My life has been a whirlwind since we moved to Georgia in September. There have been MAJOR highs and EXTREME lows...but through it all GOD has been in control. My most recent HIGH has been at an EXTREME low in our life. The HIGH news hasn't really HIT me yet if you know what I mean.
THE HIGH:
On January 9th, Ed and I found out that we are expecting Baby #3! We were definitely shocked, suprised, scared...all the things that come with finding out this news. We actually discovered on New Years that I was late, but didn't take a test until the 9th....we kept walking around like...if we don't SEE the positive test, then maybe it isn't so. Finally...I couldn't handle the not knowing...I was tired of having discussions about "if Im pregnant" then we will have to do this or that. So, I broke down and took a test. I was a little apprehensive to call family and friends because I knew that my family knew about our EXTREME low...I was afraid they wouldn't understand. I will say this however, Ed and I were not "planning" on this baby...meaning...I wasn't sitting at home each month counting down the days to ovulation. In September of 2007, Ed and I felt the Lord asking us to trust HIM fully and completely with our lives and this specifically included Birth Control. We felt the Lord was saying, "Trust me...I won't give you anything you can't handle. If you let me be in control, I will take care of you". So, I haven't been on any form of Birth Control since 09/07...so needless to say, it could have happenend at any time in these past months. But having it happen now, when we are experiencing an EXTREME low in our life is ONLY GOD!
LOW:
Let me give you a little background before I get into the "LOW". In Summer of 2007, Ed started feeling that God may be leading him to work for a non-profit organization called ISF (International Sports Federation). He had already spent 2 weeks in China with them in 2005, so he knew what they were about. ISF was based in the Atlanta area, and being that we lived in Texas, we didn't see how this could happen without a move. So, we started covering this in prayer. Time goes by...we give our lives to the complete trust of God in September, Ed goes to Kenya over Christmas with ISF to give Christmas to an orphanage, gets attacked in the political unrest after the elections, escapes Kenya with the rest of ISF team, comes back a different man (in an amazingly awesome way), while he was in Kenya, I felt the Lord calling us BOTH to ISF, in March of 08 we came to Atlanta to visit my BFF from college and met with executives of ISF and told them about the passion we felt in our hearts for this organization. They told us, we have a HUGE need for helpers, but unfortunately we can't offer you a salary at this time. We go back to Texas after spring break and really start covering this in prayer like never before. In May of 2008, we are both sitting on 2 separate couches praying during our "wall" time and we both have such a strong peace about God saying, "Go...Now" It was a scary decision from a "human" standpoint because we both had NO jobs and NO idea where we were going to live..just had to trust. Fast foward to September 1st...we head out to GA with our van and PENSKE truck packed full of our possessions (what was left that didn't sell) and start on this adventure of trusting God with our life.
So...now to the LOW...as you can read from my past posts...we have had many trials since we have arrived in GA as well as many amazing GOD moments. In December, after Timmy finished his 1st semester of Kindergarten, we moved to Acworth (we were living with my BFF in Newnan which is about 1hr from ISF) so Ed could be closer to the office. After living with my BFF for 4 months, it was SOOO nice to have a place to call our own. It was like Christmas unpacking those boxes! :) I have a job as an Admin Assistant at a local university in Marietta (about 15 miles from my house), but with my income...it isn't enough for us to live on. We barely make ends meet after rent, bills, car payment, car insurance, food and gas since we moved to Acworth. Ed really needs a paying job so that we can make it through the weeks where my paycheck goes to rent and there is no money for food/gas. He has applied at so many places...just like everyone else...and has found nothing. His HEART wants to be able to give the time to ISF and not another company because GOD moved us here for ISF...not so Ed could work for Quick Trip gas station.
So, now here we sit...Ed not having a paying job, my income barely covers expenses, and we have a 3rd baby on the way! Some people may throw up their hands and say, "I QUIT"...but not us...you know why.... way back in September of 2007 we GAVE OUR LIFE COMPLETELY TO GOD. We are trusting HIM with our life. We don't know how we are going to buy food and gas for the next 2 weeks, but we have the most indescribable PEACE that everything is going to be ok. We have exhausted all of our resources in family for financial help...we sent out support letters...got no response from anyone...which lead us to believe...we are just supposed to sit here and TRUST and WAIT ON THE LORD. Ed is putting time in at ISF while we "wait" on the Lord. I can NOT begin to tell you how much JOY is in Ed's life right now. He has his very own office space and he has his very own email address, he has "assignments" he has to work on, he is DOING what God CALLED him to do. I LOVE that!!!!
