Trials. randomness,and a few prayer requests...

I read Amanda Moore Jones Blog yesterday and was challenged, and encouraged. Having studied the book of James recently I was reminded of these verses in James 1.

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.


 It was no accident that our church choose the Beth Moore study of James when they did. God knew I needed it. The refresher on what exactly His promises are when facing trials, flooded my mind months later, as I sat in a hospital room with our son, while my husband was miles away starting a new job. 


Moving has had it's challenges. It has been a blessing to have our schedule slow down.
 It's been a step, no, leap of faith. 
A good leap.
But scary, and at times unsure. 


As I was reading Amanda's blog, and how she related to Michael Phelps and learning to swim with broken goggles. And not even just swimming, but winning Gold! I was reminded of just how faithful God has been in all of the trials we have faced.


It's hard to remember that trials, DO MAKE US BETTER! I could so relate how she said they have just had weird things happen. Things that make you shake your head and ask "Why?". I don't know "why?" to many of the events of the last two years of unemployment, and health struggles, and just crazy life in general issues.


But I am thankful that I do know the Truth's of God's Word. He's not finished His work in me. If the trials we continue to face, are simply to reveal to us the Love of Christ. I will resolve to stand in amazement of that. If it's to soften my heart to the daily trials of others, I hope I show compassion and mercy. If anything, I have learned, don't judge others based on their circumstances. You just don't know what is going on behind closed doors. I have been blessed by the generosity and love of so many wonderful people. I only hope I can be so generous and compassionate in someone's time of need. 


This move has been hard. Won't lie. Everyday God has faithfully provided a Word from Him. Reminding me that He knows our needs. And then faithfully provides. We have so much to be thankful for, and yet I still tend to worry and fret over how we are going to make all of this work. I suppose it's a minute by minute "renewal of my thoughts". Constantly reminding myself to focus on ALL That we DO have. Not on what we don't. To step back, and trust God. I suppose that you could say I've been demonstrating  the "oh ye of little faith" attitude. Getting caught up in the day to day stuff, that I forget to see the big picture. 


If you could remember us in prayer over these things we would so appreciate it.
1.We are having hang ups with insurance. Elliott needs his prescriptions and appointments with neurologists and specialist next week.The insurance company screwed up,and have been working to get everything straightened out. Yet it is still a frustration and extra thing to have to work out.


2.We visited a church last Sunday that we think will be a good fit for our family (The name, Friendship Baptist, just the name led us to try it out!), pray the kids can make some friends this week. Hands down one of the hardest things about moving for them, was leaving our wonderful church family. It's been hard for them to not compare every church to our old church. Honestly, it's been hard for all of us! Elliott especially has had a hard time, pray this Sunday he would really connect and feel at home.


3. We have made some precious friends, one family in particular we love dearly. They just got orders for a transfer to Oklahoma. Our kids are heartbroken. There is a chance that these orders will be revoked. We are praying for that! If not, they would be moving the end of September. :( If they do have to move, pray they would have peace about it as it's not what they wanted either.


4. My parents and brother are traveling down here this weekend. Pray for safe travels. We are beside ourselves that they are coming, and CAN NOT WAIT to hug their necks and go explore cool sights together. :) Pray some dear friends can come up from Alabama too, we'd love to hug their necks too! ;)


5.We currently have one vehicle, it's been a challenge since Brandon works 30+ minutes away. We need a God sized miracle to be able to get a second vehicle he can take back and forth to work, that's better on gas than our van. Believing God can make a way!


Praises!
We have a washer and drier! YAY! 


Elliott has not had ANY seizures since being here! THANK-YOU JESUS!


WE ARE ALL UNPACKED!!!!! Miracles DO HAPPEN! Still sitting "Chinese style" considering we don't have any furniture...but being that my children have this desire to try everything the Olympic gymnast's do. It's super handy to have an empty living room they can perform their "routines" in!  Speaking of the Olympics, this is a super fun activity for kids! Check it out! 


Okay, we are off for a stroll through the neighborhood before lunch! :)Maybe I'll take some video again,hopefully it won't rain on us like it did last week.;) And a song that just makes me happy!
Happy Thursday to you!

Boxes.

When you move the boxes seem endless. Having boxes full of little things, that comprise your physical life on earth is a very thought provoking time. A precious friend told me she " Found moving to not just be a physical journey from one place to another, but a spiritual journey." I couldn't agree more.

While packing I came across so many random things. There was SO much freedom in throwing things away, or giving it away. One thing that really sticks out in my mind though was a piece of note book paper. My husband had written on before we got married. It was a list of "ideals". Not his own, but rather, what should have been his "ideals",encouraged by other people.

