today has been a good day. Oh, and the weather is pretty nice, as well. A nice fall day.
1.) I started carpooling today with a girl named Jessica. She's pretty cool, and our schedules are pretty much the same, which makes carpooling work well.
2.) I had some surprise visitors meet me outside of my first class (they were both super cute ;P) and then eat lunch with Jessica and I.
3.) Lunch actually ended up being Josh, Aurelia, myself, Jessica, Kyle, and Brady, at McDonald's. It was a lot of fun.
4) I don't have any homework to be working on right now, so I am just enjoying my time between classes.
Also, I am writing you a blog just to write you a blog. It was interesting today, having my 'college life' meet my 'real life'. It can be easy to get into the flow of things here, at college. It was a lot of fun having Aurelia and Josh here -- it made me appreciate them even more than I already did. I absolutely love being with them, and I am glad that my life has worked out the way it has. It might not be traditional to go to college and get married before you finish, but God definitely knew it was what was right for me. Without Aurelia (or Josh), I don't think I would be as motivated at college the second time around. Also, I forgot how much fun it was to just hang out with people and be crazy. If anything, Aurelia just adds to it, because she is crazy!
Anyway, today has been a good day. Oh, and the weather is pretty nice, as well. A nice fall day.
Monday, September 17, 2012
As Summer Comes to An End
There never seems to be a dull moment here. I think I've started many blogs like that lately. But before I start, I want to tell you all that there is an older couple here (at McDonald's (in their 70's)) drinking coffee, and laughing like they just started dating. They have rings on, so I am guessing they have been married for a while. They have talked of many things, and made lots of jokes. They have also talked of the size of my car compared to the huge truck parked next to it. And which way the clouds are going. The point is, they look at each other like they are truly in love. They have a sparkle in their eye. That's what I want for Josh and I when we are old and have nothing better to do but go to McD's!! (The man just asked his wife, "so now what?", like they are on an adventure and are deciding what they should do!!!)
So, This past week/weekend has been exciting, in a good way and a bad way. We have fought sickness, tiredness (brought on by sickness...), and doctors who don't seem to want to be anywhere but helping patients...* I think we are now coming out on the healthy side of that battle, and we are enjoying being able to stay awake when we are together and Aurelia is asleep :P
Josh has also worked a pretty long weekend -- 14 hours on Saturday and a few more on Sunday -- so he was pretty wiped out. He was pretty excited, however, to sell some of his musical equipment :) He sold his 5 string bass guitar as well as his Marshall half-stack :)
It has been different getting used to going back to classes.... Its nice to get learning things again, and its been good for Josh and Aurelia to have some daddy-daughter time together on Tuesdays and Thursdays! When its time for the weekend, though, I am usually glad to stay home and get some time with my little bugaboo!
Today, Aurelia wanted to watch her video** about the orchestra, and they talked about the saxophone, which made me want to get mine out. So we took a ride over there*** and got my sax, and I remembered just how much I love it. So I asked Josh if I could play for service this Sunday. I'm going to play a few songs!!! I can't wait, but I have a lot of practicing to do!
I really want to try and not make these so update-ish, but it always seems to happen that way. Maybe I'll try to do something different next time :)
This explains why there are so many little blurbs****
*If you haven't heard, Josh has been fighting what we think is an ear/throat infection, and Aurelia has been fighting a cold, and I have just been fighting to stay healthy ( I had some type of stomach bug, but nothing major... just some nausea!). And the doc we saw for Josh seemed to be not fully there, and didn't really even listen to what Josh was telling him... but we thankfully got the meds he needed to get healthy.
**We still don't have a TV, but Josh has a brilliant idea to hook up the projector to the DVD player, and use our wall as a screen. It's been working great!!
*** The Smith's, who live here at the campground, have migrated to Florida for the winter, and have been gracious enough to let us use their golf cart until it gets cold!!
****Doing these little blurbs are kind of annoying, especially when there are so many. But for some reason, I had the urge to do them in this blog. Probably because I just got done reading Kelsey's blog. She does them, but not so many of them. So its not so bad. But this is just out of control.
So, This past week/weekend has been exciting, in a good way and a bad way. We have fought sickness, tiredness (brought on by sickness...), and doctors who don't seem to want to be anywhere but helping patients...* I think we are now coming out on the healthy side of that battle, and we are enjoying being able to stay awake when we are together and Aurelia is asleep :P
Josh has also worked a pretty long weekend -- 14 hours on Saturday and a few more on Sunday -- so he was pretty wiped out. He was pretty excited, however, to sell some of his musical equipment :) He sold his 5 string bass guitar as well as his Marshall half-stack :)
It has been different getting used to going back to classes.... Its nice to get learning things again, and its been good for Josh and Aurelia to have some daddy-daughter time together on Tuesdays and Thursdays! When its time for the weekend, though, I am usually glad to stay home and get some time with my little bugaboo!
Today, Aurelia wanted to watch her video** about the orchestra, and they talked about the saxophone, which made me want to get mine out. So we took a ride over there*** and got my sax, and I remembered just how much I love it. So I asked Josh if I could play for service this Sunday. I'm going to play a few songs!!! I can't wait, but I have a lot of practicing to do!
I really want to try and not make these so update-ish, but it always seems to happen that way. Maybe I'll try to do something different next time :)
This explains why there are so many little blurbs****
*If you haven't heard, Josh has been fighting what we think is an ear/throat infection, and Aurelia has been fighting a cold, and I have just been fighting to stay healthy ( I had some type of stomach bug, but nothing major... just some nausea!). And the doc we saw for Josh seemed to be not fully there, and didn't really even listen to what Josh was telling him... but we thankfully got the meds he needed to get healthy.
**We still don't have a TV, but Josh has a brilliant idea to hook up the projector to the DVD player, and use our wall as a screen. It's been working great!!
*** The Smith's, who live here at the campground, have migrated to Florida for the winter, and have been gracious enough to let us use their golf cart until it gets cold!!
****Doing these little blurbs are kind of annoying, especially when there are so many. But for some reason, I had the urge to do them in this blog. Probably because I just got done reading Kelsey's blog. She does them, but not so many of them. So its not so bad. But this is just out of control.
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