It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do for your attitude. Well, some sleep anyway. Not necessarily good. Definitely never enough. But at least I have a little more perspective.
Sometimes I feel like such a baby. I've had friends move across the Atlantic Ocean, without this much fuss. My good friend lost her mother a few months ago. She has a much greater reason to be having a rough time right now. Many of my friends and acquaintances in this area are from military families and move every three or four years. I can't even imagine. I guess you just don't accumulate "stuff."
I used to work with someone who would hand whiny students a straw and a deck of cards and say, "Suck it up and deal." I think the cards are packed, but there are some straws in the pantry. :) I'm trying to count my blessings, and not dwell on the question of "Why does Ashtyn have to be teething right now?!"
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Last Times & First Times (Amanda)
I don't do well with goodbyes, last times, etc. It's the last week here. We're starting to run into those. Last day of work today. Turned in my keys, my badge, my laptop. Saw lots of people for the last time, other than visits. For the first time in nine years, I am not an employee of Fairfax County Public Schools. For the first time in ten years, I am not a teacher. For the first time in my life, my world does not revolve around a school calendar with bells to tell me when I can use the bathroom or eat my lunch (all-too-quickly). I think I'm having an identity crisis.
I am a child of God. I am Ryan's wife. I am Ryleigh and Ashtyn's mommy. I am a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a sister-in-law, a friend. I need to focus on the important things and the things that I am.
Tomorrow will most likely be the last outing for Samantha and me and the girls. Hopefully I'll remember the camera and hopefulyl the girls will cooperate for some photos this time. Friday will be our last small group meeting. This Sunday will be our last regular Sunday at FCC.
I hate goodbyes. I know I'll be back to visit, but it's not the same. I have friends here. I don't know anyone in East Greenville. I'll have family nearby, but it's not the same. Hopefully the girls and I can find something to do, ways to meet people. Have I mentioned how much I'm dreading church shopping?
I hope and pray (and expect) that someday, in the not-too-distant future I'll be telling you about all the blessings in our life. Right now, tonight, I'd rather sit here not liking last times and first times. Tomorrow is a new day.
I am a child of God. I am Ryan's wife. I am Ryleigh and Ashtyn's mommy. I am a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a sister-in-law, a friend. I need to focus on the important things and the things that I am.
Tomorrow will most likely be the last outing for Samantha and me and the girls. Hopefully I'll remember the camera and hopefulyl the girls will cooperate for some photos this time. Friday will be our last small group meeting. This Sunday will be our last regular Sunday at FCC.
I hate goodbyes. I know I'll be back to visit, but it's not the same. I have friends here. I don't know anyone in East Greenville. I'll have family nearby, but it's not the same. Hopefully the girls and I can find something to do, ways to meet people. Have I mentioned how much I'm dreading church shopping?
I hope and pray (and expect) that someday, in the not-too-distant future I'll be telling you about all the blessings in our life. Right now, tonight, I'd rather sit here not liking last times and first times. Tomorrow is a new day.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
My Side (Ryan)
I have realized that for many who have only known me in Northern Virginia, or only through Amanda, this sudden move to "the farm in PA" seems completely out of the blue. For me however, this is my life coming full circle. The farm just north of the small town of Bally, PA has been passed from generation to generation since the land was deeded from William Penn. I lived most of my first 24 years here and I guess I will be the 12th or 13th generation now to make a living on this land. But for me this is far more than about making a living. I am excited about continuing the family farm, working with my dad, and providing the local community with fresh produce at affordable prices. I can't wait to be my own boss and to exercise all my creative energies in this venture. While I spent the last 12 years of my life in education, human services, and family therapy, and much of that in the mega-suburbia of Northern Virginia, I know that God was working on things in me. Had I never moved from Bally I would have never had the thought, initiative, or courage to do this. And I am confident that what He has taught me, and the experiences and education I have received, will be used in some way as we set our roots back in PA.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Submission (Amanda)
I have hinted at this in random conversations with people, but I wanted to spell it all out at one time, for everyone to read all the pieces of the story, for God is truly amazing.
I used to be fiercely independent, believing I could have and do it all, and believing fully in equality of men and women, a bit of a feminist even. Hang with me here, some of you are ready to argue. I know, some of you are thinking, "You aren't still fiercely independent, etc.?" Maybe you mean stubborn. :) I am, but I am not. God has really changed my heart.
