Just a Cute Picture

The girls usually watch Sesame Street at 11 every morning. It gives me a little time to finish up any project I have going or get lunch going before Dan gets home. They love Elmo's World. It's their favorite part. Dan was home this morning and caught this moment. It was pretty cute. Olivia wasn't really watching the TV she was just trying to look like her sisters. I had the couch piled high with papers I am trying to get organized in the filing cabinet so it was off limits. This was the OBVIOUS alternative. At one point I heard FaithLyn saying, "Here, I'll get you a pillow." Sweet girls!

Iowa Park, HERE WE COME!!!

Well, we made it back from our marathon view of a call weekend and we are recovering nicely. We spent this morning sleeping in and then had a picnic at the Kimble Art Museum and then walked over to check out the new exhibit at the Fort Worth Science Museum. Now it's nap time, Dan and I are going to watch a movie, then we will head back to the museum to see the IMAX movie Amazing Cave Adventures!! Dan is pretty pumped. This is our day to rest and have fun then the rubber meets the road. We have lots to do. Well, I have lots to do to get this house in order. Did I say that the church is going to provide a moving company to come and pack us out AND move us!! Praise the Lord!!!!! SO I just have to get this little house back in shape!

Now for the info you probably want to hear...We had a really wonderfully tiring weekend! The youth group is great and we can't wait to get to know them better! Everyone in the church is really friendly and they like to laugh a lot! They have a real passion for the youth from young to old. We were overwhelmed by the welcome we received before we were even voted on.

Before we left we were praying that God's will would be very obvious either way. It was. We are so excited!!! God is good, even in the hard times we see so clearly how God has been preparing us for this.

What a Week!

Ok, so these are the pictures we have to document our visit to WSS. We were enjoying our visit with loved ones so much we didn't take pictures. I did remember to take pictures of baby Seth because I knew it might be a while before we saw him again and I would really regret it later if I missed my opportunity.
This is our family picture that we took to send to the church. It is the most recent picture of us you can get and one of the only pictures of me. I was growing my hair out and this pic is pre-hair chopping fiasco. But I am not bitter...it's hair and it grows back. Oh, well.
Here is sweet Momma Ellen with sweet baby Seth. She is my new hero for making that drive and spending her first night with baby away from the help of David. It was a hard night but she made it! What were we thinking asking her to come to us??? We owe her big for this one!!
The girls loved their sweet cousin. The jury is still out for Seth. He was tired of having his picture taken! He held out for a long time though, what a champ!
The proud uncle Dan-Dan.
And last but not least, Here is "The Good Reverend Dan" speaking for the Senior Staff Reunion. Sorry for the poor quality. Trust me, Dan is there in front of the white screen.
What fun we had getting to catch up with everyone again. Dan did a great job relating his heart and the message God placed there. I was so glad to hear him speak his heart. It was a great experience. On the drive up we got to spend the night with Jim and Karen Grube!! How fun! If only we hadn't been in the car for 12 hours we might have been more fun. Next time, Grubes!We stayed at the Thomas' and felt right at home. Their home will always feel like home to us. We got to visit with the newly engaged couple, Dailey and Katie, and spend some time with the newly weds Aaron and Lynsey Thomas. Dan got some game time in with Rob and I got some good visit time with Chandra while the kids got to remember how to play together. It was loads of fun!! As much as we love all of those people God made it clear to us that we don't fit there anymore. We are right where we are supposed to be and even though it hasn't been the easiest transition or most fun to adjust, God has plans for us. The best part is that God wants us to take everything we learned about how to love people and make family and do that where ever we are. So, even though it's a lot of work, we can't wait to get started again!

Actually, we learned a lot about ourselves this week:
1. It is possible to make the trip to PA in two days with 3 kids, the DVD player didn't hurt either!
2. WE DON'T LIVE AT WSS ANYMORE! This was a bitter-sweet lesson to learn but I think we are finally ready to move on.
3. We love the staff at WSS just as much as we did when we were a part of it and they still know us better than just about anyone else. IT IS SO GREAT TO BE TRULY UNDERSTOOD! (and still loved)
4. Home has to be where ever God has you at the moment!



Did I mention that it snowed, A LOT while we were there? Boy, was I ready to get back to spring!! It was so green when we got back to Texas. Of course, in a about another month I will be wishing I was back in spring up at PA! I am NEVER satisfied! I love spring! The new life, the smell of new life especially. If you don't know what I am talking about you need to spend some time outside in the hours of dawn and dusk. And just soak it all in!! It is truly a beautiful picture and reminder of what Christ has done for us. Happy Spring, happy rebirth, happy new life. I was reminded that it's never too late to start fresh, Thank the LORD! There are so many things I want to do differently! Not in my power but in the power that can face death and rise again the victor!

