FINALLY...

We finally have a diagnosis for our Mikayla! 
She has officially been diagnosed with mixed receptive-expressive language disorder.  Here is a link that explains somewhat about it (describes Mikayla's struggles quite nicely)...
http://www.minddisorders.com/Kau-Nu/Mixed-receptive-expressive-language-disorder.html

She will begin language based speech therapy.  With the therapy, along with the medication that she has been on for almost a month now (which we have seen no negative side effects, praise Jesus) to help with her focus problems, we should see a lot of progress in school this year!   We are so happy to FINALLY know what is going on and to have a solution.  We can finally get Mikayla the help she needs so that she can have a better outlook in school.  We can't wait to see how she does this year...we are believing that she will excel!

We know that it might be tricky at times and she might have to work harder than other kids, but she will do great.  Thanks for everyone's prayers and please keep them up because she/we still need them! 

Life...

Life is good and moving right along in the Collins' house.  

Everyone is fabulous!  We are getting further along in Mikayla's diagnoses and getting closer to determining the help she needs.  We've had evaluations and appointments that are leading to more evaluations and appointments, but we are getting there, slowly.  Our goal is still to have everything diagnosed and sorted for her before school starts in August.  She is such a trooper!  She had to undergo testing the other day for over 7 hours and came out in the end still smiling.  She is so patient and understanding.  We have started her on a non stimulant ADHD medication and so far she is doing really well with it.  

While we aren't going to dr. appointments we have been enjoying our summer (when it isn't raining) playing at the pool and spending time with my niece and nephew, who are staying with my parents for the summer.  The kids absolutely love having "Mimi and Papa" right up the road, especially now that Celeste and Caleb are there!  

Aslyn turned 4 last month!!  Where does the time go?!  It is almost difficult to remember her as a tiny baby because of how fast it has gone by...it's sad.  She is super excited to be starting kindergarten next year.  I am not excited.  My baby is getting big way too fast.  

Brayden will be 7 next month!  He will be starting 2nd grade.  It doesn't seem real.  

Parents, enjoy your time with your babies!!  Before you know it, they are starting school, doing homework, and learning all kinds of nasty things from the other kids at school.  

I miss the innocence and smell of a newborn, baby babble, and all the milestones that come in the first year of life.  But I admit, I do not miss the crying and middle of the night wake up calls for feedings and diaper changes.  I very much enjoy potty trained children.  It's bitter-sweet. 

We are loving Gainesville more than ever with my parents being here and us getting involved in our church and finding our own little niche with things. 

I was just offered an opportunity for a job at a local children's boutique literally less than a half a mile from our house!  

Ben and I JUST started talking about the possibility of me looking around for something since my parents live right here...they can help out with the kids.  We really want Ben to be able to look for something in the near future that is not so demanding on him.  So with me working it will allow him to be able to start pursuing other options.  We weren't sure how easy it would be for me to find a job that would be what we are looking for since I don't have any work experience in the last 6 years.  This job just kind of fell in our laps...God is always on top of things!  If everything continues to work out the way it is, then this will be a great opportunity for me to continue with my schooling and to contribute financially, for Ben to pursue other (more desirable and less stressful) career options, and for us to still be able to have plenty of family time together!  We are really excited! 

Everything just keeps falling into place, we are so blessed!  Please keep us in your prayers...for Mikayla and for all of our new changes that are about to take place!  Thanks everyone!

Mikayla update...

It has been a month since my last post...a lot has happened in a month! 

First off I want to start out by correcting a mistake I made in my last post.  I mentioned that Mikayla was put on an IEP back in January.  Well, I was wrong, it isn't an IEP, it's an RTI, (which I still am not sure what that one means). It is the precursor for an IEP.  We have an EPT (educational planning team) who we sit down with and discuss progress and interventions.  The IEP (individualized education plan) is what we're looking into getting Mikayla on next.  I will get into that a little later.

This month has been busy for us.  We started out with our initial interview at the Psychology clinic at Shand's.  The doctor wants to do a full evaluation on Mikayla...this will take about 4 hours.  She says she will focus on her intellectual and cognitive functioning, looking for specific learning disabilities, her attention levels, and her phonetic and reading levels.  We are awaiting the appointment date for that right now.

   

In the mean time, we were asked to come in and discuss some things with Mikayla's teacher last week.  They still haven't received the FCAT scores in, but I was told that regardless of her scoring, they want to hold Mikayla back to repeat the 3rd grade.  This is really hard for us because we want to do what's best for Mikayla and that includes what's best for her academically and emotionally.  Academically, this might be good for her.  But emotionally, we aren't so sure.  She is very sensitive and emotional and she has already been upset about the possibility of being held back.  The doctor has said that it wouldn't do any good to hold her back because it would just be a repeat of this year.  But then we think, how can she be successful in the 4th grade if she hasn't grasped what she needs to in the 3rd grade?  I think it will all come down to what her FCAT scoring is.  

So we are really carefully thinking about this.  We will have a big meeting once the FCAT scores are in and discuss this further with the principle and guidance counselor. 

We had our appointment for the neurodevelopmental specialist scheduled for June 7th, but they called us on Tuesday and said that they had a cancellation and asked if we could come in the next day, so of course we jumped all over that!  The doctor went over with us the scoring that they do to determine certain conditions and learning disabilities and showed us Mikayla's scores.  Mikayla's scores are through the roof on attention and focus compared to an average child.  So the doctor proceeds to tell us that she has ADHD.  Which I immediately started asking questions and being skeptical because Mikayla is not at all hyperactive and she has absolutely no behavior issues.  Well he explained that there are different categories in ADHD and she is  the "inattentive type" meaning she basically has ADD.  They just don't use that terminology anymore, it's all ADHD with a certain "type" now.  So he wants to put her on medication to help her focus.  He also said that she has a learning disability, possibly dyslexia, and she needs to be tested to see how extensive and what types.  He is putting in a referral for the testing but he doesn't believe that our insurance will cover it because it is for academics and they feel that the school should be responsible for the testing.  So he gave us a bunch of literature to read over about ADHD and the medication options.  He gave us a note for the school so that hopefully they will start the process of testing her and getting her on the 504 and IEP plans.  

Now, we were initially very upset because we have always been almost nonbelievers of ADHD.  We don't believe in medicating children plain and simple.  

We have always felt like it is overly diagnosed and abused by parents and doctors. It has been used as an excuse for bad parenting and a way for doctors to have a pay day.

But we see how much our child is struggling and we see her scoring on the chart, it's obvious that she has a problem with keeping focused and on task.  She isn't hyperactive and she has no behavioral problems, so it isn't the same situations that you see time and time again with these kids and their "helpless" parents.  

