BIG news on this adventure.

Saturday evening we got the text letting us know that the offer that SOLD our house had come in. The number we specifically prayed about was locked in. Sold. Our house has been sold. It still doesn't seem real - especially as the dishwasher swishes, the living room is once again a sea of toys and blankets, and life is still normal. But, it's our reality. Our beautiful home on 1st street will very soon just be another memory in our book of life. And the adventures continue...

Right now we don't have a plan for the next move. We are praying about getting as close to our church and people as we can. We really do feel the importance in that - and are praying and asking the Lord for His clear direction, and we'll wait on that. There is a part of me that is SO excited to just wait and see. I kinda like this uncomfortable unknown...oh, the mystery. The realistic and planner type part of me knows we will soon need to look into a place to rent. ;) 

We have once again seen the Lord work in our lives and hearts in very real and specific ways. Join us in rejoicing! And, might I ask that you keep praying on with us? 

A lil' redo

Oh, how the Lord is always providing for us :) I could {and am} write every single one of these blessings down! I can't wait for my children to one day sit and read all about how our God has provided for us - in BIG and little ways.

A few months ago we were given this big ol' dresser. August would need one once we moved the changing table out of her room {sniff sniff tear} - and we weren't sure where one might pop up. The very same day I was thinking about this I saw a couple from church giving one away on FB. Yippee! I didn't even care what it would look like because, you see, I had plans involving lots of mini cans of pink paint.

Here is the before, and please don't mind our filthy old garage ;)

And here is what I was able to finish up this afternoon -

 

I wanted it to be a little more ombre, instead of the bottom four basically looking like the same color...but, it works for now! Eventually we'll fix that last handle that WILL NOT come off, and we'll sand down and repaint the outer white part, and then find CUTE knobs. But, it works, will fit ALL of the little's clothes and I can't wait to put it in her room. :) The best is that it cost $0!

Next on my to - do list...

This beauty. She has been sitting and sitting and sitting, just waiting for some attention. In the fall I gave it a really good deep clean that has now been undone by a season in the garage :( I have pinned almost every single buffet idea from pinterest and I still cannot decide what I really want to do to it. It's in rough shape so I don't think leaving it in the natural state will work. What would YOU do?

Before I end this post today. Exciting news! As of tomorrow, April 29th, 2013 our home is FOR SALE. We have been waiting and waiting and praying and thinking - and have decided to step out in faith and see what the Lord will do. Pray with us for a quick sale? We have really seen and felt the need to be closer to our church and are asking the Lord to move us there. He'll have to do it - because we are so incapable! 

What a great Sunday! Enjoy yours!

It's no coincidence

This morning as the girls were doing their thing, I brewed a hot cup of coffee and sat on the front porch over sized chair, bible open, ready for some direction. I went to bed feeling refreshed and cared for last night - after a beautiful prayer time with precious ladies. The Lord always knows when I need that most. Yesterday was one of those MOST moments. It was sweet.

But there I sat in my chair with my steaming mug and Vera Bradley-clad MacArthur study Bible. The porch was still cool from the night and it felt wonderful. I'm still convinced the Lord made those cool mornings just for me :) I opened to Psalm 121 and the familiar words were right there in black print...

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?  

My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore."

It's hard not to be encouraged when you are reminded that the same God who led Israel...still leads me. The same God who directed David, Moses and the disciples... still directs me. My Help. 

At 1:10pm today my children and I went in for a routine well-child visit for my 15 month old. We went through all the normal things - play in the well child waiting area, try out the drinking fountain, fill out the form about how stressed out mom might be... etc.  Nurse called us back and we made small talk about the fair, my 3 year olds funny stories, all while we were weighing and measuring my now almost nakey 1 year old. She hates that part - being flopped down on that huge scale and then stretched out to see how long she is. Screams. But we did it and moved on. 

Once back in our private room I noticed the nurse kept looking from clip board to computer screen and tracing with her pen. Hmmmm... 

