Where do I find my security?

The Lord has been faithful and has always provided everything we have needed. Over the last few months trusting Him in the area of our finances hasn't been too hard as we have managed to reduce our bills enough so that a check that we receive each month covers the majority of our bills. But last month the Lord started to ask us where we placed our security. Was it in Him or the monthly check. We believed He asked us to give away our check and totally rely on Him for what we needed.

Both Gary and I struggled with this decision, but slowly we are learning to obey and agreed to give away our check. Once we had committed to do this we were amazed at how clearly the Lord led us in where to give.

We were prepared to give it all away, but once we had parted with just over 60% of it Gary had a peace that we had given enough. So the month of December continued and we had no idea of where the money would come from to pay the bills. We told the children what we had done, not to worry them but so they could see God's goodness when He did provide.

There were a few occasions that we would look at the bills that were due and start fearing, but once we focused back on God we were at peace again. Thankfully we were given 3 gift cards which helped, but still we waited for the Lord to provide for all the bills.

Then, on the day after Christmas we received a letter from the Federal Government stating that they had miscalculated our economic stimulus check which we had received in May and were now refunding us what they owed us - just 7 months late!! Amazingly the total of the stimulus check was $20 more than the amount we had given away.

Immediately I checked my bank account to see if it had been deposited. It was placed into our account on December 19th, the same day that I had written the largest check that we gave away. We didn't know about this until December 26th as it was deposited into an account we don't often use.

God is so good. Not only did He provide for our needs, but he also gave us the blessing of helping others in need and, most of all, seeing that He is faithful. While I still have a long way to go, this month God helped me put my trust and security in Him just a little more.

Where do you find your security?

Michelle

Out of the mouth of babes...

Recently our family has committed to pray for a 10 year old orphan boy (Emmanuel) from Liberia who is waiting for his adoptive family to bring him home. The family is located in Illinois and already have 7 children (2 biological and 5 adopted). They are eager to bring Emmanuel home as they have already adopted his cousin and they miss each other alot. You can read more about their story here.

Anyway, we have been praying that the Lord would provide the money ($8,000) to bring Emmanuel from Liberia to America. Naomi has particularly been eager to pray for him, but I think she's a little confused on the details. Her prayers have been going something like this "Dear Heavenly Father I pray for Emily who is going to adopt Emmanuel who is in the library and waiting to come home. Help them get the $300 to bring him home.

I know the Lord knows her heart and it is encouraging to see her pray with such enthusiasm for another child.

Please pray with us that Emmanuel will be in the arms of his adoptive parents soon.

Michelle

Please Pray for the Kids

 

While we still don't know our date for departure we beleive it is getting closer so we have started sorting through the children's toys and clothes etc.

Please pray for them as this is proving a difficult task. It is so hard to decide what to keep and what to give (or throw) away when we only have a little room to ship things.

Thank you.

Michelle

Double Digits

I can hardly believe our oldest son, Daniel is now 10 years old. Where do the years go? As I was packing last week I came across several boxes of photos. Not much packing was accomplished but I did spend a few hours reminiscing over the days when my children were so small. Several of Daniel's baby pictures were in the boxes. What a cutie he was, and how he has grown!

Before I know it Daniel will be a man and his childhood just a memory. I pray the Lord will equip us in raising a boy who, we hope and pray, will become a God fearing man.

Michelle

Singing for Tickets

 

Last week our local Christian Radio Station sponsored a stage show of Veggie Tales Live and they were giving away a few tickets, but you had to sing for your tickets. So on Friday morning I called the station and Nicholas was able to sing a veggie tale song on the radio. He won 4 tickets and a copy of the DVD "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything". Obviously with 8 in our family we all couldn't go so we decided to allow the boys to have a night out with Gary.

At the last minute we decided that Naomi could also go as a reward for excellent behaviour. We had planned to purchase her a ticket (which were half price at the door), but as Gary was picking up the tickets Nicholas had won a woman handed him an extra ticket that she had. So all of them got in for free.

Please forgive the poor photo, it wasn't easy to get a good picture in the dark. Apparently it was a fun evening for them, they were even given a bag of candy on the way out.

God is so good for providing such special treats for my children.

Michelle

A Day at the Zoo

 

We have recently been enjoying an Indian Summer here in St Louis, so we planned a family outing at the Zoo. We had a wonderful time. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the ability to take the field trips during nice weather and when the crowds are low.

During the day we saw many monkeys but, I'm not sure who was the biggest, the gorillia the kids were sitting on, or Jeremiah (take a close look at his face!!!)

Michelle

Our Home in England

 

The picture above is the best we have of where we will be living in England. This is the Training Building at Springhead Park House, Rothwell, Leeds. Our home will be the middle floor of this building.

We have not asked for anything for our new home, but back in the Spring my sister let people know that we would be moving to England and many offered items that they no longer needed. So she and my brother-in-law have been collecting for us and a couple of weekends ago they delivered it all to our new home.

Below is a list of what has been given to us.

