May. 2, 2009 - Germany Pictures

A Waterfall in Olsa, Germany.

Heidi from Germany... she was a lovely sister in the Lord who found Jesus as her Healer. Look into her face, and you can see God's glory radiate from her.

A morning view from the top of mountain I stayed...

and....

A picture of Olsa, Germany... their houses were built in layers going up the hill and mountain sides.

The group went to the downtown pizza parlor.... it was the best pizza I ever had! I don't know if it was because I was really tired of eating bologna sandwiches (which what was served for breakfast and dinner... as a tradition) or because I hadn't eaten pizza in a long time... I chose to believe the pizza was good because it REALLY was good!

In Germany, all the shops close at 7PM. However, the restaurant we ate at, stayed open to serve us. We didn't arrive until 9:30PM. This was a long day. After the last session, Greg, ate dinner and then prayed for each attendant individually. There were bondage that was broken and deliverance was done. The Kingdom of God advance in this place, like I never saw before!!!

I am so blessed to see the things that I did see.

Apr. 27, 2009 - Sight Seeing & Shopping: Germany Part 4

To read the complete story about my trip to Germany, and to see God hands mightily, please read the following in order:

My Trip to Germany, Part 1
My Trip to Germany, Part 2
My Luggage was Lost!!

Sight Seeing and Shopping in Germany!

That afternoon, there were no sessions. So I had the opportunity to go shopping then. However, the group was heading over to the caverns that were only a few minutes away. I felt like the Lord was telling me it was ok to go. So, I chose to go site seeing, instead of shopping and if time permitted I could go after I got back. The German couple I rode with to the caverns was telling me about Wal-mart in Gemrany, called “RealR.”  I know Wal-mart in America has my size. So I thought why not try it. It would be better than trying the specialty shops down town. 

After the caverns, the driver printed out a map quest and off we went. The directions took us through several neighborhoods. The scenery was a lot like Ohio, very green and beautiful, with many trees and hills/mountains.

Just as the Wal-marts in America has different sections ie.. automotive, clothing, pharmacy, etc. In Germany, each section has their own little store inside RealR. It was like the American malls but instead of a mall, it was RealR.

I was able to find two outfits to wear. I was so pleased! We got back to the conference center, and I took another shower and changed into some fresh clothes! The little things we take for granite!!

Victory Was Won!!

In the evening session, during worship time, I was summons to come upstairs. My luggage arrived!! The keyboard arrived!! The books arrived!!!

A victory was won for our side!! Yeah!! Praise God!!

Just think if I had chose to go shopping for the things that would bring comfort to my flesh then I would’ve missed out on the fellowship that went on at the caverns between the two cultures. I am most grateful that I made the decision that I did.

Meals While We Were There

At the conference center, we were served three meals a day with a tea break in the afternoon. For breakfast each day, we were served sandwiches of several kinds of bologna and cereal. I was told cereal was provided for us Americans. LOL.

Then, for lunch was the hot meal. One day we had pasta/spaghetti, and American meal while all the other days were German meals. One day we had soup, another was possibly meatloaf.  I am not too sure what the items served were. I just ate because that was what was provided for me.

I do remember of a time when the Lord was working on my eating habits. I was very picky about what I wouldn’t eat. One day, I remember Him telling me that if I shrug my nose up at the food that is placed before me, that I am ungrateful. Did I not trust God enough to take care of me? I would offend the hostess if I shrug my nose, and that would be the same as wrapping a millstone around my neck and jumping into the lake. I have since then remember this lesson. My Lord has tested me a few times about what I would do when strange this are placed in front me… I must remain with a one-eyed focus upon the Lord.

For evening meal, we ate sandwiches and bologna again. You know, I absolutely love fresh bread. Many of the Germans use this chocolate spread (similar to nutella to us) on their breads.

On Saturday, three days before we were to leave, I was in the food line talking with a few of the Germans. You see, we tried to mingle with the Germans even though there was a language barrier, the Germans were taught in school English. We this particle time, they were asking me about how I liked the meals. I responded that I loved them, and I am so grateful for my God to provide for us to have. Then I said one thing though back home I am use to eating fresh vegetables. That was something that wasn’t served to us.

