September Fun

We've been busy. Busy working, settling, adjusting and being sick! 

I painted Ben's room 

And Carsons room

My dad and I finished the kitchen

Before

After

Next week Thomas' room should be done and we should have our carpet in... The last of the big projects for a while. 

The boys have started soccer. Its so fun to be a part of a team again for them. We have 3 separate teams this year, which is a little tricky. I'm coaching Carsons team.. It's out door, so that new for them, but they still love it. 

We went to Hilton Head Labor Day weekend. It was a nice getaway. We just love the beach. Lots of swimming. I tried to teach the boys how to boogie board... It was fun. 

We are settling in well. Have a bit of a routine and it's starting to cool off. Yesterday I turned the air off and had the windows open. It was so nice to feel a breeze without the humidity!

 

Monotony

I read Jesus Calling in the am. Today's reading was about the monotony we slip into when we are in the routines of our days. The things we do one day go to bed and repeat the next. It really resignated with me because this is one of my struggles. I have a constant battle between "my mind slipping into neutral" and wanting to open a foster home and save all the child that will accept saving! Where is the medium? The place I'm supposed to be in in those monotonous days?

The problem with slipping into neutral is, I become so focused on how I'm not saving all the children I feel like I'm not being used by God. And that my friend is a lie! A lie straight from hell that satan wants me to believe! Why have we become like this? Why isn't it enough to be home taking care of our families? Why can't we be home AND be in Gods will? I believe we can. I believe that is the call for some of us. Let us not take it for granted. And if I'm not doing my job at home, faithful with what I have been given, why would God give me anything else until I get that right? Oh the struggle! 

How important is it that we invest and nurture and care for the little ones we call our own? I so enjoy being able to stay at home. Hearing all the stories about their day. Being there for all the big and little moments they grow through. And our husbands? They are second only after God. How powerful would it be if we were all in sync with our husbands, following his leadership? Respecting and trusting his decisions for our families. What example would that be for our children and our communities? How many children could our lives impact if we not only take care of those that are orphaned, but raised up a generation that also has a heart to take care of them? We allow our hearts desires, that may even be placed there by God, become a distraction, a focus that takes our focus off of God. I frequently remind myself Gid knows me better than I know myself. He wants more for our family that I can even imagine. So why won't I just say yes and trust? I now pray, Lord your will be done in Your timing. I say yes to the struggle, yes to the wait, yes to the not knowing or understanding, because I trust you know better than me. Let me notice when you nudge and be content when you say no. Let me have eyes to see the moments in the monotonous days that will impact your kingdom. Let there be JOY in serving you in the dishes and laundry. Let love be what drips from my actions and words.

So back to MY struggle. The places I fall short. For me it's about keeping my mind focused, "a mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to the world". I want to be vulnerable to God only. I need to be reading His word and be in some type of study or reading a book that challenges me. If I'm doing those things, when my mind wonders, it wonders to the places He is growing me. My sharp corners that need to be softened. The places I need Jesus to intervien, the places I need to deny my flesh, the places where I need to be refocused and how I can serve Him by serving others better. The people around me I can pray with and for. It keeps me broken before Him ready to receive what He has planned for the day. 

What is it that keeps you from slipping into neutral? 

Third Tuesday

It's the third Tuesday in our new house. We are beginning to settle in. There is still chaos and digging to find things, but the important things are here.... laughing, playing, exploring, rest, LOVE. 

The boys started school.

My dad and I have been busy turning this house into a home. He's been working on the cabinet doors to our kitchen while I have been painting and cleaning.... FOREVER cleaning!!! I will post before and after pictures when we're done. Also when they dug up the septic, the sprinkler system was dug up also. He has spent many hours repairing those.

We are attending a new church, LongLeaf. We have not fully settled in, but it seems to be most like "home" to us. Thomas has enjoyed the middle school group.

It seems we're all growing up a bit. Especially Thomas. This begins the years of transition from childhood to adult (insert mom tears!). He's gotten lessons in hand tools, bbq's and lawnmowers.

It's still surreal to me that we live in Georgia. That we just picked up everything to follow a call. That one day you can be going through life and all its familiar normalcy, then the next have nothing feel familiar or normal. To look around and be so thankful and uncomfortable at the same time. It's just how God works sometimes. Saying yes usually doesn't look like we thought it would. Saying yes can bring pain and struggle. But saying yes brings me to the awareness of my inadequacy. This is where I become dependent on Him and encounter His Glory. 