The doctor told us about non-stimulant medications that are non habit forming and have less side effects.  It is really such a hard decision for us to make!  We can't continue this way.  We can't keep going the way we have been.  We just want our little girl to succeed.  So we are seriously and carefully considering the medication and our options.  

I went up to her school yesterday after the appointment to speak with the guidance counselor about getting her tested.  Of course, she was busy and I had to leave a message.  This was upsetting because we have not had it easy so far with dealing with the school and Mikayla's progress.  We just knew that it was going to be a fight to get her tested and put on these plans!  

Well, this morning I got an email from her teacher who said that she was just thinking about Mikayla's diagnosis and situation last night and is going to speak with the guidance counselor about getting Mikayla on a 504 plan before the end of this school year so that next year when she starts the new school (they are rezoned for a new school just being built for next year), she will already have it in place.  This was amazing to us!  A big answer to prayer! 

So later, the guidance counselor calls me and agreed that we need to have a meeting and put her on a 504 plan and also get her tested for an IEP plan.  We won't be able to get the testing done until the beginning of next school year because there just isn't enough time, but we are going to get it all set up so that it can be done right at the beginning of the school year!  This is wonderful because now Mikayla will have extra help and accommodations for tests and school work.  She will have access to certain services that will cater to whatever her disabilities may be.  Our meeting is next Wednesday morning. 

 I have been sick over this whole thing and when I saw that email from her teacher this morning, I felt like a huge weight was lifted!  God is good and He knows what He's doing! 

If the doctor's office didn't have that cancellation and hadn't have called us in, then we wouldn't have gotten her diagnosis and we wouldn't have been able to get all of this stuff rolling with the school.  It can be quite a process and there is no telling how long it would have taken if we would have had to wait until the fall. 

We are still having to make some tough decisions concerning medication and whether to hold her back to repeat the 3rd grade or not, but we are praying and trusting that God has it under control.  It will work out according to His plan!  

We have heard a LOT of different opinions in the last 2 days regarding ADHD and medications and we really appreciate all of the input.  Having said that, I didn't write this blog post to ask for everyone's opinions regarding this topic.  Like I said before, we were always firm nay-Sayers when it came to ADHD and medicating kids, but until it is YOUR child and YOUR struggle with your child, then you really have no idea.  We have learned this the hard way.  

We still are not 100% decided on what we're going to do, but we would appreciate your prayers and encouragement.  Just not so much your opinions on this particular topic (unless they are positive and encouraging).   Thank you so much!  We have really felt all the love!  

Please continue to pray for us and Mikayla...we still have a long road ahead with testings/evaluations, getting her learning disability diagnosed, everything that comes along with that, and getting everything in the right order for her at school.

Getting somehwere...

It has been a while since I've blogged.  We've been so busy and I just haven't had much to ramble about lately.  ;)  It would seem that I now have something to talk about, unfortunately it's not the happiest of subjects.

I talked a bit in a previous blog post about Mikayla and the trouble she has been having in school.  In January we had a meeting at her school with her teacher, Guidance Counselor, Principal, school Psychologist, and some other important people that I can't remember at this time.  They had performed some screenings and evaluations with Mikayla and wanted to discuss starting an IEP (Individualized Education Program) plan for her.  Which basically would allow Mikayla to get more individualized and targeted help with what she is struggling with in school. 
We discussed Mikayla and the results of her evaluations.  The speech/language therapist found that she had a hard time with some basic things during that evaluation. After discussing everything further with her teacher and with us, the school psychologist mentioned that Mikayla might have a short term memory problem.  It's weird how hearing things from her teacher and the other people that have been around Mikayla can really put things in perspective and make things click.  Like some things that we, her parents don't even pick up on until they are pointed out to us.  I remember leaving the meeting thinking, "I never thought of it like that before...yes that makes perfect sense."  So we now had a new light shed on some things that we see in Mikayla's every day life at home as well as at school.  The meeting ended on a positive note and with a plan in place. 
Of course,  you know me, I went home and started researching online about short term memory problems and I was surprised to find a lot of children born prematurely have problems with short term memory. 

After about a month and a half I emailed Mikayla's teacher about her progress and her teacher replied saying that she's concerned with Mikayla's progress (or lack there of) and had already sent in a request to revise her IEP plan.  I felt like replying, "Well thanks for letting us know" but of course I didn't. 
At this time we decided to take Mikayla to the pediatrician to just make sure we aren't missing something and to bring up this possible short term memory issue.  Plus it just seems like we weren't getting anywhere with the school and if we were, it was just taking too long.  After a few months of retrieving records and waiting on appointments, her pediatrician said, "yes, there's no doubt that she has a learning disability" and we were referred to some specialists.

Mikayla now has appointments with a Dr. who specializes in pediatric neurodevelopmental disabilities and a psychologist for full evaluations and further testing. 
I had to fill out a huge packet of information yesterday and send part of it for her teacher to fill out.  I received her teacher's portion back today and I just became a bit overwhelmed.  Looking through her teacher's evaluation (her ratings on Mikayla's habits and weaknesses) was harder than I thought it would be.  I agree with everything her teacher put on the form, it was just kind of hard to take coming from someone else.  I put the same things on our portion of the paper work, but I didn't rank them as high as her teacher did.  I know her teacher sees Mikayla in a different environment than we do, I'm not saying anything negative about her answers...it just kind of caught me off guard I guess.
I realized that this is just the beginning of this process and I have no clue what is going to happen through all of this!  I got pretty emotional and had to talk it through with a few friends, but I am still really scared of all of this.  I think my biggest fear is that we will go through all of this and in the end nothing good will come of it.  We really just want to make sure we have covered all of our bases with Mikayla and get her all the help that she needs in order to be successful in school and in everything else she does.

It's really frustrating to know that we still have another few months before all of her evaluations are completed and by then this school year will be over.  I'm praying and believing that in the end something positive and productive will come from all of this.  And hopefully we can go into the next school year knowing more of how to help Mikayla and it will be a much better experience for us all!! 

I debated on posting this or not because it is really personal and it is a sensitive subject.  But Ben encouraged me to because we really would like the support and prayers of our family and friends. 
Please pray with us as we go through this whole process...that we will have peace of mind, that God's will be done, that we make all the right decisions for Mikayla, and that she gets all the help that she needs.   Thank you!

Catching up with the kids...

I'm just going to come out say that I do not like the fact that every year my children become a year older.  One year is not very long.  I used to think that a year took forever to pass!  Ugh, it isn't long enough!
And this is exactly one of the reasons why we chose to have my tubes tied...I would be wanting to have a new baby every few years!  It just hurts my heart to see my little cute, cuddly, sweet smelling, soft, babies getting so grown and independent...and mouthy.