Guess what? The following day for lunch we were served a tomato and cucumber salad! Wow that was excellent!! Then, for dinner we were served a great BIG bowl of salad with different kinds of lettuce. Wow, I know my Lord provided these things for me.  It made me feel even more special that my God would do these things for me. This trip allowed me to see Him in a different way. Trusting Him to a new level of Faith.

I am in love with my God!

…To be continued.

Apr. 26, 2009 - "My Luggage Was Lost!"...... My Trip to Germany, Part 3

 To read about the first part of my trip to Germany, please click here.

To read about the second part of my trip to Germany, please click here.

My Luggage Was Lost!

As we were claiming our luggage, we realized that my luggage wasn’t there. Along, with the other girl’s luggage, the keyboard and a suitcase full of books never made it. We went to the customer service to find out what had happened.

     The other girl’s luggage, keyboard and books were on the same flight ticket, while mine was separately. When checking the other ticket, they said they missed the flight that it would be at our location with a day or so. But when they checked by luggage ticket, they had told me there was no record of my luggage tag. My bags had never been checked in!

     I knew this was wrong because I have the claim ticket that Ohio had given to me. I knew it was an attack of the enemy to get me distracted and upset.  I refused to get upset. I wasn’t going to let the devil steal my joy! I was reminded of all the wonderful things my God had been doing for me, and what He will do!

     The customer service gentleman extended many apologies and then gave me an overnight bag that consisted of all the items that the airline overnight bag had PLUS a t-shirt, laundry soap and deodorant. He told me that while I was visiting, it there was anything I needed to go purchase and the airlines would reimburse me (50% of items I wanted to keep and 100% of items I handed into the desk on my return trip home).  So, in reality I had everything I needed, except for clean set of clothes!

     We arrived at the conference center which was on a hill/mountain. We were greeted with many Germans who had open arms and strong muscles to help carry in the luggage that we had... except for me and one other. 

     We left Ohio on Tuesday, around 4PM and arrived at the conference center in Germany on Wednesday, at 7PM. Although the travel time was longer than anticipated, Praise God we made it on time for the conference!!

Apr. 25, 2009 - My trip to Germany... part two

To read about the first part of my trip to Germany, please click here.

When we boarded the plane, I got to sit in the Business Class upfront. This was very nice! The seats were cushiony, heated and they even vibrated! The seat also included a foot rest and own personal TV with free movies.

Then the conceaire came around and greeted us. Evidently she was the same lady on our original flight who bumped us because of our late flight. She apologized greatly. I asked her on the behalf of the other people who were in economy to come and sit with us after all we were the only ones up front other than two others. The lady politely told me that for an upgrade it would be $4,800+ to bring them into the Business First.

The Lord was building up just how special I really am to Him! Wow, I still cannot believe it.

When the plane began to take off, we had a waiter with a towel over his arm who served us dinner. We had a choice of steak, roasted chicken, and couple of items that didn’t peak my appetite. I chose steak! Dinner was totally awesome! The trip was very nice, but the personal service made it!

They gave us an overnight bag that consisted of pair of socks, toothbrush, tooth paste, q-tips, ear plugs, mask to cover eyes, etc... This little bag when opened had a hook to hang up for easy access. This makes for a great makeup travel bag!!

Flying into Spain, I had a window seat. I was able to observe the area as we were landing into the airport. I took several pictures from the airplane. When unboarding, we realized we arrived approx. thirty minutes later than schedule for our connecting flight going into Frankfort. As all 8 of us were getting of the plane, the genlteman told us that our terminal was to the left. A couple of us did take off running to let the check-in desk that the group had arrived. Looking back, it really wouldn't have mattered. As we were running we realized the genltman sent us down the wrong way! We turned around and about this time the remainder of the group had a tram and were waiting on us. The tram only held 7, and we had eight. 

The only gentleman who traveled with us allowed us women to take the seats, and he chose to run along the side of the tram. I don't know how far it was, but I do know that riding on the tram, it took about 15 minutes to arrive to the next terminal. If we didn't have the oppurtunity for the tram, we would've missed our connecting flight into Frankfort. 

