Some fun picts from the past few weeks

The loneliest place to be...

I have discovered that the loneliest place to be is is when one boxes themselves in from the fellowship that God has created for them. What does this mean? What does it look like? It's when one is walking thru a trial and chooses to shut the world out from supporting and helping them. It's when one chooses to lock themselves in the privacy of their pain and not allow themselves to weep. I've seen this time and time again. When it's family it is really hard to watch. I pray for those people, for their hearts to be softened, for Christ to heal them. I know from experience that beneath the hurt or disappointment, lies a fear...fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, fear of failure, fear of something. Becoming who God created us to be includes those dark moments of sadness or guilt that we don't want ANYONE to know. Allowing ourselves to be honest, allows God to use those dark moments for HIS glory.
As one who is currently walking thru the fire of life changing events, I know that people are not sure how to help. As I heard from Charles Stanley, friends walk away from you during troubled times for the following reasons. 1.) They don't know what to say, they feel inadequate. 2.) They are judging 3.) They run from you, as they are afraid that your misfortune or hardship is going to rub off on them.
How sad is that? Sometimes not knowing what to say is okay. Just being physically present makes all of the difference. I would hope that the people who have walked away from Steve and I, have done so because they didn't know what to say and not for the other reasons. Christians, PLEASE uplift and encourage your fallen brothers and sisters. Pray for each other, and build up. I have been forever changed by the refining of the fire for God's glory. I must say thank you to the friends who have remained faithful thru it all. Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me, Steve and our girls.

Wind burn?

Have you ever gotten wind burned? It hurts! It amazes me that one can not see it coming, feel it coming, it just happens. Once wind burned, it takes time to over come. I am so thankful that God has provided protection for us from this. HE is our anchor, and if grounded in HIM, He protects us from the winds of life. The wind can show up in soft, subtle ways or in loud, obnoxious ways. However the enemy chooses to show up to burn you, you can be steadied by Christ. In this time of uncertainty and change, the wind is blowing constantly. I am so blessed to know that I am His and I don't have to be blown around by it any longer.

Yeah, it's got a microphone!

My new car arrived! So much fun! I haven't had a chance to really be able to play a lot in it as we have been extremely busy lately, but I did manage to figure out a few of the fun features! I have added a few picts of the car! Chloe loves the microphone, and could care less about actually knowing the words! I'm sure I will blog more about it as we are able to take more picts! For those who would consider buying one...we did actually fit 3 car seats in it! Tight, but we did it!

Changes are coming...

I am very excited to say that my new car is coming this week. We have sold our Honda and are ready for the new ride! I will be sure and post tons of picts online as soon as I get it! Along finding out that it will arrive in STL on Friday, yesterday we got an offer on our house. After a few (painful) minutes of calculating how much we will have to bring to the table to get out of our house...we worked out a deal. Please pray that the inspection and loan committment are in place by the end of the month with NO problems. If all goes well, I will posting our ideas of the next chapter in our lives.

Life changes

This is the hardest post I've written to date. I feel the need to do it as our lives have changed so much and our family and friends have been so loving and supportive. Steve went before the church this past Sunday and resigned. Steve confessed his sin before the church. Family members and friends, if this is the first time you are hearing this information, I am truly sorry. We have been dealing with this privately in counseling, until it was made public. Steve did NOT have a physical affair. God is renewing and restoring Steve daily. We need your prayers and support as we tread uncharted waters. If you are angry at Steve, please don't be. I have forgiven him and your grace to him will come thru your love for me. God is building up our marriage and we will serve Him thru this. Already 11 couples have shared that they too have walked this journey. We are standing in the gaps with them and together becoming much more transparent for God's glory. My posts will be fewer and farther between as we try to rebuild our lives. Please pray for our girls as they are experiencing new "adventures" as we are calling them. Pray that our house sells. Pray that the church can heal. Pray that God will provide Steve with a new job to provide for our family.