She asked if I would mind if we measured Augs one more time. Sure. No big deal. More screams. Back to the room, again. And then she turned the computer to me and with one slanted eyebrow she said, "Doesn't look like August is growing. But let's see what your Doctor has to say." And then she left. I just glared at the computer screen with the line going straight across and not up the hill... like it's supposed to.

What I can't explain to you is that feeling at that moment. That "everything-will-be-fine-I'm-sure-but-what-if-its-not-oh-my-word-oh-my-word-oh-my-word" feeling.

My Doctor came in pretty quickly and we went through all the heartbeat, eyes, ears, throat stuff. Talked about 15 month old things and how August won't touch a veggie at all. She asked about my husbands trip to Haiti and how Ava was doing. She's calm and awesome like that. Then she reviewed nurses notes and furrowed the brow and said, "So what's going on with August?". And I didn't know what she meant? I, obviously, am not a doctor. I think I mumbled something about how many teeth she had now. She explained that Augs was down to the 22% for length - that's pretty small for a girl from this family. {Her sis is STILL in the high 90's for everything} Her head and weight were good, but, shrimp boat was especially...shrimpy. She wanted us to come back in just 6 weeks and remeasure her and if things didn't change she would do a blood draw and run some tests. 

Another glance at the ol' clipboard and she looked at me and said, "actually, let's go ahead and do that today." Gulp. 

I took for granted that not everyone goes in for well child visits and walks out with well children. Because I ALWAYS have, Praise God for that. But I wasn't freaking out yet - this was precautionary - just to make sure. Dr explained that this could be simply a thyroid issue, but more then likely was nothing, and then she asked me to describe what every one of her aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc looked like height wise. As if my brain were not swimming at that point. I was totally thrown off guard. Anyway, preparation was made and I had to physically hold down my screaming 15 month old and watch as they drew blood from her tiny, baby, arm. Sobbed. I tried to be brave and adult like... but I felt like my heart was getting ripped out as I watched her sign over and over again "all done" to the nurses. There may be no pain comparable to watching your children hurt. And the heart of God came to mind and His love for me and His compassion when I hurt. Thank you, Jesus. The blood team left and I just held her to my chest and we both cried and at that moment I think I hurt worse. 

Sometime tomorrow or the next day I'll get a phone call with results. Someone will call and give a report and life will go on. On the way home I prayed to God and asked that IF it pleased Him that we would get an ok report. That my baby girl would be spared more pain and we'd keep living life as norm with my teeny tiny. But then I continued and asked that if he found it necessary for us to go through a trial - that we would glorify Him through it and rejoice in the chance to magnify Him. THOSE ARE HARD WORDS WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO RUN AWAY AND MAKE IT ALL BETTER. And then Psalm 121 came back into my brain - MY help comes from the Lord. The Lord is our keeper. 

It's no coincidence that I read that this morning. The rest of the ride home I just let that truth minister to my heart, my trembling, though...trying to fight for FAITH heart. 

So we'll see. And, in the meantime we'll keep resting in the fact that we are held in the mighty hands of Jesus.

My Fear

I knew when I agreed to take on our little guy for babysitting that it would be, at times, life changing for us. Going from two to three kids in my day was slightly dramatic...but overall just peachy good. A fear that has reigned in my mind, though I have tried to keep it captive, was the fear of something happening to the little guy. The child that is not my own, but under my care. How my gut aches even thinking about situations that "could" happen.

Yesterday that fear was fueled by watching our neighbor dog come at him lightening fast and nip his little leg. You cannot know how time stands still in those situations...until they happen to you. While I praise GOD that he is ok and the bite was minimal {very small dog}, I am heavy hearted, still.

After having the animal police in my livingroom and "dealing" with the neighbors responsible... things are adjusting back to normal. The dog has been taken and I was praised for doing the "right thing by calling". Apparently it's against the law to NOT report a dog bite. Hmmm...good to know. {?} The neighbors dogs have been a problem for a-while now... going on 3 years, but we've never had a real issue with them, except for the literal constant barking. ARL informed me that now the responsibility lies with the neighbors - they have to repair their broken fence, chain up their beastly animals and be...responsible.