So, if you feel inclined to send a few prayers up for our family. We would be eternally grateful! I can't wait to report back on what God has done in our life!
May God bless all of my faithful followers!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Twas The Night Before Christmas
WOW...2 posts in 1 week, I am getting better. I just finished filling out one of those "Get to Know you Better - Christmas Version" (Thanks Bethany) thingys and it made me think of something that happened the other night.
We usually read out of a Bible storybook that Nana got him before he goes to bed, and pray together and off to sleep he goes. Well, after we moved into our new apartment before Thanksgiving, we had to move back in with my BFF until Timmy finished his semester of school, so the book got left up in Acworth. Well, Timmy still wanted a story, so the first night Daddy told him the Christmas story about Baby Jesus born in a manger, and the shepherds, etc.
The next couple of nights, we just read regular books, but one night last weekend, I put him in the bed without reading him a book, and he quickly reminded me. "I need a story" So, I decided to tell him "Twas the Night Before Christmas". I had quoted this story in High School for a Christmas play, so I thought, Sure, I remember it and off I started. This is how it went...
Twas the Night Before Christmas, and ALL through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (I emphasized these lines so Timmy's eyes got big as bugs and he is hanging on EVERY word - it was so cute)
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there
And Mom in her kerchief and I in my hat
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap
And then...I started drawing a blank...oops...Timmy is STILL looking at me with those precious BUG eyes...and I am struggling here...so I continue with what I think is correct and then add some...here goes.
When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter
I threw open the shutters and flew up the sash (as I said that line I was like...that ain't right - but Timmy had no clue...so I kept going)
And what do my wondering eyes should appear but
Santa's sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer.
NOTE: I could NOT remember what was next...I paused...I paused...Timmy said, what happened next. So, I ad libbed the rest of the story...here is how Timmy thinks this story ends.
Santa grabbed his bag full of toys, and flew down the chimney
He had a truck for Tommy and a doll for Suzie
And after eating the cookies and drinking the milk,
He went back up the chimney to his sleigh and reindeers.
And as he flew off the roof you could hear him say,
"Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight"
So, that was the end, and when I said that last line. Timmy reached up and hugged me and said, "Mommy, that was a great Christmas story." His precious little self didn't even know that it was not the complete story. I hope that one day when I read the "REAL" Twas the Night Before Christmas story to him, that he doesn't realize I told him the wrong one before.
The next night he wanted "Frosty the Snowman" - I won't EVEN tell you how that one went. Kids...they believe anything!
We usually read out of a Bible storybook that Nana got him before he goes to bed, and pray together and off to sleep he goes. Well, after we moved into our new apartment before Thanksgiving, we had to move back in with my BFF until Timmy finished his semester of school, so the book got left up in Acworth. Well, Timmy still wanted a story, so the first night Daddy told him the Christmas story about Baby Jesus born in a manger, and the shepherds, etc.
The next couple of nights, we just read regular books, but one night last weekend, I put him in the bed without reading him a book, and he quickly reminded me. "I need a story" So, I decided to tell him "Twas the Night Before Christmas". I had quoted this story in High School for a Christmas play, so I thought, Sure, I remember it and off I started. This is how it went...
Twas the Night Before Christmas, and ALL through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (I emphasized these lines so Timmy's eyes got big as bugs and he is hanging on EVERY word - it was so cute)
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there
And Mom in her kerchief and I in my hat
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap
And then...I started drawing a blank...oops...Timmy is STILL looking at me with those precious BUG eyes...and I am struggling here...so I continue with what I think is correct and then add some...here goes.
When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter
I threw open the shutters and flew up the sash (as I said that line I was like...that ain't right - but Timmy had no clue...so I kept going)
And what do my wondering eyes should appear but
Santa's sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer.
NOTE: I could NOT remember what was next...I paused...I paused...Timmy said, what happened next. So, I ad libbed the rest of the story...here is how Timmy thinks this story ends.