Microwave
Toaster
Slow Cooker
Brown Casserole dish
brown soup dishes
cereal dishes
weighing scales
Cheese grater in box
2 jugs
toast rack
Jelly mould
3 x veg dishes
3 x large / medium small
Large glass dishes
Teapot
Butter dish with lid
6 x hot & cold mugs in box
Large Pyrex mixing bowl
Large green thermos
Container with lid
Pizza dish
Polyester cup with lids
Hand held grater
Ice cub tray
Potato peeler
Ladle
Large fork
2 x small saucepans
Cutlery - 11 forks, 9 knives, 9 steak knives, 8 desert spoons, 10 or so tea spoons
Dinner service set all matching (all round unless otherwise stated)- 6 x large plates, 6 x small plates, 6 x large oval plates, 5 x small coffee cups with 6 saucers, 5 x bowls
4 x white tubs - good for herbs - I guess
1 x small plate
4 x bowls
3 x large cups (mug size) with 5 saucers
Plastic cutlery tray
1 x fridge (medium size - half way between a small English one and large American single one)
1 x washing machine
Double bed with mattress
Double bed with mattress
2 Chest of Drawers
Small trunk / chest
1 single bed with mattress - adult size
1 single bed with mattress - 4 foot size - ok for Deanna (never used)
1 single mattress
Wardrobe - single - with 2 drawers
Small Chest of Drawers
2 x set of king or double (will need to check size) duvet covers
1 x laundry basket
2 x bedside lamps
1 x lamp shade
2 x set of single duvet covers for kids beds
2 x Sofas - 1 is 2 seater and 1 is 3 seater - both with removable / washable white covers
tons of cushions
Display cabinet
Coffee table
Large Chair
Hoover
TV - 14 inch
VCR
Up display spot light - really nice
Round table (was the one in the kitchen at Vicarage)
Toothbrush holder
2 x large towels

As you can see we have most of the stuff we will need and I have been told that since this list was compiled in the Spring more items have been added, including more beds, tv and other things. We really have been blessed by God's provision through the generosity of others, especially my sister and brother-in-law.
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!

Michelle

Saving Money

About a year ago the Lord led me to a blog called Money Saving Mom from which I learned a lot about saving money and being a better steward of the money that God has given us. So during this year I have been refining my skills with finding the deals!

One of the places I have really been able to save is at Walgreens. The pictures below show just some of what I have been able to purchase there last month.

3 large boxes of Kleenex
2 12oz bottles of Sunlight Dish liquid
4 toothbrushes
Alka Seltzer cold medicine
6 bottles Pert 2-in-1 shampoo
Loreal Cleanser
6 bottles of Dimetap cold medicine
Rimel Liquid Foundation
9 bottles hair product for the children
12 AA Energizer batteries
3 Skippy peanut butter
4 48oz Breyrs Ice Cream
2 Scrubbing Bubbles Bath Cleaner
3 Aqua Fresh toothpaste
7 jars of Ragu sauce
1lb Spaghetti
3 78oz Laundry Detergent
2 10oz Dawn Dish liquid
2 large box Puffs tissues
5 18oz Softsoap Bodywash
1 Softsoap hand soap
1 11oz Palmolive Dish liquid
2 packets Ricola cough drops
4 bags of Chocolate candy



Before sales and coupons the total of the above items came to $267.64
After sales and coupons the total came to $83.22
Then I had a Walgreens gift card (from deals I had done in September) which was for $57.19. So I only ended up spending 26.03 in cash for all the items above plus I have earned over $40 for my November gift card.

That was what I call a deal.


It has been a treat to be able to purchase good quality items for my family, but the Lord has reminded me that while it is good to receive, there is so much joy to be found in giving. I have found much joy in being able to share many of these items with others. I was first introduced to this idea of shopping wisely and sharing from Shop, Share and Save by Ellie Kay.


So, if you haven't been saving money at Walgreens ... you might want to give it a try. You will find all the details on how at www.moneysavingmom.com

Michelle

Daniel's Surgery

 

Last week Daniel had surgery to remove a cyst from his right wrist. The doctor was very pleased how well the surgery went. He was expecting it to last about 2 hours, instead they were finished in just 29 minutes.

Daniel did an excellent job and was very brave throughout the whole ordeal. Next Wednesday he returns to the hospital to have his stitches removed - hopefully that will go as easily!!

We really appreciate all who prayed for him. Thank you.

Michelle

Deanna's Birthday

I can hardly believe that our 'baby' is getting so big. We celebrated her 3rd birthday last week by spending the day together playing. We went to Jefferson Barracks Park and enjoyed a picnic followed by a 2.7 mile bike ride. I know that's not far, but for Jeremiah riding a 12" bike - it was a looooong way!

She has grown up so much this year. She has left behind the diapers and baby talk. She now communicates extremely well and can keep up with the big kids (most of the time). She has her own chores around the home and is getting quite proficient at clearing the table after meals. Although she does like to eat what is left on all the plates!!!

She has been an incredible blessing to us and we are grateful to God for placing her in our home.

Michelle

Praising God

“Sing forth the honour of his name, make his praise glorious.”

- Psa_66:2

"It is not left to our own option whether we shall praise God or not. Praise is God’s most righteous due, and every Christian, as the recipient of his grace, is bound to praise God from day to day."

Spurgeon

Elaina's Birthday

Last week Elaina turned 9!!

To look at Elaina now it is so hard to beleive that when she was born she weighed only 1lb 6oz and had an apgar score of 1. The Lord healed her and she has developed into a beautiful, strong and very smart girl.

We have a rule in our home that when it is someone's birthday we all have the day off from school and do something fun together. So we took a picnic lunch and went to Queeny Park in St Louis. We spent the afternoon climbing trees, playing at the playground and getting a little lost on a walking trail.