I used to think I could be a high school band director and a mom and anything else I wanted to be all at once. Once I started working in a high school, I realized I didn't want to give that much of myself away at the expense of my family. So my desires were changed. Then I had my first child, and God made it clear that I shouldn't even be an associate band director at the high school level. I became protective of my time with Ryan and Ryleigh, and so excited by the opportunity to have more of it. Once I became a mother, I realized that was all I wanted to be. Maybe not all, but certainly God convicted me that it was to be my primary focus.
It hasn't been easy, all the role-reversal in our family. Ryan and I have often struggled with the "head of the household" and "wives, submit to your husbands" thing. Partly because I'm so stubborn. Partly because I was the primary breadwinner, and while we knew it was only for a season, we also knew it wasn't God's overall design for the family.
Which leads me to submission. I always struggled with the idea of submitting to Ryan, because I thought it somehow meant he was stronger or more important than I am. Then someone explained it all one day, and I finally got it. You can't just stop at "Wives, submit to your husbands." You have to keep going. You have to understand that this submission is the same submission to God's will that led Christ to the Cross for each and every one of us. That submission is not subverting my will, but it is trusting God to lead my husband according to His will. Not submitting to Ryan is not trusting God with our lives. If my husband is submitting his will to God, then I need to trust that, and submit my will to my husband. I need to trust that God will lead him down the right path.
Do I want to move to Pennsylvania? Not really. Do I question the master's degree in something completely unrelated to farming, agriculture, business, etc.? Absolutely. Do I doubt that God is holding my hand, has a plan for my life, knows what tomorrow holds, and wants to bless me and my family abundantly? Not for one second. I submit to Ryan's will to move back to the farm, because I trust this is in God's hands. I think in the long run it will be good for our family, but that's because I believe God wants us there. Every step of the way, God has shown His faithfulness to us. I cannot doubt that for one second, and I fully believe He will continue to be faithful in our future as He has been in our past.
I'm going to miss Northern Virginia like crazy. Not the traffic, not the hectic pace of life, not the feeling that there's never enough time to get together because everyone is always so busy. That's the only thing I miss about our year in rural North Carolina -- the slower pace of life. Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I could have a little time where life moves that slowly.
I'm going to miss the people, though. I'm going to miss FCC. I'm going to miss Rod's teaching and Chris's music. I'm going to miss the people who love on my girls so I can have a focused worship experience each weekend. I'm going to miss all the women who have poured into my life. I'm afraid to name them all for fear I'll miss someone, but Donna and Kathleen are two who've really touched me. I'm going to miss my small group. I'm going to miss the friends I've made through the church, which is most of the people I know.
I'm going to miss the comraderie among Fairfax County band directors. I'm going to miss that there was always someone to ask for advice. I'm going to miss my various coworkers and teammates over the years who have powerful influences on my teaching.
If I let myself dwell on it, I'm going to miss what we've built here over the last 9 years. Not just the relationships, although that's the biggest part, but my career and the connections that go with that. It's hard to leave all that. It was really hard to leave West Springfield last year, but God has honored my faithfulness to what I felt He was calling me, and this year has been such a blessing. It's harder to walk away now, but I must focus not on what I'm walking away from but what I'm walking toward. Granted, I'm not really sure what that is, but I do know it's God's plan for my family.
I am walking toward God, with every step I take and every day that I live. Sometimes I slip back, sometimes I stumble and fall, but I get up and press forward. And so we're diving in and moving forward with this. There's a lot I can't explain, other than to say it's is God's will, God's plan, God's doing, and if you just hang with us, you'll get to see what He does with this. I don't know what it is, but it's going to be great, and that is exciting. And that is why I submit to my husband, out of trust and faith in a God who loves me immeasureably, a God who created me and everything in this world, a God who gave His Son for me.
Well, this is a long entry. And I have less than two weeks. I should probably go pack something. My story of learning the meaning of submission is one that I hope can touch others, because it is definitely something I struggled with. May you be blessed by my story. May you give a second thought to this Scripture. My prayer is that those who read this will understand.
I used to be fiercely independent, believing I could have and do it all, and believing fully in equality of men and women, a bit of a feminist even. Hang with me here, some of you are ready to argue. I know, some of you are thinking, "You aren't still fiercely independent, etc.?" Maybe you mean stubborn. :) I am, but I am not. God has really changed my heart.