Mikayla will be 9 next month!  I only have one more year until she hits the "double digits".  I tease her all the time and tell her that once she hits 9, her next birthday she will be 8..."we start counting backwards after 9".  She's not buying it.  She's getting so big and mature, but I am so thankful that she is still our sweet, tender hearted baby girl.  Why do little girls seem to be so much older than their age these days?  It's crazy to me that these 9 year old little girls are going crazy over Justin Bieber and even have little boyfriends already.  Thank the Lord Mikayla still loves Disney Princess, baby dolls, and Barbies.  She could care less about Justin Bieber or any other boy.  Thank God!  I know that will change eventually, but I am just so glad that my little girl is still a LITTLE girl right now.
She played softball last year and really liked it, but for some reason she doesn't want to play this year.  She really wants to do cheerleading, so later in the year we will look into that for her.  She's still my movie buff.  She will sit with me and watch movies all day, if I'd let her.  I love it when there's a sad or even a happy part in a movie and I look over to see her eyes full of tears, just like mine!
She's doing good in school...better than she started out this year, thanks to her teacher taking extra time out for her.  Mikayla has always struggled in school, even in kindergarten.  It has always been an exhausting uphill climb for us every school year.  So this year when we saw how difficult it was for her, how it was taking her 3 hours to finish one homework assignment, and how she still struggled even after we would basically give her the answers, I decided to start researching on how to better help her.  When I was looking online I started reading about learning disabilities and how it is very common for kids that were born prematurely to have learning disabilities.  When I read about that and read some of the signs of learning disabilities I suddenly remember how when Mikayla was a baby and in the NICU, we asked one of her doctors if she would have any long term effects.  The Dr told us that mostly she would just need time to catch up, but really we wouldn't know until she was older and in school.  Basically, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.  Yea, I forgot about that.  But she has always been perfectly fine and healthy.  Right at the same time I started looking into these things, her teacher emailed me about wanting a conference with us.  So we went in for the conference and her teacher told us that she pulled all of Mikayla's records from her old school and wanted to do an Early Intervention meeting for Mikayla.  They will do some tests, evaluate her and schedule a meeting with us, her teacher, the Guidance Counselor, School Psychologist, Curriculum Resource Teacher, and the Principle to form a plan that best fits Mikayla's needs to try and get her on the level that she needs to be on.  So they will do this and if need be, adjust the plan 3 different times.  If she still isn't improving like she should after the third plan, then a possibility of a learning disability will be discussed.  So we were really relieved by all of this!  At last, we will get somewhere with Mikayla's schooling.  I feel like this is another answered prayer.  It took us coming to a different county and school for someone to take notice and action for Mikayla.  Her old school put her in a program that gave her 3 different teachers and had her changing classes several times a day.  We specifically asked them not to put her in that program because we knew what she needed, but they told us they couldn't change her classes.  Whenever I asked her teachers what we could do for her, if there was tutoring or anything, they just told me no and to keep working with her at home.  I'm not trying to say anything bad about her old school, we loved it there!  But God knows our needs and this is obviously what Mikayla has needed.

 Brayden will be 7 this summer!  Oh my goodness that little boy is such a mess!  He is his father through and through.  He wants to play football so bad, he can barely stand it.  But he also wants to play baseball, basketball, and do karate.  What am I going to do with him?  He wants to be just like his Daddy in every way.  He wants to dress like him, talk like him, fix his hair like him.  His Daddy is his hero and he will be the first tell you that.
He is so stubborn and anal about the most ridiculous things, like if he thinks his pants are too long.  I tell him that they aren't and to leave them alone.  We will be walking out the door and I notice that his pants are rolled up into high waters.  He gets so mad when I roll them back down.  But he brings so much joy into our lives.  He is always making us laugh.  I think he could be a comedian one day.
I don't know why but he is absolutely fascinated with "tooting" and burping.  I'm hoping that it's just his age and he'll grow out of it, but then I look at his Daddy and my hopes diminish.  Boys are gross.
He is super smart, not just books smart but common sense smart.  Sometimes Ben and I will ask each other, "is he really only 6?"  He makes excellent grades in school and has been trying really hard this year to listen to his teacher and not get into trouble.  He has done really well.  We are blessed to have a teacher that understands little boys and so she gets that it's very difficult for him to sit still for a long period of time.  I swear sometimes it seems like he has ants in his pants!  

Aslyn will be 4 in a few months.  This makes me sad.  My last baby and she is growing way too fast.  She is such a sweet heart.  When I get Mikayla up for school in the mornings I always make sure Aslyn isn't laying all funky in her bed and then tuck her back in.  She always says, "thank you" and it makes my day.   She is a good mixture of Mikayla and Brayden.  She loves all the girly things like Mikayla, especially dress up.  But she also loves the boy things too, like Brayden.  She loves playing and hanging out with Brayden but they are so much alike, usually they just end up fighting.  Unfortunately she has Brayden's stubbornness and attitude, but when she looks at you with those big blue eyes and smiles that beautiful smile, you can't help but to just melt.  She has us all wrapped around her little fingers.  She is still obsessed with Minnie and Mickey Mouse.  We are trying to plan a trip to Disney very soon since it has been a few years...she will really get a kick out of all the Minnies and Mickeys now.  Can't wait for that.
We've been talking about whether or not to start her in pre-k this fall.  If you know me, then you know that I'm not a huge fan of pre-k.  If you have to, you have to.  But I think kids are in school for long enough, why add an extra year when it's not necessary?  I am a big fan of keeping my babies babies for as long as possible.  But we've been throwing the idea around since I'm in school now.  Thinking maybe it would make things a little easier on me.  I don't know who I'm trying to fool...I know that it won't happen.  I didn't do it with my first two and Aslyn is my baby.  She will be home with me until kindergarten.  Which is next year!  I don't even want to think about that. 

So I think that about catches everyone up.  They are all doing great!
It blows my mind how quickly time flies by.  I can't believe that in just a few years I will have a "tween"...let's not think about that one.

Ben and I were talking last night about our "3 kids" and I said something like, "actually 4 kids".  We agreed that it was weird to think about having 4 kids, but we do and it's hard not to acknowledge that every once in a while.  I think about that a lot.  When someone asks me how many kids I have, I sometimes feel guilty for saying 3.  But who wants to explain "4 kids" especially to a person that I'm just meeting.  Honestly, I wish someone could please tell me what it will be like when we get to Heaven and we meet our 4th child!  Will he/she still be a baby?  Will he/she know us?  There are too many questions that will drive me nuts if I think about it too long!!  So I really have to try and keep my mind from going there and just be patient.  Besides, that topic is probably best saved for a different blog post altogether.  ;)

First week of school...