Can I ask for your prayers? We need wisdom and encouragement. We HATE that this happened to our little guy, we equally hate the tension this puts between us and our neighbors.

Oh these fears... Lord, thank you for your protection and the quick thinking you gave to me in that moment. We never ask for these moments, but we know you hold us in your hands.

Week of Prayer

Day 1 -

So thankful for the Lord's work in my life...
August woke up at 6:15 this morning. After I got her back down instead of climbing back into my warm, cozy, bed, I got to work. Our church is doing a "Week of Prayer" to prep for Easter and I had hoped to be able to get up early and get some minutes alone in the Word of God and in prayer. Augs early wake up was just what I needed to literally get on my feet. :)

Today we are praying for our leaders: President, staff, etc. How humbling to pray for such "big" people. How humbling to know God hears and will answer. I specifically, today, will be praying for our president as he makes decisions about the Abortion issue. I'm praying for the thousands of babies whose lives hang in the balance....

I'm eager to see the Lord work in my life during this week of prayer. I'm thankful for a church who supports such an event! :) What are you praying for or about this week?

Non-Hypothetical Car Wreck

Have you ever had a car accident?
Or, have you experienced that quickening in your heart when you get that phone call, "I've been in a wreck."?

This is where we are right now. In real time. A part of me has to laugh right out loud about it... because just a few days ago I was telling you about how much it was going to cost to have some maintenance work done on the van. Now that van is sitting crunched up in a tow yard two highways over.

When my husband called me yesterday morning the first words out of his mouth were, "the van is totalled. I'm sorry." Because...that's the kind of guy he is. He knew I really, really, really liked that silly van. Always wanted one. Finally had one. So I had to butt in to ask if he was ok or hurt. And PRAISE THE LORD he's fine. Not one scratch. The other party involved was just fine, too.

I knew tears would come. Even though its just a worldly possession... it was kind of a "need". We have children to cart around, places to be, food to shop for, life to live. But strangely, the tears didn't come until later - in private - after I was strong for my husband. And that strength was def a GOD THING, because... man I do love a good cry. In the place of tears and worry I was flooded with peace. You know, that without explanation-supernatural-"everyting is gonna be ah-ite" peace. And I rejoice in that. I PRAISE GOD for giving me that peace. Deep down to my toes peace. Because truth is...

-we have NO money to replace that vehicle. {tho, insurance is working on it!}
-Brad's car is literally days away from dying, too.
-it was my van... my...van. I kinda sorta liked it a lot.
-my husband walked away with out a scratch on his body. I've seen the opposite way.too.much every night on the news. This post could be a totally different post right now. I will not go there.

Just yesterday I was reading in Ephesians and reminding myself, no...preaching to myself, that I am God's masterpiece, His workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works.

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Eph. 2:10

That was such a comfort to me. Though some may be thinking what on earth that has to do with ones prized van being smashed on a highway...

I was reminded and humbled to remember that circumstances, be they good or bad ones, don't dictate God's plan for my life. God is the dictator {the good kind!} and His ways truly are the best ways. I can't see that full picture now. All I see is an empty driveway where my Chevy Uplander sat at my convenience. God has plans for me to do GOOD things. Things that were planned before I was even a sparkle in my momma's eye. And I needed that yesterday.

How do we glory in Christ through these circumstances?

We love & respect our husbands, we love our children... just like we do in the good times.

And, we keep on praying and asking God for His perfect provision. Will you join us?

Keep on praying

The other day a blurb ran across the bottom of the TV screen about a U.S. helicopter being shot down in Afghanistan. My normal reaction is to just turn off the TV. I can't live day to day wondering what's going on... there... with MY brother. I just can't. So, off went the TV and on went my day.

Today I was informed that the 4 Americans killed were part of the group where my brother is stationed. :( A sad face doesn't come close to justifying the emotion behind that...