I used to think I could be a high school band director and a mom and anything else I wanted to be all at once. Once I started working in a high school, I realized I didn't want to give that much of myself away at the expense of my family. So my desires were changed. Then I had my first child, and God made it clear that I shouldn't even be an associate band director at the high school level. I became protective of my time with Ryan and Ryleigh, and so excited by the opportunity to have more of it. Once I became a mother, I realized that was all I wanted to be. Maybe not all, but certainly God convicted me that it was to be my primary focus.
It hasn't been easy, all the role-reversal in our family. Ryan and I have often struggled with the "head of the household" and "wives, submit to your husbands" thing. Partly because I'm so stubborn. Partly because I was the primary breadwinner, and while we knew it was only for a season, we also knew it wasn't God's overall design for the family.
Which leads me to submission. I always struggled with the idea of submitting to Ryan, because I thought it somehow meant he was stronger or more important than I am. Then someone explained it all one day, and I finally got it. You can't just stop at "Wives, submit to your husbands." You have to keep going. You have to understand that this submission is the same submission to God's will that led Christ to the Cross for each and every one of us. That submission is not subverting my will, but it is trusting God to lead my husband according to His will. Not submitting to Ryan is not trusting God with our lives. If my husband is submitting his will to God, then I need to trust that, and submit my will to my husband. I need to trust that God will lead him down the right path.
Do I want to move to Pennsylvania? Not really. Do I question the master's degree in something completely unrelated to farming, agriculture, business, etc.? Absolutely. Do I doubt that God is holding my hand, has a plan for my life, knows what tomorrow holds, and wants to bless me and my family abundantly? Not for one second. I submit to Ryan's will to move back to the farm, because I trust this is in God's hands. I think in the long run it will be good for our family, but that's because I believe God wants us there. Every step of the way, God has shown His faithfulness to us. I cannot doubt that for one second, and I fully believe He will continue to be faithful in our future as He has been in our past.
I'm going to miss Northern Virginia like crazy. Not the traffic, not the hectic pace of life, not the feeling that there's never enough time to get together because everyone is always so busy. That's the only thing I miss about our year in rural North Carolina -- the slower pace of life. Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I could have a little time where life moves that slowly.
I'm going to miss the people, though. I'm going to miss FCC. I'm going to miss Rod's teaching and Chris's music. I'm going to miss the people who love on my girls so I can have a focused worship experience each weekend. I'm going to miss all the women who have poured into my life. I'm afraid to name them all for fear I'll miss someone, but Donna and Kathleen are two who've really touched me. I'm going to miss my small group. I'm going to miss the friends I've made through the church, which is most of the people I know.
I'm going to miss the comraderie among Fairfax County band directors. I'm going to miss that there was always someone to ask for advice. I'm going to miss my various coworkers and teammates over the years who have powerful influences on my teaching.
If I let myself dwell on it, I'm going to miss what we've built here over the last 9 years. Not just the relationships, although that's the biggest part, but my career and the connections that go with that. It's hard to leave all that. It was really hard to leave West Springfield last year, but God has honored my faithfulness to what I felt He was calling me, and this year has been such a blessing. It's harder to walk away now, but I must focus not on what I'm walking away from but what I'm walking toward. Granted, I'm not really sure what that is, but I do know it's God's plan for my family.
I am walking toward God, with every step I take and every day that I live. Sometimes I slip back, sometimes I stumble and fall, but I get up and press forward. And so we're diving in and moving forward with this. There's a lot I can't explain, other than to say it's is God's will, God's plan, God's doing, and if you just hang with us, you'll get to see what He does with this. I don't know what it is, but it's going to be great, and that is exciting. And that is why I submit to my husband, out of trust and faith in a God who loves me immeasureably, a God who created me and everything in this world, a God who gave His Son for me.
Well, this is a long entry. And I have less than two weeks. I should probably go pack something. My story of learning the meaning of submission is one that I hope can touch others, because it is definitely something I struggled with. May you be blessed by my story. May you give a second thought to this Scripture. My prayer is that those who read this will understand.
Happy Father's Day (Amanda)
to all fathers everywhere, especially to my dad, my father-in-law, my grandfathers (two of whom have gone home to be with their Heavenly Father), but most especially to the daddy of my two little girls.
I can't imagine a better daddy than Ryan is to Ryleigh and Ashtyn. Most of you know that since Ryleigh was born nearly three years ago, he has been the primary parent, his main job has been as a stay-at-home dad. That has at various times been more of a struggle than at others, but God has truly gifted him in this area, and He has gifted our girls with an amazing daddy.