A lot of people have been asking how my first week of school went.  I can say it went good, but not as great as I thought it would go.  I was very sick the week before school started and still hadn't gotten over it when the first day came along.
I don't know what this sickness was, but it took everything out of me!  I had no energy, I just wanted to curl up and sleep.  At times I felt like I literally couldn't keep my eyes open.  It was very hard to focus on anything.  So when I logged onto my online courses for the first time and saw all the info to take it, I got a bit overwhelmed.  I couldn't process it all.  It made me very anxious.  I went to my first on campus class that night and it went smoothly.  Ben had dinner ready when I got home, which made everything better. 
After a few days, I started feeling much better and was able to actually comprehend what I was reading and get organized with all of my courses.  I felt much better about everything! 
So all in all my first week was good. 

I really think I'm going to enjoy school.  I have evening classes at the campus two nights a week, which is nice for me to get out of the house and have a break from the computer at home.  In one of my classes I have a test every week (my first test is actually tonight) so that should be interesting.  But I feel confident about it and am really looking forward to everything. 
It's going to take some getting used to, not only for me but for Ben and the kids as well.  It has been 10 years since I was in school and I wasn't a wife and Mommy then.  I know I can do it and with my supportive husband here encouraging me, it will make things much easier!

On a side note...
I took the kids to school this morning, as usual, and on the way back home I started thinking about how much our lives have changed in the last few months. 
6 months ago it never would have crossed our minds that we would be living in Gainesville.  I know Ben never thought he could or would be happy attending a "big church", let alone being able to serve on the Worship Team.  I never thought about going back to college before moving here.  I know our kids didn't think they could or would be happy anywhere but in Bushnell. 
6 months ago our lives were kind of upside down and we didn't know where God was leading us.  We just knew that He was in control and that was all that mattered. 
So when I was driving home this morning thinking about all of this, I just became so overwhelmed by God's love and faithfulness.  For the first time, Ben and I completely gave up EVERYTHING to Him.  We wanted nothing more than His will.  We put our lives in His capable hands and this is where He led us. 
Here, where every single person in this family is the happiest that I have ever seen!  I have seen a change and growth in this family in the last few months...there are no words to explain my joy.
Whenever I hear someone ask Ben, "How are you liking Gainesville?"  and he answers, "I love it!  It feels like home. It is home",  I can't help but smile, because that is exactly how I feel, and I know that is only because we listened to God and this is His plan for us. 

I know I might talk about it a lot, but after everything we've gone through and everything we've seen God do...I can't help but be excited and share how good He is!!

I am so overwhelmed by God's love and faithfulness!  My heart is so unbelievably full!

Looking forward...

I can't believe this year is just about over!  It has definitely been a year full of trials and blessings...trials that turned into blessings.  I recently came across a 'Note' that I wrote on my facebook after Ben was let go from his job last year.  It was dated 12/29/10 (which was 2 days after he was fired)...

"My faith has grown so much over the past couple of years.  I used to be a worrier.  I used to stress and get emotional over every little thing that went wrong.  And that's just it, it went wrong...if it wasn't what WE had planned, then it was wrong and scary.  I always knew that God is in control and deep down I knew that it would all be okay.  But still for some reason I always doubted and I always thought of the worst possible scenarios.  But as time has passed and I have grown in my walk with God, I have found myself knowing that things always work out for God's plan. That He has never failed me and promises never to. 

So now I can say without any hesitation that after Ben was unexpectedly "let go" from his job on Monday that we are going to be okay.  More than okay, we are counting this as a huge blessing! 

A few years ago if this would've happened, I know I would be a wreck right now.  Not knowing what the future holds, not knowing how our family is going to be provided for.  Just not knowing. 

Here's a little back story to how life has been for us since Ben started work at RAC...
    If you don't already know, Ben worked for RAC for over 8 years...he got hired a month before we got married.  They have always required their employees be scheduled a minimum of 50 hours a week.  He moved up to management level pretty quickly, which was just more demanding of his time.  Which was more time away from his family.  He has always worked from 8 or 9am until at least 8 or 9pm, five days a week (which included every Saturday).  We have always eaten dinner as a family when Ben got home from work at around 9 or 10 pm.  So of course our kids have always stayed up at night until around 11pm (even on school nights) so that they could have at least an hour with their Daddy every night before bed. 
When Brayden started t-ball last year for the first time, Ben had to sneak out from work early every game night so that he could catch the last 10-15 minutes of his games. 
Not to mention how stressful, mentally and physically demanding it was.  Poor Ben, that's all I can say.
I used to beg him to search for other jobs so that we had him home more and so that our kids could have more of a normal schedule.  But when he's been with this job for so long and it pays the bills so well, it is scary to leave and not know if anything different will work out or not. And of course, when would he ever have the time.

I have prayed almost every night for years now that God would do something with Ben's job.  That he would open doors and that something would change so that we could be happier as a family.  I believe that God wants to give us the desires of our hearts, and Lord knows that we both have desired this change for some time now! 
That's why we are believing that this is a huge blessing for our family!  We know that God will provide for us and that he has something so much better in store for our family.  This has to be the answer to my prayers, finally!  We don't know what the future holds, but we know that it will all work out according to His perfect plan.

Psalm 37:3-5

Ben told me today that he hasn't felt this good in a very long time...how many people can say that after just being fired from their job.  ;)

Thank you everyone who have offered their prayers and kind words, it means a lot.  And if anyone knows of any great jobs out there...we are all ears!"

It's amazing to me how we had no clue what was next for us.  But we had faith and God provided so much more than we could have imagined!  

After much prayer and moving around, God opened a door and we came to Gainesville.  We have gotten so much confirmation that we are where God wants us!  We are so unbelievably happy and blessed.  I can honestly say that this has been the best thing that has happened to this family.  

We have grown so much already and are continuing to grow together as a family and together in God.  

This wife and mommy can't imagine being more happier than I am right now!

I just can't wait to see what 2012 holds for us!!  I have a feeling that it is going to be a GREAT year!!

 Happy New Year everyone and God bless!!!

A Work in Progess...

It has been a while since I've blogged.  I think I got a bit discouraged since my last blog post, only at myself though.  I think I got carried away and didn't really look at what I was doing.  


I'm a firm believer that pushing your own convictions on other people is very counter-productive and not an effective way to reach others.  But I think I recently, not intentionally, did that very thing in my last blog post about Halloween.  When I started out writing that post, my intentions were to inform. 
Obviously, I personally want nothing to do with Halloween.  I feel strongly about that, but I know tons of other Christians feel completely different.  I really just wanted to share and inform, but I know that my post was not written in the most effective way.  I used a lot of quotes that I found and really liked...I thought they were great, but I didn't think about how other people might take it.