Will you keep on praying? Pray for these men and women fighting for our freedoms! Pray for the families of the fallen - children without daddies and mommies, spouses left alone... parents who lost a child.

Here's a random link to the story - tho, don't for a second think that any liberal news program is giving you the WHOLE story, ever. But, just for some info.

When your heart leaves for Afghanistan... again.

I knew it was coming... as I watched the days on the calendar pass. But, for some reason, whether denial or just a secret hope for a change of plans - I ignored the date. But, the time has come and now my brother is once again on his way to Afghanistan.

I'm sure some of you are military families, too. So you know the up and down of emotions. The way your throat clenches when ANY report on the news has the words, "war", "soldiers" or "Afghanistan" in them... and, that's very much where I am today. I don't know why I try to hide my sadness about this - as if by being "tough" I change the situation. Truth is - I'm so proud! I'm proud of a brother who believes in the value of American Freedom and will fight for it. But, the other side of that coin is... I'm little-girl-in-the-corner-crying-scared. :/

My dad sent this email out today. Please join us in praying for my brother and his family for the next few months.

"Everyone,
I am sorry for the mass e mailings, but it is the easiest and most concise way to do this. As we approach Memorial Day (a day in which we remember those who have served and are serving our country) it with a pensive heart that I tell you that once again our son will be in harm's way. Joshua will leave for Atlanta tonight (midnight) and then off to Virginia and then finally to Afghanistan. This is his third deployment there (he has two in Iraq as well) and he couldn't tell me exactly where -- no joke to insert here, he really couldn't tell me for a number of reasons. Joshua returns to Afghanistan a dedicated, flying crew chief. Simply stated, when the bird goes up so does he... the reverse of the statement will be left to your understanding.

We have a couple of requests to make of you our praying family and friends:

1. Pray for his safety.

2. Pray for the safety of the men he is serving with.

3. Pray for Ashley as she cares for Kaci, who is now 2, and is pregnant with their second child (I'm hoping for a boy).

4. Pray for spiritual condition of Joshua and Ashley (and babies).

5. Pray for Toni and I...it will be a long 120-150 days.

In Him, Paul and Toni Grice

NOTE: Joshua serves in the 66ERQS / HMU. That means something about Expeditionary Rescue Squad and HMU means Helicopter Maintenance Unit. They will probably rename the unit the 41st ERQS / HMU as that is the units number in Moody Air Force Base there in Valdosta, GA. Part of the units motto reads, "So Others May Live"...and now you know why I am a bit uneasy. -Paul"

Praying for Haiti

I know many of you have posts on this horrible earthquake situation in Haiti. Many of you have personal ties with the country either from past trips, knowing people there now or possibly supporting a missionary in that country. I'm in the last category. I grew up in Ohio and my parents church supports Miss Beth Newton - she works as a nurse/dr's assistant in Haiti. In June of 2008 my parents and several others from the church were able to fly down and help the people of Haiti build a church building, expand their hospital and bring TONS of hospital type things (pain relievers, syringes, towels). Carrie Swartz was able to take many pics of the location they worked in and I wanted to share them with you - let them break your heart for a country living below the poverty line. To your right is a typical street market - notice the produce on the ground, probably on burlap sacks. Do you see the shanty type buildings? There are children and animals and cars everywhere all at once.

The heat is overwhelming.

The smell is overwhelming. I've heard it described many ways... waste, fleshy, sour. And this is their typical day. Trying to make a living however they can.

Notice their homes. Yep, homes. This lady's kitchen is that green counter top behind her. The poverty is extreme. This picture is a family that isn't doing, "too bad".

My husband mentioned to me yesterday that as he sat at work and watched the story unfold on the news - he cried. The pictures they are posting are just total devastation. And, we feel helpless. But, we can pray. We can trust God. We can financially support those who can physically GO and do something about it.
God has called us to care for the "least of these". Pray for the people of Haiti. Pray for our military men and women who will go to do search and rescue - but in reality will probably just be searching. They will see things that will change them...forever. What can our churches do? What can we do?