 Interesting how the word Ideals, and the word Idols are so similar.
Ideals:

1. A person or thing regarded as perfect: "you're my ideal of a man".
2. A standard of perfection; a principle to be aimed at: "tolerance and freedom, the liberal ideals".

Idol:

An image or representation of a god used as an object of worship. A person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered: "movie idol Robert Redford".

When wanting something in life, are we wanting it because it's what God would want? Or do we want it because it serves a selfish purpose, that can turn into an idol.

 I'm not talking like a totem pole, that you bow to daily. I'm talking about the ideal life. Big house, nice cars, 401K, summer home. Or how about, kids with strait A's, top of their class, "pillars" of the church, head of the Elder board, or Deacon board.

None of those things are bad things. But, what is driving you to want those things.

I suppose I'd be considered radical. But, packing all of my possessions in boxes made me realize something. It's just stuff. And those titles, are just that. Titles. The only thing that really matters is what we do for eternity. Like the daily life stuff. Loving un-lovable people, serving without wanting anything in return. It's not that we don't strive to do our best, it's that we do it with the mindset that we are doing our best for God.

Not for the approval of other people.

Tossing that little piece of notebook paper in the trash was so freeing. Why? Because the boy that wrote that list of "ideals", is not the man I am married to now.
Why? Because God has transformed His heart, and My heart. I am ever so thankful.

We haven't arrived, that's for sure. But that's part of the journey. To remain humble. Daily surrendering yourself to God, putting on His armor and walking in full confidence of the Grace He provides.

We don't fit into the "typical" box anymore. And I'm glad. I like words like transformed, radical, abandoned. Most of all, Saved by Grace. So with a spring in my step, and a lot of laughter, I threw that notebook paper away. And shouted a "Praise You Jesus!". It's all because of Him!

While unpacking the many boxes in our house, I thought about how I've put God in a box. It was pretty, and I used it every Sunday. Then put it back. When life got hard I'd go back to it. It's easy to do. We get wrapped up in the "Ideals",or "Idols" that we tend to compartmentalize our entire lives.

I'm thankful that God shook up my life, and unearthed all of my compartments. The last few years have been the hardest of my life. I've realized my daily,err,hourly. Minute by minute need for my Savior.

I couldn't help but think of this song while unpacking. Though it's not a "Christian group". The message is still powerful.


I don't want to raise the next generation of "little box people". I hope they create their lives on the standard of what does Christ want me to do. Then go after it with full abandon all the while radically serving and loving other people.

Moving...etc.

I've had many ask me why we moved. What were the events that made us decide this was the best for our family. I've had some time to gather my thoughts, and a book I've been reading has helped me clarify and realize the bigger picture and how I can best share that with all of you. I love these pictures, and thought that I'd share them with you. It's our sweet Elliott "driving" a friends Antique truck. They SO capture his personality. They were very impromptu pictures, and those often become my favorites.

My husband had been un-employed for nearly two years. Getting odd jobs here and there, continuing to do website design and development from home. But never getting offered anything with benefits, that was full time. We had been praying, and thought it wise that he apply anywhere and everywhere. In the fall of 2011 he started to apply for jobs in Georgia. We never heard back from any of them. In April he began a seasonal job. Not ideal, hardly made enough to support us. But, it was something. He continued to look and apply other places. He was offered a job at an asphault company. Still, a seasonal position. But he'd be making more, and decided he'd take it and work as many hours as they would let him. First he had to get his CDL and go through all of those qualifications. He put his resignation in at the landscaping company and his last day was the Friday before Mother's Day. On Saturday morning, he got a phone call from the company in Georgia that he applied with in the fall. They informed him that they had an opening, and wanted to interview him. He was to start at the asphault company after he got his CDL, and would  have a week between jobs We prayed about it, and decided we had the money to get him down to Georgia for an interview. It was the first full time job,with benefits that he had been offered in 2 years. So, Saturday we picked up a rental car, and I packed all of his clothing. Yes. All of it. While reading and praying Saturday I felt like the Lord kept prompting my heart. I felt like He was asking me "Do you Trust Me?". I also felt like he was telling me to "Step out in Faith". I asked the Lord to do two things, to show me this was His will. First, to have the company offer him the job in the interview. and Second, to have him start asap. In the back of my mind I  thought "It won't happen."...but then God would ask me "Do you Trust Me?" and to "Step out in faith". So I stayed up until the early morning hours packing all of Brandon's things. When he woke up to leave, I'm pretty sure he thought I was crazy. I just knew he would need it. He wasn't convinced.

On Monday morning he went to the interview. It went well, they offered him a fairly decent package,and then offered him the job. In the interview, and wanted him to start asap. As he was walking out of the interview, his phone rang. It was another company that he had applied with in Georgia, six months prior. They told him they now had an opening, and wanted to interview him.

It's as though God said "I'll do one better, I'll have two jobs offered to him."

