An Optomist View of Our Homelessness...

For a time we had been desiring Michael the opportunity to finish his seminary degree. An "opportunity" came up in June of this year and since we had also desired to be closer to family, we decided to move in WITH my parents. :o)

It was difficult to leave the ministry we had been so much a part of there in WV. It was hard to paint over Lila's nursery and pack up the only place she had ever known as home as this was where we had brought her home from the hospital. It was extremely difficult saying goodbye to some friends sent for above... but it was hardest to step out, in faith, and move.

We have been overwhelmed with fear, brokenness and grief as we have seen unbiblical examples of "brothers and sisters" in Christ. It was ugly. ;o(

And we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of God's love, kindness and grace shown to us through His children. Starting with friends in WV who showered us with prayer during our difficult time, to helping us even steam clean our carpets and pack our things, and sending us off with a cherishing farewell. When we thought there was no way that they could possibly give anymore ... they gave again. We received cards of encouragement, at just the right times, from brothers and sisters in Christ, who go to Sunday School with Michael's grandparents. We were welcomed into a church family where we feel at home, where we can heal and grow from the biblical disciples and teaching.  Most of all we have been shown favor in the graciousness of our families and friends through prayer and hugs.

And in a time, I could fear being homeless (and did!)... God orchestrated events that not only do we have a bed to sleep on, we are able to live in TWO large bedrooms, with our own private bathroom (with double sinks), have the run of a dream house, all while being close to family (al-biet REALLY CLOSE. haha.) I am NOT complaining!

However, we DO hope for the future when God makes His plan clear for us in ministry and family. We would covet your prayers. Thank you!

p.s. Michael and I have always desired to be completely candid with all our faults and challenges as well as joys and triumphs. If you have questions, or would be interested in more information on our move away from WV, please contact us. We would be open to share.

Celebrating the first year! ~ Part 6 *-*-*-It's MY PARTY-- Pinatas & Presents!-*-*-*

We had fun with the pinata and presents.. .Lila actually may have been more excited about the cards than the presents.

Lila pulled the first string on the pinata!

YUMMY!

Custom made goodie bags made it super special!

Yummmm!

Playing bubbles with Aunt Andi

Katherine loved the candy!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!


Lila <3 'd reading the cards! it was super cute!

Love's her dog Violet!

Katherine Helping!

Sweet Birthday Girl reading her Birthday cards!

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!

I'm so glad I've learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend.
And to know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end!...
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
O for grace to trust Him more!

There have been several things that have happened recently that have grieved us deeply concerning Michael's ministry. This song is heavy on my heart and something that I want to be constantly reminded of during this time. 

Thank you to all those who are praying for us. 

We feel the prayers and we DO Trust in Jesus!

Celebrating our 3rd Anniversary @ Oliverios

Sent via BlackBerry

Happy New year!!!! Blessed 2010... And looking forward to what God has in store in 2011!

Impromptu Photoshoot and Picnic on Easter Sunday!

Easter Sunday after church Michael and I decided to have an impromptu picnic at the covered bridge over Simpson Creek.

After enjoying our burger king... we decided to have some fun taking pics!

Michael really enjoyed posing me for these pics... it was a great day!

It's amazing to me that when I feel so huge & unattractive that my husband can take a photo from his perspective that actually turns out beautiful. I guess it's all in the perspective!

I LOVE that this is how he sees me!

It was a fun afternoon!

Michael took these photos and then I added some graphic design effects to them.

32 Week Belly Bump

My Prince!

My Prince wearing his Frog Prince cuff links I gave him on our wedding day!

it was a challenge to get the hands around my belly! hehe...but love how these turned out!

although this looks restful... you should've seen the scene to get me up from that angel! (o:

back to our old stomping ground.... Louisville.

It was nostalgic driving back into the town where our romance began.... oh the memories!

Ever since the 2nd trimester I have craved Chili's queso dip, so I was delighted when Courtney and Jeff suggested going to Chili's for supper once we arrived into town! It was such a wonderful encouragement over dinner. We love spending time with the Mixons and we even closed out the restaraunt!

Then we headed to our B&B at the Colsons! They took such great care of us... making home cooked meals every night! We were spoiled! And Sebastion (the dog) has ALMOST convinced us to get a puppy! (okay... not really, but he is awfully convincing!) It was great to relax and catch up with Gentry and Christian and be super comfy while Michael was BUSY with school.

Michael did GREAT in his class! I dropped him off EARLY every morning and then he would call me to pick him up in the evenings when he was done... we would eat dinner, then he would head to another room to read one of his books for class. The focus and dedication was inspiring! (o:

While in class, he actually ran into several old friends. The funny thing about this is that those he ran into no longer lived in Louisville, so that was an encouragement from God.

Michael was really blessed by the teaching and assignments in his class and came away renewed for ministry! It was awesome. Praise God!

I came away refreshed too!... from all the R&R at the Colsons, but also from my pregnancy massage! The most amazing thing ever! I felt like a new woman afterwards... its funny how much the baby changes you!

awwwwwwww........ headed home to WV.

oh yeah... I cannot forget my lunch/afternoon I spent back at the bank I used to work at! It was AWESOME to see all the ladies, catch up and enjoy some Steak-n-Shake! I feel so blessed to have such great friends!
(p.s. Courtney works there now!)

Michael and I at SBTS where we met.

My 20 week belly at the Chapel at SBTS.

My 20 week belly... we'll find out if our baby is a boy or girl next week!