Spring Fever

Can I just say what a beautiful day it is? I got up early with Dan to help him get off to Iowa Park so he can be there for the house inspections. My Dad is going to be there too. The only ones missing are Mom, me, and the girls but I guess this has to be just a guy thing. Anyway, as I was taking the trash out this morning, (trash day) the sun was rising, it smells like spring and everything was damp and fresh. Even now I am sitting at my computer with the windows open and I can still smell spring. The birds are chirping, it was like a Mickey Mouse cartoon! I even felt like singing!

I almost envied Dan's two hour drive this morning. Then I remembered what I get to do this morning! I get to pack for our trip to White Sulphur Springs!!!! I admit packing for trips was a lot more fun when there was only one person to pack for but I still enjoy the expectation and planning. Even if I now plan for 5. Spring Break trips. You gotta love them!! The getting up super early to leave, the donuts and snack food in the car, the double screen TV's that keep the girls occupied in the back seat!!!! You have to love modern day car travel!

Hope you are having a great spring break or if you live where spring break is closer to when you actually have spring hope you enjoy your week. We are travling back to winter right when I am just beginning to remember how much I love this time of year!! And in Texas you take a big risk of missing when you are gone for a week and a half. SO those of you sticking around, hope you enjoy this beautiful weather!!!

All the Things I am NOT Doing

I am my own worst critic. Does anyone else out there struggle with this? Can I get an AMEN!

This has often been a tool that spurs me on toward being a better me. Right now it is a hinderance that is keeping me from seeing past the failure of incomplete goals, unfinished tasks, inconsistency, and and well, failure. But any tool, when used wrongly, can cause more damage than good.

When I find myself in this position I usually have some large task or life change upcoming. I always look ahead to what is about to happen and see how far behind I am from where I would like to be. Basically, this all boils down to one large pit that I dig myself into with out any way out.

That's where I found myself lately. Way too tuned in to all the things I haven't done that I felt I should and I couldn't really even see anything that I was doing well. Because even if I did accomplish something during the day I did that with a lousy attitude. So, in my critical thinking, the bad attitude cancels out the accomplishment.

None of my goals are bad. Nothing that I know I should do in any given day is wrong. I have the right motives in all of the things that I desire for my family and our life where these goals are concerned. The only problem is I get so focused on the goals, or lack there of, that I miss opportunities to make forward progress. What happens when you walk forward yet always look behind you? You walk crooked.

You will never meet goals if you are constantly looking back and DWELLING on mistakes or failed attempts. It is helpful to recognize these failures so you don't make them again and learn from them but if we are always focused on the failure we will never walk straight enough to make it to the next goal.

This week I realized I had to let go of everything I wasn't doing and hadn't accomplished and focus on what needs to happen NOW! This verse popped into my head:

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8

I need to change my way of thinking!

My Head is STILL Spinning!

Since I last posted we have had a visit from Mimi(Dan's mom), gone to look at houses, put in an offer on a house, had van trouble(AGAIN!), and I FINALLY went to the doctor to check out this little baby growing inside me!

We are now in contract on a house; dependant on Dan actually getting the job. The baby is doing well and is right on schedule as far as size goes. The van is hopefully getting fixed this time and we are still planning to leave for PA on Saturday long before the sun rises.

My life is one crazy emotional rocketship that has lost control! Now even if I weren't dealing with pregnancy hormones this would qualify as monumental emotional instability but you add the prego hormones and you better just watch out! There is no telling how I might react to your innocent inquiries! I know that the Lord is teaching me something here! I sure wish I could figure it out and move on to the next lesson! But, alas, it looks like I have weeks of emotionally charged events coming my way!

BUT, the baby is well and growning and in a few weeks we might even know if the girls prayers for a little brother have been answered. The doctor tried very hard to get a definitive answer but the baby just wouldn't cooperate. The doctor gave some hints what he thought but wouldn't say for sure. SO I won't either! I said as long as this baby is healthy and stays where the baby should stay for as long as the baby should stay there I am one happy momma!

My dear friend Erin came to watch the girls so I could go solo to this appointment. THANKS EVER SO MUCH, ERIN!! She told me that FaithLyn told her that we were getting a new baby and it was going to be a boy. Erin said, "But what if it's a girl?" FL, "Oh, no. It's a boy." Erin, "Well, how do you know?" FL, "because we prayed and prayed and prayed for a little brother. So it will be a little brother."
I love to witness that kind of faith. I have told FL that we can pray and ask God for anything but He always gives us what is BEST for us! Even if it's not we asked for. So it will be interesting to see how God uses this. I know He will be glorified how ever the story turns out.

