As we are coming into our last few months of homeschooling, it makes me sad. From the time Julie was 4 weeks old I have either worked two jobs, worked, did my intern, and went to school school, or been at CNS where I work 80 hours a week. The chance to be able to home school is the first chance I have ever gotten to really be there for everything. I am most grateful for my company allowing and trusting in me to work from home and be a mother/teacher. This summer I will start back full time in the office until school starts again. I am sure going to miss all the extra time I got with Julie; but blessed with the time I did get and look forward to the time I will get.
I have looked back at the past year and so many things have happened. We said our final goodbye to the first Church that ever really felt like home. I truly miss each and every person, for so long they were our family. I never understood why God closed the door to the Church. For others it might be different but for me it felt like the last chapter of saying goodbye. Scott and I were lead to leave long before it closed, but we always came back. So maybe for us it was God's way of pushing us to move forward with what he has next.
We are also pushing forward with our Insurance office and after a very long road finishing up the last details to get the P&C side started! I am looking forward to seeing how God will move our business.
And then we welcomed my first nephew into this world! I have never realized how much fun it was to be an Aunt. I cherish every second I get to spend with Celia, Abby and Monkey (David). I absolutely adore them!
This year was the first time Scott and I got to take a weekend away. It was the most amazing time and truly helped us reconnect as a couple and not just parents.
There are so many cool things starting up over the next few months and I couldn't feel more blessed. And with out a doubt I know that with out God in our life's we would never have survived the past 8 years let a lone the past year.
I look back and had I not turned to God when we left our Church or anything that happened before we left; how would it have turned out. Would we have continued to look at all? Would we have been able to stand together as a family the way we did? Would we have walked away with out any newly made friends? Would we be here today? How would things have turned out if I didn't trust in God to provide when I walked into my bosses office and put my notice in? Would we be homeless? Would I have still been able to home school Julie? Would it have torn our family apart that I wasn't working? And what if we hadn't had faith in God that Monkey would be born healthy as can be? His cord was wrapped around his neck, we had every reason to just give up and be angry. The truth is, it doesn't matter because we have faced a lot of dark days and with out a doubt there will be more, but we know and trust that God will be there. He will take us by the hand and hold on tight.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, August 1, 2010
God's Timing
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Although it is extremely hard to see it, God's timing is always perfect. Last year Julie's school closed down. After it set in, I started praying about homeschooling her. God told me it wasn't time. Homeschooling is something I had really looked into when she was a baby. So this past year Julie went to public school for the first time. She had a really hard time adjusting and just ended up giving up on school. It hurt to see my child struggling when she had always done so well. Scott and I continued to pray for guidance and this year God told me it was time. So I took that step and gave my notice at work. I expected it to be hard, but what happened surprised me even more. My boss had asked me to stay and work from home so that I could still home school my daughter. It was beyond belief. I called Scott and I said I can't believe what God just did!
Scott's passion is sales specifically, insurance. And he's good at it. He makes it easy to understand and he respects his clients. It's hard to find someone who cares about saving you money in the sales industry, but he does. If he can't save you money he is upfront and honest about your options. Scott has tried several times to go back into Insurance sales, but it wasn't God's timing. Needless to say, we didn't listen and it failed. We continued to pray about it and seek answers on where God wanted us. God spoke and he said September. Wow, that's pretty scary. I am (was) quitting my job to home school Julie and now he was saying for Scott to quit his to do Insurance. We didn't question it though, we started going through the steps to make it happen. Then we re-met Danielle and Danny and everything just started falling into place.
We are in awe in how God has been working in our lives this year. So many things led up to where we are today, but it would take me weeks to write it all out. We went through a lot of struggles and hurt hearts to get where we are today. And for the longest time we were lost on what God was asking us to do. This year started off hard, we fought what God was wanting because it hurt to let those things go. Today I am thankful for the friendships that we have made and even more thankful for the many blessings that God continues to give us everyday!
God isn't just working in our lives though, he is working in yours too and even if you can't see it, my prayer for you is that someday you will.
Please pray for us as we begin this new journey of homeschooling, our business, new Church and many new friendships to come!
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Although it is extremely hard to see it, God's timing is always perfect. Last year Julie's school closed down. After it set in, I started praying about homeschooling her. God told me it wasn't time. Homeschooling is something I had really looked into when she was a baby. So this past year Julie went to public school for the first time. She had a really hard time adjusting and just ended up giving up on school. It hurt to see my child struggling when she had always done so well. Scott and I continued to pray for guidance and this year God told me it was time. So I took that step and gave my notice at work. I expected it to be hard, but what happened surprised me even more. My boss had asked me to stay and work from home so that I could still home school my daughter. It was beyond belief. I called Scott and I said I can't believe what God just did!