Ryan, I know we haven't taken much time in all this whirlwhind to appreciate each other, but please know that I love you and I love the way you father our girls. They are so blessed by you, even though they don't yet know that anyone ever has any less of a father than you are to them. Someday, I hope they will appreciate you for the father you are too them. You have a special bond, especially with Ryleigh, from being home while I've been working. Ryleigh, Ashtyn, and I all love you so much!
I can't imagine a better daddy than Ryan is to Ryleigh and Ashtyn. Most of you know that since Ryleigh was born nearly three years ago, he has been the primary parent, his main job has been as a stay-at-home dad. That has at various times been more of a struggle than at others, but God has truly gifted him in this area, and He has gifted our girls with an amazing daddy.
Ryan, I know we haven't taken much time in all this whirlwhind to appreciate each other, but please know that I love you and I love the way you father our girls. They are so blessed by you, even though they don't yet know that anyone ever has any less of a father than you are to them. Someday, I hope they will appreciate you for the father you are too them. You have a special bond, especially with Ryleigh, from being home while I've been working. Ryleigh, Ashtyn, and I all love you so much!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Blessed (Amanda)
We have an amazing small group. We have been so blessed by each family, and it's hard to express our gratitude for all they've meant to us. People have helped us get the house ready, watched the girls, gifted us with great conversation, support, and prayers, and offered their assistance with the move. Tonight we had a potluck dinner together (we always eat well!), and they gave us a gift card to Home Depot. I'm sure that will come in handy in the new home. I'm so going to miss Jeanny's baking.
It's hard to believe we've only been meeting as a group since the Fall. I feel like we've grown so close in such a short time. I've so enjoyed our time together, especially the women-only time we've had (birth stories always come up). I'm really going to miss these women. Mary always seems to know just what I need prayer for, she understands most how I feel about all these changes. I have appreciated Suzann's honesty and openness about anything and everything. Jeanny always has very thoughtful insights, whether it's study discussion or random conversations. Heidi is so thoughtful of others, so ready to lift them in prayer. She has bathed our very home in prayer, and I'm so thankful. Inez has a sincerity about her, a genuineness (is that a word?), a gentle spirit that has touched my heart. They all love on my kids. It seems so unfair that these people have only just come into our lives and we already have to move away from them.
I have to believe God has special blessings ahead for us. With a few exceptions, life seems so perfect, so many things are just what we've been looking for. Do we really have to walk away? God seems to be flinging open doors, so I guess it's meant to be. Gotta' have faith.
It's hard to believe we've only been meeting as a group since the Fall. I feel like we've grown so close in such a short time. I've so enjoyed our time together, especially the women-only time we've had (birth stories always come up). I'm really going to miss these women. Mary always seems to know just what I need prayer for, she understands most how I feel about all these changes. I have appreciated Suzann's honesty and openness about anything and everything. Jeanny always has very thoughtful insights, whether it's study discussion or random conversations. Heidi is so thoughtful of others, so ready to lift them in prayer. She has bathed our very home in prayer, and I'm so thankful. Inez has a sincerity about her, a genuineness (is that a word?), a gentle spirit that has touched my heart. They all love on my kids. It seems so unfair that these people have only just come into our lives and we already have to move away from them.
I have to believe God has special blessings ahead for us. With a few exceptions, life seems so perfect, so many things are just what we've been looking for. Do we really have to walk away? God seems to be flinging open doors, so I guess it's meant to be. Gotta' have faith.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I Love My Girls (Amanda)
Ashtyn learned to blow raspberries today. *grin* She thinks she's hilarious. She's also trying really hard to roll over. She gets most of the way around, but can't seem to make it that last little bit. She's so close.
Ryleigh is so much like me. I am already dreading her teen years. I suspect we're going to bump heads a few times. It's already starting. I never thought I'd see this in her before even her third birthday! But she's also very loving to me, her daddy, and her sister. She's so affectionate when she isn't cranky.
Ryleigh is such a great big sister, so loving to her baby sister. Ashtyn was in her bouncy seat, and Ryleigh thought I was sleeping on the couch. (I was trying to get Ryleigh to lay dawn somewhere and take a nap. She is so sleep-deprived.) Ryleigh jumped off her perch on top of the couch at the tiniest noise from Ashtyn to put her binky back in her mouth. It was so sweet!