Michelle

Passport Photos

We knew we still needed to get passport photos taken but were in no hurry as we can't apply for their passports until their registrations come back, but last week we found a deal we couldn't turn down.

Normally passport photos at Walgreens cost $7.99 which multiplied by 6, plus tax would come to just over $50. Last week Walgreens had a sale for buy one get one free. That was a good deal, but what made it a great deal was on Friday and Saturday they had a coupon for $5 off $20.

So what normally would have cost us over $50 ended up (after sale and coupon) being only $20.17.

I thank the Lord for allowing me to find that great deal.

Michelle

Awesome!!!

Listen to this! We have been checking into a trip to Branson MO to see the Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City theme park. We have wanted to go for many years now. With us headed to the mission field, we figured this would probably be our last chance to go. So, we have been looking at hotels and such to see what kind of a deal that we could get; we even have a package saved online, while we check other things out before making a decision.

This morning at Church a friend climbed all the way up the hill to tell Michelle that they wanted to offer us their time share in Branson to use in Nov/Dec and then risked life and limb to go back down the hill to their car (this is not an easy hill to navigate). When Michelle told me, I was speechless. This is so awesome! (I reserve the word "awesome" for God and this deserves that treatment) For no one knew we were thinking about this except our Father. God does stir the hearts of people.

Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow.

James 1:17

Our Father is sooooo GOOD to us!

Gary

Fighter Verses

Recently the Lord has laid it on our hearts to get serious about scripture memorization.

I have really enjoyed memorizing scripture - it has not been easy, but the truths that I have discovered are incredible. It is wonderful to be able to meditate on these during the day and learn more and more about the nature of God and what it means to live a Christian life.

We have found the Fighter Verses from Desiring God a helpful tool in this endeavor.

While it is good for me to memorize scripture, I have to admit there is something very sweet about hearing your children recite scripture - especially when it comes from the mouth of a 2 year old!


Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:10, 17

Michelle

Bike Riding

Last week we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together riding bikes in a local park.

The park wasn't close enough to ride to and our van isn't big enough to transport 7 bikes (Deanna rides on the back of Gary's). Thankfully our neighbor lent us his truck so we could transport the bikes to the park.

We had a great time in the near perfect temperatures, enjoying each others company and marvelling at God's beautiful creation, except the swarm of crickets that jumped all over us as we rode past a field. Thankfully Elaina wasn't hurt when one cricket jumped on her arm and scared her so much that she fell off her bike!

Michelle

God's Provision for Jeremiah

On Saturday we were at Walmart buying shoes for Elaina and Naomi. While we were there Jeremiah saw a pair of cowboy boots and asked if he could get them. Cowboy boots weren't in my budget so I suggested that he asked God if He would allow him to have a pair. Little did we know the Lord would answer so quickly.

The following evening at church a friend approached me with this question "What is Jeremiah's shoe size?" I told her I thought he was about a size 12. Her reply was "Someone has just given my son a pair of cowboy boots that their son has grown out of - so would Jeremiah like my son's boots?" They were a size 12 - perfect! Jeremiah was so excited that he had to take his shoes off during church so he could wear his new cowboy boots.

What a loving Father we have that he is concerned about and provides for His children.

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights

Michelle

Still Waiting ...

We have had several people ask recently if there is any news regarding the children's registration applications. The answer is still 'no'.

The paperwork has now been in England for almost 2 months. The process could take up to 7 months so we are still waiting .... as patiently as we can ;-) and still praying for the Lord to bring it to us sooner.

We looked on their website today to see if they had posted anything and the following is what we have found:

Since the announcement of the proposed changes to the route to British citizenship (earned citizenship) we have been receiving significantly more applications than usual.
All applications for citizenship are subject to enquiries to ensure that the statutory requirements have been satisfied. These enquires can take some time to complete. The additional applications will result in slightly longer waiting times and we anticipate that applications made since January will take up to seven months to complete. Someone who applied in June 2008 should not expect to hear from us before the end of December 2008. However this is only an average waiting time and some applications may be dealt with more quickly and some may take longer, depending on the nature of the enquiries to be carried out.

We sent our applications in the middle of July.

We want to thank those of you who have been praying with us.

Michelle

God's Providence

He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth,"
and to the rain shower, "Be a mighty downpour."
So that all men he has made may know his work,
he stops every man from his labour.
The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.
The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.
The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.
At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.
He brings the clouds to punish men,
or to water his earth and show his love

Job 37:6-13


In this very active hurricane season it is good to remember that God is in control of ALL things.

Michelle

This isn't right!

You know you live in a hi-tech world when your 2 year old is using the laptop!

Michelle

Oppressing the Orphan

This post was written by Summer who is serving the Lord in Uganda with her husband and six children (ages 6 and under!). She shares my heart for the orphans and eloquently shows what most of us in the West don't normally see or hear about.

I am going to be very upfront in this post. I live in a country which is a lot like the "degenerate city" spoken of in the book of Isaiah.

"It was full of injustice, righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. Your princes are rebellious and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes and follows after rewards.
They do not defend the fatherless (orphan)..."

We have been called to defend the orphan. It is a command, not an option with a clause.

I have been meeting quite regularly with the local chief of police pleading the cause of the orphan. As far as we knew, there were no Christian orphanages in the area. However, the police mentioned there was word of "something" in a near by district. So, setting out by foot yesterday, I found what words can not describe.

