Goodness, I knew I hadn't posted for a bit due to the craziness of getting settled, but I didn't realize how long it had been. Well, we're here and have been for 12 days. Today we are actually headed to my parents house for Thanksgiving. We'll stay there through Sunday.
Our move went so well. The Thursday night before we left so many people came to help us pack the truck and clean out the house. It was overwhelming how much love we felt. We were deeply moved.
The drive down went great, and our launch team was here to help unload us. The two men who drove down the trailer also stayed for a few hours. Then our sweet friends, Nick and Megan Bremer, surprised us by showing up. And also, Brian and Melissa Wolff from St. Louis, came to. The blessings just kept coming and coming. Paul and I couldn't process it. The Wolff's and Bremer's stayed all day Saturday and helped us get almost everything done. We love them all so much!
We've been settling in and making big adjustments. The transition for school has been a bit rough for Joshua and Beth. We're in a much bigger area so they aren't used to how things run in bigger areas like this. They're biggest complaint has been that the teachers yell at the students. Joshua actually said to me, "How do the teachers expect us to respect them when they don't treat us with respect?" That was really hard to hear. He and his teacher aren't really fitting together well so it will probably just be one of those years that is rough. We'll have to coach him through and pray that God would give her a grace and kindness for him.
Beth is doing very well in her classroom. Her teacher is known for being very strict but also very fun. We are totally fine with a strict teacher. Beth loves that she has gotten an A on her behavior report every Friday.
Micaiah is our normal energetic kid. I don't think he even senses a big difference in life:)
Paul is learning to adjust to not having "office hours". This is a time of rejuvenating and adjusting. But it challenges my hard working husband. He has been making calls to connect with people in town and do some networking. We joined the YMCA here, which is awesome, and He has actually been working out!
I have just felt very overwhelmed with the changes and adjustments. I find myself saying "Take it easy. I don't have to do it all in one day." It's just unbelievable how much has to be done to establish a new residence ie. bank accounts, grocery shopping routines, changing direct withdrawals. On and on it has gone. I have also been under a huge spiritual attack with a return of anxiety. The last couple of days have been much better. I believe the enemy saw an opportune time in me when I have been exhausted on all levels and have high levels of cortisol in my system. (the stress hormone). He has assailed me with the lies of losing my mind etc... But God is powerful and has been faithful. I believe He will continue to be!
Overall, we're doing well. It's all about adjustment which will take awhile. We don't feel quite "normal" yet, but we'll find that new "normal" with each day.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
8.5 Days to go and Our Farewell Party
This past weekend, Faith Fellowship held our Farewell Party. During both of our morning services, Larry had our entire family come on stage to be prayed for by the Elders and commissioned as church planters.
Our Farewell Party was after 2nd service and was a potluck. It was so much fun! A funny song was written and performed for us. It was called "The Gophers Still Stink". The Gophers are the University of Minnesota football team. And of course, most people here are University of Wisconsin Badger fans. Once I get the lyrics from Paul, I'll post them or the video that our friend took with his phone.
During the party, people were able to share their thoughts and feelings with us. It was a very moving time to hear how God had impacted lives in our time here.
We had small group Sunday night too. Our terrific group, knowing our exhaustion from the day, just planned a low key dinner for all of us. That was very nice.
The church gave each of us a Marshfield Tigers hoody. We love them and wore them to small group on Sunday night.
I've been packing away. As of now the master bedroom and kids' rooms are all packed. I left out a couple of their favorite toys or items so they would have something to do over the next few days.
I think our family is really starting to feel stressed. Paul and I sat down last night to see what his income would be like after we had deducted insurance, housing, and an administrative fee we have to pay to route his check. I left the conversation very discouraged because it looks like we are getting a bit of a paycut. God has been so faithful, and I have doubt that He will continue to be and provide for all of our needs. But I'm just left wondering why following Him has to be so hard at times.
Sometimes, I feel like all I talk about in my blog is money, but honestly, it's one of the biggest hurdles in getting to the church planting world. You have to have income, which is supplied purely from people who share your vision and want to support you. And there is no guarantee that they will send in their monthly commitment. This is truly blind faith and a massive challenge for me each and every day. I had this idea that once our support was raised that having to walk in this blind faith would end. IT DOESN'T! It's going to be like this for the rest of our lives!
Beth is really struggling, evidenced by many, many emotional breakdowns over silly things. Truthfully, we are exhausted with her right now. My prayer each moment is for grace and compassion to deal with her emotions in the midst of my pure exhaustion. And my heart aches to see her hurting and upset and not able to understand her feeling and emotions. At times like these, I'm so thankful for my education that has helped me understand how kids process stress.
Only 8.5 days til MOVE DAY!
Love you all!
Our Farewell Party was after 2nd service and was a potluck. It was so much fun! A funny song was written and performed for us. It was called "The Gophers Still Stink". The Gophers are the University of Minnesota football team. And of course, most people here are University of Wisconsin Badger fans. Once I get the lyrics from Paul, I'll post them or the video that our friend took with his phone.
During the party, people were able to share their thoughts and feelings with us. It was a very moving time to hear how God had impacted lives in our time here.
We had small group Sunday night too. Our terrific group, knowing our exhaustion from the day, just planned a low key dinner for all of us. That was very nice.
The church gave each of us a Marshfield Tigers hoody. We love them and wore them to small group on Sunday night.
I've been packing away. As of now the master bedroom and kids' rooms are all packed. I left out a couple of their favorite toys or items so they would have something to do over the next few days.
I think our family is really starting to feel stressed. Paul and I sat down last night to see what his income would be like after we had deducted insurance, housing, and an administrative fee we have to pay to route his check. I left the conversation very discouraged because it looks like we are getting a bit of a paycut. God has been so faithful, and I have doubt that He will continue to be and provide for all of our needs. But I'm just left wondering why following Him has to be so hard at times.
Sometimes, I feel like all I talk about in my blog is money, but honestly, it's one of the biggest hurdles in getting to the church planting world. You have to have income, which is supplied purely from people who share your vision and want to support you. And there is no guarantee that they will send in their monthly commitment. This is truly blind faith and a massive challenge for me each and every day. I had this idea that once our support was raised that having to walk in this blind faith would end. IT DOESN'T! It's going to be like this for the rest of our lives!
Beth is really struggling, evidenced by many, many emotional breakdowns over silly things. Truthfully, we are exhausted with her right now. My prayer each moment is for grace and compassion to deal with her emotions in the midst of my pure exhaustion. And my heart aches to see her hurting and upset and not able to understand her feeling and emotions. At times like these, I'm so thankful for my education that has helped me understand how kids process stress.
Only 8.5 days til MOVE DAY!
Love you all!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
19.25 Days to go
Paul and I decided to make a last minute, whirlwind trip down to Peoria this week because we just weren't having any success trying to find something from a distance. Russ and Tina were being so wonderful by driving by locations for us and even touring some for us. We just weren't seeing anything we really liked. We had leads on two places to see so we set up appointments. Neither of which we were really excited about.
On our way to Peoria, our realtor emailed me to say that she had just seen a new rental that had become available. It was a duplex, with 3 bed/1.5 bath in the area we wanted and BELOW our budget. I called immediately to set up an appointment.
We had appointments for viewing starting at 9 am on Tuesday. The first was doable but on a street that is very busy with 4 lanes of traffic. We then went to view the duplex that had just come available. When we arrived, the leasing agent explained that the old tenant had just moved out and the duplex was trashed. She was very correct about "trashed." There wasn't a place on the carpet that wasn't covered in black stains, walls that weren't filthy in addition to many mirrors on the walls. The agent explained that she would be replacing all the carpet, taking down all the mirrors and painting the whole place. I think she saw that we liked the layout and size but were very hesistant due to the filth. She suggested we travel over to one of their other units to see how they make their places look when they're cleaned and ready to go. BEAUTIFUL is what we saw at the other unit we viewed. Clean as can be! We decided to go ahead and fill out the application for the unit because it met all of our needs. With the decision being made we decided to head over to Moline to see my parents for the night.
Paul's mom had come to Marshfield to stay with our kids which was great and so helpful. We had a great night with my parents, an actual double date to a really nice restaurant. Afterward, we went back to their house, and we all watched the VP debate together. I laid on the floor in front of their gas fireplace and the relaxation was so welcome!
This weekend has been a bit of a whirlwind. The candidate for Paul's position came this weekend for his candidating weekend. We met them Friday night with all the Elders and families. Then Saturday night, we had them over for dinner so they could relax and talk with us about renting our home. AND it's a go. They will be renting our home!!!!! The plan is that they will move in the last week of November. In January, we will place the house back on the market, which they are fine with! They eventually want to buy so we are praying for a sale before they buy and move out. Today, Jon was unaminously voted in by our church body. This was an exhausting weekend but so wonderful.
I have to tell you that often transitions in churches DO NOT happen like this.We are so delighted to be in a place where you can meet and be part of the "hand off". It wasn't awkward for us at all. Truly, it was a beautiful experience.
Next Sunday (10-28) is our farewell party. I will be a blubbering mess that day. November 9th is our move day. The kids and I will leave very early in the morning so that we can get to the school before it closes. We want them to see the school, plus I need to fill out paperwork. Through the weekend we'll unpack and all that comes with moving. The kids start school on Tuesday, November 13th (my birthday)! There is no school on Monday, November 12th. We are glad they will have a few days to just be.
We are still trusting God to bring in the rest of our support as well as some expenses for moving. He has been faithful and will continue to be!
Love you all!!!!
On our way to Peoria, our realtor emailed me to say that she had just seen a new rental that had become available. It was a duplex, with 3 bed/1.5 bath in the area we wanted and BELOW our budget. I called immediately to set up an appointment.
We had appointments for viewing starting at 9 am on Tuesday. The first was doable but on a street that is very busy with 4 lanes of traffic. We then went to view the duplex that had just come available. When we arrived, the leasing agent explained that the old tenant had just moved out and the duplex was trashed. She was very correct about "trashed." There wasn't a place on the carpet that wasn't covered in black stains, walls that weren't filthy in addition to many mirrors on the walls. The agent explained that she would be replacing all the carpet, taking down all the mirrors and painting the whole place. I think she saw that we liked the layout and size but were very hesistant due to the filth. She suggested we travel over to one of their other units to see how they make their places look when they're cleaned and ready to go. BEAUTIFUL is what we saw at the other unit we viewed. Clean as can be! We decided to go ahead and fill out the application for the unit because it met all of our needs. With the decision being made we decided to head over to Moline to see my parents for the night.
Paul's mom had come to Marshfield to stay with our kids which was great and so helpful. We had a great night with my parents, an actual double date to a really nice restaurant. Afterward, we went back to their house, and we all watched the VP debate together. I laid on the floor in front of their gas fireplace and the relaxation was so welcome!