The flight arriving into Frankfort, Germany went smooth as well.

We left Cleveland, OH on Tuesday approx 4PM, and arrived in Frankfort, Germany on Wednesday approx. 5:30PM.

When we landed in Frankfort, we went to pick up our luggage. Well, guess what happened?

 ...to be continued.

Apr. 24, 2009 - My Trip to Germany.... part one

First let me say that MY God is so awesome!!

In January I was asked to pick up a lady in NC since I was driving from Florida into Ohio. My original plans were for my daughters to come with me on the trip and take my truck into Indiana to visit family, but His plans are far greater than mine! I picked up Linda in NC, and drove to Ohio. On the trip, we realized we had so much in common with one another regardless of the age difference. She is a wonderful lady in the Lord.

I was able to rest a day from the two-day trip into Ohio before flying. The original flight manifest was from Ohio into New Ark then an international flight into Frankfort, Germany. The enemy was on the prowl!! But, MY God is so much bigger!

When we went to check in at the Cleveland Airport in Ohio, the airlines had assigned us seats. When I got my boarding pass, I noticed that I was sitting in “First Class” and my connecting flight was “Business First.”  Four of the eight who traveled in our group carried the same boarding passes. The lady who was in charge of our international team traveling together questioned the lady at the check-in booth, and she couldn’t figure out how we were upgraded. All she could say it must have been the “miles” that caused us to upgrade. We looked at each other, and none of us had any miles to upgrade with.

The four of us who got these seats were the first ones to book and confirm that we were going to Germany while the other four waited a few months later before making the commitment. I don’t know if that is why God chose to bless us with these seats… it doesn’t matter to me why other than knowing that it was MY God how was treating me like a princess!

The flight from Ohio into New Ark was nice. Although the snow and ice delayed our flight forcing us to miss our connecting flight into Frankfort from New Ark. We rushed to the service desk, and all eight of us were routed into Spain on a later flight then into Frankfort. The gentleman told us he couldn’t guarantee First Class, which was okay with us as long as we all eight remain together. Then, when the lady who was re-booking for the other four noticed that our four tickets came with a $20 meal ticket whereas the other four were only $7. Upon the comment, it made him look into our reservation again, and changed us into the Business Class on the flight going into Spain. Praise God!!

We almost lost our blessing....

... to be continued

Jul. 21, 2008 - Homeless to RESTORATION

Jul. 20, 2008 - What was purpose?

I went house hunting, and found one house for at less rent, but it about 80 years old and wasn't in the best of shape. However, if it was from the Lord I would take it. I am willing to humble myself and live in a house such as this...

About four days later.... a Word was spoken over me, and she told me that she felt the Lord tell her that the decrease in quality was not from Him. He would still bless it, but it wasn't from Him. I didn't take the house.

The Lord recalled what He had said to me when I took the house when I first moved there. You see, I struggled with the month-to-month leasing, but He told me then that once I was released, I was released. I thought that’s cool! I can stay here for a few years…. LOL.

Jul. 19, 2008 - My latest...

May. 16, 2008 - Being the Best Sheperd You Can Be

Being the Best Shepherd you can be

 by: Karen Diamond

To be all what we want to be, the Scripture tells us to “know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds…” As a Children’s Director/ Pastor, it is important to stay informed of what other Christians are saying and doing in their ministries. One of the ways of staying informed is by magazines. There are several magazines that would be beneficial to have. They are REV by Group; Christianity Today, and Ministries Today by Charisma Life.

As leaders of the next generation, we need to run the race, strive to do our best. When it comes to teaching that week’s lessons, we should desire for our students to retain everything that we teach. However, research suggests that an average child's attention span (in minutes) is about as long as the age of the child. Therefore, if you are teaching preschool children, ages 3-5, their attention span would be 3-5 minutes. If your allotted teaching time is 45 minutes, it is best to allow 15-20 minutes for an altar call (explained later).  With the same preschool kids, then you need to make sure you have at least 5 to 8 different object lessons ready to fulfill your time. Each object lesson should tie into your main theme for the day.