As I entered the gate of this place, I was aghast by what I saw. Initially I thought that maybe they were fixing up the place--kids could not be living in such conditions. But I was wrong. It looked like a garbage dump/jungle. A dead stork has been nailed to the front of the house?? Your guess is as good as mine as why this was so.

I was first led upstairs where a teenage girl showed me her wild monkey sleeping in her bed. Do they not know that wild monkeys carry all kinds of diseases? Trying not to look too obvious, I began to take in all that I saw. One bedroom had over 10 beds in it--some being occupied by big, dirty dogs. Next, I was led outback where 12 children (all under the age of 3) ran about. Some were dressed but most were naked. It was nearing lunch time and 10 of the children sat down on the ground where a platter of food was set before them. 20 grubby hands began stuffing food into their mouths. All the while, cats were helping themselves to the platter, too. No one paid attention. No one is pleading their cause. More than likely, the little girls in this home will begin "selling" themselves as young as the age of six in order to pay for school fees...and this is just one home. There are 100's just like it.

When I told this story to a local friend, her response was, "this is how it is, and this is how it will always be." Everyone turns a blind eye.

Who is going to plead the cause of the orphan??

Please pray with us.

If you are interested in reading more of what Summer has to say, you can find her blog HERE.

Michelle

Taking a Look Back at Summer

Well, it is Labor Day weekend here in the US (the end of Summer) so I thought it would be a good idea to update our slideshow (on the right sidebar) with some pictures of what we got up to over the last 3 months.

If you would like to take a look at a larger view of the slideshow please click HERE.

Michelle

True Contentment - My Conclusion

So what have I learned through this experience of examining my life through the lens of true contentment?

I have discovered that most of my periods of discontentment were born out of sin. Whether, jealously, as I see a pregnant woman; envy as I long after that bigger home, dream vacation, or just plain disobedience as I say to God “I don’t want what you have planned for me”. I say most because I do believe God can cause us to be discontent in order to lead us to action. For example, we can be discontent with a political or social situation that will cause us to act for change.

I am learning that when I am discontent with a situation I need to go to God and ask Him if it is because I have already sinned (and therefore need to repent) or will do so if I don’t follow where He is leading. In many places throughout scripture we are told that if we turn to Him and seek Him first, He will direct our paths. He knows what’s best for us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 48:17-18 This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

When I look at some of the saints that have gone before, I am ashamed at my selfishness in my desire for an easy life. The apostle Paul suffered so much in his life yet in Philippians 4:12-13 he says "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

I really believe that part of that secret is that contentment cannot be just a feeling it has to be a choice. In the same way that we chose to love our spouse through the tough times of our marriages, so we need to choose to be content, in Christ, through the tough times. James tells us in Chapter 1 to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I think the primary part of the secret of contentment is knowing Christ. Paul could be content because he knew his Saviour and therefore trusted Him. I have also found that the closer I am to Christ the more content I am in my circumstances. I need to love the Lord my God, with all my heart soul and mind. To be ready to daily pick up my cross and follow Him. Not always easy, not always fun, but there is a deep, deep contentment in knowing Him.

Finding our contentment in an easy life is a sin – we need to find our contentment through our relationship with and obedience to Christ. With this I will always struggle but my desire is to continue to strive for a godly contentment.

Michelle

True Contentment - Finances

Finances - who has not struggled with this one? I definitely have.

When I accepted my life here, in America, I also wanted to accept, and obtain, the ‘American Dream’. I wanted a bigger home, vacations, more money. There is no other way around it but to acknowledge that I didn't (and don't) need those things. My desires were based in envy, I saw what others had and wanted it. I was sinning. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that. Wow! It amazes me every time I read that verse to realize how much God has given me and how rich I am. We, in the industrialized world want and expect God to provide so much. We need to be content with little and when we receive much we need to ask God why he has blessed us so abundantly and how does he want us to be good stewards of it. John Piper (in his book Desiring God) suggests that we adopt a wartime lifestyle, because as Christians we are at war. It is a spiritual war. Piper goes on to suggest that God gives us more so we can use our excess to fund God’s work.

While God has brought me a long way in my desire to be content with less I still have a long way to go and often find myself slipping back into discontentment as I desire what I see around me. I wish I had the courage and faith to pray like Agur did in Proverbs 30:8-9 "Two things I ask of you, O Lord, do not refuse me before I die. Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."

I know from my own experience that when I have had plenty I am tempted and often do stray from God, yet when I am in need I cling close to Him as a child who is desperate for their Father to provide. There is nothing like being in a situation where you are about to lose everything or where you don’t have enough food to feed your family to bring you back to God. The best part of all is that God is always faithful and always provides what we need (NOT always what we want).

About 3 years ago God starting changing our attitudes toward money and possessions. Gary had owned his own business for several years, but was slowly becoming more and more discontent, not because of a lack of money but he was thinking there had to be more to this Christian life than what he was doing at the time. He began to believe that God was calling him to serve Him in someway, but the concern kept arising of how to provide for the family. The Lord led him to Matt 6:31-33 "So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and you heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Gary knew that the Lord had a lot to teach him through these verses, but neither of us were quite ready for the changes that would follow.

So far the Lord has led us on an incredible journey and I am sure there is so much more ahead. One of my favorite verses in the bible is 2 Corinthians 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him". This has certainly been true in our lives. This is not the place to go into detail about the amazing way God led us to join WEC (the mission organization we will be go to England with) except to say that you can find it on the left column of this page under “The Call”.