Now, I am going to try and have an uneventful, relaxing, very slow, and low-key evening.

THE Update

I know, I know. We were supposed to find out what was going on last Wednesday, so why has it taken me SO long to let the rest of you know? Well. I am sorry, this has been a lot more stressful than I imagined it would be. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me back up and start from the beginning or at least last Wednesday.

We didn't get the call until Thursday night at about 9:00. So Wed. was a pretty sad day. You know some of the details of Wed. from my last post. BUT we made it through another day and I was so caught up in the lastest episode of Grey's Anatomy thatI forgot to be waiting for the phone to ring! It was a tear-jerker. Anyway, then . . . . . the phone rang. My heart stopped just like it did every time the phone rang since Wed. afternoon. Long story short, we will be going to Iowa Park, in view of a call on March 25. Of course, this is all subject to their review of our credit report. . .so we will be going in view of a call on March 25! We have spent the last couple of days trying to figure out how to get pre-approved to buy a home and I haven't slept very well since, oh, last week.

Ok, ladies, tell me what you think of this. I have more free time at home than Dan so I thought I would start doing some research on first time home buying and home loans. I think it was a good idea but I made a mess of everything and all the information I collected assured me that we had no business buying a home and that we should just rent for at least 6 months! We really felt like that was just not the best idea for us and I was so worked up and laid it all on Dan as soon as he got home from work. NOT a good idea, ladies. Then I spent another restless night dreaming of scary loan papers and man eating houses. So, Dan wakes up this morning and calls our bank and has us pre-approved for a ridiculous amount of money in about. . .30 minutes!!! Are you kidding me?! I did at least 4 hours of internet research and EVEN talked to the same Bank that Dan talked to!? HUH? I guess the difference is he spoke in Man language and I was just "asking some questions".

You might like me to clarify for you my definition of MAN LANGUAGE. Here goes. Men often talk with each other in exaggerated truths. They speak as if everything is right on and WILL happen. It's a get er done kind of mentality. Women, well maybe not you, but I usually speak as if good things are a small possibility or COULD happen.

Apparently that makes all the difference in the banking industry. I just don't know how to speak the lingo apparently. Or it could be the fact that I have NEVER in my life talked to a realtor about buying or selling a home. I have never tried to take out a loan. I have never even seen other adults go through this process. I am CLUELESS!! So I was a little upset when Dan swooped in and in 3/4 of the time had every question of mine answered satisfactorily and had us in contact with a realtor in Iowa Park. Don't get me wrong, I am SOOO thankful that Dan is a genius when it comes to these kinds of things I just wish I could have forgone the hours and hours of worry and torment that our future was indeed doomed.

I know I could have forgone this time of despair if I had simply trusted the words and promises of my Lord, but. . . I didn't. I worried and despaired because my little brain couldn't wrap around how God was going to do this. There are still some scary questions that need to be answered. But those are questions that don't have to be answered right this moment. Somehow I am ok with waiting to find these answers.

SO if the Lord keeps leading the way we feel He is leading then we might possibly be moving into our first home sometime around April 1.

That's the update. For those of you that we promised phone calls to, they are coming, please be patient. The next few weeks are going to be CRAZY!!

Between now and then we have to(get to) find a house, go look at it, make an offer, get the FW house organized so it will be easier to pack up, go visit WSS and all our other loved ones in the PA area, Dan has some papers to write, school to attend, and a job to finish up. Oh, and then he needs to think about what to say to the whole congregation in Iowa Park on that Sunday morning. If we seem distant or uninvolved, please give us a little grace. We have never done this whole "American Dream" thing before so we need some time to figure things out.

But Yeah! We are so excited about the direction God is taking us. I can't wait to give you more details about this church body. The youth group sounds pretty amazing and didn't I mention the 5 youth workers who have kept it going since the last youth pastor left in Sept.? But, it isn't a Done Deal, not yet anyway. We are trusting God to lead us through every step we have to take between here and there and we trust that He will lead us to exactly where we need to be and we are praying that He will protect our hearts from moving ahead of His plans for our family. We would still covet your prayers. And I am sure I will find some time to let you all in on the craziness along the way.

This is a hard post for me to write. God has revealed to me some dark places in my heart that need to be given back to my Lord.

You would think that I would have this, "trust God for all provision" thing down by now. But I was made sadly aware of my lack of trust today. We decided to go eat at Chick-fil-A for lunch today. On the drive there I was thinking of money and how irresponsible it was for us to be eating out right now. Especially after learning that our van was going to need repairs that would total $1100. So I was guilt ridden and wallowing in self-pity. "If only...things were different...if only...we were in a church making a salary... if only...." See I wasn't worried about the money we needed to spend or the money we don't need to spend what I was really worried about was having to adjust our lifestyle to fit with with the funds that the Lord is providing for us. I mean things are already hard enough, right. What if I have to give up my internet connection or our great long distance phone plan or HEAVEN FORBID...stop eating out!!!?