With the various object lessons that you will need, you can use drama, skits, puppets and even demonstration by the children. When the children have a hands on experience they are more apt to remember what the message is about.

Object lessons coupled with motivation will help to increase your children’s retention of the lesson at hand. To help your students retain the information is by being motivated. This motivation will shine through and will be passed onto your students. When the teacher is motivated the students will become motivated. Just as with anything, when the teacher sees importance in a task or truly understands what it all means, those in the class will see it to. Make sure that your passion for Jesus is expressed when you are teaching as you are doing more then just relaying information. You are helping to mold the future of our world, which is a very important job.

The children are so eager to be involved in what God is doing. They want to participate! This is discipleship at basic core. The children run to the altar to get saved week after week because that is the only thing they are being offered. I challenge you today to ask the children if they want to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues, lay hands on the sick, or to feel the Presence of the Living God. The children will charge the stage! Why? Because they want to be involved!

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”  It is important that you get the children involved as much as possible.

As mentioned earlier, we should allow 15 to 20 minutes for altar calls because this is more important than anything else you will do during your service. The altar call is not always about salvation, you can use this is the time to get with the Lord. Set an atmosphere for God’s presence by dimming the lights a little and putting on worship music in the background.  

A couple more thoughts….

It is important to get the kids under the anointing as much as possible. Encourage the Church leaders to lay hands on the children and prophesy over them. It would be great to ask any guest speakers to pray and prophesy over the children as well. By doing this, you are letting the children know they are important, they have dignity and they have value as an individual but also as a Church Member.

Ask the Head Pastor if he will allow the children to minister to the congregation once a month. The children need to train their Spirits. They need to exercise their gifts that God has given to them rather it be prophesy, evangelism, healing, etc… 

May. 13, 2008 - Our Children's Church..... see how we decorated the room!!

Feb. 17, 2008 - My schoolroom, office and craft room

Here is our school room (Library/music room)....

Our craft room...

This is my daughter's room.... she is a little slow in getting her room completed. But, she she is working on it! What she does, is gets a box, empties it out on the floor then puts it away, one piece at a time. I opened her door just right after she threw the box out the door.... hence, the mess on the floor!! LOL

My office...

Feb. 17, 2008 - Our home....

Here it is...

The view from the road

The view from the other side...

The view from our front door...

Feb. 15, 2008 - Within 48 hours...

"If you still want the house, it is yours...."

Now is about the time I wish I knew how to add audio onto this.... LOL

But, I didn't let on my excitement just yet. The lady on the other end continued to tell me that she would furnish the stove and refrigerator with no problems. Although they were to be "plain janes" when the Lowe's truck arrived two days after we moved in, they were NOT plain janes!! She ended up getting nicer ones for less.

I am jumping ahead here a little.... the phone call happened on Wednesday morning. We were very excited!! BUT, we could only rent month-to-month because the house is on the market and they haven't been able to sell it, and now her husband has lung cancer, and well she decided to rent the house instead.... for the first time. You see, her husband is a contactor and builds and sells houses for a living. This house is the first one they ever rented!! Praise God!! Yes, the house is on the market to sell and I will have to move out within 30 days of sale. But guess what? My God is a BIG God, and .... well, lets see what He will do for us.

After all, this is the only house that was available at the time I move to town that was at least a three bedroom and allowed pets. But the funny thing is, this house was one of the few that I had called about before, and this house is the only one out of 30 some houses for rent that was still for rent!!

I meet my new landlord at the house and signed the papers. Then, we had to find our U-Haul.

Yes, I don't know where I parked our U-Haul. All I know it was at a ladies house... not sure who, but know a lady from the Church. So, I had to call the Pastor.... "Hello Pastor, all things are well... we found us a place to live, but I can't find my U-Haul... could you please help me?" We ALL got a laugh out of that one!!

We totally got the U-Haul unpacked on Thursday and got the U-Haul returned.