I honestly really feel like we should all do our best to research and pray about every matter and then, with the Holy Spirit's help, decide for ourselves if it is something that we should or should not be doing or participating in (and how that might effect our personal walk with Christ).  Because everyone's relationship and walk is different.


I grew up in a church that was FULL of a lot of ridiculous rules.  Rules that really were not Biblical at all, just stuff that, in my opinion were personal convictions being taught from the pulpit.  
I was taught that if we didn't follow these rules and do what was considered 'right' in their eyes then we were living in sin, "backsliding", and needed to have some serious 'altar time'.  
Then of course there was always tons of judgements and talking amongst the congregation as to if 'so and so' was living by the guidelines.  There was a knew "heathen" to talk about each week.  
You can only imagine how difficult that was as a teenager trying to find her way in life.  It left me very hurt and confused.  
When I finally left that church I ran from those rules and from God.  It took me a few years to find my way back to Him.  When I finally did, I really didn't know right from wrong anymore.  Because of what I was taught I didn't know what to believe or even who I was.  When I started going to a different church (same denomination) I couldn't understand why things were so very different there.  
It was very difficult for me and took me a good while to find the truth for myself.  


My point here is that I never want to be someone who forces my personal feelings or convictions onto anyone.  I know how destructive that can be.  I know that some things might be considered a temptation to someone, but not to the next person.  Anything can be turned into an idol or an addiction, that's where our faith and help from God really comes into play.  
It really all depends on your personal strengths, weaknesses, and your walk with God.  So when we feel strongly that we shouldn't participate in certain things, that doesn't mean that everyone else who serves God shouldn't participate too.  I think that if we are seeking God and want His will, then He will let us know what is right and wrong for our lives.  The only thing we have to do is search His word, really pray about it, and be open to Him. 


I am still a work in progress, as we all are.  The reason why I started blogging was to somehow grow in my personal walk and maybe even help others along the way.  I think that this is a big lesson for myself. 

As for me and my house...(some Halloween truth)

I just want to start out by saying that I am NOT writing for any one specific person. 

I know a lot of people that take their kids out on Halloween to trick or treat, but do not have one specific person in mind when writing this.  

This is just a subject that I feel passionate about and wanted to share my thoughts.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord...and teach our children all truths about this world, including halloween.  This should be a no-brainer for Christians.   But unfortunately it is not.

- Celebrate: to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities

                     to make known publicly; proclaim

                     to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities.

                     to perform a religious ceremony

I know a lot of people who say that they don't "celebrate" Halloween.  They dress their kids up in cute costumes and take them around a safe neighborhood to collect some candy.  They are not participating in anything evil and their intentions are good, so it's okay, right?  

Anton Lavey was the founder of the Church of Satan and the author of  'The Satanic Bible'.  Here is a quote of his out of 'The Satanic Bible'...

"After one's own Birthday, the two major Satanic holidays are Walpurgisnacht (6 months before Halloween) and Halloween."  

A quote from Tom Sanguinet, a former high priest in Wicca...

"The modern holiday that we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to Nov. 1st, the witches new year.  It is a time when the spirits (demons) are supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting planet Earth.  Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there's nothing we ever have, or will do, to make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus."

Halloween was originally a deeply occultic pagan holiday and it remains so today.  It is a holiday that celebrates death and contacting the dead.  Nearly all of the "Halloween traditions" that are observed today have their roots in ancient pagan practices. 

In the Middle Ages, the Catholics tried to "Christianize" these practices, but the truth is that when you put a pig in a dress it is still a pig.

On Halloween night, once again this year there will be Satanic rituals held all over the world, there will be animal sacrifices to various "gods" and there will even be human sacrifices.

Halloween has always been one of the biggest days of the year for those involved in Wicca, witchcraft and Satanism.

Where in the Bible does it say that Christians should regard that day as special?

Origins of 'Treat or Treat':

To obtain sacrifices offered to spirits and the god of the dead, druid priests would go from house to house asking for fatted calves, black sheep, and human beings.  Those who gave were promised prosperity, and those who refused to give were threatened and cursed.  

Every time your child chants 'Trick of Treat', he/she is repeating an age old pagan festival.  He/she is partaking in an age old pagan festival of death.

Origins of 'Jack-o-Lantern':

They served as a signal to mark those farms and homes that supported the druids' religion and thus were seeking the "treat" when the terror of Halloween began.  

The World Book Encyclopedia says:

"The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of the Jack-o-lantern is an ancient symbol of a damned soul."

Dance of Death:

While people and animals were screaming in agony, being burnt to death, the druids and their followers would dress in costumes made of animal skins and heads.  They would dance and jump in the hopes of warding off the 'evil' spirits that were coming.  This is where wearing of costumes was originated. 

A woman by the name of Carol Kornacki practiced witchcraft for over 6 years.  She is now an Evangelical Christian.  Here is an excerpt from her blog:

"Halloween.  A nice innocent holiday celebrated by the masses?  I don't think so!  Everything about the holiday is death and darkness.

I practiced witchcraft for six years.  I can personally tell you that the night of October 31st was one of the highest celebrated of the year.  It is the night of "Samhein the god of the dead."  It is believed that on this night, Diana the goddess of fertility goes to sleep and the grim reaper, Samhein would awake.  He would summon the spirits of the nether world to come up and torment the farmers and the peasants that lived in Britain at the time. 

The Druids, a blood drinking priesthood would dress up in ghoulish costumes and roan the countryside threatening the villagers that, if they did not produce a virgin by midnight of the 31st they would cause havoc, the cows would not give their milk and the fields would not produce their crops.  (Hence, the costumes and the mantra "trick or treat" that our children utter as the collect their candies)  That night a carved squash would be placed on the front porch of the victim's home with a piece of human fat burning inside.  That's where we get our carved pumpkins.  A hexagram would be placed on the front door in blood.  During the night there would be fear in the hearts of the farmers. 

It is believed by those who practice witchcraft that, on Halloween night the veil between the living and the dead is thinner so spirit travel and necromancy, (communication with the dead) is practiced hardily.  Bone fires, (what we refer to as bonfires) were also big.  Humans would be burnt alive in wicker baskets offered to the god of the dead.  Apple dunking was considered divination.  Skeletons, black spiders, bats, ghosts, spirits, death, and horror are all part of the celebration of the "Night of Death"!

In modern times the holiday has changed little.  Let's look at it realistically.  First of all it is a known fact that animal shelters will do an early and complete lockdown because animals are stolen, usually found sacrificed.  The candy that our precious children collect will have to be closely investigated due to the tampering that goes on.  Razors, poison, and other evil goodies have been reported every year.  How pitiful!!  In some wooded area's blood will be found from some unfortunate victim.  It is a fact that it is a night of orgies.  You would be surprised how seriously those who practice Satanism view this night.  Come on folks let's be real.  Isn't there enough death and darkness in the world today?  