Scott's passion is sales specifically, insurance. And he's good at it. He makes it easy to understand and he respects his clients. It's hard to find someone who cares about saving you money in the sales industry, but he does. If he can't save you money he is upfront and honest about your options. Scott has tried several times to go back into Insurance sales, but it wasn't God's timing. Needless to say, we didn't listen and it failed. We continued to pray about it and seek answers on where God wanted us. God spoke and he said September. Wow, that's pretty scary. I am (was) quitting my job to home school Julie and now he was saying for Scott to quit his to do Insurance. We didn't question it though, we started going through the steps to make it happen. Then we re-met Danielle and Danny and everything just started falling into place.
We are in awe in how God has been working in our lives this year. So many things led up to where we are today, but it would take me weeks to write it all out. We went through a lot of struggles and hurt hearts to get where we are today. And for the longest time we were lost on what God was asking us to do. This year started off hard, we fought what God was wanting because it hurt to let those things go. Today I am thankful for the friendships that we have made and even more thankful for the many blessings that God continues to give us everyday!
God isn't just working in our lives though, he is working in yours too and even if you can't see it, my prayer for you is that someday you will.
Please pray for us as we begin this new journey of homeschooling, our business, new Church and many new friendships to come!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
4 wonderful years!!
Today is mine and Scott's 4 year anniversary! We have been together for 7 years and overcome so much together. 7 years ago Scott and I were completely different people and I never imagined where our walk together would end up where we are today. He is my absolute best friend, the one I can always count on. I never thought that I could love him more than the day that I married him, but the love I have for him now is so much deeper. He has supported me and loved me in some of my darkest days. He has been an inspiration for our children. And no matter what others think of him for it, he isn't afraid to say how he feels and that takes guts. One of the things I love the most about him, is his heart! He has a heart of gold. He is always the first to help someone out in need, lend a shoulder/ear, or just simply love them as they need to be loved no matter who. I love to watch him with our kids and just see the joy he brings into their lives each and every day. I love the way he loves me whole heartily and never afraid to show me or make me feel loved and special. With out a doubt 4 years ago was the happiest day of my life, but the love I felt back then is nothing compared to what it is today!
Happy Anniversary Scott! I am truly blessed to have you by my side! I love you!!!
Happy Anniversary Scott! I am truly blessed to have you by my side! I love you!!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
70 times 7
Before we were Christians, it was natural for us to hold grudges and be unforgiving, because that was our very nature. (Ephesians 2:2-3) As believers though, we have been set free from our unforgiving past and it no longer has to lead us about:
“Let me say this, then, speaking for the Lord: Live no longer as the unsaved do, for they are blinded and confused. Their closed hearts are full of darkness: they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against him, and they cannot understand his ways. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong and have given themselves over to impure ways. They stop at nothing, being driven by their evil minds and reckless lusts. But that isn’t the way Christ taught you. If you have really heard his voice and learned from him the truths concerning himself, then throw off your old evil nature; the old you that was a partner in your evil ways- rotten through and through, full of lust and shame.
Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are hurting ourselves. If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry- get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil. If anyone is stealing, he must stop it and begin using those hands of his for honest work so he can give to others in need. Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing. Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete.
Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling with harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in you. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, Just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.” (Ephesians 4:17-32 LB)
And that is what this study is all about; an in depth look at what the Bible says about forgiveness, and how we are Christians are called to forgive:
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22
Recently I have been having a hard time letting go of the hurt and the pain that we (my family) experienced months ago. I thought that I had forgiven, and I don't hold any grudges, but I am more cautious. However I can't get the pain and the hurt out of my heart. I really didn't realize how much I held on to it until last Sunday Julie was reading out of her Bible and this is the passage she read “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22.
I haven't been able to stop thinking of that verse. Wow!
And then last night a friend came to me with similar hurt that we experienced. Their heart was broken and hard to forgiveness. In a weird way it opened my heart up to be able to forgive fully, and that is what I want to see for them. I don't want the same outcome that we had because that only allows the devil to win as he ALMOST did in our case.
We all fall short of the glory of God, but we also forgiven for each and everything when we open our own heart to forgiveness. I know the pain of not being able to forgive yourself and it's not something that you want to carry with you.
At the beginning of the year after all that we experienced and seen first hand in Florida I felt so strongly that God was working hard in my heart and in my life, but when we returned to Ohio it felt like that passion was gone.