Washington Vacation

Be ready for a ton of pictures!!!! Last week we went to Washington to visit my family, it was amazing! So much fun and a well earned break. We stayed at a house on the beach. We spent as much time possible with my brothers family and Renee and her family even stayed a bit. We made tie dye shirts.... 

We played on the beach... A lot! At all times of day.

Of course we ate! 

We played board games, video games, watched movies and went on go carts! 

We went to the river swam, caught salamanders and crawdads! 

Then we cooked the crawdads for dinner.

Our last day we went to Seattle, our flight was early the next day so the night before we stayed in a hotel near the airport... We found a park nearby with a splash pad.

We had a great time building memories we won't forget! 

 

sometimes God just lets us out

Do you ever have those days you're raw? You feel like you're so transparent there's no place in you God is not? I don't mean to sound all deep, don't over think it. Like when you're working through stuff and God is in it? You feel Him guiding you through the chaos? 

I know this is how God works, but I always forget until it happens again. We struggle and we're in the struggle and we think why are we in this struggle? Then there's the breakthrough. Sometimes it's because we finally decide to do what God is asking us, sometimes we just choose to not focus on the struggle and alas, it's not the struggle we thought it was, but sometimes God just lets us out. Like our time in this struggle is done. He places His hands back over us to cover and protect again. Maybe because we've had what we can handle, maybe because we accomplished what we were suppose to? 

It's amazing to me how He works. How it becomes familiar. As we move through life we begin to recognize the hand of God at work. Not that we fully understand it, but we recognize it. He truly becomes part of us. It seems to happen little by little then all at once. Brick by brick it becomes our foundation. Our faith gets to the place where instead of doubting God we doubt ourselves. Knowing He is in all things, we look inward to see what He is trying to do through us. How what we are going through has kingdom value. And if something's off, it us not Him. 

Romans 8

So it's been a while since I've written. To be honest the past week or so has been a struggle and I haven't had words. 

Lets start with the fun! We decided to take an impromptu trip to Orlando, because why not when you can be there in 4 and a half hours! It's was 4th of July weekend and Tim and I were trying to come up with something to do over our 3 day weekend. Tim had the thought to visit one of his friends that lives just outside Orlando. It was great! Just what we needed. Tim had Friday off so I packed us up and we left when he got home Thursday night. The trip there was long due to roadwork (I guess they do it at night here because of the heat) we didn't arrive until after midnight. 

We were glad we decided to go Thursday because it allowed us to have 2 full days there. 

I'm sure you're dying to know what parks we visited.... NONE. Yes we are that family. The kids were so happy to have normal things like toys, play dough and food cooked on a grill. We were all content just hanging out at their house. 

We did visit SEALIFE aquarium.

The 4th their neighborhood had a block party with bounce houses, games and the kids participated in a parade. Then we went to a neighbors for swimming and dinner. 

It was perfect for us. At 9 o'clock we walked to the end of their road and caught a bit of Disney's firework show. I was there about 5 minute before Carson wanted to go home because they were "too loud". :-)

As for our house situation, we had the inspection Monday. Overall it went well. The big things like roof, foundation and exterior all look good. The air conditioning and heating need some maintenance and there were two toilets that didn't have water in them and were not working. So we added those 2 things to our contract. The seller asked to extend the due diligence date so he can get estimates on those items before agreeing to have them fixed. We agreed. 

This is our timeline as of now, July 17th due diligence ends (that's the date we should know if all terms are accepted and the contract will be final) we get back from Seattle July 29th, July 30th is the closing date, our apartment lease is up the 31st, August 3rd boys start school and our belongings arrive at the house on that day also. 

This week both Thomas and Ben, at separate times, broke down and cried about "just wanting to have a house". I totally don't blame them. Although we are very fortunate to have the place to stay that we do, being in such close quarters for so long is getting old. Bed time is my least favorite part of the day. With the boys sharing a room it is not a quick process. It takes about an hour... An hour of laughing til someone cries, drinks, blanket and pj problems and what are we doing tomorrow questions. It's like a mini marathon each night. I literally dream of us being in a house, all the boys in their own rooms and the go to bed and I sit down with a book and it's silent. So quiet I can hear the ceiling fans. 

This is why it is hard for me personally... It has all got to happen within such a crazy tight timeline. Now I know in my heart God is taking care of us and this timeline. I. Know. It. But the flesh I live in, this skin that keeps me this side of heaven struggles to maintain peace. The battle is real. Daily I pray, Lord your will be done. Your kingdom come.... and here's the hard part... In your timing, God. Because I truly don't want to be outside of that... But my flesh looks around at these tight quarters, these unproductive days and these sleepless nights and it screams, I want out! I'm done being in the in-between. I'm done eating out. I'm done breaking up the fights over who's licking who... Just done. 