Aren't our precious children seeing enough?  Should those who are Christians be more protective of their loved one?  Shouldn't we find an alternative?  I HAVE SAID IT MORE THEN ONCE, I WILL GLADLY SAY IT AGAIN, YOU DON'T SEE WITCHES SHOWING UP ON CHRISTMAS TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR WONDERFUL SAVIOR, SO WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE NIGHT OF DEATH FOR THE GOD OF DEATH?"

 

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

3 John 1:11

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

As Christians we should be living our lives with God on our minds at all times.  In everything we do, we should be asking ourselves if it is pleasing to Christ.  

*Can you actually with a clear mind after reading these things say that God doesn't mind???*

I know that a lot of Christians think it's okay because they don't participate in any of the evil aspects of this holiday, but the fact remains that the soul purpose in which this 'holiday' was created is to glorify Satan.  This day is the highest holiday to many Wiccans and Satanists still today and they still perform those same ancient satanic rituals.  So why as Christians, who follow and love Jesus Christ, want ANYTHING to do with this day?  

You can not redeem Halloween.  It is a day of celebration that comes from darkness and evil 4,000 years old.

I think a lot of people choose to take their kids trick or treating or participate in Halloween to some level, simply because they want to.  We need to start putting Christ first and thinking about what is pleasing to Him and not what is pleasing to us. 

Life is good and only getting better...

Life is becoming pretty busy for us here in Gainesville.  But we can finally say, with all the craziness, we definitely feel like we are HOME! 


The kids are busy at school and church.  They love their school and have homework due every night instead of once a week like they did at their old school.  They are involved at church every Wednesday for the children's Christmas musical.  They are really excited about that.  They also have a lot of fun activities and get togethers coming up with their small groups in Children's church.  

Mikayla has a play that the 3rd grade class is going to be putting on at school.  She is a sheep in 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' and has a small speaking part.  She is also getting a pen pal from South Korea and is super excited about that. 
Brayden is doing sooo good in school and is looking forward to t-ball starting in the Spring.  He wants to join football and basketball too, but we don't want to put too much on his/our plates at once. 
Aslyn is enjoying Mommy time (for now) while the kids are at school.  We are trying to get her to try out the Toddler class at church, but so far she has not wanted to stay.  So she sits in with us, for now.  

Ben is doing really well at work and is starting to see positive changes at his branch. 
He just recently started playing bass full time on the worship team at our church on Sundays.  God really opened the doors for him to get involved right away.  The opportunity really just fell in his lap!  It is a huge answer to prayer because Ben was really worried that he wouldn't have the opportunity to be involved in music at a bigger church.  He is really loving it and enjoys being able to learn and be pushed to grow.  His playing has already improved so much in such a short amount of time. 

Ben and I are involved in a class every Wednesday that is for newcomers of the church.  It is basically a class that they offer for anyone who wants to learn more about the church and what they are all about.  Helps people to get more plugged into the church and everything they have to offer.  After we are done with that, then we will be joining a microchurch (small group) that meets once a week.  We are really excited about getting involved and seeing what God has in store for us.

I am currently working on a healthier me and through that, I have developed a new fondness for food and cooking.  Occasionally I will be posting some new yummy recipes that I try out.
My life also will become very busy in the next few months.  After a lot of prayer, discussion, research, prayer, thinking, and more prayer, we decided that I will be starting school in January.  I will be a full time student at Santa Fe College studying to get my Associates of Science degree in Health Services Management.  I'm super excited and one of the best parts is around the time I graduate, Aslyn will be starting kindergarten.  So I will be ready to either get out there and start a career or continue on to get my Bachelor's degree.  
I am still praying and searching for God to reveal to me that special way that I can serve Him better.

God is so good and our lives just seem to be falling nicely into place here in Gainesville!  Our Pastor told us in one of our Wednesday classes that they really just want people to feel like they belong there. 
That is exactly how Ben and I are starting to feel.  It's exciting for me because for so long I haven't felt like "I belong", and now, in such a short period of time that is changing.
Life is good and only getting better.
 

Take delight in the LORD,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~ Psalm 37:4

So much has changed for us this year, but the biggest change has been our walk with Christ.  Our faith has grown tremendously, our focus has changed, our priorities.  We have grown so much.  God has done and is still doing a work in this family and it's amazing what happens when we allow Him to. 
I have said it before and I will continue to say it, because I think there are so many people that need to grasp it...
It is so incredible what happens when we pray for God's will to be done in our lives, but actually truly mean it. 

Those dang kids...

Kids:

Always wanting SOMETHING

Always complaining

Always doubting

Always in need of correction

Always stumbling

Always trying to justify their actions

Always asking tons of questions

Always in need of a lesson

Always forgetting what they've been told

Always angry or upset when they don't get their way

Always disobeying

Always in need of me, even when they think they aren't.


Always talking-
Never listening

Never happy with, "because I said so"


Never careful of how they act or what they say in front of other people

Never wanting to put in the work to get the reward

Never thinking of others first

Never thinking of me first.


I wonder if this is how God sees His children (us) some times.  I know that my kids drive me nuts at times, but they are still just kids!  I wonder how disappointed God is with us when we are grown adults acting the way we act.  We are still just kids in the eyes of God.  I know that if God didn't have perfect patience then He would be so frustrated all the time with us.  He'd probably want to knock us right up side the head and yell, "what's the matter with you?!?"  Maybe He does in His own way...

Just something I was thinking about.  I strive to be more of an adult in the eyes of God.  I know that we are not perfect and we will probably always be "just kids", but the point is that we should always be trying. 

Loving God, loving life...

I just wanted to start this blog by saying how absolutely amazing my God is! 

We are pretty much all settled in.  We love the town, our home, and the kids love their school.

We started going to a church that we are really enjoying.  There is so many things that we can become involved with and we are so excited to see what God has in store for us.  We are already seeing Him move with opportunities that are starting to come open, that we didn't think would be possible especially so soon!  So much is falling into place for us already.  I have felt for a long time that God has so much planned for my little family and I finally feel like we are on the right track. 

It is so amazing what happens when you begin to pray for God's will in every aspect of your life.  I mean, when you pray it and REALLY want it, and allow Him to move.  It's like a complete change in thought process.  It's incredible to see the changes and growth that is happening in this family.  I am so thankful and happy!  And to know that this is just the beginning is so unbelievably exciting! 