People aren't perfect. They are going to hurt you and you hurt them, but forgiveness is so important especially when your the one forgiving. But our walk with God isn't about the people who hurt you or who you hurt. God's plan is so much more.
Our life experiences make us stronger for things that we will face in the future. I pray that my eyes will stop focusing on that hurt and move on to what God has called me to do. I know that it will be a tough road, but it's a road I am ready to take.
I want better for my children and want them to have strong faith in God. When I doubt my faith weather it be in Church, Christians, or God my children are seeing and learning that. Its easier for people to see the wrong than the right. Its easier to loose sight then to focus on Him.
Some of my favorite Bible verses that have been speaking to me these last few months.
Proverbs 3:5
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.”
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
“Let me say this, then, speaking for the Lord: Live no longer as the unsaved do, for they are blinded and confused. Their closed hearts are full of darkness: they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against him, and they cannot understand his ways. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong and have given themselves over to impure ways. They stop at nothing, being driven by their evil minds and reckless lusts. But that isn’t the way Christ taught you. If you have really heard his voice and learned from him the truths concerning himself, then throw off your old evil nature; the old you that was a partner in your evil ways- rotten through and through, full of lust and shame.
Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are hurting ourselves. If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry- get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil. If anyone is stealing, he must stop it and begin using those hands of his for honest work so he can give to others in need. Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing. Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete.
Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling with harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in you. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, Just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.” (Ephesians 4:17-32 LB)
And that is what this study is all about; an in depth look at what the Bible says about forgiveness, and how we are Christians are called to forgive:
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22
Recently I have been having a hard time letting go of the hurt and the pain that we (my family) experienced months ago. I thought that I had forgiven, and I don't hold any grudges, but I am more cautious. However I can't get the pain and the hurt out of my heart. I really didn't realize how much I held on to it until last Sunday Julie was reading out of her Bible and this is the passage she read “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22.
I haven't been able to stop thinking of that verse. Wow!
And then last night a friend came to me with similar hurt that we experienced. Their heart was broken and hard to forgiveness. In a weird way it opened my heart up to be able to forgive fully, and that is what I want to see for them. I don't want the same outcome that we had because that only allows the devil to win as he ALMOST did in our case.
We all fall short of the glory of God, but we also forgiven for each and everything when we open our own heart to forgiveness. I know the pain of not being able to forgive yourself and it's not something that you want to carry with you.
At the beginning of the year after all that we experienced and seen first hand in Florida I felt so strongly that God was working hard in my heart and in my life, but when we returned to Ohio it felt like that passion was gone.
People aren't perfect. They are going to hurt you and you hurt them, but forgiveness is so important especially when your the one forgiving. But our walk with God isn't about the people who hurt you or who you hurt. God's plan is so much more.
Our life experiences make us stronger for things that we will face in the future. I pray that my eyes will stop focusing on that hurt and move on to what God has called me to do. I know that it will be a tough road, but it's a road I am ready to take.
I want better for my children and want them to have strong faith in God. When I doubt my faith weather it be in Church, Christians, or God my children are seeing and learning that. Its easier for people to see the wrong than the right. Its easier to loose sight then to focus on Him.
Some of my favorite Bible verses that have been speaking to me these last few months.
Proverbs 3:5
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.”
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Surgery
What a busy and crazy week it has been!
Monday evening Scott and I met with someone to discuss opening up our own insurance office! The meeting went great and we are at the beginning stages of getting everything together.
Monday evening I had another gallbladder attach....Not so much fun. Result ending in SURGERY! What!!! If you know me, you know I am the biggest baby on Earth. I mean I cannot even take pills, how am I going to go through surgery! I know that in the end it will be much better, but still so many nervous feelings.
Monday evening Scott and I met with someone to discuss opening up our own insurance office! The meeting went great and we are at the beginning stages of getting everything together.
Monday evening I had another gallbladder attach....Not so much fun. Result ending in SURGERY! What!!! If you know me, you know I am the biggest baby on Earth. I mean I cannot even take pills, how am I going to go through surgery! I know that in the end it will be much better, but still so many nervous feelings.
On a much brighter note, my baby sister Robin turned 18 on Wednesday! I am so proud of her! She has been through so much and never gives up!
 |
| Happy Birthday Robin! |
Hope everyone had a good week! We have an exciting weekend coming up!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Goodbye
I have always disliked the word goodbye. It always makes me feel like you are never going to see that person again and the only way you wouldn't is if one of you didn't accept Jesus into your heart. So today I looked up the world goodbye and here are some answers I got.