This weekend has been a bit of a whirlwind. The candidate for Paul's position came this weekend for his candidating weekend. We met them Friday night with all the Elders and families. Then Saturday night, we had them over for dinner so they could relax and talk with us about renting our home. AND it's a go. They will be renting our home!!!!! The plan is that they will move in the last week of November. In January, we will place the house back on the market, which they are fine with! They eventually want to buy so we are praying for a sale before they buy and move out. Today, Jon was unaminously voted in by our church body. This was an exhausting weekend but so wonderful.
I have to tell you that often transitions in churches DO NOT happen like this.We are so delighted to be in a place where you can meet and be part of the "hand off". It wasn't awkward for us at all. Truly, it was a beautiful experience.
Next Sunday (10-28) is our farewell party. I will be a blubbering mess that day. November 9th is our move day. The kids and I will leave very early in the morning so that we can get to the school before it closes. We want them to see the school, plus I need to fill out paperwork. Through the weekend we'll unpack and all that comes with moving. The kids start school on Tuesday, November 13th (my birthday)! There is no school on Monday, November 12th. We are glad they will have a few days to just be.
We are still trusting God to bring in the rest of our support as well as some expenses for moving. He has been faithful and will continue to be!
Love you all!!!!
Monday, October 8, 2012
31 Days
I am on my fourth cup of coffee for today. Hold on a moment, please, while I escape to my Keurig. Other than giving birth to me and teaching me about Jesus, my Keurig is one of the best gifts my parents have ever given me. I'm off now, be back....
I'm back. Its now 10:04 am in Marshfield and a total of 32 degrees! This I will not miss!
Thirty one days from today, we move!
Here is the insanity of it:
1) We still need $1,000/month in monthly support
2) We still need a place to live in Peoria
3) We still need a resolution for our home in Marshfield
Here is what we have:
1) The one and only God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Stealing an authors prayer I have started praying "God would you please sell some of those cattle and provide for us!"
2) A 3/4 ton truck to pull the trailer we have been given! And a friend who is taking a day off work to pull that trailer for us!
3) $900 given to us to cover just getting to Peoria
4) A resolution for our insurance. If you are not aware, we have to purchase our health insurance privately. We have researched a company called Medishare, talked with them and opted to go that route. Overall, it will save our family money. It's technically not insurance, but we feel it will meet our needs for the first year in Peoria. http://mychristiancare.org/medi-share/ And I will continually pray for our health and no catastrophic issues.
5) A new manager that is already lining up a work schedule for me
Here is what I am learning:
We will be ok. For many years, worrying about money has been a HUGE issue of sin in my life. I still struggle with materialism. You wouldn't know it by looking at my belongings, but in my heart I struggle deeply. I want a big, beautiful home. I want a nicer van. I want an IPHONE so so bad (that I may get because I get a discount with verizon through Weight Watchers and I can get the phone for free). But God has changed my heart. This process is causing me to let go of everything and accept that what matters is our relationship with Him. He will provide our NEEDS not our wants! But He also desires to bless us. I look at my kids and how much I want to bless them. That shows me His heart toward me. He wants to give good and perfect gifts.
Right now, I am at peace because I know He will bring this together. He is often the God of the last minute. I have been reading a book titled Circle Maker. I do not necessarily agree with all the theology of the book, however this week the author used an acronym that I found so appropriate, JEJIT (just enough, just in time). That is the Lord!
I'm back. Its now 10:04 am in Marshfield and a total of 32 degrees! This I will not miss!
Thirty one days from today, we move!
Here is the insanity of it:
1) We still need $1,000/month in monthly support
2) We still need a place to live in Peoria
3) We still need a resolution for our home in Marshfield
Here is what we have:
1) The one and only God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Stealing an authors prayer I have started praying "God would you please sell some of those cattle and provide for us!"
2) A 3/4 ton truck to pull the trailer we have been given! And a friend who is taking a day off work to pull that trailer for us!
3) $900 given to us to cover just getting to Peoria
4) A resolution for our insurance. If you are not aware, we have to purchase our health insurance privately. We have researched a company called Medishare, talked with them and opted to go that route. Overall, it will save our family money. It's technically not insurance, but we feel it will meet our needs for the first year in Peoria. http://mychristiancare.org/medi-share/ And I will continually pray for our health and no catastrophic issues.
5) A new manager that is already lining up a work schedule for me
Here is what I am learning:
We will be ok. For many years, worrying about money has been a HUGE issue of sin in my life. I still struggle with materialism. You wouldn't know it by looking at my belongings, but in my heart I struggle deeply. I want a big, beautiful home. I want a nicer van. I want an IPHONE so so bad (that I may get because I get a discount with verizon through Weight Watchers and I can get the phone for free). But God has changed my heart. This process is causing me to let go of everything and accept that what matters is our relationship with Him. He will provide our NEEDS not our wants! But He also desires to bless us. I look at my kids and how much I want to bless them. That shows me His heart toward me. He wants to give good and perfect gifts.
Right now, I am at peace because I know He will bring this together. He is often the God of the last minute. I have been reading a book titled Circle Maker. I do not necessarily agree with all the theology of the book, however this week the author used an acronym that I found so appropriate, JEJIT (just enough, just in time). That is the Lord!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Two years and prayerfully a lifetime.
Out of deep conviction to surrender my physical body to the Lord, I walked into a Weight Watchers meeting on November 2, 2009. Micaiah was 10 months old, and I had lost no weight since my 6 week check up. I was nursing this child round the clock so something was wrong. Now, I knew something was wrong most of my life. Weight had always been an issue for me.
That first meeting, I was totally lost. I did not understand their lingo. It just did not make sense. But I decided to give it a try. Eleven months later (October 2, 2010), I hit my goal weight!! I had lost 47.8 pounds. I continued to lose some for a total of 56 pounds.
Obviously, today is my two year anniversary of maintaining my weight loss. Each year is a big deal! I will not say it is easy because it is NOT. I think maintaining is harder than losing. When you are losing there is an end goal, something huge to look forward to. In maintenance, you do not have that anymore so it is hard to just keep at it. I often repeat my starting weight in my head to remind myself that I do not want to go back to that.
What I will tell you is how amazed I have been at God in this process. My life is completely different now. Discipline has become a key word for me. My day now begins with rising at 5:00 am 6 days a week to spend time with the Lord then exercise. This is my time each day, and I delight in it. I miss my time with the Lord and my exercise time if I do not get it for some reason. God speaks powerfully to me in the midst of my workouts. Does not make a ton of sense to me, but He does.
Just this morning, I woke up totally overwhelmed with the fact that we will be leaving Marshfield on Nov 2nd or 9th. We do not have all our support. We do not have a place to live in Peoria. We do not know how to handle our house. I could not even pray due to being so deeply overwhelmed. I sat in the Lord's presence knowing that He could hear my heart even though I had no words to express to Him. When it was time to run, I put on the song "The Stand" by Hillsong. I ran and He spoke to my heart. He hears, and He is concerned for me. He knows my needs. Here is the song for a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZRQ5MKQA8w
I have also been amazed at God's sovereignty in leading me to Weight Watchers. After I had been around awhile, I thought I would really like to work there. When I got close I applied, I was hired as a receptionist with the goal of eventually being a leader. I worked one night a week. Then in June of 2011, God called Paul and I to live more missionally. This call, for us, meant inviting a young woman to live with us, placing the kids in public school and me no longer doing in-home daycare but rather working more hours at Weight Watchers. I took on leading 3 meetings and 2 work at home positions with Weight Watchers.
And now, as we head to Peoria, I already have a transfer lined up. Not only has God transformed my life, He was provided for us in amazing way.
Yet, I have to tell you that all of this pales in comparison to what I will share next. My first years in Marshfield were so very hard and deeply lonely. My leader at Weight Watchers, Pam Rosterman, not only was my leader but became one of my best friends. It has been my privilege and delight to watch her become a follower of Jesus and minister His love to all of those in her life. I have consistently been amazed at her faith and endurance as her family has been deeply, deeply attacked by satan since she made a choice to follow Christ. She has been my confidante and support! For this, I will be FOREVER thankful! But I will be eternally thankful that I get to spend eternity in Heaven with her!
I pray that the one act of obedience in going to Weight Watchers is always a reminder to me and all of us, that God will do things beyond our wildest imagination if we will just OBEY Him!!! One act, that is all it takes!
That first meeting, I was totally lost. I did not understand their lingo. It just did not make sense. But I decided to give it a try. Eleven months later (October 2, 2010), I hit my goal weight!! I had lost 47.8 pounds. I continued to lose some for a total of 56 pounds.
Obviously, today is my two year anniversary of maintaining my weight loss. Each year is a big deal! I will not say it is easy because it is NOT. I think maintaining is harder than losing. When you are losing there is an end goal, something huge to look forward to. In maintenance, you do not have that anymore so it is hard to just keep at it. I often repeat my starting weight in my head to remind myself that I do not want to go back to that.
What I will tell you is how amazed I have been at God in this process. My life is completely different now. Discipline has become a key word for me. My day now begins with rising at 5:00 am 6 days a week to spend time with the Lord then exercise. This is my time each day, and I delight in it. I miss my time with the Lord and my exercise time if I do not get it for some reason. God speaks powerfully to me in the midst of my workouts. Does not make a ton of sense to me, but He does.
Just this morning, I woke up totally overwhelmed with the fact that we will be leaving Marshfield on Nov 2nd or 9th. We do not have all our support. We do not have a place to live in Peoria. We do not know how to handle our house. I could not even pray due to being so deeply overwhelmed. I sat in the Lord's presence knowing that He could hear my heart even though I had no words to express to Him. When it was time to run, I put on the song "The Stand" by Hillsong. I ran and He spoke to my heart. He hears, and He is concerned for me. He knows my needs. Here is the song for a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZRQ5MKQA8w
I have also been amazed at God's sovereignty in leading me to Weight Watchers. After I had been around awhile, I thought I would really like to work there. When I got close I applied, I was hired as a receptionist with the goal of eventually being a leader. I worked one night a week. Then in June of 2011, God called Paul and I to live more missionally. This call, for us, meant inviting a young woman to live with us, placing the kids in public school and me no longer doing in-home daycare but rather working more hours at Weight Watchers. I took on leading 3 meetings and 2 work at home positions with Weight Watchers.
And now, as we head to Peoria, I already have a transfer lined up. Not only has God transformed my life, He was provided for us in amazing way.
 |
| Pam and I on her last day working at Weight Watchers |
I pray that the one act of obedience in going to Weight Watchers is always a reminder to me and all of us, that God will do things beyond our wildest imagination if we will just OBEY Him!!! One act, that is all it takes!
 |
| A recent after |
 |
| My Before (11-13-09) |
Monday, September 24, 2012
Just since Friday...
So remember my last post about my prayer to the Lord..
Well, after I posted on Friday, I went through my normal morning. I went to the mailbox after lunch to see a card from a very special person. Open the card and a $400.00 check falls out to help with "moving expenses" I just stood in the kitchen and sobbed.