One of the things that the Lord used to lead us this direction was Christian biographies. We both read the biographies of George Mueller and Brother Andrew. I also read a book from Voice of the Martyrs about women in the last 20 years who have suffered for Christ. All these books really made Gary and I examine our lives. We became very discontented with the ‘normal’ life and now long to serve God. I want to make my life count for Christ. It isn’t easy leaving people I love, and a place I now call home. Some believe that we are leaving here so Gary can take me home. That is certainly not the case. When Gary told me we were going to England I cried. I didn’t want to go. If God was going to send us into missions, why couldn't we go somewhere different, somewhere new? It will be nice to be closer to my family again but, I no longer call England home as the country has changed so much in the last 15 years. I left there a single girl and return, to a totally different part of the country, a married woman with 6 kids. I don’t know how to live in England anymore. Even my Mum warns me about how much the country has changed and how I will experience culture shock.

I want to be obedient to God but have struggled coming to terms with leaving. I had life easy here. We owned a home on 38 acres (or at least shared ownership with the bank), Gary had the flexibility of his own business, we had two vehicles and more importantly a great church and wonderful friends. We no longer own our home, gave the business away, sold the truck and are preparing to leave church, family and friends, But God never said it would be easy. I have to constantly remind myself that I do not need to store up treasures (especially money and possessions) here, but treasures in Heaven, where they will last for eternity.

One of the books that has recently challenged me is “Hard to Believe’ by John MacArthur. In this book he really made me see that the Christian life is not just about calling Jesus our Saviour and then living life for ourselves. The words of Jesus from Mark 8:34-38 made me decide I want to be obedient to Christ, no matter what He calls me to do or how hard it is.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels" Mark 8:34-38

Part 4 Conclusion - tomorrow

Michelle

True Contentment - Infertility

Another area in which I have struggled to be content is with infertility. This has been a huge battle in my life, and to be honest one that I still fight occasionally. I know that God is in control of creating life Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. And I know that His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts not my thoughts, but sometimes I still ask why? It is not fair that millions of babies are aborted by mothers that did not want them, when I have desperately wanted to be pregnant. Often I’ve wondered why can they get pregnant and I can’t.

I recently was encouraged in this area. A friend shared that due to an illness she was told she would probably be unable to conceive, but each time they tried they conceived in the first month. After hearing this, the first thought I had was "Lord, why? They were told they probably couldn’t but did, yet there is no reason why we cannot conceive, yet in over 11 years we haven’t." Immediately afterward I had an amazing sense of peace as I really felt the Lord remind me that as much as he has opened her womb, He has purposefully closed mine, because that is not what He wanted for me. In that I have to be and am content … yes, occasionally I still struggle, but I can honestly say that I would not change anything in the way the Lord has built our family. He has blessed us by bringing us 6 wonderful children through adoption, for who I am so very grateful.

Part 3 (finances) - tomorrow

Michelle

True Contentment - Living in America

As I reflected on my adult life one of the first times I really struggled with being content was having to live in America. As most of you know I came to this country only to stay a year as a live-in-nanny. Then the story then goes that I met Gary and became stuck here. While I joke about it now – that was the way I felt (being stuck in America - NOT being stuck with Gary!!). For the first 2 years of our marriage I was very discontent in being in America. I longed to go home, longed to be with my family in a country I knew and understood. So, for a while Gary and I looked into moving to England. We got a British paper and looked for jobs. Gary was very willing to move … but I just knew that wasn’t what God wanted. I was discontent in my circumstances but God didn’t give me a peace about being in England either. Through prayer I came to the conclusion that God wanted me here.

Jeremiah 29:11 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 a hope and a future.

So after a couple of years of wanting my own way I finally surrendered my desires to God and vowed to make America my home and embrace whatever God had planned for me here. Little did I know that just about a year later we would start down the path of fostering and adopting children.

God's plans are so good - why do we ever doubt them?!

Part 2 (infertility) - tomorrow

Michelle

True Contentment

Last week I was given the privilege of speaking at the Ladies Banquet at our church. I was given the topic of 'True Contentment'. It was not a subject I would have chosen, but it was good for me as it gave me the opportunity to see in which areas of my life God has allowed me to be content. It also made me examine the areas of my life where I still need to find contentment in Christ.

Over the next few days I plan share on the blog some of the things I discovered.

Michelle

Something to Ponder

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Jim Elliot

Daniel

Four years ago Daniel was diagnosed with ADHD, Bipolar and Intermittent Explosive Disorder and was placed on 4 different medications to keep him well. We were far from happy about him being on all this medication as we knew there had to be many side effects, but we did not have any alternatives. Then in the Spring of 07 I attended a homeschool conference where I listened to a doctor from the Pfeiffer Treatment Center who explained that they were able to treat many things like ADHD, Bipolar, depression etc with a combination of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. This excited me and gave me hope.

So just about a year ago we took Daniel to the Pfeiffer Treatment Center in Chicago where they performed over 180 tests to discover exactly what the problem was. After several weeks we had the results which showed he had a pyrrole disorder. Which, in short, meant he had too much copper going to his brain which caused the impulsive actions usually associated with Bipolar. They prescribed him specially made vitamins which he has been taking for the last year.

In April, after six months on these vitamins, he was retested and his levels were much improved. He no longer showed a pyrrole disorder and we have been able to begin the long weaning process of withdrawing him from his prescribed medications.