Santa grabbed his bag full of toys, and flew down the chimney
He had a truck for Tommy and a doll for Suzie
And after eating the cookies and drinking the milk,
He went back up the chimney to his sleigh and reindeers.
And as he flew off the roof you could hear him say,
"Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight"
So, that was the end, and when I said that last line. Timmy reached up and hugged me and said, "Mommy, that was a great Christmas story." His precious little self didn't even know that it was not the complete story. I hope that one day when I read the "REAL" Twas the Night Before Christmas story to him, that he doesn't realize I told him the wrong one before.
The next night he wanted "Frosty the Snowman" - I won't EVEN tell you how that one went. Kids...they believe anything!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Butterfly Award
I was given the Butterfly Award for my blog from one of my precious friends Coach Mom Says. I have chosen some of the blogs I follow to receive this award also. Here they are.
1. Coach Mom Says
2. SoonToBeMeltons
3. Chapters
4. His-beloved
5. Skinner Family Adventures
Now they need to "pass it on"
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tis the Season
I have been meaning to post a new blog entry for a while, but I just haven't seemed to find the words to get out what I have wanted to say. So, if this seems all jumbled, forgive me. Here goes...
My facebook status currently states: "Elizabeth is wondering why this "Season of Giving" is only for Christmas...what happens to those people in February, even June - why not have a year long "season of giving"." If you have read any of my recent blogs, you know that Ed and I have been relying on God for daily sustenance for spiritual food and regular food. So, I have a taste of what it's like to be in need. Anyway, I listen to the radio on the way to work, and they are talking about Angel Tree, and Operation Christmas Child, and it got me thinking about my status. Why do we spend so much time and money making sure that these "needy" people's needs are met during the Christmas season. Why not have a year round season of giving?!?! Sometimes I think we as Christians feel that if we give to the poor and needy at Christmas, that it gives us our "quota" so to speak for the year. But I am here to testify that without those Christians helping us in September, October and November...where would we be right now. When is the last time that you gave selflessly of your time, your money, YOU, without expecting ANYTHING in return. I finished reading a book entitled "Field of the Fatherless" loaned to us by Sara Beth from ISF. (Ed and I have been praying about adoption for our future and Sara Beth recommended reading this book). Let me just tell you, this book changed my outlook on LIFE! In the Bible it says: “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2Cor 1:3-4) What He has done for us is what He requires that we do for others. There isn't a single person out there that can tell me that GOD hasn't "comforted" you in your tribulation. Even when Ed and I felt at our lowest point these past couple of months...God was STILL there in that valley and HE was still in control. As I said, I have a new outlook on life. I want my heart, soul, spirit, countenance to REFLECT the Lord Jesus Christ! I want people to look at me and see something different. I want them to see my precious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ who came to this earth to die for ME. For my sins. I deserve Hell...but HE SAVED ME! That in and of itself should be enough to make you jump for joy...we have the awesome privilege of spending eternity with the King of Kings!!! AMAZING!!!
I want to challenge each and everyone of you to do something... are you ready.... here it is....
When you do anything...think of others.
Sounds easy doesn't it. It wasn't easy for me at first, but now it's becoming what I do. For example...Road Rage...yep, I used to have Road Rage. I got SO frustrated when people would ride my bumper and then swoop over to a different lane at the last minute. I would get so mad when people would drive slow in the fast lane. I would get frustrated when people wouldn't let me over when I had my turn signal on or wouldn't let me turn left out of a street. But I heard a song on the radio by Brandon Heath called "Give Me Your Eyes". Let me just tell you...you won't have Road Rage for long listening to that song. The chorus goes like this:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
How many times have we looked at someone the way JESUS looks at someone. With the same compassion that HE does. So, I started changing my heart...I started changing my mind...I started making a conscious effort to think of others...I started looking at all of those drivers in those cars in Atlanta, GA with the eyes of Jesus. So, when I am sitting in traffic at the end of a work day, and I go 6 miles in 30 minutes...I let people in front of me....I hold up traffic on a busy two lane road to allow someone needing to turn left to turn left...I don't get angry at the driver who practically takes my bumper off when he swoops over to a new lane...I just smile and keep driving. And this is just in driving....when I go through the drive thru at McDonalds to get that morning cup of Joe...I smile at the cashiers and say, "Have a great day"...who knows...maybe they needed that...maybe they had a rude customer earlier that ruined their day. You never know who you are going to bless by seeing like Jesus, loving like Jesus, and living FOR Jesus.