P.S. Checked the date on the yogurt, it was fine. Maybe she just ate too much. Maybe she just got sick.
Ryleigh is so much like me. I am already dreading her teen years. I suspect we're going to bump heads a few times. It's already starting. I never thought I'd see this in her before even her third birthday! But she's also very loving to me, her daddy, and her sister. She's so affectionate when she isn't cranky.
Ryleigh is such a great big sister, so loving to her baby sister. Ashtyn was in her bouncy seat, and Ryleigh thought I was sleeping on the couch. (I was trying to get Ryleigh to lay dawn somewhere and take a nap. She is so sleep-deprived.) Ryleigh jumped off her perch on top of the couch at the tiniest noise from Ashtyn to put her binky back in her mouth. It was so sweet!
P.S. Checked the date on the yogurt, it was fine. Maybe she just ate too much. Maybe she just got sick.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Poor Ryleigh (Amanda)
I went to my last Northern Virginia Pampered Chef meeting tonight. I called Ryan on the way home to let him know I was on my way, and he said someone wanted to talk to me. I hoped he meant Ashtyn, but I knew he meant Ryleigh. I couldn't believe she was still up! Then she started telling me how she threw up all over my bedroom and bathroom! Poor baby! We fed her old yogurt (a lot of it -- she kept asking for more) and it made her belly hurt. Sometimes I feel like a terrible mother. We are so blessed to have such an amazing daddy who even cleans up puke. We love you, Daddy!
Random thoughts and stressors (Amanda)
I am so ADD. Can't focus on anything. Maybe there are too many things to focus on. So maybe it helps to throw my thoughts out there into cyberspace. At least they are out of my brain. This blogging thing is therapeutic.
Stressing a bit about the budget thing. We were doing OK. Then the moving thing happened. We spent a bunch of money on "stuff" to get the house ready for the market. We are spending outside our budget to eat without messing up the house (in other words, takeout). Then there's all the things we'll need when we move. I am throwing out all my dishcloths... they're nasty, it's time to go. Have tons of great Pampered Chef dishtowels, but the dish cloths have to go. Need a rug for the girls' new playroom (cement floor). The one I want is $249 at IKEA. I don't think that's in the budget. Then there's the moving truck. Those aren't cheap. Neither is the diesel they run on. Ashtyn needs more flushable inserts. Diapers are never cheap. And she could use a few more little g pants. I love the new striped ones, but they are even more expensive than the solids. :( We want a couple of pink ones and a couple of the dark blue ones. We aren't really putting her in shorts this summer, just t-shirts and little g's. So if we have multiples of a color, we should be able to get through most of the day matching her tops to her bottoms.
Don't get me started on my clothing situation! Nursing bras -- ugh! If you've been there, you might understand. They drive me crazy! And what is with the sizes on women's clothing?! It's not like I have time to try things on. It would be nice to count on being a medium, or whatever, but no, mostly I'm a medium, but sometimes I'm a large, and most recently I needed a small shirt. Who would have thought?!
All of this is very scary when combined with the unemployment factor on the other end of this move. Well, Ryan will be working. But working without pay is a bit stinky. Gotta' have faith. God will provide. He has been so far. He was, He is, He is to come.
Stressing a bit about the budget thing. We were doing OK. Then the moving thing happened. We spent a bunch of money on "stuff" to get the house ready for the market. We are spending outside our budget to eat without messing up the house (in other words, takeout). Then there's all the things we'll need when we move. I am throwing out all my dishcloths... they're nasty, it's time to go. Have tons of great Pampered Chef dishtowels, but the dish cloths have to go. Need a rug for the girls' new playroom (cement floor). The one I want is $249 at IKEA. I don't think that's in the budget. Then there's the moving truck. Those aren't cheap. Neither is the diesel they run on. Ashtyn needs more flushable inserts. Diapers are never cheap. And she could use a few more little g pants. I love the new striped ones, but they are even more expensive than the solids. :( We want a couple of pink ones and a couple of the dark blue ones. We aren't really putting her in shorts this summer, just t-shirts and little g's. So if we have multiples of a color, we should be able to get through most of the day matching her tops to her bottoms.
Don't get me started on my clothing situation! Nursing bras -- ugh! If you've been there, you might understand. They drive me crazy! And what is with the sizes on women's clothing?! It's not like I have time to try things on. It would be nice to count on being a medium, or whatever, but no, mostly I'm a medium, but sometimes I'm a large, and most recently I needed a small shirt. Who would have thought?!