- It's from Old English meaning "God be with ye"
- a farewell remark; "they said their good-byes"
- It is a form of blessing as one leaves, and the opposite of "hello".
- It's a form of ending for a conversation be it in person or on paper.
- it's a way to say I will see you again sometime-Scott
Nothing that I always thought it meant. Interesting! It reminds me of how I use to view being a Christian. I always felt like I had to fix myself before I could get saved, but in reality accepting Jesus into my heart and into my life is what fixes me. I am still broken, but I know that God is working hard in my heart and hard in my life.
Today, Mike preached about fear. Fear controls our lives. Fear on if we are going to be able to make our bills, feed our kids, quitting my job to home school my daughter. I no longer have fear for quitting my job. I have faith that God will provide as he always has. With that being said I also know that we have to take the steps for me to be able to quit my job.
The ladies at Dove simply amaze me. Their faith and how strong they are. Much like my grandma... faith never shaken.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A lesson learned!
This weekend Austin became a parent. Don't worry it was for school and only for the weekend! Austin named the baby Taco... yes Taco. He said he was hungry when he got the baby. I must say that I am glad that the school does these type of projects with the students. I know it showed Austin that he was not ready for that life. If you know Austin you know he loves babies just as the next person. But actually having to provide and take care of them full time was a different story. He learned that when you have a baby you are not able to do the kind of things you can do with out a baby such as play the XBOX 360, eat, or get your much needed sleep. And that was just the first few hours that he had him. He also learned another important lesson. Friday night he went to the store with Scott and while he was out, he lost one of the babies diapers. Austin didn't realize that until 4 in the morning, so on top of no sleep he had to go back to Kroger's and search for it. He was not able to find the diaper so now on top of taking care of the baby. He has to do a three page report. Austin felt terrible that he let his teacher down. I think he did a great job and I believe he truly learned his lesson. I am proud of you bub!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Quote of the day!
"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."~ Unknown
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The good outdoes the bad by far!
Good points for the day
- The kids had school today! Not that I dont enjoy the extra time, but at this rate they would be going all year long!
- Julie didn't have her spelling words to study for all week and she still only missed a couple. Not to bad for not studying at all!
- Julie also had a math test today and only missed two problems! Big improvement!!!
- We got to hang out with some long lost friends! Many more to come hopefully!!!!
- Robin spent the evening with us too! Miss her so much!
- Chocolate Malt-Yum!!!
- I found a babysit for the evenings! (Still looking for a couple days a week in the morning to get Julie on the bus)
- And I bought a necklace that I had been eyeing for awhile!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Random Thoughts
My sister Nichole recently found out that she was having a boy. What is so cool about this is the day that my grandma passed away, hours before she told Nichole that she was having a boy. Little did she know that she was right. The day of my grandma's visitation Nichole had an ultrasound and found out she was indeed having a boy. I am looking forward to my very first nephew and curious to see how little Abby is going to be with her new brother.
After many prayers and discussions Scott and I have decided that I will be homeschooling Julie next year. I am looking forward to that adventure. However, I am also a little nervous about it. I have tried being a stay at home mom and depression took over me. This time will be a little different. My focus is better and my faith is stronger. I will also be kept really busy with the school work. On the side I will be helping Scott with his business. I would like to also get a part time job. We have recently started redoing the extra bedroom and turning it into a "classroom". I am blessed at all the support we have received on our decision to do this and blown away at all the help and advise!
Something scary I just realized..... Austin will be driving this time next year!!!! NOT READY FOR THAT ONE!
In less than two months my baby sister will be 18! Wow where did the last three years go!
I missed blogging. It's my way of getting my thoughts and feelings out.
I am ready for the snow to melt and spring to come!
After many prayers and discussions Scott and I have decided that I will be homeschooling Julie next year. I am looking forward to that adventure. However, I am also a little nervous about it. I have tried being a stay at home mom and depression took over me. This time will be a little different. My focus is better and my faith is stronger. I will also be kept really busy with the school work. On the side I will be helping Scott with his business. I would like to also get a part time job. We have recently started redoing the extra bedroom and turning it into a "classroom". I am blessed at all the support we have received on our decision to do this and blown away at all the help and advise!
Something scary I just realized..... Austin will be driving this time next year!!!! NOT READY FOR THAT ONE!
In less than two months my baby sister will be 18! Wow where did the last three years go!
I missed blogging. It's my way of getting my thoughts and feelings out.
I am ready for the snow to melt and spring to come!
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