Then at an intersection while we are stopped at a red light Dan sees man with a sign that reads, "Hungry + Broke" He asks me if we have any money and I assume he is asking so we can pay for our lunch in cash. Yes, I too, had seen this man. My thoughts were so consumed by my own selfishness that I didn't even realize what Dan meant. We had $17 dollars in cash. Dan said, "I meant for that guy."
"Oh, yeah, how about three?" That was pretty generous. I mean it was more than 10%!! And I had to think about how we were going to pay for our lunch, RIGHT?

Dan gives the man the measely 3$ and his face lights up. "OH, Thank You! God Bless You." He says.

Dan asks the girls to pray for that man and as we prayed my heart was broken. I realized that We were supposed to give that man $17!! Dan offered to turn around and go back because I was obviously very distraught. Darn, those pregnancy hormones! We went ahead and ate our lunch but came up with a plan of action. We figured out an easy way to make it back to the intersection where the man was. It took all of the self-control I could muster not to bawl through the whole meal. I wasn't a very conversationalist.

We hurried everyone through their chicken nuggets and fruit and set off to try and set rught my convictions. When we got to the intersection the man was gone! I was so broken hearted! I missed my chance to recieve the full blessing of the Lord by giving more than I thought I could to someone in need.

The girls asked why we were coming back when we had already given the man money and "Mommy, why are you crying?" We got to explain to the girls that Jesus tells us in Matt. 5:42, "Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away." I explained that God wants us to trust Him to give us all that we need. And it makes Him happy when we give to others. But I was only thinking about us and not that man. I gave him a little but I should have given him all that we had. FL asked, "But don't we need money, too, Mommy?"
Yes, but we have other money and we should have given all of the money that we had with us to that man. His sign said he needed money and we had some and Mommy is so sad because God told me to give it all and I wasn't listening hard enough to hear Him in time.

Dan got to explain about convictions and he assured me that the girls learned much more from this than they would have if I had given all of the money the first time. I realize that I wouldn't have learned as much either.

I jsut kept picturing that man was Jesus and all I was willing to give Him of myself was 15%. Everyday Jesus asks us to give ourselves to Him. Today, I didn't. I was caught going through the motions. I was only giving enough of myslef to calm my mind. But Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

My treasure today was self. I was so deep in my own "troubles" I couldn't even see the gravity of other's. Now, it doesn't matter to me if that man was a professional or not. I don't care if he does that everyday and makes more money than we do. The lesson that I learned is that God can provide for my family and we still have so much more than some. When the Lord is my treasure and my portion then only will I be truly satisfied. If I have to give up every comfort I have ever known in order to follow my Christ, I STILL WANT TO FOLLOW HIM! I will probably grieve every loss but I am learning that if my treasure is stored above, then there is nothing of importance that can be taken away from me.

I am so sorry, Lord that I missed your call today. I pray that you would bring Your light to those dark places in my heart and that I would truly be willing to sacrifice anything in order to follow You. I pray that those 3$ that I begrudgingly gave that man will bring glory to you, Lord. I pray that you would bless that man and as FaithLyn prayed, Help that man and everyone else who doesn't have money get some.
Even if every cent is supposed to come from me. Thank You, Lord for your conviction and may it burn in my heart always! In Jesus sanctifying and Holy name, AMEN.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Ellen!

My Big Three Year Old!!

Now: Feb. 16, 2007

Happy Birthday, ELISE DANIELLE!!

We are still trying to figure out what traditions we want to make part of our family. We both agree that birthdays are special. So Dan had the idea that I take Elise out for a very special birthday lunch just me and her. Dan took the girls to the Science and Cowgirl museums this morning to give me a chance to recoup after another night of sad, sick Olivia. He did a great job of preparing and building the excitement for our special birthday lunch.

Elise decided that she wanted to go to Chick-fil-A. FINE with me!! Beats MickeyD's any day!! So we talked about what she was going to order on the way and I took the birthday hats and noise makers along for a little treat. She was more interested in the noise maker than her lunch and I didn't even make eating an issue. I just let her enjoy her time with just Momma with out all the rules and regulations that usually accompany me.

Then I let her pick what ever treat she wanted. She picked the brownie and a chocolate milkshake. I didn't even bat an eyelid when I realized she had taken one bite of chicken and one bite of strawberry. This is a special occasion, I say!!