Brandon interviewed with the second company. They offered him the job, in the interview. With benefits. And offered a higher pay package, with bonus'. And wanted him to start asap.

Clearly. God was ALL over this. He went above and beyond answering my requests.
 Next came finding a house. I flew down to Georgia over Memorial Day weekend. We drove around alot, and looked at many houses. My brother and his wife live in Georgia. So I really wanted to be in close proximity to them. Everything we looked at was at least 20 minutes from them. And all the houses went SO fast. We live in a military town. As soon as a house would become available, we would call to see it. Never failed someone signed a lease before they'd even seen the house. The day after I flew home. My sister in law saw the neighbors putting a for rent sign in their yard. The house was going to be available in about a month, and yes, it's literally right next door to my brother and his wife. We jumped on it.

Brandon looked at it. It was 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms,open concept floor plan. Really everything we could want or need. Had a huge fenced in back yard and was in our price range. And did I mention RIGHT NEXT DOOR to my brother his wife and my adorable nephew and niece?!?

Again. All God. I couldn't help but feel like God was saying to me "See, you stepped out in faith, you trusted Me. I answered. Quit putting Me in a box, I'm faithful!" I've been soooo humbled through this entire process.

We have been here for two weeks. It's home. We chose to move, because God showed himself faithful in the little details. We have a handful of things that are very important to our family. Such as me staying home with our Children, educating them at home. My husbands new job allow's for those things to continue. We are thankful for that. Sure, it comes with sacrifices. Leaving family and friends, selling most of our possessions,  leaving our church family. It's been hard. But, again, God has proven himself faithful in the littlest details.

I've been reading a book, that I really think everyone should read. If you have moved, or know someone who has, or maybe just as a way to better relate to someone who is moving. I found it at our local public library. (Another thing that is totally awesome about our new home town! We have an amazing library!)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558323430/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

And as for our Elliott. He is doing okay. We'd covet your prayers as we are in the throws of transferring all of his medical care here. There has been some  insurance hang ups, that would be ever so nice to get figured out. Soon. Plus, meeting new Doctors etc is never fun. He has not had fevers, but has a rash all over his body that we can't figure out. The seizure medications have been working, for that we are thankful. Pray that the doctors can get to the bottom of the rash over his body, and the lethargy he faces on a daily basis.
Thank you friends!

Official...

Yesterday I had a hot date with my husband. We did really romantic things, like put the electric in both of our names. Then, we had pictures taken together....for new drivers licence. They look more like mug shots. Then we got a better deal on car insurance. Gotta love saving money on that! We did manage to have a yummy lunch together. After taking nearly three hours just to do those things, I was rather grouchy and starving. A huge thanks to my sister in law who watched our kids so we could go on our romantic outing. While sitting at the BMV forever, and listening to a small child scream his head off. I thought "Man,I'm so glad we have family here, so we didn't have to drag our kids along with us!". I wanted to scream my head off there...I can't imagine how horrible it had to be for that poor little kid! After lunch we picked the kids up and took them to the library. We all got library cards. Seriously, my kids were SO excited! First of all, the library is HUGE and brand new. The children's librarian gave the kids a tour, and she was just the sweetest. Dressed in typical awesome librarian fashion, with her polka dot navy blue dress and white doily collar and brown tortoise shell glasses. She was ever so excited to show the children around while  I filled out paper work for their cards. I was excited such a sweet lady is the librarian, she for sure will be a favorite person to visit for my children. She hosts a home school reading program once a week. We signed ourselves up. Who knows, I might just have to pull out some leather book straps, vests,knee socks,and apples and do our back to school pictures at the library! :) We will no doubt be frequent visitors. Today, we are going on a bike ride. Gotta scope out our huge neighborhood. I'll take the video camera along. Maybe we'll see the huge snake that's claimed my sister in laws yard as it's territory. But I really  hope not. I sure am loving seeing my family on a daily basis. The other night we had a delicious dinner with my brother's family. Was so nice to sit around a table with him and talk. I've missed that. Well, I'm off to make memories with my kiddos today. I've gotten all of the CD's edited and mailed out, and now can sit back and relax! Well, and paint and unpack. But that's relaxing to me!

Sneak Peek #6

Love these sweet siblings. We had fun taking pictures in the park, and love catching glimpses of just how much they love each other. ;)

Sneak Peek #4

These kids are SO photogenic. I loved working with them, and their mom is SO sweet! She even brought me a drink, it was SO hot the day we were shooting. A huge thank you to them for their patience and being so much fun to work with!

Sneak Peek #5

These two are hilarious! I've known them since before they were born. They are some of my kiddos closest friends. And we love them dearly. Some of these pictures made me laugh out loud. I just love it when I get a glimpse of a child's true personality in a photo. :)