Last night at small group, one of the men volunteers to take time off work to help us move and his parents have a 3/4 Ton truck he can borrow to pull the trailer.
Today, we are saying goodbye to a friend at the front door. Paul checks the mail, but it's only 10:30 am, nothing should be there. There's an envelope marked to us but no postage. It's just been dropped off. One of our supporters decided to give us their entire committment for the year with an additional $500 added on to help just get us to Peoria! Can we say O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-E-D!
Today we sent of our application to the bank in Peoria to see if we will even qualify for a home loan with all the new restrictions that are out there, in addition to our house not selling yet. Truly, it would be a miracle for us to qualify with our current mortgage. Yet we aren't really willing to do a "bridge" mortage, which is carry two mortages. We continue to wait on the Lord, but I had to update you to what He is doing!
PS. Paul wants one more day to pray about moving the first weekend of November, which to be exact would mean leaving Marshfield on Friday, November 2nd.
Well, after I posted on Friday, I went through my normal morning. I went to the mailbox after lunch to see a card from a very special person. Open the card and a $400.00 check falls out to help with "moving expenses" I just stood in the kitchen and sobbed.
Last night at small group, one of the men volunteers to take time off work to help us move and his parents have a 3/4 Ton truck he can borrow to pull the trailer.
Today, we are saying goodbye to a friend at the front door. Paul checks the mail, but it's only 10:30 am, nothing should be there. There's an envelope marked to us but no postage. It's just been dropped off. One of our supporters decided to give us their entire committment for the year with an additional $500 added on to help just get us to Peoria! Can we say O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-E-D!
Today we sent of our application to the bank in Peoria to see if we will even qualify for a home loan with all the new restrictions that are out there, in addition to our house not selling yet. Truly, it would be a miracle for us to qualify with our current mortgage. Yet we aren't really willing to do a "bridge" mortage, which is carry two mortages. We continue to wait on the Lord, but I had to update you to what He is doing!
PS. Paul wants one more day to pray about moving the first weekend of November, which to be exact would mean leaving Marshfield on Friday, November 2nd.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Big Step...Possibly
Good Morning Everybody!!
Paul and I are sensing that God may be asking us to take a HUGE step and set a move date even though our support is not fully in. We are currently at 76% being raised. We are looking at the first weekend in November as a date to move to Peoria.
We have decided to pray and fast some through this weekend to seek the Lord and receive confirmation as to what He is telling us. Please pray for us through this weekend as we seek Him.
Should we feel the Lord's confirmation that would mean moving six weeks from tomorrow. If so, here is what I told God in my journal this morning..
"We need You to speak strongly in the next couple of days. I want to hear Your voice-not just what I want. Should we set our move date as the first weekend in November? We still need $1100/month, but that's NOTHING for You! You can totally bring that in. Please do. I really feel You are saying to go so here is what we need, and yes, they're all money related:
1) 3/4 Ton truck to pull the trailer
2) people to help move
3) our house to come through
4) our house in WI to sell
5) Last $1100/month
6) Moving Expenses
Again, this is nothing for You! You own the cattle on a thousand hills. We are faithful in our tithe, be faithful to us."
For many years now, I have kept my prayers as a journal. I write them out to the Lord on almost everyday so that I can have that record of what I have prayed. Sometimes, I get a whim to see what I wrote about a year ago on that day. Today, such a whim hit me, so I flipped back and here is what I found closest to today's date:
September 23, 2011
"I don't know what to think about this Peoria stuff. I feel very stunned and numb. It's all in Your hands! Somewhat takes my breath away. Please lead us and provide every step along the way. And if You do take us there, please, please pave the way for me to continue working at Weight Watchers. I so love my job and am so thankful for it!"
If you remember, this prayer was answered back in July when I get to have lunch with my new manager in Peoria. I have secured a job transfer with being able to work as much as I want. God is incredibly faithful to us!
And a quick note, Micaiah has graduated to wearing underwear!!!! Still not pooping on the potty, but he totally has going pee-pee down! Is that amazing! What a wonderful God, no the only Wonderful God we serve!!!!!
Love to you all!
Paul and I are sensing that God may be asking us to take a HUGE step and set a move date even though our support is not fully in. We are currently at 76% being raised. We are looking at the first weekend in November as a date to move to Peoria.
We have decided to pray and fast some through this weekend to seek the Lord and receive confirmation as to what He is telling us. Please pray for us through this weekend as we seek Him.
Should we feel the Lord's confirmation that would mean moving six weeks from tomorrow. If so, here is what I told God in my journal this morning..
"We need You to speak strongly in the next couple of days. I want to hear Your voice-not just what I want. Should we set our move date as the first weekend in November? We still need $1100/month, but that's NOTHING for You! You can totally bring that in. Please do. I really feel You are saying to go so here is what we need, and yes, they're all money related:
1) 3/4 Ton truck to pull the trailer
2) people to help move
3) our house to come through
4) our house in WI to sell
5) Last $1100/month
6) Moving Expenses
Again, this is nothing for You! You own the cattle on a thousand hills. We are faithful in our tithe, be faithful to us."
For many years now, I have kept my prayers as a journal. I write them out to the Lord on almost everyday so that I can have that record of what I have prayed. Sometimes, I get a whim to see what I wrote about a year ago on that day. Today, such a whim hit me, so I flipped back and here is what I found closest to today's date:
September 23, 2011
"I don't know what to think about this Peoria stuff. I feel very stunned and numb. It's all in Your hands! Somewhat takes my breath away. Please lead us and provide every step along the way. And if You do take us there, please, please pave the way for me to continue working at Weight Watchers. I so love my job and am so thankful for it!"
If you remember, this prayer was answered back in July when I get to have lunch with my new manager in Peoria. I have secured a job transfer with being able to work as much as I want. God is incredibly faithful to us!
And a quick note, Micaiah has graduated to wearing underwear!!!! Still not pooping on the potty, but he totally has going pee-pee down! Is that amazing! What a wonderful God, no the only Wonderful God we serve!!!!!
Love to you all!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Update on Micaiah, Joshua, Beth and Us...
Micaiah is doing WONDERFULLY!!! It took a couple of days for the clean out process to work. I will spare you the details :)
He is now having a BM everyday and no longer leaking stool through the day! This is delightful. His BM's are arriving sometime after he goes to bed and wakes up in the morning. We'll have to figure that out but for now I'm not worried about it! I actually started potty training him again yesterday! I thought why not? He's doing great! Today he's in big boy underwear. He's just too cute!!!
Joshua is doing very well in 3rd Grade so far. The kid reads and reads and reads. We bought him a new Bible that is just awesome. We brought it home on Saturday, and he is almost through the whole thing. It's called the Action Bible. It turns the stories of the Bible into a comic strip. Here is a link, but I can't recommend it more strongly!!
http://www.christianbook.com/the-action-bible/9780781444996/pd/444996
Beth adores First Grade and is all things girl! She is emotional and dramatic-so the opposite of me, which I have to ask God for grace to deal with each and every day! She loves to wear skirts and dresses, however I have to constantly maker her wear shorts underneath because she is always doing cartwheels.
She is kind and compasionate as well. When I was sick over the weekend, she made me a cup of coffee (she knows how to make my coffee perfectly) brought the coffee up then also put lotion on my legs, while I was sleeping :) She has a new habit of wanting me to come cuddle with her every night before she goes to sleep. She likes to talk and have me rub her back. It's sweet!
Last night, she asked how I used to sleep with her when she was a baby. I'm an unapologetic co-sleeper so I explained how I used to sleep with her next to me in my arm and her head facing out so she wouldn't suffocate. When I checked on her before I went to bed, I found her like this with her baby, Bitty. This isn't quite what I did but this is precious!
Now, Paul and I. Yes, still very tired but in complete AWE of the Lord. Last night, we had an open house here so we all left and went to hang out at the church building during the hour and a half. I had made dinner in the crock pot so we grabbed the crock pot and left. We had fun hanging out and eating at the building. Then Paul turned on a movie for the kids in the multi-purpose room. The kids adore the massive screen in there.
While we were there a family that we know came in. Paul was in the corner talking with them and then called me over. He asked them to tell me what they had just told him. To my astonishment, they said, "We have decided to support you at XXX dollars a month for the next four years" The number made me speechless and jumped us to 70% of our funds being raised!!!! I didn't know how to respond because I was so shocked. But really, why should I be shocked at God's provision. He's going to do it. It's all just a matter of time!
Later that night, Paul received and email that jumped us to being at 72% of our funds being raised! This morning, during my quiet time, I told the Lord that now I'm really freaked out because I see it coming to fruition. We could really be moving in October. We still need to raise that last 28%, have moving expenses and sell this house. But He owns the cattle on a thousand hills so He can do that.
Oh, oh, oh I almost forgot. This family from yesterday also said that they want to come see our house because they're in a month to month rental right now. If ours doesn't sell, they might be interested in renting it!!! Renting is not ultimately what we want, but we trust that God will provide ALL!!!
Have a blessed day, rejoicing in the One who all good and perfect things come from!!!
He is now having a BM everyday and no longer leaking stool through the day! This is delightful. His BM's are arriving sometime after he goes to bed and wakes up in the morning. We'll have to figure that out but for now I'm not worried about it! I actually started potty training him again yesterday! I thought why not? He's doing great! Today he's in big boy underwear. He's just too cute!!!Joshua is doing very well in 3rd Grade so far. The kid reads and reads and reads. We bought him a new Bible that is just awesome. We brought it home on Saturday, and he is almost through the whole thing. It's called the Action Bible. It turns the stories of the Bible into a comic strip. Here is a link, but I can't recommend it more strongly!!
http://www.christianbook.com/the-action-bible/9780781444996/pd/444996
Beth adores First Grade and is all things girl! She is emotional and dramatic-so the opposite of me, which I have to ask God for grace to deal with each and every day! She loves to wear skirts and dresses, however I have to constantly maker her wear shorts underneath because she is always doing cartwheels.
She is kind and compasionate as well. When I was sick over the weekend, she made me a cup of coffee (she knows how to make my coffee perfectly) brought the coffee up then also put lotion on my legs, while I was sleeping :) She has a new habit of wanting me to come cuddle with her every night before she goes to sleep. She likes to talk and have me rub her back. It's sweet!
Last night, she asked how I used to sleep with her when she was a baby. I'm an unapologetic co-sleeper so I explained how I used to sleep with her next to me in my arm and her head facing out so she wouldn't suffocate. When I checked on her before I went to bed, I found her like this with her baby, Bitty. This isn't quite what I did but this is precious!Now, Paul and I. Yes, still very tired but in complete AWE of the Lord. Last night, we had an open house here so we all left and went to hang out at the church building during the hour and a half. I had made dinner in the crock pot so we grabbed the crock pot and left. We had fun hanging out and eating at the building. Then Paul turned on a movie for the kids in the multi-purpose room. The kids adore the massive screen in there.