All of this is very scary when combined with the unemployment factor on the other end of this move. Well, Ryan will be working. But working without pay is a bit stinky. Gotta' have faith. God will provide. He has been so far. He was, He is, He is to come.
Mom's Musings (Amanda)
Oh to be 2-almost-3. It must be tough. At 4:30 in the afternoon, Ryleigh is still in her pajamas. When I got home from school, she was still in them and pitched a fit everytime I mentioned getting dressed. By the time I thought it might be possible, it was nearly naptime. She has this thing that sleeping is meant to be done in pajamas, so she gets undressed at naptime anyway.
She is currently laying on the floor whining... again. She just said "I'm angry at you." Not sure what I did. She woke up from her nap cranky. She had a popsicle. She was happy. We went potty, we washed our hands, life was good. Now she's angry at me and wants Daddy to come home. She keeps asking when he's coming home. She's such a daddy's girl. Sometimes makes me feel like a bad mother. Makes me wish I hadn't worked so much when she was younger. Makes me more certain than ever I'll be here for Ashtyn. Ryleigh and I are making progress, but when push comes to shove, she wants Daddy.
These last few weeks have been tough on Ryleigh. I don't expect the next few to get any easier. Poor kid. She's going to miss Maddie. She is excited about being closer to her grandparents and aunts and uncles. She goes back and forth about the moving thing. Don't we all! OK, better go, now both girls are whining. Ashtyn is much more patient, though. Such a sweet spirit.
She is currently laying on the floor whining... again. She just said "I'm angry at you." Not sure what I did. She woke up from her nap cranky. She had a popsicle. She was happy. We went potty, we washed our hands, life was good. Now she's angry at me and wants Daddy to come home. She keeps asking when he's coming home. She's such a daddy's girl. Sometimes makes me feel like a bad mother. Makes me wish I hadn't worked so much when she was younger. Makes me more certain than ever I'll be here for Ashtyn. Ryleigh and I are making progress, but when push comes to shove, she wants Daddy.
These last few weeks have been tough on Ryleigh. I don't expect the next few to get any easier. Poor kid. She's going to miss Maddie. She is excited about being closer to her grandparents and aunts and uncles. She goes back and forth about the moving thing. Don't we all! OK, better go, now both girls are whining. Ashtyn is much more patient, though. Such a sweet spirit.
Monday, June 9, 2008
This Old House (Amanda)
So, the house thing... We scrambled (like you wouldn't believe and with LOTS of help from family and friends) to get the house ready to go on the market. We made it beautiful and left town (with much angst and stress before-hand) on Thursday, May 29th. The plan was to list it that weekend, and it just seemed easier to have the whole family out of the house. Ryan and his dad had a CropKing training in NY, so I stayed with my family in Stroudsburg for a couple of days. We had actually sent Ryleigh up to the Ehst Farm on Tuesday with her grandma, so as to have a couple of days to clean the house without her messing it up.
Anyway... Another example of the little ways God steps into our world to remind us who's in charge. We left on Thursday with neither Ryan nor I in a very good mood. I was especially cranky, because in addition to being exhausted, I hadn't had lunch by the time we left at 4:30. I was not feeling the love! We had dropped off the Hyundai at the body shop the day before (getting the vandalism painted over) and were driving a rental car. I assure you, I had looked at the car inside, driven it, adjusted the mirror, etc. This time, however, I noticed a paper tucked into the visor. I'd swear it wasn't there before. I was actually trying to figure out if I had left the car unlocked at anytime for someone to put it there. God sure knows when I need to be humbled, when I need a reminder. Here it was. Tucked in the visor were two pieces of paper, the first of which had the words to a poem "Do You Believe in Angels?" The second page was Psalms 33:18-22,
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famline.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our sheidl.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
The page concluded with a little note about faith and belief, and this quote: "I stopped telling God how big the storm was, and started telling the storm how big God is!"
Oh, yeah. God, you are in control. You are over all this. This is your will. This is what I prayed for. Sort of. Your version of it. Which is better. Way better. Always has been. Always is. Always will be.