Now, comes the HARDPART! Unpacking. WOW. My daughter, Tena, left on Saturday morning and she left, I was only half way done. I had her to begin assembling our new book cases or our library/music room, and put together our TV stand and such. While she concentrated on that, I begun unpacking the boxes.

Everyone who had come over and told me that they need me t ocome to their house to help them organize! Now, let me recommend a book from a friend, Erin Thiele. Through her book, I learned many new things!! This e-book is FREE!!! It is called Workers@Home and it is fabulous!! She my post for the 21st of February for your FREE copy!!

The Lord is so awesome!! I was unpacked to the point of being of saying that I am unpacked! I mean I still have a few boxes to unpack but I don't know where to put them. For instance, I have 3 extra boxes of videos, and about 6 boxes of books. I just don't have "cubbies" to put these things away. Until I get a video stand or book shelves these boxes will remain packed and in my closet.

We was in the house for 7 days before getting internet. Praise God!! Because during that time, I was able to focus on unpacking and organizing our home. I have NEVER got back to normal after a move like this so quickly!! As you can tell in photos in other post that as of today (3 weeks later)... WOW!! Let me say it is NOT me! It was the Lord!! He gave me 7 days with NO phone, NO cell phone (couldn't service in the house) and NO internet.

God is so awesome!! One thing I asked Him, if it would be possible was to get a normal life as quickly as possible.... and guess what?

He gave it to me!!!

Daddy, you are so awesome!! I love you. Take my hand, and I will follow.... I am yours! 

Feb. 14, 2008 - Our first day in Athens, TN

We pull up to find the previous tenants still occupying the house. The house is on a corner lot. Not bad looking but the only problem was that when I walked across the floor it felt that I might fall through. It was a double wide, not a modular home, on a concrete foundation. Yikes! We just didn't have a good feeling when we walked into this house. I didn't take a picture of this house, but I will tell you it reminds me alot like this one...

Let me say this... there is NOTHING wrong with this house!!! I just had a bad feeling in it!! The fllor was bowing in the middle... put it to you like this. If I decide to jump up and down because of what the Lord did, I would end up through the floor. LOL. Which would be very uncomfortable to say the least. LOL. 

Then, we drove to Walmart where I meet Krystal. While I was waiting on her to show up, I made a phone call. This was to a lady that I had spoken to a few weeks back, but had crossed her off my list as a potential. But, in the newspaper the only house that was at least a three bedroom (need an office for the business) that allowed pets was this one! This lady, Wanda, drove to Walmart to meet us at the same time Krystal pulls up. 

I have to say that Krystal reminds of so much like my sister! She has a wonderful Spirit AND loves the Lord!!! You can tell it in her actions and in her life. From my heart, it is as if we already know each other. God is so good!!!

We drove up to this house together, and it is absolutely heavenly!! We walk into this house, and I knew, that I knew, that I knew that this was our "bah-boom" that we are looking for. This lady was telling me that I needed to provide a stove and refrigerator. I just kept quiet. Then, her phone rang. A realtor had made an appointment to see the house the following morning. The lady wouldn't rent it to us!!!

That evening we drove to Krystals and spent our first night in a camper in the middle of the woods!! LOL. We had a lot of fun though!! My suitcase got packed into the middle of the u-haul so I had NO clothes!!The U-Haul was actually sitting at another families house, who lived in town that we didnt have to be concerned with getting hung up in the mud.

The following morning, we kinda hung out, not doing much. We didn't have cell phone service, so we drove into town and that is when I got the message....

Feb. 13, 2008 - On the road again...

We woke up on the 28th, refreshed!! Ready to take on another full day ahead of us! Don't we just look better?

You don't have to answer that!! LOL.

At this point, we still do NOT have a house!!

One thing I didn't consider when moving to a small town like Athens would be internet. I need to have internet for my business. Upon speaking with several technicians that I came in contact with, they told me that I would do better on cable than satelite. I took their word, since after all I am believing they were brought into my path for a reason such as this.

We were driving slow (about 55-60) considering the weight I was pulling behind this big truck. We pulled into town around 1PM. We were almost at the exit when I received a phone call. It was a lady who I had spoken with about a house. She called me by mistake, and I thought humm... maybe we should go look at this house.