Well, Mommy ended up eating the brownie and now that she is napping I am also finishing off the milkshake. Hmm...it's a good thinkg this is a once a year thing!

Check out those green eyes, Aunt Angie!

I am learning so much about this sweet little girl!! She is so very different from her sisters. Not that I am surprised but it is becoming so much more evident with each passing day. She is a little bit too much like her mom if you ask me. She is very independant but not in a loud pushy sort of way. That is all her own though because I have always been a little pushy about getting my way. She doesn't do anything until she decides that she can do it and do it well. This child will not settle for second best or mediocre. She has either mastered a skill or yet to try accomplishing it! Let's take potty training for instance. The last you heard she had finally gone poo-poo on her own. Well, now a few weeks later she is completely potty trained and has gone for at least a week and a half with NO accidents of any kind!! She's done. She doesn't even wear a pull-up for nap time. She makes it most nights with a dry pull-up. Skill mastered. I am sure there will be some accidents but this kid is amazing!! She just decided it was time! She is very grown up now.

I have learned that sometimes she needs a little push to help her get started but push too hard and she will shut down!! This kid can not be manipulated.

I am so thankful for her strong spirit. I am praying that she will carry that determination with her always. I pray that it will serve her well in those delicate years of peer pressure and the need/desire to fit in.

I have also learned that Elise knows what she likes and once she has decided that is that. There is no wishy-washy back and forth with this little girl. One day she decided purple was her favorite color and it has been ever since. Her favorite sandwich is Peanut butter and Jelly. That is what she wants for lunch, EVERY DAY!! She loves milk!! Would rather drink milk than water and sometimes even juice. Snuggle Bunny has been her bedtime pal since birth and she calls him Snuggs.

She is also a very good big sister. Elise would rather play with Olivia in Olivia's room than watch TV. No arguments here! She always trys to include her baby sister in what ever she and FaithLyn are doing. She never asks me to let Olivia play in her own room with the gate up. She wants everyone to be included. When she sleeps with someone, she is a cuddler. IF we are all watching Curious George in the afternoon she would much rather sit in my lap than on the couch by herself. If I am reading a book to the girls, my lap is her favorite place. Sometimes when I go in to kiss her goodnight she wraps her arms around me and says, "Mommy, I want you to sleep with me."

I know there will come a day when she won't even want or need me to come in and kiss her goodnight. But I know that she will always have her way of letting me know that she loves me. She is very good at making people feel special and she is very loyal. She has a heart of gold. I love this little girl and I am so proud of her. I trust that the Lord will cultivate that golden heart and use this sweet, tiny, little girl for His wonderful purpose. I pray that I can be a large part of that cultivation.

Then: Feb. 16, 2006

This a picture of Elise at her party last year. I remember thinking she was so grown up then. I have learned so much about this girl in the past year. She is growing up and I love her more every day I get to know her.

Happy Birthday, Elise. You are such a blessing and I am so thankful for you. May God bless you as you grow into the woman He created you to be.

The Saga Continues

Hope everyone had a fun Valentine's Day! The girls and I made Dan a cookie cake and it's already gone!!

It only took me about 2 hours to make! But that was because Olivia had a fever of 103.1 all day yesterday! She wasn't too big on me having any projects that didn't allow for me to hold her. But we got it made and decorated for Dan before his lunch hour was over. I had to run out for more children's Tylenol and Motrin for Livie as soon as Dan got off work last night and fought with all of the shoppers who forgot it was V-day. When I got home I walked into a very romantic candlelit home with the table waiting for me to eat. FaithLyn had the idea to light the candles and she even set the table with fancy glasses for us. It was quite a treat after a very long day of caring for super sick baby.

I guess though that some of you are waiting for an update on the interview. It went really well and it was such a blessing for me to get to be there. Thanks again, Gerlthouse!!
It was so fun to see Dan get passionate talking about all his ideas for youth ministry. It really felt like God was going before us and preparing the way because several of Dan's ideas where things that the youth or youth workers had recently expressed an intrest in to each other. Dan really got going and I love to see him talking about his passion for the Lord!

We have heard from a friend that the commitee is calling all of our references. They are meeting next week to decide if they want to call us in view of a call or not. SO I guess next week at or around this time we know just how well the 2nd interview went. We, again, had a really good time during the interview and laughed a lot. It was a pretty special time to have with Dan. I was able to focus on him completely and we really enjoyed ourselves. But hope not to make interviews the norm for our time out alone!!

Please continue to be in prayer for us as we seek the Lord's will for our family.

I guess I should also make the official announcement that we ARE in fact expecting baby #4! I am due Aug. 21. We are praying that God will protect both baby and Mommy this pregnancy. I am specifically praying that this baby will be full-term, a champion eater, and fabulous sleeper! We would also appreciate your prayer for this little blessing. The girls are praying for a little brother and have been since we moved here to FW. I just want a healthy baby! Well, I also want a good eater and sleeper, too. But mainly just a healthy baby!

