prayers are answered, really

If you've ever doubted that God is listening, I'm here to tell you that He most certainly is. The key is knowing that nothing is ever done on our schedule, but on His.

We've felt downtrodden about prayers not answered immediately, as our need seems immediate when we finally fall to our knees and ask for His help. What we don't recognize is that God always makes a way when the way seems impossible.

For example, my family has called Chesterfield County home for almost two years. It has not been a comfortable time for us. We've been challenged to put all of our trust in God and know that our lives truly are in His hands. Why? For nearly two years we have both owned a home and rented a home. At the same time. Simultaneously. That's tough stuff in the current economic climate.

We have foregone nicer clothes and shoes and have been humbled to ask for help clothing our children. One thing was not sacrificed during this time, however. Though the monthly tuition payment has been late on occasion, we've put our daughter's walk with Jesus Christ in a Christian school above all else. We are now fortunate enough to have finally found a Christian sitter for our son! The friends you make in fellowship are the best friends indeed. Shared values are priceless when asking others to assist in the care and education of your children.

For the blessings we've received these past two years, we give praise to God. For the trials that have strengthened our relationship with Him, we give praise as well. Friends, it's not all about us. It's about our relationship with the Creator and praising Him for His gifts of grace, salvation, and all things received in this short life on Earth.

tweeting with the weatherman

The question was, "What's your favorite fair food?" I replied ...



How cool is that?! CBS 19 out of Charlottesville. Aired 7/28/09 @ 5:15 p.m. Thanks to my new friend @wood_brothers21 (yes, as in Wood Brothers Racing) for capturing my and his tweet on the screen. Woo hoo!

there's only one certainty in life ...

... we all gon' die.

I pray for clear direction from God. I feel like I don't take suggestions or hints from Him very well, so I pray for obvious signs. I wonder if they're right in front of me and I'm still oblivious to them. Will my house ever sell? Were we really supposed to uproot our family? "It was too easy" is what we've told everyone, but what if it was easy because it was a trap? I feel like we're living in darkness most days, so it must be the work of the devil. Nothing in life is easy, so should we continue to believe that the Lord guided us to where we are? Furthermore, are we guided anyway? We are divinely created with the ability to choose. With that said, does He lead or does He let us choose our own path even though He knows the consequence?