Now, our soon-to-be (God willing) old house was taken care of as far as getting on the market, what about a place to move to? That's important. God will handle that one, too. I think He's trying to prove to me this is His will for our family and remove every hindrance, every obstacle, every excuse for resistance I might offer. We knew of two different families in PA with rental homes they were willing to hold for us. While we were up there that weekend (last weekend of May/first of June), we went to see them. Unfortunately, neither of them would really work for us. Now what? We scoured the Internet and the newspaper, but everything seemed too far away or had some other major flaw. Then Ryan's mom handed me one of those little shopper's guide papers and told me to check that. After going through all the Classifieds (they weren't in any order), we found three possibilities. We were able to go see all three of them that Monday. All three were viable options, but we definitely had a favorite. God was definitely at work in providing our new home, the one He had planned for us. Feeling better about this. Just have to sell the home in Burke.
Back to the townhouse in Burke. Don't know exactly which day the house was officially listed, June 1st or 2nd. We had people coming every day, some coming back a second time. Tried not to get excited. Oh yeah. Before I go further. Melissa has claimed we'd sell in a week. I believed God would do it, but it was only mustard-seed faith. God has been so good, would he keep it up? Did we deserve to keep seeing His hand so apparent in our lives? Did I need Him to? Maybe yes to that last one. Needless to say, faith can move mountains, when you truly believe, don't just say the words, but truly believe. We had a contract on June 5th. Three or four days! Our God is an awesome God!
In less than a week, we had a contract on our old house and a place to move to. A new "old house." You see, it's a converted carriage house. It's really cool. I'm even getting excited about it. The kitchen/dining area is a little small, but the girls will have a play room, we will have an office, and we have three bedrooms and two full baths (one for the girls, one for us). And there's lots of closets and storage space. I get a new washer and dryer. *smile*
God is in the details. God is providing. God is moving. Some days I feel like I'm just along for the ride. And that's OK. Riding with God... can't think of a better ride. And so Journey Ehst continues (in a northern direction). In three weeks. Oh yeah, that's the other part. We close on July 1st. God is moving and so are we... fast!
Anyway... Another example of the little ways God steps into our world to remind us who's in charge. We left on Thursday with neither Ryan nor I in a very good mood. I was especially cranky, because in addition to being exhausted, I hadn't had lunch by the time we left at 4:30. I was not feeling the love! We had dropped off the Hyundai at the body shop the day before (getting the vandalism painted over) and were driving a rental car. I assure you, I had looked at the car inside, driven it, adjusted the mirror, etc. This time, however, I noticed a paper tucked into the visor. I'd swear it wasn't there before. I was actually trying to figure out if I had left the car unlocked at anytime for someone to put it there. God sure knows when I need to be humbled, when I need a reminder. Here it was. Tucked in the visor were two pieces of paper, the first of which had the words to a poem "Do You Believe in Angels?" The second page was Psalms 33:18-22,
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famline.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our sheidl.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
The page concluded with a little note about faith and belief, and this quote: "I stopped telling God how big the storm was, and started telling the storm how big God is!"
Oh, yeah. God, you are in control. You are over all this. This is your will. This is what I prayed for. Sort of. Your version of it. Which is better. Way better. Always has been. Always is. Always will be.
Now, our soon-to-be (God willing) old house was taken care of as far as getting on the market, what about a place to move to? That's important. God will handle that one, too. I think He's trying to prove to me this is His will for our family and remove every hindrance, every obstacle, every excuse for resistance I might offer. We knew of two different families in PA with rental homes they were willing to hold for us. While we were up there that weekend (last weekend of May/first of June), we went to see them. Unfortunately, neither of them would really work for us. Now what? We scoured the Internet and the newspaper, but everything seemed too far away or had some other major flaw. Then Ryan's mom handed me one of those little shopper's guide papers and told me to check that. After going through all the Classifieds (they weren't in any order), we found three possibilities. We were able to go see all three of them that Monday. All three were viable options, but we definitely had a favorite. God was definitely at work in providing our new home, the one He had planned for us. Feeling better about this. Just have to sell the home in Burke.
Back to the townhouse in Burke. Don't know exactly which day the house was officially listed, June 1st or 2nd. We had people coming every day, some coming back a second time. Tried not to get excited. Oh yeah. Before I go further. Melissa has claimed we'd sell in a week. I believed God would do it, but it was only mustard-seed faith. God has been so good, would he keep it up? Did we deserve to keep seeing His hand so apparent in our lives? Did I need Him to? Maybe yes to that last one. Needless to say, faith can move mountains, when you truly believe, don't just say the words, but truly believe. We had a contract on June 5th. Three or four days! Our God is an awesome God!