Feb. 13, 2008 - The BIG trip...

We were sitting at a rest-stop. Annabell loves sitting there when we go for rides, but it is a rare treat that she ever gets to sit their!!

The extra space of the trailor was exactly what I needed!! We had room for everything!! The two items that I left behind, I knew I was going to bless the families who helped me. They were several cabinets for the garage that would look very nice in their new garage!!

About an hour before we were done loading, I felt that we need to change our plans and stay their another night. I wasn't sure why. After all the carpets we wet because Stanley Steemer had just cleaned them. However, I asked the Lord to clear it with my daughter because sometimes it is like I find myself trying to please her just so I don't hear the whiny voice of I want this, or I want that... 

Well, guess what? Tena lost the keys to my truck!!! We almost had to unloaded my truck (not the U-Haul) to find the keys. But amazingly enough, she walked in and said, "Mom, I think the Lord is telling us that we need to stay here tonight." I smiled and said, "I agree." We found the keys all of, maybe, five minutes later. God is good!! We unlaoded the air matress and one family dropped off blankets and pillows for us to use. 

Sunday morning, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We left town around 11AM, and by 1 we were ready to pull over to get a room! LOL. We were so tired and woren out. I think every muscle in our bodies were hurtin'. We stopped several times along the way to "wake up." The drive was l-o-n-g and very hard on us!! We kept praying to get us through Atlanta, and then we would stop for the night somewhere.

My daughter begged for a jacuzzi or hot tub since her muscles ached. Me, I wanted a HOT bath to soothe my muscles. So, we pulled over at a Steak and Shake and asked the Lord to find us a place to stay that allowed animals (dog and cat) with a hot tub! And guess what? We open the travel hotel coupon book, and the first page we opened was for a hotel about 2 hours north of where we were at that had the hot tub in the room and allowed pets! We called and reserved the room. We thought the reservations was made by the home office, but it was by the clerk herself because when we checked in, she was like so, which one has the sore muscles? LOL. The suite usually rents for xyz and with multiple discounts she had given us, we ended up paying around $80+ for the night.

The suite was located about 45 minutes south of Chatanooga, on I-75. The place was absolutely beautiful AND clean! We took turns in the jacuzzi!! By the time, we hit the nice, soft bed, we were exhausted but yet rested up from the hot water.

It was TOTALLY a God-thing!!

Feb. 12, 2008 - The BIG day...

January 14th, 2008
I had to make a reservation for the truck. After checking the rates, I went with U-Haul... yes, the big orange truck! LOL. I loked at the 17ft that was to hold 2-3 bedrooms for $1100 or the next size bigger (24ft) for $1800. Although I lived in a 3-bedroom, I did remove much of the furniture, but NONE of my books. So I wasn't really sure what size to get. When I ask God for what He wanted me to get, I felt that He wanted me to get the 17 ft truck. So, that is what I ordered.

On Saturday the 26th of January, I received a message from U-Haul to tell me that my reservations had changed. I have a philosophy, and it tends to hold up thus far. When my cell rings, then it is something that I should take however, if I get a message without the phone ringing then I know that I didn't need that conversation at that moment. Praise God for this one!! 

When U-Haul called me about transfering my reservation, my didn't didn't ring. God knows, I would've gotten uptight or bent out of shape over it. This was going to be a very stressful day, with this added on... well, who knows what would happen, YIKES!! I had time to give it to God before calling the new location to confirm the reservation. I felt a sense of peace. All was well! 

This whole time, I am "looking" for why my reservations was transferred. I knew God was up to something, but what was it? When I got to the store location, I noticed trailors on the lot. I went in and as we were filling out the paperwork, the attendant proceeded to tell me the original store was only open for a couple of hours whereas they were open until 7 that evening, plus they had trailors whereas the other did not.

When I looked at the truck, I thought to myself... there is NO WAY that my stuff would fit into this truck!! I was praying for a miracle all the way back to the house. I got the truck back and begun loading it. I had two homeschool families came over to help us load! The dad of one family said the truck was like the 'fishes and loaves' story in the Bible... the more we loaded, the more room we had!! LOL. It was like that too. We were amazed!