While we were there a family that we know came in. Paul was in the corner talking with them and then called me over. He asked them to tell me what they had just told him. To my astonishment, they said, "We have decided to support you at XXX dollars a month for the next four years" The number made me speechless and jumped us to 70% of our funds being raised!!!! I didn't know how to respond because I was so shocked. But really, why should I be shocked at God's provision. He's going to do it. It's all just a matter of time!
Later that night, Paul received and email that jumped us to being at 72% of our funds being raised! This morning, during my quiet time, I told the Lord that now I'm really freaked out because I see it coming to fruition. We could really be moving in October. We still need to raise that last 28%, have moving expenses and sell this house. But He owns the cattle on a thousand hills so He can do that.
Oh, oh, oh I almost forgot. This family from yesterday also said that they want to come see our house because they're in a month to month rental right now. If ours doesn't sell, they might be interested in renting it!!! Renting is not ultimately what we want, but we trust that God will provide ALL!!!
Have a blessed day, rejoicing in the One who all good and perfect things come from!!!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Things you don't expect in Ministry
Yesterday, Paul and I had plans to attend a conference here in Marshfield about Courageous Parenting. I was up at 5:30 am to get ready and to get the house ready for a showing that would happen while we were at the conference.
As I was standing at the Keurig my phone started ringing at 5:40 am. I thought "who in the world"? I answered and a very nice voice said "Hi, is Paul there?" I said in a bit of a shocked tone "He is. May I ask who's calling please?" The voice said, "This is Travis XXXX and I'm actually calling from the Marshfield Police Department right now." We have a number of police officers who attend our church, and we are friends with them all so I knew who this was once he said his name.
I ran up the stairs to wake Paul. I shook him, gently of course, and said "Paul, Travis XXXX is on the phone and calling from the Police Department." Paul groggily took my phone and headed to the top of the stairs to sit and talk with Travis. Paul sat at the top of the stairs while I stood at the bottom and watched and waited. I thought maybe someone was in jail etc...
Marshfield is a lovely town and what you never expect is to be called to the scene of a murder!!! A young 18 year old was killed by her fiance. Paul was called to come and sit with the father because he was inconsolable, and the Police Officers had been sitting with him for 4 hours. They needed some help! You may read about the event here if you so wish to.
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/article/20120909/SPJ/309090198/Marshfield-woman-killed-knife-fiance-jailed?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
I am so proud of Paul! He immediately showered and was out the door to minister to the father of this young woman. The father is living at a boarding house as he awaited for a home to become available for him to move into. When Paul arrived, he was told the father didn't want anything "pushed down his throat". Paul put his Bible in his back pocket and just sat with the man. This is the "ministry of presence" which we so often undervalue. Quite often, people in pain just need someone to minsiter to them by being there and just sitting. But far too often, people think they have to talk and "fix" things. This often leads to hurting the person more. So FYI, if you are with someone enduring something painful, just sit. Be with them. Offer the ministry of presence.
After a while, the father asked Paul to talk with him. At this point, the father broke down and shared his heart with Paul. Gut wrenching pain to hear to shoulder for this man.
Paul made it home and we did attend the Parenting Conference. But it was a ROUGH day to say the least. Rough day for both of us. Through the day our exhaustion just came to a breaking point. I was very upset about the conference, feeling that the main speakers were just giving me a list of things to do that I could never do as a parent. And as the day wore on, I became more and more sick with a cold virus. Paul was done. This season has been rough. It has been crisis after crisis. Marriages exploding, people making poor choice on and on it has gone.
But can I tell you how God met us and worked His Divine plan in the middle of this glorious mess! We arrived home from the conference. A wonderful family had taken our kids for the day. When they came home with our kids they brought us homemade chicken noodle soup and homemade bread. It was delicious. How a simple meal ministers is amazing. The kids came home with art projects and a HUGE batch of homemade play-doh. They had played with 4 day old kittens. Watched the pigs and cows and even collected eggs from the chicken coop.Oh and I can't forget the HUGE tree swing that Beth just adored. This family lives on a farm about 30 minutes from Marshfield. To bless us even more they drove in and picked the kids up and drove them back in at the end of the day.
Late in the evening, Paul woke me and he was crying. He told me that after the conference yesterday two men from our church, who volunteer at this boarding house, made a meal and took it over to all the residents there. As they were leaving the father arrived and they were able to minister to him as well. He shared with them how encouraging it was to have Paul there with him. And one of these men is picking the father up to come to services today!!!!!!!!!! Paul was in tears because these men saw his exhaustion and heaviness. They picked up this mantle of ministry,without being asked, and have offered this father Jesus, the only One who is capable of healing this broken heart.
Rough but AMAZING day!
As I was standing at the Keurig my phone started ringing at 5:40 am. I thought "who in the world"? I answered and a very nice voice said "Hi, is Paul there?" I said in a bit of a shocked tone "He is. May I ask who's calling please?" The voice said, "This is Travis XXXX and I'm actually calling from the Marshfield Police Department right now." We have a number of police officers who attend our church, and we are friends with them all so I knew who this was once he said his name.
I ran up the stairs to wake Paul. I shook him, gently of course, and said "Paul, Travis XXXX is on the phone and calling from the Police Department." Paul groggily took my phone and headed to the top of the stairs to sit and talk with Travis. Paul sat at the top of the stairs while I stood at the bottom and watched and waited. I thought maybe someone was in jail etc...
Marshfield is a lovely town and what you never expect is to be called to the scene of a murder!!! A young 18 year old was killed by her fiance. Paul was called to come and sit with the father because he was inconsolable, and the Police Officers had been sitting with him for 4 hours. They needed some help! You may read about the event here if you so wish to.
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/article/20120909/SPJ/309090198/Marshfield-woman-killed-knife-fiance-jailed?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
I am so proud of Paul! He immediately showered and was out the door to minister to the father of this young woman. The father is living at a boarding house as he awaited for a home to become available for him to move into. When Paul arrived, he was told the father didn't want anything "pushed down his throat". Paul put his Bible in his back pocket and just sat with the man. This is the "ministry of presence" which we so often undervalue. Quite often, people in pain just need someone to minsiter to them by being there and just sitting. But far too often, people think they have to talk and "fix" things. This often leads to hurting the person more. So FYI, if you are with someone enduring something painful, just sit. Be with them. Offer the ministry of presence.
After a while, the father asked Paul to talk with him. At this point, the father broke down and shared his heart with Paul. Gut wrenching pain to hear to shoulder for this man.
Paul made it home and we did attend the Parenting Conference. But it was a ROUGH day to say the least. Rough day for both of us. Through the day our exhaustion just came to a breaking point. I was very upset about the conference, feeling that the main speakers were just giving me a list of things to do that I could never do as a parent. And as the day wore on, I became more and more sick with a cold virus. Paul was done. This season has been rough. It has been crisis after crisis. Marriages exploding, people making poor choice on and on it has gone.
But can I tell you how God met us and worked His Divine plan in the middle of this glorious mess! We arrived home from the conference. A wonderful family had taken our kids for the day. When they came home with our kids they brought us homemade chicken noodle soup and homemade bread. It was delicious. How a simple meal ministers is amazing. The kids came home with art projects and a HUGE batch of homemade play-doh. They had played with 4 day old kittens. Watched the pigs and cows and even collected eggs from the chicken coop.Oh and I can't forget the HUGE tree swing that Beth just adored. This family lives on a farm about 30 minutes from Marshfield. To bless us even more they drove in and picked the kids up and drove them back in at the end of the day.
Late in the evening, Paul woke me and he was crying. He told me that after the conference yesterday two men from our church, who volunteer at this boarding house, made a meal and took it over to all the residents there. As they were leaving the father arrived and they were able to minister to him as well. He shared with them how encouraging it was to have Paul there with him. And one of these men is picking the father up to come to services today!!!!!!!!!! Paul was in tears because these men saw his exhaustion and heaviness. They picked up this mantle of ministry,without being asked, and have offered this father Jesus, the only One who is capable of healing this broken heart.
Rough but AMAZING day!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Warning: Not for the Queasy...
Last week, a friend of ours from small group received a potentially rough diagnosis for her daugher regarding a growth disorder. I made my friend promise me she wouldn't "google" the disorder. I should take my own advice!!!
In February of this year, Micaiah, all of a sudden, stopped having BM's. After 10 days of this, I called the dr. They told me to bring him in to the pediatrics walk in for sick kids. Diagnosis "normal child constipation. Give him a daily dose of Miralax. It will take 6 months for him to be regular." Ok, no big deal. I can handle that. We give him a dose of Miralax each morning in a cup of coffee. Yes, you read that correctly. I give my 3.5 year old a cup of coffee laced with miralax each morning. It's the first thing he asks for when he wakes up (please don't judge me :) )
Over the course of these six months, we have laughed as Micaiah performs his "poop dance." He jumps up and down while holding his bottom and saying "I"m pooping. I'm pooping." We figured it was just him not wanting to "let it out." We have gone through quite a few painful nights with him that lead to glycerine suppositories, which he DESPISES!!!!
At my sister's wedding, Micaiah was having a particularly difficult time. My mom, in her glorious nurse fashion, took Micaiah to her room to help him have a BM. When I walked in, my mom literally had loads of pudding texture poo in her bare hands. Only a loving nurse could do that. She continued to help Micaiah, and it just kept coming and coming. Afterward, we put him in the shower to clean him up. In the shower, he had a HUGE normal BM. After that event mom mentioned to me that Micaiah may have something called "mega colon." Due to the craziness of the week, I didn't give a whole lot of thought to it.
Fast forward to today, Micaiah's 3 year old well child check up. Little did I know we would walk out 3 hours later after a shot, blood draw and x-ray of his belly. After discussion about his normal development, we then went over his BM issues. She immediately said this sounds like mega colon. I told her my mom said the same thing!!! She thoroughly explained it to me and told me how to start treatment at home. She then sent us off for further testing, which she will call me about tomorrow.
When we showed up at the lab for the blood draw, I warned the phelebotomist that he is really strong, and we would need help. Two of us held him while she drew blood. He screamed, and I mean screamed. By the time we got to the X-ray, he wasn't too keen on lying down on the table. But eventually he did, and we were able to get an X-ray of his bowel. I saw it afterward but I have no clue how to interpret an abdominal X-ray.
Tomorrow we begin a process of "cleaning" Micaiah out. It's basically a child barium mixture. I will be up to my head in poo over the next 24-48 hours. Ater that we begin him on special diet and "potty time". With mega colon, one loses the ability to feel the urge to have a BM. After each meal, we have to place him on the potty for 10-15 minutes to re-train the body to feel the need to have a BM. The process of healing his colon and retraining his BM reflex will take 6-12 months. I'm praying it goes more quickly, as we can not potty train until it is better.
So..I shouldn't have googled it because I saw things about surger needed etc..Just not a good idea. I have a snowball effect mind so I was immediately seeing my baby on a stretcher headed into an OR. Just not good!!!
Pray for me to have strength and grace during this process. It will require a lot of discipline along with patience to make Micaiah sit on the potty after each meal. And get the mixture down him in 3 hours tomorrow.
