Well, we're starting to settle in and things are becoming "normal" for the first time in a long time.  I think it's agreed that everyone loves the new house (which helps considering this is our first move and the house is quite a bit smaller than what we moved from).  We were blessed with new bunks for the kids (3 sets) and so the kids really liked coming to a new house with that surprise!

We still have a few boxes to take care of... Mike's "office" is in the living room as well as my homeschool boxes and books for everyone (which we had to downsize to only the essentials and the rest went into storage).  Other than that, everything is unpacked in the house and functioning!  (I will be sharing video soon.)

We have some things in storage that I would like to come into the house (some frames to hang of the kids and stuff) and one day I want to go and organize the storage shed (as things pretty much just got stacked in there since it was dark when we were unloading.  That will be a good feeling when that's done and I really know where everything is (I bought hair dye before moving and with all the boxes at home unpacked, we STILL never found them so they MUST be in storage... another disadvantage to unloading a trailer at night... tee hee).

I had a "down day" yesterday, and I 'spose it was just because now that the house is more in order, there's less taking up my time (until we start school in October) and so the reality of knowing no one really set in and I was feeling alone (I know I'm never alone... but that's just how I felt).  So, another day... another feeling... and I know it's all just a part of this very big experience we've been called to be a part of here in Detroit Lakes, MN!

The weather has been beautiful (which only adds to being on the lake) and Mike and I are enjoying having tea in the mornings on the deck.  We're anxious for the next steps now as we begin to make plans and meet people in the area.  Prayers are appreciated for those to come forward who will be a part of our launch team for the church plant. 

We are currently working on the church website which will have more info. and keep everyone posted there as well.  Thanks so much for all your prayers during our whole packing and moving process!  Things are going better and we are all glad to finally be "home"!
 
You can read more about things in our VERY LATE September newsletter... (wonder what I've been doing? tee hee...)

As I shared in my thoughts on the previous chapter, I really struggled with worry and fear when I first became a mom.  Stormie shares in this chapter, that she too, worried after becoming a mom until she decided to give her son over to God completely:

...whenever I had fear about anything, I immediately took it as a sign to pray until I felt peace.  If I didn't have peace right away, the I prayed about it with one or more prayer partners until I did.  Daily I released my son to God and asked Him to be in charge of his life.  This took the pressure off me and parenting became much more enjoyable.  -Stormie OMartian (p.34)

We only hinder what God has in store for our children when we "meddle" and try to hold on too tightly to our children.  We can do it all "in the name of love"... but that's like saying we don't believe God loves our children more than us and knows what's best for them, even more than we do (which we know better).

We don't want to limit what God can do in our children by clutching them to ourselves and trying to parent them alone.  If we're not positive that God is in control of our children's lives, we'll be ruled by fear.  And the only way to be sure that God is in control is to surrender our hold and allow Him to full access to their lives.  The way to do that is to live according to His Word and His ways and pray to Him about everything.  We can trust God to take care of our children even better than we can.  -Stormie OMartian (p.35)

The reality is this:

We can't be everywhere.  But God can.  We can't see everything.  But God can.  We can't know everything.  But God can.  No matter what age our children are, releasing them into God's hands is a sign of our faith and trust in Him and is the first step toward making a difference in their lives.  Prayer for our children begins there.  -Stormie OMartian (p.36) 

Releasing our children may not always be easy... but there is no one we can trust more than the One who created our children in the womb!

Dear Heavenly Father, I give You my children again today.  I know You know what's best for them in all circumstances, and even when I don't understand, I know You are always in control.  When I cannot be with my children, I know You still are there and I take comfort in knowing that.  Lord, please teach me how to pray for each one of my children.  Each one is uniquely created by You for a purpose.  Please help me to know how to help them grow in the gifts You have given them.  I seek You to raise these children instead of listening to what the world may say about parenting.  I chose to partner with You and ask that You are at the center of my husband and I as we parent and raise the children You've given us.  Help us to raise them in a way that brings honor to You.  I pray for parenting to bring joy and  happiness instead of fear or worry.  I trust You and rest in knowing that You love my children even more than I do.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

It's not too late to join us as we pray for our children!  You can check out more about it by clicking the following link: S.H.M.I.L.Y. for 30 days of prayer for praying parents... Please share a link to your blog post if you've made one on this chapter!