In less than a week, we had a contract on our old house and a place to move to. A new "old house." You see, it's a converted carriage house. It's really cool. I'm even getting excited about it. The kitchen/dining area is a little small, but the girls will have a play room, we will have an office, and we have three bedrooms and two full baths (one for the girls, one for us). And there's lots of closets and storage space. I get a new washer and dryer. *smile*
God is in the details. God is providing. God is moving. Some days I feel like I'm just along for the ride. And that's OK. Riding with God... can't think of a better ride. And so Journey Ehst continues (in a northern direction). In three weeks. Oh yeah, that's the other part. We close on July 1st. God is moving and so are we... fast!
Good Day (Amanda)
Today was a good day. I have to celebrate those little things right now. It's Monday, I didn't work today, so it was a girls' day out. It's a million degrees here today, OK just nearly 100. And humid. Must be careful about planning an outing in this weather.
Samantha and I took the girls to Fairfax Corner to play in the "Interactive Water Feature." Ryleigh and Maddie had fun running in and out of the fountains, although it took Maddie a while. Ryleigh was soaked right away. Ashtyn and Loralai sat in their strollers in the shade with Mommy. After a while, Ryleigh got bored, so she started taking my sunglasses and my shoes into the water to get them wet to help cool me off. :) She'd get soaked in the cool water and then run and hug my legs to share the coolness.
After the girls tired of the water, we went to Potbelly's for lunch. They had a young woman sitting up near the ceiling playing guitar and singing. The girls liked that. We enjoyed our sandwiches. Ryleigh and Maddie split a PB & J, heavy on the J. There was jelly all over the floor when we were done, and it wasn't really their fault. Ashtyn didn't eat much; I think she was just too hot to nurse.
We went to Kohl's to do a little shopping before coming home. I realized this morning that poor Ryleigh has only one pair of shorts (and a couple of skirts). I bought her some shorts and a t-shirt, since it was less than $2. Gotta' love those deals! Anyway, the funniest thing was when the girls were wandering in the toy section. They found these little sets with a baseball, bat, glove, soccer ball, football, etc. with Dora, Diego, or SpongeBob on them. When Samantha came over after trying on shoes, Maddie shouted, "Mommy! SpongeBob Square Balls!" We were nearly crying we laughed so hard. The girls just looked at us like we were crazy.
Ryleigh took a nap when we got home, and eventually, so did Ashtyn, so Mommy got to steal a few z's, too. Daddy came home from work and made dinner before waking me up. :) After dinner, he bathed the girls so I could have some down time. More :).
Life is good. God is great. All the time.
Samantha and I took the girls to Fairfax Corner to play in the "Interactive Water Feature." Ryleigh and Maddie had fun running in and out of the fountains, although it took Maddie a while. Ryleigh was soaked right away. Ashtyn and Loralai sat in their strollers in the shade with Mommy. After a while, Ryleigh got bored, so she started taking my sunglasses and my shoes into the water to get them wet to help cool me off. :) She'd get soaked in the cool water and then run and hug my legs to share the coolness.
After the girls tired of the water, we went to Potbelly's for lunch. They had a young woman sitting up near the ceiling playing guitar and singing. The girls liked that. We enjoyed our sandwiches. Ryleigh and Maddie split a PB & J, heavy on the J. There was jelly all over the floor when we were done, and it wasn't really their fault. Ashtyn didn't eat much; I think she was just too hot to nurse.
We went to Kohl's to do a little shopping before coming home. I realized this morning that poor Ryleigh has only one pair of shorts (and a couple of skirts). I bought her some shorts and a t-shirt, since it was less than $2. Gotta' love those deals! Anyway, the funniest thing was when the girls were wandering in the toy section. They found these little sets with a baseball, bat, glove, soccer ball, football, etc. with Dora, Diego, or SpongeBob on them. When Samantha came over after trying on shoes, Maddie shouted, "Mommy! SpongeBob Square Balls!" We were nearly crying we laughed so hard. The girls just looked at us like we were crazy.
Ryleigh took a nap when we got home, and eventually, so did Ashtyn, so Mommy got to steal a few z's, too. Daddy came home from work and made dinner before waking me up. :) After dinner, he bathed the girls so I could have some down time. More :).
Life is good. God is great. All the time.
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