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:5-18, 26-28 NIV)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV) Even when it's an argument in our heads. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV)

Our Comforter

I read this the other day....

"Rest with me awhile. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits your journey."

That is exactly what I needed to be reminded of.

It's summer, I lose track of days. I measure the time in toiletries and goceries. At first we thought we'd only be here until the end of June. Now it'll be the end of July at the soonest. I would go to the store and buy the 4 pack of toilet paper and the travel size shampoo knowing we have all that stuff in a truck somewhere on its way to us. Now, our stuff is going to storage. We've added a month to the in-between stage. I've given in, bought the "family size" toilet paper and laundry detergent, gallon size milk. I look around and think, I can't believe we've been here 2 gallons of milk, or 4 bottles of sunscreen long.

We've seemed to settle in, as much as we can. We have a bit of a routine.... Even though it includes some very none routine things, like electronics everyday and eating out couple times a week.... We've done things locals do.

Gone to doctors appointments (well visits for school).

Gone to stores, church and restaurants without the GPS. 

The boys have come up with some games they play that they have only played here.

I feel like we are on the downhill side of things, not that it's gotten easier or less stressful or things are figured out, but that we are embracing where we are and what God is doing. We can see His hand at work, even though we don't understand it all, it's still comforting. We've come to the point where we've accepted that the places we find comfort aren't the things that truly bring us comfort. We are learning to operate in His timing instead of our own.

Still Trusting

This week started hard. Thomas left for camp Monday morning and I took Ben and Carson to VBS. 

I had that empty nest feeling... You'd think that it would be an appreciated break after being in an apartment for 2 weeks. 

I've always loved having the boys around. Not that I don't want them to mature, grow, hit milestones, but I love breaks and summer and having them home. Don't get me wrong, there's moments I want to lock myself in a closest with some phish food and a good book, but I look at the grand scheme of things and it freaks me out how short their time at home is.

I had plenty to do in the short 3 hours they were in VBS. There's so much paperwork when moving... the house, the schools, the bills, the cars..... Never ending! It WAS very nice to do all that without 3 kids in tow. 

This week we met with environmental health. They were very helpful and told us all that needed to be done to get the septic up to code. We then conveyed that to the seller and at first, we didn't know if the seller was going to get it all done in the time frame set up on our contract. We have until July 1st to cancel our offer. We wanted to be sure he was going to get on top of it before this time. Then they have until July 30th, our close date, to get all the work done. 

I went to register the kids for school today and they would not let me without a permanent address. Which we do not have one at this time. Currently we have the apartment until July 31st. The lady told me to come back on the 31st with the paperwork from closing and they'll register them... They start school August 3rd... Cutting it a little close. Also, our stuff is set to arrive the 3rd.... It's a little stressful! 

After leaving the school, I had anxiety. Why is it so hard to just BE in this time? Tim sent me a text that was very encouraging. We agreed to just let it be and trust.... Again. :-) We know we are taken care of. We just need to trust. We remind ourselves daily..... Trust. About 4 hours later we got an email from our realtor passing on information about the progress that is being made on the house. It was so encouraging. It was such a blessing. Perfect timing. We would have been ok not knowing, but God is taking care of us.

Father's Day

Today I am so thankful for my husband. He loves his kids well. He puts their needs above his own. He gets splashed in the face, kicked in the boy parts, hung on by 6 little hands and loses board games with a smile. It's amazing to be a part of the legacy he is creating. Watching 3 pairs of eyes look up to all he does. It blesses me. Especially because I did not have that experience growing up. I am proud of him. Happy Father's Day to an amazing example. 

Yesterday we went to Savannah. It was a much needed trip. Time away from the apartment and work and time together. We went to Tybee Island.. 

After relaxing and playing at the HOT beach... It was over 100 and heat index was high... We went to dinner at The Pirates House. Fun atmosphere and good food! I was impressed by the shrimp kids meal..

So was Ben!

This week is a big week coming up. Not only do we find out about the house, Thomas is going to PRETEEN camp... When did that happen!?!? The church we are going to is having their summer camp and it just happened to be next week. Thomas is beyond excited! I also signed Ben and Carson up for VBS at a nearby church. It will be great for them to have some interaction with kids their ages.