I am not saying all of this to toot my own horn. I am not saying that I am by any means perfect (because my husband and kids can tell you I'm not). I am just challenging you to do something in your life to make a difference in someone else's life, that will ultimately change yours and give you the HEART of Jesus!
Because you never know....you may be the one that needs to turn left one day!
My facebook status currently states: "Elizabeth is wondering why this "Season of Giving" is only for Christmas...what happens to those people in February, even June - why not have a year long "season of giving"." If you have read any of my recent blogs, you know that Ed and I have been relying on God for daily sustenance for spiritual food and regular food. So, I have a taste of what it's like to be in need. Anyway, I listen to the radio on the way to work, and they are talking about Angel Tree, and Operation Christmas Child, and it got me thinking about my status. Why do we spend so much time and money making sure that these "needy" people's needs are met during the Christmas season. Why not have a year round season of giving?!?! Sometimes I think we as Christians feel that if we give to the poor and needy at Christmas, that it gives us our "quota" so to speak for the year. But I am here to testify that without those Christians helping us in September, October and November...where would we be right now. When is the last time that you gave selflessly of your time, your money, YOU, without expecting ANYTHING in return. I finished reading a book entitled "Field of the Fatherless" loaned to us by Sara Beth from ISF. (Ed and I have been praying about adoption for our future and Sara Beth recommended reading this book). Let me just tell you, this book changed my outlook on LIFE! In the Bible it says: “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2Cor 1:3-4) What He has done for us is what He requires that we do for others. There isn't a single person out there that can tell me that GOD hasn't "comforted" you in your tribulation. Even when Ed and I felt at our lowest point these past couple of months...God was STILL there in that valley and HE was still in control. As I said, I have a new outlook on life. I want my heart, soul, spirit, countenance to REFLECT the Lord Jesus Christ! I want people to look at me and see something different. I want them to see my precious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ who came to this earth to die for ME. For my sins. I deserve Hell...but HE SAVED ME! That in and of itself should be enough to make you jump for joy...we have the awesome privilege of spending eternity with the King of Kings!!! AMAZING!!!
I want to challenge each and everyone of you to do something... are you ready.... here it is....
When you do anything...think of others.
Sounds easy doesn't it. It wasn't easy for me at first, but now it's becoming what I do. For example...Road Rage...yep, I used to have Road Rage. I got SO frustrated when people would ride my bumper and then swoop over to a different lane at the last minute. I would get so mad when people would drive slow in the fast lane. I would get frustrated when people wouldn't let me over when I had my turn signal on or wouldn't let me turn left out of a street. But I heard a song on the radio by Brandon Heath called "Give Me Your Eyes". Let me just tell you...you won't have Road Rage for long listening to that song. The chorus goes like this:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
How many times have we looked at someone the way JESUS looks at someone. With the same compassion that HE does. So, I started changing my heart...I started changing my mind...I started making a conscious effort to think of others...I started looking at all of those drivers in those cars in Atlanta, GA with the eyes of Jesus. So, when I am sitting in traffic at the end of a work day, and I go 6 miles in 30 minutes...I let people in front of me....I hold up traffic on a busy two lane road to allow someone needing to turn left to turn left...I don't get angry at the driver who practically takes my bumper off when he swoops over to a new lane...I just smile and keep driving. And this is just in driving....when I go through the drive thru at McDonalds to get that morning cup of Joe...I smile at the cashiers and say, "Have a great day"...who knows...maybe they needed that...maybe they had a rude customer earlier that ruined their day. You never know who you are going to bless by seeing like Jesus, loving like Jesus, and living FOR Jesus.
I am not saying all of this to toot my own horn. I am not saying that I am by any means perfect (because my husband and kids can tell you I'm not). I am just challenging you to do something in your life to make a difference in someone else's life, that will ultimately change yours and give you the HEART of Jesus!
Because you never know....you may be the one that needs to turn left one day!
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