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)