We will keep you udated!

The Best Friends in the WHOLE Wide World!

Today is Dan's interview. I have to admit it has gotten very hard for me to keep my perspective clear on this thing. Let's just face it, I am a drama queen. I confess. So it's pretty safe to say that my emotions often run away with me. I create these elaborate scenarios in my head. I know that I shouldn't because if I do I will more than likely be disappointed.

I realize it is doubtful that all of the people we meet with today will look at each other and feel the spirit leading them all at the same time to call us to this postion. I understand that there are certain protocol for situations like this. I know in my mind that they will not take us on a tour of my dream house that they have taken upon themselves to find and purchase for us. But in my mind's eye, I have a very elaborate idea of how things will go this afternoon.

I guess that's why the Lord has made it possible for me to accompany Dan at this interview. To knock a little sense back in to my overly active imagination. I wanted desperately to go. I wanted to make sure that I felt the same peace in this small town and loving church that I overwhelmingly felt at our last visit. I wanted to make sure that it wasn't my active imagination that created the connections I felt with the committee members. I also didn't want to have to hear about it second hand from Dan. He is a great storyteller but, bless his heart, he isn't the best about remembering the details of day to day. He might miss that one crucial facial expression, or be oblivious to that underlying question that everyone implied but didn't ever ask. Not that I will be vocal during the meeting, well, I am praying that God will help me, Today of all days, be the helper suitable that Dan deserves. I know Dan will represent us well whether I am present or not but to experience this first hand and be able to know right away if I can hold out hope or move on with my heart, that is a gift that I wasn't expecting.

Unfortunately, my good fortune comes at a price for those dear ones who are so willingly making it happen. Gerlthouse agreed to keep our clan this afternoon and into the night. They even offered to let the girls spend the night!! The only catch is, this is Chad's first real day off since he returned from a 10 day business trip! I am still a little ashamed of myself for even asking it of them but they are such gracious friends and hopefully they will give us the opportunity to return the dear favor. I am dealing with some guilt about it but I am also so very thankful to have this opportunity and a little time with just Dan.

We have so blessed by so many who have sacrificed for us in so many ways. Thank you Gerlthouse for your sacrifice of love and I am praying that God will bless you for it. What dear friends we have. Thank You, Lord, for this sweet treat right around V-Day and thank you for such loving, caring friends who make it possible!! We love you, Gerlts!

More Encouragement!

We got a call last night from the church in Iowa Park. When the phone started ringing I knew it would be an important call because I had just convinced Dan to sit and take a break with me from reading to watch the premiere of Lost. But regardless of our plans this was a call we were glad to take!

Dan is going back next Tuesday to meet with the Youth Workers/Volunteers. This is a very important meeting because these people are the backbone of the whole Youth Ministry Program. But we are really excited about this next step. Again we are trying not to get ahead of ourselves because you never know! We are trying to take this one step at a time.

My Mom has already reminded me that Iowa Park is only 3 hrs. away from them!!

One funny tidbit: The gentleman that called us and has been our contact person, presumably the chair of the committee told Dan that the only concern that was expressed about Dan during the meeting was a fear that he might be too gentle and calm to connect with the youth. hehehe.
I guess they didn't get a full view of Dan's character did they? They did ask me this question during our interview and I had to laugh!! IF this where God calls us, then they will find out soon enough, won't they?

Please be in prayer for us. We want to follow God's will for us and we really feel like full-time church ministry is a part of that will. SO we want to be sure that this is the place that God is calling us. We will let you know!! The interview is Tuesday, Feb., 13, at 5:30.

Blessed Encouragement! Heavenly Provision!

Dear Friends-

God is so good and He always knows our hearts. I sent up a prayer for some provision a couple of days ago and found the answer to that prayer sitting in my mailbox this afternoon. We recieved an anonymous gift of money in an envelope with no return address. The only message was this verse typed out,

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Attatched to the note was a money order for a not at all small amount. So, to our dear friends and co-laborers, Thank You!! Thank you for blessing us, thank you for being obedient to the Lord's leading, thank you for the encouragement, Thank you for the Love.

Thank You, Lord for your faithfulness. Even when I lifted up a tentitive prayer you listened, comforted, and proved faithful. I am so humbled by my Savior's care for us, even when we feel unworthy and undeserving. This is a fight worth fighting and we will follow our God down any road that He leads.