 "When you fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, and you realize that life is just preparation for eternity, you will begin to live differently. You will start living in the light of eternity, and that will color how you handle every relationship, task, and circumstance. Suddenly, many activities, goals, and even problems that seemed so important will appear trivial, petty, and unworthy of your attention. The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears." - Rick Warren

That is exactly how I feel.  I have just come to a point in my life where I don't want anything that isn't what God has laid out for me.  I find myself CONSTANTLY asking for God's will to be done.  I only want what He wants for me and my family...everything else is pointless.  You know it's one thing to say that you want His will, but when you really truly mean it and give everything over to Him...everything changes.
Jeremiah 29:13 has a whole new meaning to me now...
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I've known that Bible verse ever since I was a little girl, but only now am I really beginning to understand what it really means.

I am just very thankful and excited right now for everything that God is doing.
I ask that you please continue to keep us in your prayers.  This is only the beginning of this chapter in our lives.  Please pray that we continue to stay in God's perfect will.
I am at a point right now where my goal is that in the very near future God will begin to use me in a special way to minister to others.  I am praying and seeking revelation in what He has planned for me personally.  Please pray that God's purpose will be revealed to me and that I will know exactly the best way to begin to serve Him better.

With all that being said, I've added a few new family photos that we recently shot...enjoy!

Adjusting...

We have been at our new home in Gainesville for a little over a week now and have been so busy!
School started on Monday, so I have been running around trying to get the kids ready for that.  We have had a painter painting in our house for a week, not to mention other issues that have needed attention.  I haven't really had a minute to sit down and write.
So far we are really enjoying our new home.  We haven't really had the time yet to go out and explore the city too much.  But we are in a very nice area (away from the hustle and bustle of the college life) and the kids LOVE their new school...which has been one of my biggest fears!  Mikayla has been so nervous about starting a new school and that has made me nervous for her.  But both her and Brayden love their teachers and the school.  Thank you Lord!

We are going to be trying out a church this Sunday morning that we have heard a lot of great things about.  I am super excited!  But I have had a bit of a fear when it comes to finding a new church.  The church that we are coming from is so blessed with a lot of very gifted musicians...the worship there is awesome.  Worship is so very important to me and I know with Ben being a musician, it is very important to him too.  I have been worried that we won't find a church that has as good of worship that we have been so used to.

A few weeks ago we visited Ben's parent's church for the first time.  It is a small church...a work in progress.  There isn't a "worship team" there yet.  Instead they worship to music from a CD with one woman that sings on stage.  I have to admit, I had a very hard time getting into it.  I didn't even sing at first, even though I knew the songs.  Then I looked down at my 8 year old daughter.  She was singing her little heart out.  She looked up at me and gave me the biggest smile.  I immediately felt convicted.  My little girl was singing and worshiping our Lord, while her mother just stood there.  I then started singing right away and soon found that it wasn't that difficult for me after all.

After the service when we were in the car driving, Ben and I began talking about the service.  Ben said that he felt the same way that I did about having a hard time getting into the worship at first.  He felt convicted as well.  He said that he felt like he was putting conditions on his worship.  He told me that we should never have conditions on our worship.  We should be able to worship Christ anytime and in any situation!  How true.  We both agreed that we really need to remember that when we are looking for our new church.  It's amazing how God works and uses situations to teach us things.

 "Worship is first and foremost for His benefit, not ours, though it is marvelous to
discover that in giving Him pleasure, we ourselves enter into what can become our
richest and most wholesome experience in life." - Graham Kendrick

On a side note...
I have to say that I got pretty emotional on our last Sunday at Bushnell Assembly of God.  I wasn't expecting to at all!  Our Pastor said some really nice things about us and our move.  But it wasn't until after church was over and we were driving home when it hit me.  I was posting a little thank you to Pastor Crane and Merit on facebook and just started crying.  I realized just how important these amazing people are to me and my family.  Pastor and Merit have been there for us since we were dating.  They did our marriage counseling.  Pastor C. married us and Merit was my stand in wedding coordinator.  They were there for all 3 of our baby's births.  Pastor went to Tampa to see my Dad when he had open heart surgery and prayed with him, even though my parents didn't go to our church.  We have always been able to call or email them for advice or encouragement.  We could not have asked for a better Pastor, mentor, counselor, and friend.  They have really been a part of our family and that is what made me get so emotional last Sunday.  We have been so blessed to have them in our lives.  But the best thing about them is that we know, even though we won't be going to their church anymore...we can still call or email if we ever need anything and they will be there for us!  Thank you Pastor Crane and Merit, we love you!

Okay, so now that I'm done with all the mushy stuff.  I hope to be writing again soon about our new town and adding some pictures!  Until then, please continue to keep us in your prayers as we still have a lot of adjustments and of course our search for our new church.  Thanks!

PS.  To get an email notification whenever I post a new blog, just click on the 'Join this Site' button to the right. 

A Reminder...

I don't have a whole lot to talk about this week.  We have been really busy looking for a house and getting everything in order for our move.  But I was thinking about this song that I really like and how powerful it spoke to me the first time I heard it several months ago.  I looked it up online and watched a video on the story that led to Phil Wickham writing this song.  The link to that video is here...
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9JBFBJNU

I believe that if we all get to that place and realize just how much we need God and really put all of our faith in Him...we would really see just how faithful He is.  I feel like that's what I have been through recently.


I have always loved Matthew 28:16-20, especially the very last part, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  It's one of the last promises that Jesus made while on this Earth.  (Hence, why I got my tattoo.)  This scripture always reminds me that no matter what, He is with me.  Even though we can't see Him or touch Him, He is with us...always.  Some times it's hard to remember that.  When we are going through trying times we start to doubt, but I have learned recently that if we remain faithful and truly give everything to God, then He will show up and in a big way.  Here is a better quality version of the song...hope you enjoy!  I should have much more to share next week after we are moved and getting settled. 

Let go and let God...

What a crazy year this has been!!  After moving (twice in two weeks) from our beloved small town to save money and be closer to Ben's job in Leesburg, we are once again going to be moving!  We have known for a few weeks that moving was a possibility, but we didn't know if or where, let alone in 2 months...until this morning when Ben was offered a Branch Manager position in Gainesville. 

I have talked about Ben losing his job 2 days after Christmas last year.  We knew that our lives were going to be changing, we just didn't know exactly how much change was in store for us.  We experienced a huge shift in us and our walk with God when Ben was out of work for almost 4 months.  It wasn't chaotic or a desperate time for us.  It was actually the opposite.  We had peace.  We gave it to God and just enjoyed our time together as a family.  We 'let go and let God'.  Of course Ben put in TONS of applications everywhere, but we didn't stress over it because we knew that God had a plan.  Finally after almost 4 months and about 50 applications, Ben got a job offer with Sunbelt Credit.  The pay was definitely less than what he was making before, but the hours are what we were really looking at.  We knew the moment that Ben was let go from RAC that we did NOT want to be back to him working 60+ hours a week!  So when offered the job with 42 hours a week, off no later than 6pm!  Yes, we'll take it!  Not only were the hours ideal, but they offered great benefits and great opportunity for advancement.  We prayed about it of course and since it was a little too coincidental that out of the many many job applications that he put in for, this was the one and ONLY call that he received.  We took that as a sign from God that this is where He wanted Ben.
 