Thanks for listening!! I just needed to get this all out and my blog is the best place.
In February of this year, Micaiah, all of a sudden, stopped having BM's. After 10 days of this, I called the dr. They told me to bring him in to the pediatrics walk in for sick kids. Diagnosis "normal child constipation. Give him a daily dose of Miralax. It will take 6 months for him to be regular." Ok, no big deal. I can handle that. We give him a dose of Miralax each morning in a cup of coffee. Yes, you read that correctly. I give my 3.5 year old a cup of coffee laced with miralax each morning. It's the first thing he asks for when he wakes up (please don't judge me :) )
Over the course of these six months, we have laughed as Micaiah performs his "poop dance." He jumps up and down while holding his bottom and saying "I"m pooping. I'm pooping." We figured it was just him not wanting to "let it out." We have gone through quite a few painful nights with him that lead to glycerine suppositories, which he DESPISES!!!!
At my sister's wedding, Micaiah was having a particularly difficult time. My mom, in her glorious nurse fashion, took Micaiah to her room to help him have a BM. When I walked in, my mom literally had loads of pudding texture poo in her bare hands. Only a loving nurse could do that. She continued to help Micaiah, and it just kept coming and coming. Afterward, we put him in the shower to clean him up. In the shower, he had a HUGE normal BM. After that event mom mentioned to me that Micaiah may have something called "mega colon." Due to the craziness of the week, I didn't give a whole lot of thought to it.
Fast forward to today, Micaiah's 3 year old well child check up. Little did I know we would walk out 3 hours later after a shot, blood draw and x-ray of his belly. After discussion about his normal development, we then went over his BM issues. She immediately said this sounds like mega colon. I told her my mom said the same thing!!! She thoroughly explained it to me and told me how to start treatment at home. She then sent us off for further testing, which she will call me about tomorrow.
When we showed up at the lab for the blood draw, I warned the phelebotomist that he is really strong, and we would need help. Two of us held him while she drew blood. He screamed, and I mean screamed. By the time we got to the X-ray, he wasn't too keen on lying down on the table. But eventually he did, and we were able to get an X-ray of his bowel. I saw it afterward but I have no clue how to interpret an abdominal X-ray.
Tomorrow we begin a process of "cleaning" Micaiah out. It's basically a child barium mixture. I will be up to my head in poo over the next 24-48 hours. Ater that we begin him on special diet and "potty time". With mega colon, one loses the ability to feel the urge to have a BM. After each meal, we have to place him on the potty for 10-15 minutes to re-train the body to feel the need to have a BM. The process of healing his colon and retraining his BM reflex will take 6-12 months. I'm praying it goes more quickly, as we can not potty train until it is better.
So..I shouldn't have googled it because I saw things about surger needed etc..Just not a good idea. I have a snowball effect mind so I was immediately seeing my baby on a stretcher headed into an OR. Just not good!!!
Pray for me to have strength and grace during this process. It will require a lot of discipline along with patience to make Micaiah sit on the potty after each meal. And get the mixture down him in 3 hours tomorrow.
Thanks for listening!! I just needed to get this all out and my blog is the best place.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Third Time Around.
For the third time, I have pulled out the book, The Land Between by Jeff Manion. For years, this book sat around our house after Paul attended a conference and heard the author speak about the topic.
Reading this book has been a life changing experience every time I have read it. The first time I devoured it was over a year ago when I was still deeply struggling with being in Marshfield. The result was God lead me to a place of trusting Him and learning to be content with where He had placed us. I actually began to enjoy living here. I felt free.
The second time I read this book was right after we decided that God was calling us to go to Peoria. I felt that my world was turning upside down, and I was terrified of the changes. Terrified of fundraising, terrified of what it would require of me.
The third time I'm reading it is now. I actually had been thinking for the last couple of weeks that I wanted to re-read it yet again. However, I had loaned the book out. Thankfully, this past Sunday it was returned to me. I have decided to read it again because this time of waiting is so difficult. I find it very easy to get upset with God for not moving in my time frame. Or to be upset with Him for not giving me the answers that I want to know. Reading this books reminds me that this time is intended to teach me to trust Him with everything I have. And during this season, I am formed by walking through it. I can choose my response of bitterness or trust. I need this constant reminder.
If you have not read this book. I highly recommend it!
After service, Paul met with people in the Fireside room to share our vision. In that day our support jumped from 48% to 55.5%. As of today, I believe we are sitting at 56% of our funds being raised. To put that into perspective that is a tad over $100,000!!!! Isn't that amazing!
Last Friday night, we had a family come for a 2nd viewing on our home. On Wednesday, we found out that they had offered on a different house. Our house was their second pick. If the offer on their first pick was not accepted they would have offered on ours. We were so so so disappointed. Yet there was a peace in the midst of the disappointment. We continue to wait on God.
3. That God would prepare the hearts of those that we will meet in Peoria.
Blessings to all of you!!!!!
Reading this book has been a life changing experience every time I have read it. The first time I devoured it was over a year ago when I was still deeply struggling with being in Marshfield. The result was God lead me to a place of trusting Him and learning to be content with where He had placed us. I actually began to enjoy living here. I felt free.The second time I read this book was right after we decided that God was calling us to go to Peoria. I felt that my world was turning upside down, and I was terrified of the changes. Terrified of fundraising, terrified of what it would require of me.
The third time I'm reading it is now. I actually had been thinking for the last couple of weeks that I wanted to re-read it yet again. However, I had loaned the book out. Thankfully, this past Sunday it was returned to me. I have decided to read it again because this time of waiting is so difficult. I find it very easy to get upset with God for not moving in my time frame. Or to be upset with Him for not giving me the answers that I want to know. Reading this books reminds me that this time is intended to teach me to trust Him with everything I have. And during this season, I am formed by walking through it. I can choose my response of bitterness or trust. I need this constant reminder.
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| Click on the picture so see a bigger view and read the synopsis |
If you have not read this book. I highly recommend it!
QUICK LIFE UPDATE
This past Sunday, our pastor Larry, took a few minutes to talk with the body about us. It was a sweet moment to hear about his love for Paul and passion for church planting. He also talked about the need for financial support and prayer. He listed prayer points for us. It was so kind and cool! After service, Paul met with people in the Fireside room to share our vision. In that day our support jumped from 48% to 55.5%. As of today, I believe we are sitting at 56% of our funds being raised. To put that into perspective that is a tad over $100,000!!!! Isn't that amazing!
Last Friday night, we had a family come for a 2nd viewing on our home. On Wednesday, we found out that they had offered on a different house. Our house was their second pick. If the offer on their first pick was not accepted they would have offered on ours. We were so so so disappointed. Yet there was a peace in the midst of the disappointment. We continue to wait on God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. We really want to move mid-October, but the one thing we have to have to move is 100% of our support raised. We need God to provide a miracle financially!
2. We need God to sell this house or give us wisdom on what to do with it.3. That God would prepare the hearts of those that we will meet in Peoria.
Blessings to all of you!!!!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Back to Life
Summer will shortly come to a close for us as the kids head back to school on Tuesday, September 4th. It was not our desire that they start school in Marshfield, although we love their school here. We had wanted them to start in Peoria, but God had other things in mind.
On Sunday, August 12th, the day after my sweet sister's wedding, Paul and I both had a moment where we each realized that "OH CRAP, now we have to move!!!" Our traveling for the summer was over and it was time to get going. However, coming home was another story.
The first week home from the wedding was spent preparing for the new Faith Fellowship building to be opened on Sunday, August 19th. The kids and I barely saw Paul last week as he was preparing a myriad of things with the building. It was a HUGE endeavor. The first Sunday was smooth and great! Lots of hiccups with sounds that were ironed out at the last minute during practice. I felt honored to get to sing on worship team that first Sunday! It was so so so cool!
When Paul and I had time to actually talk we both realized that God had shown us each that moving in August truly would have been impossible. We had Ali's wedding, the building opening, and then a couple from our small group is having their wedding this Saturday the 25th of August. No possible way! God knew that so He engineered for us to not move yet.
The other families, Shearers and Ziesels, moved to Peoria last week. We are very glad they are there and getting settled but so desire to be there with them as they adjust to life and settle in. All the kids started school this Monday the 20th. We have prayed for their transitions and adjustments.
Now that the craziness of August is almost past, we turn our focus to really raising the rest of our support, and seeking God to take care of our house situation. We have been very active with both of these things already as well. We are currently sitting at 48% of our support being raised. We need God to do BIG stuff in the next 8 weeks. We've had showings on the house and another tomorrow. We have had many offers to rent our house, however that just isn't want we want at this time. Renting the house would feel like a noose around our necks. However, we KNOW that God is always sovereign. He will do what He wills.
I am very much looking forward to the kids returning to school. I adore them, yet three solids months together for the 4 of us has gotten to be overwhelming. They are getting very bored and ready for routine. Joshua needs his brain to be challenged. I can not tell you how many crazy questions he asks me each day. Deeply intelligent questions that I have to answer "go google it".
Please keep praying! All 3 of our families desperately need and desire it!
On Sunday, August 12th, the day after my sweet sister's wedding, Paul and I both had a moment where we each realized that "OH CRAP, now we have to move!!!" Our traveling for the summer was over and it was time to get going. However, coming home was another story.The first week home from the wedding was spent preparing for the new Faith Fellowship building to be opened on Sunday, August 19th. The kids and I barely saw Paul last week as he was preparing a myriad of things with the building. It was a HUGE endeavor. The first Sunday was smooth and great! Lots of hiccups with sounds that were ironed out at the last minute during practice. I felt honored to get to sing on worship team that first Sunday! It was so so so cool!
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| Shot of the building taken from an airplane before it was finished. |
When Paul and I had time to actually talk we both realized that God had shown us each that moving in August truly would have been impossible. We had Ali's wedding, the building opening, and then a couple from our small group is having their wedding this Saturday the 25th of August. No possible way! God knew that so He engineered for us to not move yet.
The other families, Shearers and Ziesels, moved to Peoria last week. We are very glad they are there and getting settled but so desire to be there with them as they adjust to life and settle in. All the kids started school this Monday the 20th. We have prayed for their transitions and adjustments.
Now that the craziness of August is almost past, we turn our focus to really raising the rest of our support, and seeking God to take care of our house situation. We have been very active with both of these things already as well. We are currently sitting at 48% of our support being raised. We need God to do BIG stuff in the next 8 weeks. We've had showings on the house and another tomorrow. We have had many offers to rent our house, however that just isn't want we want at this time. Renting the house would feel like a noose around our necks. However, we KNOW that God is always sovereign. He will do what He wills.
I am very much looking forward to the kids returning to school. I adore them, yet three solids months together for the 4 of us has gotten to be overwhelming. They are getting very bored and ready for routine. Joshua needs his brain to be challenged. I can not tell you how many crazy questions he asks me each day. Deeply intelligent questions that I have to answer "go google it".
