Church

Boy, I hate finding a new church!!  I am glad that there are so many good ones out there, but it is hard to find the perfect fit for your own family.  We have been to a few here, but we have not joined one yet.  I am praying God will lead us to the right church soon.  I really liked the one we tried last night.  They even have a Master's Club program there, which the kids were excited about.  They also have homeschooler's, which is important to Ashley.  We keep praying that God will give us wisdom and that we will know what His will is for our family.  Even though we have just visited churches, I have gotten a lot out of all of the sermon's.  So I am thankful for that!!  It's great to see so many Christian's truly living for the Lord, and not just claiming to be saved.  That has been a huge encouragement to me :)

Decisions

Every year God never fails to surprise me.  There is always a new challenge that He uses to grow us closer to Him.  This year is no different.  In fact, I think this is going to be the most trying year we have ever faced.  We know God's will is perfect, but figuring out His plan for our lives is the hard part.  We have quite a few decisions to make that will affect our lives forever.  I am praying that we make the right choices and that God will be pleased with us.  I will keep you posted with how things turn out.  I don't know how or why we are faced with these decisions, but I know God has a plan!

Never again

Last night we found a new home for our puppy.  I know it was best for him, but I still miss him terribly!  I hate getting an animal and then having to give it away.  It tears at my heart :(  I know he is happy though.  The guy that took him sent pictures and he looks very happy and at home.  Right now we need to focus on our kids and selling the house.  But, I will never again have an animal.  It hurts too much when they leave, whether they have to be sold, or they pass away.  So I'm done with pets.  I know my kids aren't happy about that, but that is the way it is.  Rebecca had a good idea, to put away all the money I was spending on the dog every month, and save it for a vacation.  After the stress of moving, the house, the dog. . . I think I will take her up on that!!  We need something to lift our spirits from all the things we have going on right now!!  I still try to remember to just trust God to take care of everything.  Sometimes it is hard, but I know in my heart, His way is best. 

Out of the mouths of babes

Dylan and I had a great conversation last night before he went to bed.  He told me when he grows up that he wants to be a cowboy.  I asked him where he would get the cows and he said he'd have to grow them, or something!  Then he said he would have to kill them all so he could have food.  I told him that he should save some to keep having babies, but he didn't think that was a good idea LOL.  I asked him where he was going to live, and he said he would live in the house in NC, since noone is living there right now.  I asked him what kind of car he would have and he said that he would just take my car for free, that way he wouldn't have to pay for one.  I asked him how many kids he wanted and he said 71.  He was going to only have boys because he doesn't like girls.  He was going to name them all Jacob and Esau, that way he would always remember to tell them about the bible.  He told me he would put them all in different colored clothes so he could tell them apart.   I thought  that was a good idea ;)  I asked him what he would do if he had a girl, and he said he would just sell it to me.  Then he changed his mind and said he wouldn't mind having 2 girls, named Mary and Mandy.  Because those sound like good names.  I told him I was proud of him for planning it all out.  He looked really proud of himself for all his great ideas.  I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I snuggled with him.  My sweet little boy.  I thank God so much for him!!

Thinking too much

Sometimes I wonder why things happen the way they do.  Not in a bad way, but it's just really neat to see how God's hand is in everything.  Like how you meet someone, and become friends, or how you help someone not knowing you are planting a seed.  Stuff like that.  I don't always think about why or how things happen, but when I do, it makes me be more aware of being there for others and not just letting life pass by.  Sometimes bad things happen too, that only God knows the purpose for it happening.  But no matter what happens in our lives, good or bad, we need to keep our focus on God and making sure we are living for Him.  I am nowhere near perfect, and sometimes I wonder why or how God could use me.  But He does, and when I least expect it.  I am just rambling, I am sure.  I don't know if any of this makes sense, but I have just been thinking about God and life and how things turn out.  I just hope that when I get to heaven, God will be pleased.  

Why oh why?

I don't know why I torture myself by looking at houses right now when we aren't ready to buy.  I, of course, found a house that would be great for us.  It's a foreclosure, so cheap, but in a nice neighborhood, blah, blah.  But our house hasn't sold yet.  This house will most likely be gone whenever we are ready to buy, but I guess it is nice to know that there are cheap houses in nice neighborhoods here.  So that is good to know.  We are still praying for our house to sell.  I am not sure what God has in store for us right now, but we are just trusting that His will is best and that He will continue to guide and direct our path.  Things are going really well at my parents house.  I love being here to help out, and the kids love to see their grandparents every day!  It has been a huge blessing to us!  Nathan and I went on a date tonight and it was a lot of fun.  I love that there are so many great places here!  I really missed that in NC.  I am trying to stay positive, even though our house is still for sale.  Some days are harder than others, but I know nothing is too big for God!  He has been teaching us so much and providing for us in ways I never could have imagined!  He truly is a wonderful, loving God!  I am so thankful to be His child!

Sick

Well, surprise, surprise, I got Marissa's cold :(  I have a major headache, which makes it impossible to sleep, and a very sore throat.  So I don't feel much like talking.  Shockingly Nathan is very happy about that ;)  I am shocked that I actually miss walking the dog.  I did a short walk this morning but nothing tonight, and I am really bummed.  I guess that is a good thing.  I am almost down to my wedding weight, which has been a goal of mine for a few months now.  I haven't done a ton to work at it, but lately I have been jogging (those of you that know me well know I HATE jogging)!  It actually has been fun trying to keep up with the pup!  He has lots of energy, but I have been doing alright.  I also, believe it or not, have gotten some sun since coming here.  Well, for me it's an improvement, but to most of you I will still look crazy white!  I guess something is better than nothing!  The gallon of sunblock I use daily doesn't help with the tan, but does keep me safe :)  I hope I feel better tomorrow so I can keep up on the jogging.  Now, where did I put those girl scout cookies . . .