I have a sneaking suspicion that our friends at WSS has something to do with keeping this a mystery. The letter was folded like it arrived somewhere else first in its own letter and was post marked from Altoona, PA. But that is as far as my deduction skills will take me. But that is unimportant because this way I can give complete credit to my Lord and Savior who heard my prayer.

This journey has been one of the most wonderful I have ever taken. I hope that others will be encouraged by our journey. I realize that is will never end. I am thankful for that. We have been so blessed!

The interview on Tuesday went well. No matter how it works out we had a really good time. That counts for something. You can't always say that about interviews. It's hard for me not to fall in love with every church we visit as a prospect but I am doing a better job this time of keeping it all in perspective. I know that God has a church for us to serve in and in His time He will lead us there. I have to be patient and wait. So I am trying very hard to be patient but we really liked the church and people that we met.

Dan started his Seminary job today. He is an electrician. . . . At least he is learning a marketable skill. He is hoping to meet some people and forge some relationships, too.

That's the update for us. I'll let you know more as we learn more.

Reminiscing

I think David and Ellen and sweet baby Seth are going home today.
Every time a friend or loved one has their first baby I am reminded of my first baby experiences...


Leaving the hospital with that helpless little baby. Having to wait outside of the car for my Dad and Dan to hook up the car seat. The nurse saying "See you next year" and scoffing to myself, Yeah, right! (Prophesy?) Stopping at Wendy's for lunch on the way home!? Filling my pain med precription. The pain meds wearing off while I waited!! How I thought I didn't need any help. How ready I was to get home and do it myself. How bad it hurt when my milk came in for the first time. (Sorry guys, if there are any!) How mad I got at my sweet Mom for offering advice that I now know was great advice!! How greedy I was with my baby. How hard it was to figure out how Dan and I were supposed to work as parents. How tired I was!! (I didn't know anything about being tired yet!!) How I stubbornly did what ever I wanted regardless of the doctors orders on "no Stairs" and "No Driving". How hard it was to get my sweet baby to sleep. My first glimpse of her in the delivery/operating room. That overwhelming love for this tiny creature I was only meeting face to face for the first time. Figuring out what features she had from which side of the family. Trying to imagine her personality.

Those were such sweet times! I am so thankful that David and Ellen are making their own sweet memories to remember later. We have some pretty funny stories of late night fiascos. I hope, David and Ellen, that your memories are sweet, precious, and yes, even amusing!!

Here's to firsts!!

Our Poo-Poo Princess

We have had quite an eventful day at the B Casa!! Not only did we get a new cousin and nephew but another much anticipated and hoped for event happened this evening as well!!!

Elise pooped in the toilet BY HERSELF for the first time EVER!!

Now, some you may be thinking, is this really blog worthy information? Well, until you struggle with potty training a child don't even go there!!! Has anyone heard of the book, How to Potty Train in a Day? Well, I say to that, you have never met Elise B.!!! She can not be tricked, conjoled, guilted(not that I would EVER try to guilt my children into anything), or demanded to do anything until she is good and ready!! She can be forced. Everyone can be forced but the last time we tried to manipulate her to poop in the toilet was about 9 months ago.

We thought it was a great idea. Set up the TV in the bathroom and make her sit there until she poops. Well, you can see, 9 months later where that got us!

BUT tonight, (insert Hallelujah chorus) while the girls were taking a bath, Elise got out of the tub and went poop on the potty all of her own accord!!!

I might have mentioned previously that we cut a deal with Elise. I can't say I recommend that you negotiate with your children but potty training can really just throw all those rational ideas out of the water. Anyway, Elise kept saying that she would try when she got bigger. Well she turns 3 in Feb. I told her that 3 was bigger. I asked if she would start pooping in the potty when she turned 3. She said yes. Then Dan had the great idea to offer an early birhtday gift if she happened to do it ahead of time.

SOOO........Here is our Poo-Poo Princess and her very excited support group!

Welcome to the World!!

Our much anticipated and prayerfully hoped for nephew, Seth David, made his appearance into this big, big world today!!!

He tipped the scales at 7lbs. 5 oz. and 19 3/4 in. long! Baby and dear mother, Ellen, are doing well. I think Daddy David is doing ok, too.

Only one day after his expected arrival! I'd say that's pretty timely on his part but unfortunately he didn't have much to do with it. But I will leave all of those stories for his parents.

Our dear Seth, we pray God's blessings and love to you. May your mind hunger for the knowledge of God and your heart burn with the compassion of our Savior. I pray peace for your spirit, strength for your soul, and love for your heart. May you live to love our Savior and King all the days of your life and may that life be wholly honoring and pleasing to the God who created you.

David and Ellen, I pray confidence in Christ Jesus will accompany you each day that you strive to fulfill this honor of parenthood. I pray peace for your hearts, rest for your bodies, resolution and clear thinking for your minds, and joy for your souls! Enjoy the adventure!!