Please keep praying! All 3 of our families desperately need and desire it!
Monday, August 6, 2012
House Hunting in Peoria
Well, we had a fabulous day in Peoria today. All the kids went with us, and we were delighted with the realtor that we had chosen. She actually said that if our house doesn't sell, she will work with us to find a rental home. She said there are rental homes in Peoria, but they do not stay open for long. She also mentioned a duplex, which I would LOVE over an apartment!
We looked at 8 houses today. I can't believe how well the kids did. Holly, our realtor, even commented on how well behaved they were!!!! That blesses a mama's heart! After hours of looking at houses we took them to ride go-karts and bumper boats. Now you can't do that in Marshfield so that was a big treat for them!
So here are the homes that we liked. The first we just fell in love with. It has all newly refinished hardwood floors through the entire house. The bedrooms are great sizes, and the yard was incredible. In addition, the HUGE basement has a 4th bedroom that Paul could use for an office.
House Choice #1
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2225-W-Winnebago-Dr-Peoria-IL-61614/5121813_zpid/
House Choice #2
This second house, we liked as well, although the bedrooms are very small. The bathroom needs some work but is totally fine for awhile. It doesn't have a basement but rather a crawl space. But it had an addition off the back with a family room. We like it as well, but not as much as the first choice.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5610-N-Fountaindale-Dr-Peoria-IL-61614/5121740_zpid/
Points of prayer: we need our house to sell before we can do another mortgage. We also need a 3-5% down payment, which at this point, we do not have. We also need inspection and earnest money. So God needs to do a miracle here.
Another point of prayer: The Shearers and Ziesels are moving to Peoria next week. School starts on 8/20 so please pray for the adjustments of all the kids. Also prayer for the sales of their homes as well.
Love to you all!
Stephanie
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Some Direction...
Today I feel like God gave me some direction, just one small thing that I have been desiring.
I have been praying that I would be able to have a job transfer with Weight Watchers. Tonight, I was able to connect with the Territory Manager for the Peoria area. In addition, she just so happens to live in Moline, where my parents live, and we will be staying for the next 9 days during my sister's wedding. I will be meeting up with the Territory Manager to meet and just talk about the area. Also, so cool, she is able to meet very early in the week so that I do not have to take away from the wedding festivities. He cares even about the little details!
Via email she informed me that she has many open meetings and will "keep me as busy as I want to be" I cried when I read that email because to me it was God giving me something really small but something VERY LARGE!!!!
We leave this Sunday (8/5) to head to my parent's house. On Monday, we will leave very early to drive to Peoria to look at houses and rentals. Please pray for us. We need direction, and we need HUGE miracles.
Tonight we worked on sending out our 2nd round of support letters. We're still hovering at 44%.
Pray that God would get Russ and Tina as well as us all to 100% of our need. I'm learning that He will provide, but it will most likely NOT look like what I think it will. But He will come through!
Just wanted to share with you all. Rejoice with me!!!
I have been praying that I would be able to have a job transfer with Weight Watchers. Tonight, I was able to connect with the Territory Manager for the Peoria area. In addition, she just so happens to live in Moline, where my parents live, and we will be staying for the next 9 days during my sister's wedding. I will be meeting up with the Territory Manager to meet and just talk about the area. Also, so cool, she is able to meet very early in the week so that I do not have to take away from the wedding festivities. He cares even about the little details!
Via email she informed me that she has many open meetings and will "keep me as busy as I want to be" I cried when I read that email because to me it was God giving me something really small but something VERY LARGE!!!!
We leave this Sunday (8/5) to head to my parent's house. On Monday, we will leave very early to drive to Peoria to look at houses and rentals. Please pray for us. We need direction, and we need HUGE miracles.
Tonight we worked on sending out our 2nd round of support letters. We're still hovering at 44%.
Pray that God would get Russ and Tina as well as us all to 100% of our need. I'm learning that He will provide, but it will most likely NOT look like what I think it will. But He will come through!
Just wanted to share with you all. Rejoice with me!!!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Update
Today I am home just sick, sick, sick, and bored out of my mind. I thought I would give you all an update on where we are with church planting since I'm not capable of doing much, other that sitting on the couch and sleeping. The big answer is:
WE DON'T HAVE ANY ANSWERS!
We had some very good friends from St. Louis visit this week for just 24 hours, but it was a sweet time. My friend, Melissa and I, both said we wish we could have shirts made that said "We don't have any answers". That would be great!
We visited Peoria on Monday, July 9. I have not updated because I have had to really process that day. All in all, I walked away extremely discouraged from the day.
The big event of the day was me having a total breakdown in the parking lot of a HyVee Food Store. After pulling into one of the schools we had considered, which was falling apart and only had one slide and rusty swings, we went to grab lunch. I ate lunch then just emotionally lost it. I was overcome by the weight of all of this. The massive amount of change and stress. The massive amount of UNKNOWNS in all of this.
The bright side of the day was Paul called Russ to see what schools they were looking at. How Divine was it that Russ and Tina were on their way to Peoria. It was amazing. Within an hour, we were all able to meet up and spend some time together, encouraging one another and just being together. It was beautiful that God engineered all of this for us!
We looked in the same area of the city that Tina and Russ were looking. We thought we found a 3 bedroom apartment complex we could live with, but then we went back at night and found it to be a no-go. We drove all over the area. It was unreal.
As we drove home that night, we realized that most likely in about 2-3 years we will be stepping out to start the 2nd church plant. We had been looking in the are of where the first church is to be planted. For the sake of stability and consistency for schooling etc,,we need to be looking where we might plant a 2nd church. BUT WE DON"T KNOW WHERE THAT IS YET!!!
All in all, we decided to pray and wait on God. These last two weeks have been very hard on me. When we entered this process, I knew there would be times my faith would be high and times it would be very low. Since visiting Peoria, it has been very, very low. I have battled God,felt angry, felt desperate, felt lost, been angry again and again, and believed that we will never get to Peoria. I am beginning to rise out of this state but it has been so very difficult. I have repeatedly said to myself "Why so downcast, oh my soul, put your trust in God."
The good things happening are: Russ and Tina found and bought a house in the very small pocket they needed for the proper schools! Anna and Patrick, the couple moving just to serve. Well, Patrick was hired for a postion. He is a welder by trade. Russ and Tina will be moving to Peoria the 2nd week of August. As of now, our move is sometime in October.
I've really been thinking about how to involve the kids in this waiting process since they know that we are going. And they're wondering when we're going. I made this poster to help them pray
Here are some things you could be praying about for us:
*We have a lot of verbal fianncial commitments out there. We really need the commitment cards back before we can add those to our official count. Pray that God would prompt our supporters to send those in
*Sale of homes for us, Russ and Tina, Patrick and Anna
*100% financial support for us and Russ and Tina
*God would prepare the hearts of those He would place us in relationship with in Peoria
*Part time job for Paul and my job transfer
*Moving expenses
In my soul, I know that God is Good, Faithful, Righteous, Just and Perfect. He has all things planned in His time and plan. I have to trust His plan and release it all to Him.
WE DON'T HAVE ANY ANSWERS!
We had some very good friends from St. Louis visit this week for just 24 hours, but it was a sweet time. My friend, Melissa and I, both said we wish we could have shirts made that said "We don't have any answers". That would be great!
We visited Peoria on Monday, July 9. I have not updated because I have had to really process that day. All in all, I walked away extremely discouraged from the day.
The big event of the day was me having a total breakdown in the parking lot of a HyVee Food Store. After pulling into one of the schools we had considered, which was falling apart and only had one slide and rusty swings, we went to grab lunch. I ate lunch then just emotionally lost it. I was overcome by the weight of all of this. The massive amount of change and stress. The massive amount of UNKNOWNS in all of this.
The bright side of the day was Paul called Russ to see what schools they were looking at. How Divine was it that Russ and Tina were on their way to Peoria. It was amazing. Within an hour, we were all able to meet up and spend some time together, encouraging one another and just being together. It was beautiful that God engineered all of this for us!
We looked in the same area of the city that Tina and Russ were looking. We thought we found a 3 bedroom apartment complex we could live with, but then we went back at night and found it to be a no-go. We drove all over the area. It was unreal.
As we drove home that night, we realized that most likely in about 2-3 years we will be stepping out to start the 2nd church plant. We had been looking in the are of where the first church is to be planted. For the sake of stability and consistency for schooling etc,,we need to be looking where we might plant a 2nd church. BUT WE DON"T KNOW WHERE THAT IS YET!!!
All in all, we decided to pray and wait on God. These last two weeks have been very hard on me. When we entered this process, I knew there would be times my faith would be high and times it would be very low. Since visiting Peoria, it has been very, very low. I have battled God,felt angry, felt desperate, felt lost, been angry again and again, and believed that we will never get to Peoria. I am beginning to rise out of this state but it has been so very difficult. I have repeatedly said to myself "Why so downcast, oh my soul, put your trust in God."
The good things happening are: Russ and Tina found and bought a house in the very small pocket they needed for the proper schools! Anna and Patrick, the couple moving just to serve. Well, Patrick was hired for a postion. He is a welder by trade. Russ and Tina will be moving to Peoria the 2nd week of August. As of now, our move is sometime in October.
I've really been thinking about how to involve the kids in this waiting process since they know that we are going. And they're wondering when we're going. I made this poster to help them pray
*We have a lot of verbal fianncial commitments out there. We really need the commitment cards back before we can add those to our official count. Pray that God would prompt our supporters to send those in
*Sale of homes for us, Russ and Tina, Patrick and Anna
*100% financial support for us and Russ and Tina
*God would prepare the hearts of those He would place us in relationship with in Peoria
*Part time job for Paul and my job transfer
*Moving expenses
In my soul, I know that God is Good, Faithful, Righteous, Just and Perfect. He has all things planned in His time and plan. I have to trust His plan and release it all to Him.
Monday, July 16, 2012
How "I feel" vs. God's Truth
There is something very special, to me, about being up in the early hours of the day. Coming down the steps, making my coffee then sitting down with my Bible, journal and Bible study starts my day off in the perfect way. As I sit and enjoy the Lord's presense, I am renewed. I am reminded that His peace is perfect. The house is quiet. The chaos of the day has not started. He has gifted me this hour to be energized by His grace and mercy. He gives me the strength to rise early and to bask in the glory of time alone with Him. For this, I am so very thankful.
Today as I spend time with Him, I am reminded that the battle in me is one of my "I feel" statements vs the absolute Truth of His Word. My emotions often attempt to run my day, but I have to constantly run them through the Truth of what He has to say.
I battle what I feel, and what I know to be true because He says it in the Bible.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.
I Peter 5: 8-9: Be self-controlled and alert. You enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. RESIST him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are underingoing the same kind of sufferings.
The enemy's desire is to destroy me by getting me to believe my emotions and give them pre-eminence in my life. But my responsibility to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.