We began removing (with Dr.'s approval) his medications 3 months ago. We took away half a dose at a time and have only taken away another pill every 3/4 weeks. This has to be a slow process so he doesn't have any effects of withdrawal. So far he has been able to come off of the risperdal and lithium and he is doing incredibly well. We still have 2 medications (adderall and tenex) that we are hoping to be able to get rid of, but it all takes time. Not only is his behavior excellent, but we have also seen his mind beginning to wake up. His reading ability has improved and seems to have a slightly easier time in learning new concepts. Hopefully we will see more improvement as we try to take away the last medications. He is having a hard time going to sleep in the evening, but hopefully as we reduce his Adderall that problem will go away.

Daniel will have to continue to take his specialized vitamins for life. He will have to be tested every couple of years (or more often - depending on how he grows) to make sure the vitamin levels are right. This is a far better alternative than the normal prescribed medications with all their side effects.

We are so grateful to the Pfeiffer Treatment Center for all their help and to God for leading us to them.

Please continue to pray for Daniel. That we will be able to eliminate all the medications and that the vitamins and minerals will be sufficient to keep his body chemistry at a normal healthy level. Also pray that he will be able to get enough sleep. Thank you

Michelle

Grocery money

With the higher food prices, my grocery money didn't seem to go very far this month.

Last week I was counting how much I had left and was a little discouraged because I had no idea how I was going to make it stretch. I took my concern to God and amazingly the very next day we received a card in the mail with $50.00.

So thank you, friend and thank you Lord for your continuous provision.

Michelle

Sacrifice

Both Gary and I have been coming to terms this week with some of the sacrifices we will have to make by serving the Lord in England.

For Gary he has been coming to terms with the death of a dream. He has longed to take us to some of the most beautiful places in the US, but money has never been available to do this to date and with us leaving for England it is certainly not going to happen very soon. He was also hoping that when we got to England we would be able to travel around a little. Again that doesn't look like it will be possible as a vehicle will not be able to fit into our budget. This is hard for a man that has had a vehicle for over 20 years and enjoys to drive.

For me, it has been the size of our family. Yes, I know we already have 6 children, but my heart longs for more. There are so many here available to adopt, yet when we get to England our adopting days will be over as they have an age limit of 40 to be able to adopt. We are both nearing that age (Gary quicker than me!).

I know that neither of these are life or death issues, but we have both struggled to get to the place that we are willing to give them up. But, our lives are not our own anymore. They have been bought with the price of Christ's death and we owe Him our everything, including our dreams.

Michelle

Waiting

Last week we heard that the people at the Naturalization Office in the UK are taking 6-8 weeks just to get the new mail. So that leaves us waiting .... again.

This waiting is getting hard. All around we are hearing of others from our class at WEC who are leaving for their fields. One family has arrived in Texas ready to start language school on Monday, another has been in Spain for several weeks, yet another has a date to leave for Asia in the beginning of November. One family didn't even know where they were going when we left Pennsylvania, but this week end are travelling half way around the world to begin their service as missionaries. But still we wait.

Please, don't misunderstand me, we are enjoying the time we have here with friends, but being in limbo is hard. We know the Lord is able to bring about our paperwork quickly so we could be leaving in a couple of months or we could be here for another 8 months. It all depends on the paperwork, and yes, ultimately the Lord's timing.

Michelle

Unexpected Guest # 2

We had our first unexpected guest in June. Tonight we had another.

Again we had friends over for dinner (different friends this time), and the Dad went outside to play with the kids for a while. He was pulling Jeremiah and Deanna on a toy 4 wheeler when suddenly the wheel flew off. Jeremiah ran over to get the wheel and brought it back to our friend. In the middle of the wheel was a black widow spider. Thankfully our friend recognized it before Jeremiah decided to play with it!

I know God is watching over our children. Thank you Lord.

Michelle

A 'Priceless' Friend

Melanie (in the green shirt) was a wonderful lady that we met while we were at training at WEC back in the Spring. She always has a wonderful sense of humor and has come to our rescue, more than once, when we have had 'issues' with our computer.

She left Pennsylvania last Friday with and is traveling south to Texas where she will attend language school for 9 months. She will be learning Spanish before she moves to Mexico in the Summer of 2009 as a full time missionary.

We were grateful that Melanie (and her friend Luci) found time to stop by our home for about 5 hours. We had time to catch up, play a game and share a meal before they had to leave for their overnight stop in Springfield, MO. If you would like to read more about Melaine and her journey, to Texas, and as a missionary, you can find her blog here.


Michelle

Another week, another birthday!

At this time of year birthdays come often in the Northcutt home. Last week it was Jeremiah's turn. As you can deduct from the cake below, it was his 5th birthday. We tried to make it special for him by inviting his friend, Matthew over to play for the day. Matthew normally goes to day care during the Summer, so his Mom dropped him off here early. Well, I guess 7.30am isn't too early, but when you are sleeping in, like Jeremiah was that day - it's early. Matthew went into Jeremiah's room and had fun waking him up. Matthew was able to stay all day as his Mom came and ate dinner with us too. Jeremiah did tell us it made his day special. Normally he has to share friends with his 5 siblings, but that day Matthew was all his!

Jeremiah has not been with us 5 years yet. He came to live with us on 15 September 2003, when he was 7 weeks old. He truly is a gift from God. He was born at 29 weeks gestation weighing just 2lb 13oz. Despite his early birth and low birth weight he was born fairly healthy. He did have a little trouble breathing at first, but never had to be put on a ventilator. When he was allowed to come home to us he weighed 5lb 13oz and was doing very well.