I Think Today is Going to be a Good Day!

Since we have Dan around more we are trying to make meal times a family event and priority. This is hardest on Dan because he has to be at class by 8 and the girls always want to spend time with Daddy in the morning. But I am so blessed to have a husband who makes these kind of priorities and then strives to really keep them. Part of our breakfast routine is to pray using our Pray for China daily calendar. It helps us focus on Christ and help the girls learn to pray with us and hopefully make missions an everyday part of our family. It has truly been a blessing for us as a family. We all go around the table and decide who or what to pray for. Everyone prays. Except, of course, Olivia. She has a pass until she can talk. But this morning Elise wanted to pray for Mommy. Dan always helps her with prayers so she was repeating what he said but my heart melted when I heard her sweet little voice say, "Thank you for such a great Mommy!"

I am thankful for such a great Danny! He is always so good to help the girls honor me with the correct language and attitude. I am so prayerful that my attitude and actions toward Dan will foster the correct submission and respect for their earthly and heavenly Fathers.

Yesterday, I spoke of hope and God is so faithful. We got a call from a church we have been in contact with and they want us to come for an interview!! SO, next Tuesday at 4 pm, please pray for us. We are determined not to get ahead of God on this one. I am trying to keep everything in perspective and keep my excitement in check. Unfortunately that isn't as hard as it once was. I see this as a hopeful event but I am a bit jaded by the whole process and able to keep my head a little better.

It is a very hopeful opportunity though. Dan sent in his finished questionarre yesterday and we received the invitation for an interview late last night. It is nice to feel persued. All you ladies know what I am talking about and I am sure you men who have been looking for a job know what I mean too.

Every day God is reminding me is subtle and not so subtle ways that He has a plan for us and we are in good hands.

It Takes a Little Faith

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Have you ever lost hope? How our perspective on life changes when we lose hope is astonishing. As long as there is a small bit of hope floating around in my heart then I can press forward. But the instant that hope is gone I am ready to throw in the towel. BUT, that's where the second part of the verse comes in, CONVICTION of things not seen. That's the part that hurts. To keep believing when nothing in your life shows any reason to believe.

That's faith. It applies to every part of your life. From the smallest cirmcustance to the largest.

Here's a small example from my life. We have been potty training Elise for at least 12 years. HA! That's how it feels anyway! No, it has been more like 8-10 months. I had lost hope. There was no signs of this taking hold anytime soon. My Mom gave me an egg timer. Something that LOTS of people suggested. But this little apple shaped egg timer brought hope to this sad, tired, little Momma. Now we are seeing some great improvements and she promises that she will poop in the potty when she turns 3! That's only a couple of weeks away. But hope made all the difference in our small circumstance. I was ready to invest in Pull Ups! I was in for the long haul and already thinking of what to tell her Kindergarten teacher, unless of course that ends up being me! Now that I have hope, I am prepared to stay the course!

Now for a big example from our lives. We left the dream job, in the most beautiful place in the world, living in the most beautiful house in the world and came to Texas with no job a more than twice smaller house, and the direct leading of the Lord. We started out with hope. Hope that God had a plan for us, a purpose for good and not harm. We are so blessed to say that despite the crazy journey we have been on that hope is still alive and well. If we didn't know without a shadow of a doubt that we are where God wants us it would just not be worth it!! But we have a CONVICTION of the Unseen!! That unseen for us right now is a position in a full-time church ministry position, and a Masters of Divinity. Right now, we don't have a job, Dan is throwing himself full-time into classes and we are waiting and waiting to hear from a church that feels God is leading us to serve with them. On the outside we look pretty hopeless! But we have an assurance in things hoped for and a conviction of things not yet seen. So, regardless of how our situation appears I have never been more content! IT does NOT make sense. But I am so thankful for so many things!! All of our needs are met; we have a pantry full of food, a freezer full of meat, all of our bills are paid. What else could we ask for? We get to see Dan lots right now and he has plenty of time to get his homework done so when he's home, he's OURS! I mean really, what else is there? I guess the only thing that would make me more content would be to have each and everyone of you right here with me to visit and laugh with. I might even make a chocolate chip cookie or two.

I hope you aren't short on hope right now. It makes all the difference in how you are able to look at your world and circumstances. Once you give up on hope then you might as well just give up!

But, it takes a little faith. I am so thankful that God blessed me with a husband who has taught me the joys and adventures of a life based on faith in a God so much bigger than anything I can imagine! But faith is a muscle that needs exercise and use. With out use it just turns into fat or withers away. As long as My God is the ruler of this world then there is hope!