Practically what does this mean for me right now? Many thoughts and feeling are flying through me during this "waiting period", and I have to make them obedient to Christ by proclaiming the Truth that is given me in Scripture.
My feelings:
I doubt His ability to provide.
Truth:Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory.
I fear for my children's safety spiritually, physically and emotionally.
Truth: They are His, and He will protect them. He loves them infinitely more than I ever could.
I feel like a pathetic excuse for a mom.
Truth: I am made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). It is ok to be the kind of mom I am. I do not have to keep up with some sort of "ideal".
I am not capable of what God has called us to in church planting.
Truth: God's grace is sufficient for me. And His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor 12:9) He will enable us to do what He has called us to do.
I am so thankful to have God's Word as the guiding source for my life. During the darkest periods of my life, His Word has been a source of peace, guidance and healing. Hebrews 4:12: For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to diving soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart.
My prayer, as I head into my day, is that His Word would be alive in me. That His Truth would ring louder in my ears than the lies of the enemy.
Today as I spend time with Him, I am reminded that the battle in me is one of my "I feel" statements vs the absolute Truth of His Word. My emotions often attempt to run my day, but I have to constantly run them through the Truth of what He has to say.
I battle what I feel, and what I know to be true because He says it in the Bible.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.
I Peter 5: 8-9: Be self-controlled and alert. You enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. RESIST him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are underingoing the same kind of sufferings.
The enemy's desire is to destroy me by getting me to believe my emotions and give them pre-eminence in my life. But my responsibility to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.
Practically what does this mean for me right now? Many thoughts and feeling are flying through me during this "waiting period", and I have to make them obedient to Christ by proclaiming the Truth that is given me in Scripture.
My feelings:
I doubt His ability to provide.
Truth:Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory.
I fear for my children's safety spiritually, physically and emotionally.
Truth: They are His, and He will protect them. He loves them infinitely more than I ever could.
I feel like a pathetic excuse for a mom.
Truth: I am made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). It is ok to be the kind of mom I am. I do not have to keep up with some sort of "ideal".
I am not capable of what God has called us to in church planting.
Truth: God's grace is sufficient for me. And His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor 12:9) He will enable us to do what He has called us to do.
I am so thankful to have God's Word as the guiding source for my life. During the darkest periods of my life, His Word has been a source of peace, guidance and healing. Hebrews 4:12: For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to diving soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart.
My prayer, as I head into my day, is that His Word would be alive in me. That His Truth would ring louder in my ears than the lies of the enemy.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Stretch Armstrong
Remember this guy, Stretch Armstrong? Last night as I was contemplating some feelings and emotions I was having, the thought hit me, "I feel like Stretch Armstrong." I feel like I am being pulled, challenged and changed in so many ways right now by the Creator of my soul.
Right now, life seems to be easy. Our schedules are flowing together easily, having the kids home for the summer has been great (even though I really dreaded it) but the transformation that the Lord is doing in my heart is painful and exhausting.
Yet, I rejoice in this painful season because I know that this streching will result in transformation for me that will be needed for this next season of life.
And if you remember Strech Armstrong always returned to the state of "non-stretching". He might not have looked the same, which is good, but He went right back when his owner had decided that he had been streched enough for the time being. The owner always returned to play with Stretch again, but he did exhibit love and grace by giving him a break :)
A great reminder for me that this is a season. God will bring me into a season of rest, but now is His time of renewal for me.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The renewal of summer
Well, hello all!
Summer is in full swing here in Marshfield. Today I took the kids to the city pool for our first swim of the season. The pool here is beautiful and everyday they have free swim from 11:00-11:45. It's the perfect amount of time to be in the sun and it's right before lunch. You can't beat that.
Lots is happening here right now even though it feels slightly slow for me. Paul has been gone to St. Louis the past few days to do fundraising. Fundraising is the tune of our lives right now. Many, many one on one meetings with individuals and families to share our vision and just ask for support via prayer or plain 'ole money. It's going well yet God needs to provide so much more.
This fundraising process is really teaching me that ultimately, He is our provider. It may come from human beings, but ultimately it's Him. He has to do this or it just won't happen.
Right now, I feel like God has me in the pressure cooker of "renewal". He's refining me and making me a new woman. There are two ways He is doing this right now:
1) He has called me to log off Facebook. In the last few days, I have been so deeply convicted that Facebook steals soooooooooooo much time from me and my family. I have also found that the times that I am most irritated is if I am trying to look at something and the kids or Paul want my attention. He also revealed to me that I have tried to fill the loneliness that I have felt with reading about people's lives on Facebook. I should have been crying out to Him about how I feel and asking Him to take care of my needs.
The only thing I have allowed myself on Facebook is personal messages and personal posts to my wall. However, I just set my phone to notify me if those things show up then I can respond directly and don't need to log in and peruse the news feed.
2) I am participating in a Bible Study on Wednesday mornings this summer with women that are mostly quite a bit older than me. We are doing a study on revival. I was a bit hesitant as the author of this study is not one that I would typically read because some of her "opinions" on women don't seem to line up with Scripture to me. However, her theology is solid and sound so I decided to go for it. God is the teacher. I am LOVING this study. It's 5 days a week that I have to do a lesson so I have incorporated those into my daily quiet time. I am learning a lot about pride.
I really believe that these final months in Marshfield, God is using to really refine me. He is still preparing us for what He has for us in Peoria. Sometimes it feels that our hearts are in two places: Marshfield and Peoria. But my prayer has been that God would help me to be fully here until it is time for us to go.
The only other thing happening right now is that it's looking more like we will be in Marshfield into the Fall. The church is just going through so many transitions with moving back to a building and hiring Paul's replacement that they have asked if we would be willing to stay a few weeks longer. I'm actually quite peaceful about this. This gives us more time to plan and transition in a peaceful manner rather than stressing.
At times, I find myself just thinking about how God has a sense of humor. His sense of humor would be us feeling content with staying through most of Fall, but then He would show up in a powerful manner and move us in a whirlwind. Whatever He does, we're on board and just waiting to see how He works it all out.
Love to all of you!
Summer is in full swing here in Marshfield. Today I took the kids to the city pool for our first swim of the season. The pool here is beautiful and everyday they have free swim from 11:00-11:45. It's the perfect amount of time to be in the sun and it's right before lunch. You can't beat that.
Lots is happening here right now even though it feels slightly slow for me. Paul has been gone to St. Louis the past few days to do fundraising. Fundraising is the tune of our lives right now. Many, many one on one meetings with individuals and families to share our vision and just ask for support via prayer or plain 'ole money. It's going well yet God needs to provide so much more.
This fundraising process is really teaching me that ultimately, He is our provider. It may come from human beings, but ultimately it's Him. He has to do this or it just won't happen.
Right now, I feel like God has me in the pressure cooker of "renewal". He's refining me and making me a new woman. There are two ways He is doing this right now:
1) He has called me to log off Facebook. In the last few days, I have been so deeply convicted that Facebook steals soooooooooooo much time from me and my family. I have also found that the times that I am most irritated is if I am trying to look at something and the kids or Paul want my attention. He also revealed to me that I have tried to fill the loneliness that I have felt with reading about people's lives on Facebook. I should have been crying out to Him about how I feel and asking Him to take care of my needs.
The only thing I have allowed myself on Facebook is personal messages and personal posts to my wall. However, I just set my phone to notify me if those things show up then I can respond directly and don't need to log in and peruse the news feed.
2) I am participating in a Bible Study on Wednesday mornings this summer with women that are mostly quite a bit older than me. We are doing a study on revival. I was a bit hesitant as the author of this study is not one that I would typically read because some of her "opinions" on women don't seem to line up with Scripture to me. However, her theology is solid and sound so I decided to go for it. God is the teacher. I am LOVING this study. It's 5 days a week that I have to do a lesson so I have incorporated those into my daily quiet time. I am learning a lot about pride.
I really believe that these final months in Marshfield, God is using to really refine me. He is still preparing us for what He has for us in Peoria. Sometimes it feels that our hearts are in two places: Marshfield and Peoria. But my prayer has been that God would help me to be fully here until it is time for us to go.
The only other thing happening right now is that it's looking more like we will be in Marshfield into the Fall. The church is just going through so many transitions with moving back to a building and hiring Paul's replacement that they have asked if we would be willing to stay a few weeks longer. I'm actually quite peaceful about this. This gives us more time to plan and transition in a peaceful manner rather than stressing.
At times, I find myself just thinking about how God has a sense of humor. His sense of humor would be us feeling content with staying through most of Fall, but then He would show up in a powerful manner and move us in a whirlwind. Whatever He does, we're on board and just waiting to see how He works it all out.
Love to all of you!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Surrenderedjavascript:void(0);
This blog has been a great place for me to share with those I am close to the process of refinement that God has me in during this waiting period before heading to Peoria. I am thankful to share with just the few of you because it's keeps me accountable and helps me "get it out".
Just this week, I had lunch with my delightful and wonderful friend, Pam Rosterman! On a side note, yesterday morning at church, she got to see a side of the very real me as I was giving my husband a hard time. Thanks for enduring my dis-respect toward him, Pam. I did apologize later :) Anyway, during our lunch God really used her to challenge me to surrender this house sale. She didn't specifically say anything to me about that, but she shared her life and experience. Through that process I said to her "When I grow up I want to be like you." She chuckled. Yet through hearing her heart, God spoke to me in a powerful way!
I have processed this through the week, surrendering the house sale. What does that look like, what does that mean etc....My heart has grieved. Today our "for sale by owner" add expires. As I sat with the Lord this morning and shared my heart with Him and sought Him here is what He showed me.
For me, a house is a symbol of status. When we were first married and all of our friends had houses, I felt less of a person or less of an adult because we lived in an apartment and probably would for a long time. When we lived in a huge house with Barb, Paul's mom, it was painfully humbling for me because we couldn't afford our own place. The house was HUGE and beautiful but it challenged my idea of status. And now, as we head to Peoria in the next few months, we face the reality of no longer buying a home. But IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!! I know this in my head, translating it to my heart is the difficult part.
My bestie, Lianne lovingly spoke truth to me after my last post.She reminded me that nothing matters other than my family. Not a house not any possession. I am blessed to have a healthy marriage and delightful kids! This is TRUTH. Nothing else goes into eternity with me.
My heart aches this morning to let go of the dream of having our own house. But I surrender it to God, knowing that He knows better than I what I need. And I realize that the process of surrender is not a one time thing. It will be constant. Every time I think about it, I will have to choose to surrender the house.
Surrendered to God and laid at His feet. I choose eternal perspective over temporary status:
Just this week, I had lunch with my delightful and wonderful friend, Pam Rosterman! On a side note, yesterday morning at church, she got to see a side of the very real me as I was giving my husband a hard time. Thanks for enduring my dis-respect toward him, Pam. I did apologize later :) Anyway, during our lunch God really used her to challenge me to surrender this house sale. She didn't specifically say anything to me about that, but she shared her life and experience. Through that process I said to her "When I grow up I want to be like you." She chuckled. Yet through hearing her heart, God spoke to me in a powerful way!