We thank God for our youngest son.

Michelle

Difficult .... Impossible .....

One thing we were told while in training at WEC was that often when we try to do things that the Lord wants us to do they may seem difficult at first, then become impossible and finally they are done, only by the miraculous work of God, so we can give Him all the glory.

Well, we now find ourselves in one of those situations.

Since we have been back in Missouri we had planned to leave for England in September. This would have been possible if the children had been automatically entitled to British citizenship. Once we discovered we needed to register them as citizens first we realized it would delay our departure. We still had a glimmer of hope that a September date may still be possible when I was told at the beginning of July that they could process the applications in 2 months, if not quicker. Since then there has been delay after delay. First, our caseworker mailed our supporting paperwork to us without a stamp, thus delaying it's arrival by 3 days. Next, we mailed the completed application to my parents in England (the Registration Office doesn't accept international mail). This should have taken 5/6 days, instead it took 9! My parents forwarded the package on to the Registration Office. We assume it arrived in a timely manner, but are unable to check because that Government office spent several days last week on strike!!!

So, it did seem difficult to get to England in September, now it seems impossible as we still have to get passports and Gary's visa after the registrations have been approved ...... will God get it done? We can only wait to find out. I do know that He is in control of all circumstances and we will reach our destination when He decides it is time (Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps). In this I take great comfort.

Michelle

A New Wardrobe

I have a Father in Heaven that has given me more than I dreamed of, or hoped for.

It has been a long time since I have purchased new clothes. Recently I noticed that most of my clothes were wearing out, even my 'going out' shirts were fraying at the seems. As I looked through my wardrobe I did desire some new clothes but knew it wasn't in our budget and quickly reminded myself that I have plenty of clothes - they may be worn, but they still work. God promises to provide what we need (Matt 6:33) and I really didn't need any new clothes. I put the matter out of my mind, but God decided to bless me anyway.

Last week we were visiting with friends and I commented on how pretty her earrings were. She promptly removed them from her ears and told me she wanted me to have them. I tried to refuse, as this was not my intent when I complimented her, but she insisted. So I grateful received the gift.

The next day, in church, another friend told me she wanted to take me shopping at the sales in the mall for new clothes. She gave me a very generous budget and took me shopping. I ended up with many items including a jacket, skirt and many shirts.

Just 3 days later I received a call from another friend who inquired as to my shoe size. She knew we would be doing more walking in England and had a couple of pairs of shoes that might work for me. She kindly gave me 3 pairs, all fit and only 1 pair had been worn just once before.

So in just 5 days the Lord saw fit to provide me a new wardrobe, from jewelery to shoes, from 3 friends. I am so grateful for their generosity and the Lord's provision.

Michelle

PLEASE READ THIS

Lately the Lord has laid on my heart that I have not been keeping the blog true to the original intention for which we started it. The 2 main reasons were to keep in touch with friends and more importantly, to give God the glory through sharing with others about the way He is leading and providing for us.

Sharing about God's provision is where I have been lacking. The reason why is because I have feared what people would think. When we were in Pennsylvania I found it easy to share how God was providing but on our return home we received a comment of "Well from what I've read on the blog I know you don't have much". After that comment I didn't want to continue to write about God's provision, because we DON'T want people to even think we are hinting that we need money. Nothing could be further from our thoughts when we share with you what God has done for us - we are just excited to be able to show that God does keep His promise of providing for us as we seek to follow Him.

For 9 months now we have been without a paycheck as we have attended training and now prepare to move. We have our adoption subsidy which helps but doesn't cover all the bills, but God has been faithful and we have never been without what we have needed (please note, nowhere in Scripture does God promise to give us what we want, instead He promises to give us what we need). When we have seen a need we have taken it to our Heavenly Father and he has provided. Sometimes it has been from a generous gift from a friend or anonymous giver. Sometimes we have sold something we own. On other occasions he has allowed our bills to be reduced.

So, to make up for where I have failed in my blogging I have listed below just a few ways in which God has recently provided.

We received our economic stimulus check and a gift from a friend less than a week before we left Pennsylvania. This was God's perfect timing as before that we had no money for gas to get us home.

When we had no money to pay our mortgage He brought along a contract that closed in just 14 days - so we were never late on our payment!!

When we were needing to get 4 of the children their American passports He laid it on someone's heart to give us $400. They said it was to help with passports, they wish they could have given us more but that is all they were able to give. Unknown to them (and us at that time) was that the final cost of the American passports was exactly $400.00!!

Before we even realized we needed tires God caused someone to see our need and offer two of their used tires.

We had someone offer to buy one of Gary's work trailers even before we had thought about selling it.

There are other examples of God's provision, some of which I cannot write because the giver has requested that we do not tell anyone.

As you can see God has been faithful and will continue to be. The more I reflect on His provision the more I am in awe of what a loving Father He is. So, please do NOT take this as a hint that we need anything, that is not the purpose of our posts. I am only writing on God's provision to give Him all the glory and to encourage others and myself.

Michelle

Happy Birthday Naomi

Last week we celebrated Naomi's 7th birthday. It is hard to believe that almost 7 years have passed by since she came home to us when she was just 12 days old. She was such a fussy baby, but has now developed into a friendly and helpful girl.