When it was 3/4 of they way loaded, I was told to begin to make my choices, as what I wanted to leave behind. My heart began to break! I felt that I had prayed through the packing and gave away what I felt lead to do. So, I couldn't understand why would I have to make that choice.

I walked around the side of the house, and asked God about it. I then went and called the store location, remembering the girl told me if I wanted a trailor to bring the contract and truck back and they would add it on for me. I called her to see the size and cost of the trailor. She had just gotten in a 6x12 trailor that normally rents for $300. Before I could say anything, I heard her keyboard punching away, and then she siad she could offer to me for $100 ($150 w/tax and insurance). WOW!!

Now, add that up! I got a 12 ft trailor + 17 ft truck for less than $1300!!! That is MORE space than the 24ft and much less money!!

I got off the phone, ran around the corner of the house, shouting praises to my Lord!! I had everyone run out, and began to jump and hollar with me!! It was a wonderful moment!! I can only imagine what the neighbors thought, LOL. Thank you Jesus!!! 

Feb. 4, 2008 - We made it!!

Hello, hello, hello!

God is so good! I don't have much time to write but I wanted to leave a note to say, "thank you for all your prayers!"

We found a house the following day arriving into town! The same house that was available when I begun looking in Athens, once I knew where we were going. It is HUGE!! I will post pictures later this week.

This Wednesday, we will be in the house a week. I am almost done unpacking! Praise God!! I even have things hung on the walls and curtains up!! Things are moving along wonderfully! This Wednesday I will have a landline and internet installed. God knows that I needed this week to get myself organized! Yes, I am an organizer freak! I can't stand looking at all those boxes piled up! LOL...

Again, thanks for all your prayers! I felt them!! God bless you!!

Jan. 25, 2008 - No place to rest yet...

We haven't found a place to lay our heads yet... !

Woowhooo! This is an exciting adventure with the Lord!! There are some things that I can not share at this time, but I can not wait to share with you ALL the details of what has happened!!

Be blessed, and be safe!!

Jan. 24, 2008 - My last thoughts in Florida...

This will be my final post for at least a week. As of today, I do not know when I will connect or where I will be. My daughter and I are hoping in our loaded down truck to head to south Florida to bless my daughter with things that she needs for her new apartment, and to pick her up so she can drive my SUV while I drive the UHaul. Then, on Saturday we will head out to Tennessee.... our new beginnings.

The Lord blessed Tori and I today by a “going away” party with two of my closest families. We told the kids it was “our birthday party” so we hug each other. I know its weird but if knowing it was a “farewell” party, it would’ve only brought many tears. But instead, we parted with many laughs and joy.

I have only known these two families for two years. The Lord blessed me with their friendships. We have homeschooled together since we have met. It is like they are not only my sisters in Christ, but my sisters in the flesh. We have grown to love one another. All three of us challenged each other in our walk, our families and our marriages (ie.. rather to man or to the Lord). The children have grown to be like brothers and sisters which have been a great blessing to me and my daughter since we only have each other. 

As the time draws near, I have tried to look and evaluate our lives, and what is to come. I believe the next to the hardest thing to do is to give up these relationships. I was reminded last night at church of the story in the Bible where we must leave behind things to pursue Him. This brings sorrow but yet comfort knowing I am taking a step toward Him and allowing Him to work through my life.

The hardest thing I believe I am giving up is what I “perceived” future to be. You see, my daughter loves dance and drama, and wants to use it for Him. We have been so blessed that we had dance three days a week for FREE! Yes, FREE! Amazing, simply amazing, I know!! We were involved in 2 different ministries that taught the girls jazz, dance, and tap for the Lord. Plus, my church has the BEST Youth program alive! The Youth program has a dance club and a drama club that started at 7^th grade. So our plans were next year to join the Youth group to continue forward to grow with her passion for the Lord. In my mind, we had it ALL WORKED OUT!! But you know the Lord is so sweet. When I gave Him my heavy burdens, He quickly reminded me…

““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Praise God that He loves a wrench like me… (tears)