I have processed this through the week, surrendering the house sale. What does that look like, what does that mean etc....My heart has grieved. Today our "for sale by owner" add expires. As I sat with the Lord this morning and shared my heart with Him and sought Him here is what He showed me.
For me, a house is a symbol of status. When we were first married and all of our friends had houses, I felt less of a person or less of an adult because we lived in an apartment and probably would for a long time. When we lived in a huge house with Barb, Paul's mom, it was painfully humbling for me because we couldn't afford our own place. The house was HUGE and beautiful but it challenged my idea of status. And now, as we head to Peoria in the next few months, we face the reality of no longer buying a home. But IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!! I know this in my head, translating it to my heart is the difficult part.
My bestie, Lianne lovingly spoke truth to me after my last post.She reminded me that nothing matters other than my family. Not a house not any possession. I am blessed to have a healthy marriage and delightful kids! This is TRUTH. Nothing else goes into eternity with me.
My heart aches this morning to let go of the dream of having our own house. But I surrender it to God, knowing that He knows better than I what I need. And I realize that the process of surrender is not a one time thing. It will be constant. Every time I think about it, I will have to choose to surrender the house.
Surrendered to God and laid at His feet. I choose eternal perspective over temporary status:
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Yet Again caught Somewhere in the Middle
God likes to speak to me while I'm running my tail off on the treadmill. I wonder what it is. Does He like to run with me? Or is it that He has my undivided attention because I have no children at my feet and am focused on being a good steward of my body. Whatever it is, He speaks and He speaks powerfully to me during those 30 minutes.
This very day as I was running, He brought me back to a song by Casting Crowns entitled "Somewhere in the Middle". About a year ago, this song came on my IPOD while I was running. I had never heard it before even though it was on my IPOD. Oh my goodness, the words knocked me on my rear. The line that spoke to me the most was "will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle". Have a listen then keep reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGnJq-av6TY
When I first heard this song, it was all about me trading my dreams for His. That I had to let go and embrace where He had brought me. This was a HUGE lesson for me.
Now as we are heading into a church planting endeavor, the words "reckless abandon wrapped in common sense" have once knocked me on my rear. In addition to "just how close can I get Lord to my surrender without losing all control". WOW!!!
Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense is an oxymoron. But this is what I want. I want the common sense. But if I keep my common sense then there is no reckless abandon to God.
You see I have plans of how this whole transition should go. In my plans, our house should have sold by now since it's been on the market 4 weeks today. We should know where we are going to live in Peoria. And we should have all our ducks in a row when it comes to moving. But God has called me to reckless abandon which is SO SO SO very hard for me. I am a detail oriented person, and He wants me to leave every detail in His hands. RECKLESS ABANDON........
This leads me to the next part of the lyrics "just how close can I get Lord to my surrender without losing all control." I want some control of this process. I don't need to have it all, but I want some. But He says I can't have any...It's all in His hands. Surrender is just that. Throwing up my hands and saying I can't. I give in.
While I ran today, I listened to this song about 4 or 5 times. I've got to get this through my thick skull. No reckless abandon with common sense.
Don't even get me started on the line "the God we want and the God Who is" That could be a whole other post!
This very day as I was running, He brought me back to a song by Casting Crowns entitled "Somewhere in the Middle". About a year ago, this song came on my IPOD while I was running. I had never heard it before even though it was on my IPOD. Oh my goodness, the words knocked me on my rear. The line that spoke to me the most was "will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle". Have a listen then keep reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGnJq-av6TY
When I first heard this song, it was all about me trading my dreams for His. That I had to let go and embrace where He had brought me. This was a HUGE lesson for me.
Now as we are heading into a church planting endeavor, the words "reckless abandon wrapped in common sense" have once knocked me on my rear. In addition to "just how close can I get Lord to my surrender without losing all control". WOW!!!
Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense is an oxymoron. But this is what I want. I want the common sense. But if I keep my common sense then there is no reckless abandon to God.
You see I have plans of how this whole transition should go. In my plans, our house should have sold by now since it's been on the market 4 weeks today. We should know where we are going to live in Peoria. And we should have all our ducks in a row when it comes to moving. But God has called me to reckless abandon which is SO SO SO very hard for me. I am a detail oriented person, and He wants me to leave every detail in His hands. RECKLESS ABANDON........
This leads me to the next part of the lyrics "just how close can I get Lord to my surrender without losing all control." I want some control of this process. I don't need to have it all, but I want some. But He says I can't have any...It's all in His hands. Surrender is just that. Throwing up my hands and saying I can't. I give in.
While I ran today, I listened to this song about 4 or 5 times. I've got to get this through my thick skull. No reckless abandon with common sense.
Don't even get me started on the line "the God we want and the God Who is" That could be a whole other post!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
My Struggle to Believe
I just finished my quiet time with the Lord. I pulled out my journal and began to write to Him that I was struggling to spend time with Him. Not sure why though....as I wrote it came to the surface that I am struggling to believe. I'm struggling to believe that He will get us to Peoria.
Our lives are full of so many unknowns right now which I do not do well with. I begged him for something even just something small to help me feel more peaceful. Then I questioned if I was like the Israelites begging for a king. If you are familiar with the story, God granted their grumbling compliant and they ended up with King Saul who was evil to the core. I don't want to end up like the Israelites. I want good things from the Lord that come in His timing.
I found myself praying the prayer of a man in the New Testament, "Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief." He has come through every single time for our family. Yet, I struggle to believe because I am human and this is my sinful human condition. I don't want to stay in that condition. I want to be more. I want to be filled with faith. I want to be like Christ!
When we moved to Marshfield, my mom gave me a necklace that has a dove on it. The back of the necklace is inscribed with this "Faith guides us and gives us peace" I have had that necklace on for the past couple of weeks because it reminds me to trust Him. To hold onto His promises. I will most likely be wearing this necklace for a long time :)
Pray with me that He will help me in my unbelief.
Our lives are full of so many unknowns right now which I do not do well with. I begged him for something even just something small to help me feel more peaceful. Then I questioned if I was like the Israelites begging for a king. If you are familiar with the story, God granted their grumbling compliant and they ended up with King Saul who was evil to the core. I don't want to end up like the Israelites. I want good things from the Lord that come in His timing.
I found myself praying the prayer of a man in the New Testament, "Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief." He has come through every single time for our family. Yet, I struggle to believe because I am human and this is my sinful human condition. I don't want to stay in that condition. I want to be more. I want to be filled with faith. I want to be like Christ!
When we moved to Marshfield, my mom gave me a necklace that has a dove on it. The back of the necklace is inscribed with this "Faith guides us and gives us peace" I have had that necklace on for the past couple of weeks because it reminds me to trust Him. To hold onto His promises. I will most likely be wearing this necklace for a long time :)
Pray with me that He will help me in my unbelief.
Friday, February 24, 2012
We're Moving!!!
If you haven't heard, we announced on Feb 19th, that we are moving to Peoria, Illinois to plant a church. We will be moving probably early August. Here is a link to the You Tube video of when we announced during church service:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08e9aeDFJiw
This process has been sooooooooooo long and exhausting. And now even more work as we prepare the house, raise our financial support etc..
What has been so interesting is that this process has really taught us to listen for the whispers of God. We were contacted in September 2011 about this opportunity, but God has been working this out for years.
Paul came to faith in Christ at a church plant. During my college years, I felt a call to church plants. Paul and I met and married at a church plant. And even God bringing us to Marshfield was part of His Divine plan. We have had a phenomenal start to full time ministry. There was NO BETTER PLACE for us to start out. Paul and I have grown in so many huge ways during the last 4 years.
Now as we prepare, I often find myself tempted to worry. God has continually brought me back to Matthew 6, the section about worry. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life....." I am challenged every time I read it.
Then there are other questions to ask. Should we sell the house on our own or go with a realtor. What realtor? What should we ask? On and on the questions go. In the past, my character would have been to fret, fret, fret; however I have learned to trust, trust, trust. As I pray about the house God's answer has been "wait". Why He is saying "Wait" I have no idea. I have no clue what He's up to. My time is really going into preparing the house right now as we wait for Him to direct us on how to sell it.
And I have to tell you how blessed we have been already! We were notified to create a list of tasks that need to be done and "hand it over". A group of people want to come help. We have had several people say they are going to support us and would like to start in March! We got a nice tax return that is helping prepare the house. Have to use some to pay the state, but oh well! I can already see God moving. I pray He continues to!
The kids are doing so much better than when we told them. That was rough night. They literally just sobbed! Every couple of days, I check in with them to see how they're feeling and try to help them process their feelings in a healthy way. They're doing so well!
We would love for you to pray for us in this process, especially as we begin to work on raising financial support. We need God to move quickly in that regard. And I need a job transfer, pray that happens as well. In addition, please pray that the hours I would work in Peoria would be a good fit for our family. I have a sweet schedule here in Marshfield! I am blessed beyond belief in that area.
Thanks everyone!
Love ya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08e9aeDFJiw
This process has been sooooooooooo long and exhausting. And now even more work as we prepare the house, raise our financial support etc..
What has been so interesting is that this process has really taught us to listen for the whispers of God. We were contacted in September 2011 about this opportunity, but God has been working this out for years.
Paul came to faith in Christ at a church plant. During my college years, I felt a call to church plants. Paul and I met and married at a church plant. And even God bringing us to Marshfield was part of His Divine plan. We have had a phenomenal start to full time ministry. There was NO BETTER PLACE for us to start out. Paul and I have grown in so many huge ways during the last 4 years.
Now as we prepare, I often find myself tempted to worry. God has continually brought me back to Matthew 6, the section about worry. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life....." I am challenged every time I read it.
Then there are other questions to ask. Should we sell the house on our own or go with a realtor. What realtor? What should we ask? On and on the questions go. In the past, my character would have been to fret, fret, fret; however I have learned to trust, trust, trust. As I pray about the house God's answer has been "wait". Why He is saying "Wait" I have no idea. I have no clue what He's up to. My time is really going into preparing the house right now as we wait for Him to direct us on how to sell it.
And I have to tell you how blessed we have been already! We were notified to create a list of tasks that need to be done and "hand it over". A group of people want to come help. We have had several people say they are going to support us and would like to start in March! We got a nice tax return that is helping prepare the house. Have to use some to pay the state, but oh well! I can already see God moving. I pray He continues to!
The kids are doing so much better than when we told them. That was rough night. They literally just sobbed! Every couple of days, I check in with them to see how they're feeling and try to help them process their feelings in a healthy way. They're doing so well!
We would love for you to pray for us in this process, especially as we begin to work on raising financial support. We need God to move quickly in that regard. And I need a job transfer, pray that happens as well. In addition, please pray that the hours I would work in Peoria would be a good fit for our family. I have a sweet schedule here in Marshfield! I am blessed beyond belief in that area.
Thanks everyone!
Love ya
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