Ben has been working with Sunbelt Credit for just shy of 5 months.  His boss wanted to hire him as a Manager in Waiting but since he was 'fired' from RAC they could only hire him in as an Assistant.
Ben's boss was very impressed with him and told him that if he proved himself to be what his past experience showed him to be, then he would move up very quickly.  So we knew when we moved to Leesburg, that it would only be temporary.  We knew that it wouldn't be long until Ben would move up in the company and become a manager.  We also knew that would mean a move for us.  Because when a branch comes open in the company, it is usually not close by.  But a positive to us having to move is that the company pays for EVERYTHING.  So, we figured it wouldn't be a big deal to go ahead and move to Leesburg.  We didn't know how long we would be here and we might as well save money while we can. 

About a month and a half ago, he was promoted to a 'Floater' position.  Which is just a position where he travels to different branches that need the help.  We say that's a "promotion" because he makes more money and he is learning more through working at the different locations. 
The company's policy is that you must be a Floater for 3 months before you can become a 'Manager in Waiting'.  A Manager in Waiting is also a 3 months position, where by the end of the 3 months you are ready to run your own branch.  But God is bigger than company policy.  Within 5 months of being hired, he has bypassed the 3 months Floater and MIW positions, and is about to be running his own branch. 
Ben has read previous manager job postings that have come open through his work email and he said that in the posting it always says that you have to be in your current job position for at least 6 months to apply.  But when a Manager position came open in Lake City, Fl (which is the branch that Ben has been helping out for the past month) it didn't say that you have to have been in your position for at least 6 months.  It said to leave a brief explanation as to why you feel like you're qualified for this position.  Ben said that he has NEVER seen that before.  But he didn't think too much into it.  That day his boss showed him the manager's bonus for that branch and said to Ben, "just saying".  Ben didn't know what he was getting at and we still didn't think too much into it.  Well a few days later, Ben's boss sent him an email and asked if he was going to be putting in for that Lake City manager position.  So of course we talked about it and we figured if he was going to go around company policy and go out on a limb for Ben, then we might as well see what happens.  So he applied for the position and we began to pray pray pray.  We both agreed that we didn't care what happens...whether we stay here in Leesburg or move to Lake City...it didn't matter.  We really just want to be in God's will and go where He wants us.  So that is what we prayed.  We prayed that if this wasn't the path that He has laid out for our family, that He would close the doors.  But if this is what He wanted, then to open the right doors and close the wrong ones.  Ben had his interview yesterday and his boss asked how he felt about living in Gainesville.  Ben told him that he didn't really have a preference of either Gainesville or Lake City.  When he called me and talked to me about it, we both said that we would probably prefer Gainesville over Lake City, but whatever God wants is what we want.  We continued to pay for God's will. 
Well this morning Ben was offerend the Gainesville branch.  The manager that ran that branch lives in Lake City and wanted to be closer to home, so that freed up the Gainesville branch. 

We know without a doubt that this is what God wants for us.  We have prayed and prayed about this.  We haven't even told our family or friends about the possibility because we didn't want other's opinions to influence ours.  We just wanted to be sure to stay in God's will. 
So yes, this is a huge change for our family!  We have to find a place to live, a new school for our kids, a new church for our family...but I know that it is all going to fall into place wonderfully. 
We will of course miss our church family and friends in Bushnell, we love you all so much!  It's times like these where facebook and blogs are a huge blessing...great way to keep in touch! 

Please keep our family in your prayers.  If you know me at all, you will know that I have a very nervous stomach...I have had butterflies all day!  Mostly because we want to be moved in time for the kids to start school on time in 3 weeks!  So we have a lot of work and changes ahead of us.  But I know it will be worth it!

A duck out of water???

At church this past Sunday morning I was listening to my Pastor preaching his sermon and he said something that really stuck out.  It wasn't directly about his sermon topic, but just came up while speaking.  So naturally I started thinking about it and since my electricity is out due to it storming outside, I decided that I HAD to write a short blog posting...

I personally know a lot of people that feel like they don't need to go to church.  Either they feel like being a good person and saying a prayer every day is good enough.  Or they are just too busy to go to church on their day off...better things to do.

 

I used to believe that I didn't need to go to church to be a good Christian woman.  And I still don't think you HAVE to attend church in order to have Jesus in your heart.

But since I have had this hunger for more of Christ, He has been revealing things that I need to change in my life...

Doesn't it kind of go against who we are as Christians to not go to church?  I mean, if we are trying to be the people that God wants us to be then won't we WANT to be in church trying to grow and seeking after Him?  

My husbands often says, "I'd rather have never heard the name of Jesus, than to be a lukewarm Christian."

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." - Revelations 3:15-16

By purposely not going to church, you are not growing spiritually.  It is almost like an open invitation to allow sin to sneak its way back into your life.  How can that be pleasing God?  We as humans are weak.  We need that regular encouragement and reminders.  We need our "God fix".  

As men and women of God, we were created to serve Him and worship Him.  

Yes, you can watch church on TV and you can listen to worship music at home, but what better place to be than the house of God, to grow and experience His presence?  

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20

I've heard people say that they didn't need to go to church because they already know what the Pastor is speaking about and they can study the Bible in the comfort of their own home.  In my opinion, that's a selfish excuse.  We shouldn't go to church for ourselves, but for God...

"People are often motivated toward church attendance for how it will bless themselves, however we should remember that the primary purpose of the corporate gathering is to bring "service" to the Lord as a blessing to Him"  - Dr. Dale A. Robbins

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

As children of God, we know the times that we are living in and how things are only going to get worse...we know what our future holds, we know what's promised in the Bible.  Why wouldn't we WANT to be in church??  

Now back to the statement that my Pastor made during his sermon...

"If you're a Christian, you will go to church.  

If you're a duck, where will you be?  In the water.

If you're a Christian, you will be in church." - Pastor Clarence Crane

It makes PERFECT sense!  

I found this interesting bit of information on ducks that are kept out of water...

"Ducks are waterfowl. They evolved to eat, swim, play, and clean themselves in water. But on factory farms, they never even see it, except dribbling out of a pipe from which they are to drink.

Without water, ducks are deprived of their natural habitat. Denied this fundamental requirement, they can’t preen properly and find it difficult to keep warm. Without water they may develop eye diseases that can result in blindness."

A duck can survive out of the water, but it isn't pleasant for them. 

"I will declare your name to my people;
   in the assembly I will praise you."- Psalm 22:22