I think she had a great time on her birthday. First, there was no school!! This is a standard rule in our home - when it is someone's birthday, school is cancelled for all. Late morning we drove to her best friends' home where we ate pizza and birthday cake. Next we went to Riverchase in Fenton to go swimming with friends. This was the first time they had been swimming this Summer - the weather was hot so the water felt very good.

After several hours of swimming we took some very tired children to the mall. Naomi had wanted her ears pierced for her birthday, so that is what we did. This picture is her just about to 'suffer' the piercing! She did really well. Her eyes did fill with tears but not one dropped onto her cheeks. She was very brave and is pleased with the results of her suffering.

Michelle

Applications arrived in England

Yesterday I received a call from my parents to let me know the applications for citizenship registration for the kids had arrived at their house. Today they mailed it on to the naturalization office in Liverpool. It should arrive there on Monday. Please continue to pray that it will be processed expeditiously. Thanks

Michelle

Finally sent

After a few weeks of compiling paperwork (from both sides of the Atlantic), filling out mounds of forms we have finally sent off the children's applications to register them as British citizens.

We were waiting for a letter from WEC in England stating that they wanted Gary to start in September. We were told by officials in the UK that sending this with the application may help the applications move through the system quicker. Thankfully, this letter arrived to us at least 10 days ago.

Another statement we needed was from our adoption agency stating that the adoptions were legal etc. I was told this would be sent out last Thursday. By Tuesday the letter had still not arrived. When I called to inquire as to when it was sent I was given this response "Do you want to know when it was sent or, when it was sent with postage!" Apparently they forgot to put a stamp on it so it was returned to their office on Tuesday then mailed out again with postage. We finally received it Wednesday afternoon and then mailed our package to England on Thursday. What a package it was - the applications for the 6 children included 85 sheets of paper!!!
It feels really good to have that taken care of.

Now we wait on the Lord to see how long it takes for their registration to be approved. Please pray with us that it will happen in a very short time. While we wait I need to work on my application for my US citizenship .... more paperwork!

Michelle

Tires for the Van

A couple of weeks ago Gary was talking to someone at our church. During the conversation the friend noticed that the back tires on our van were worn out. (Neither Gary or I had noticed that the tires were so worn out that the cords were beginning to show on the outside edge.) He mentioned to Gary that he had a couple of tires that might possibly work. So last week Gary was at the store and realized he was near this man's house and decided to go by and check out the tires. Unfortunately they were too big for the van. As he was leaving their subdivision Gary drove pass another friend's house and noticed their garage door was open so he stopped to say hello. Gary explained what he was doing in their subdivision and our friend then mentioned that he had a couple of tires that might work. They were tires that he had taken off his trailer 5 years ago and had decided to save the best two - having no clue that 5 years latter we would need them. The tires fit well.

God's provision didn't stop there. He even provided a friend that helped Gary mount them and even asked to have our old tires to use on some farm equipment he had.

We have been so blessed. Two free tires, free mounting and free tire disposal. God is good and provides all our needs.

Michelle

Jeremiah - Growing Up

Jeremiah offically started Kindergarten last week. His school day is short and his work load is light, but he is so proud to be 'doing school' like the big kids. I was amazed at how well he could guide a pair of scissors and color within the lines.

Teaching him will be a little more challenging for me. He is my first, and only, left handed child which will be interesting. Also he is another child to teach in my already busy day. I do not worry about how I will fit it all in as God has given us these children and has instructed us to teach them at home, so He will give me the ability to do it. I am just curious to see how it all works out.

Michelle

Fishing

A couple of weeks ago we all attended our Church's 'Children's Division Annual Fishing Derby'. Due to a little miscommunication we arrived just 10 minutes before the fishing ended - we didn't even get our hooks wet before they awarded the prizes etc! We did return to the lake when everyone else went home, but were unsuccessful at catching any fish. One of the kids almost caught a turtle - but that doesn't count.

The desire to fish had been ignited and they wanted to go again, so a few days later (while I was at the Homeschool Conference) Gary took all the kids fishing at Suson Park. They did a lot better and several fish were caught (as shown in the pictures). Even Jeremiah caught one, although he and Deanna didn't have much desire to practice the patience required for fishing!!

Then, three days later someone from Church suggested fishing with the kids. Of course they eagerly jumped at the opportunity. So while I was preparing for the new school year Gary took them fishing again. This time they had a very successful trip. Everybody caught fish and Daniel managed to reel in 10! A great time was had by all and only 1 managed to fall in - somehow Elaina was standing on the edge and the next thing she knew her feet were wet??!!

Michelle

A Glimmer of Hope

Yesterday I had to call the Citizenship office in the UK (through which we have to apply for the children to be registered in order to become British citizens) to ask a question about their applications. Then I also decided to ask how long it is currently taking for the applications to be processed. This was their reply - "It is now taking about 2 to 3 months, although it might be processed quicker than that." This was exciting news as we have been previously told that it could take up to 6 months (and their website states that it could possibly be longer)!

So, we are waiting now on a statement from our adoption agency which should be here by the end of the week. Therefore we will have the applications in the mail by the weekend and hopefully we will have acceptance within a couple of months.

Being informed that this might not take so long was encouraging for us as we know we are leaving - so now we just want to get there, start settling in and serving in the role that God has given us - this waiting is tough on all.

Michelle

So Busy

Life has been crazy here over the last week - hence the lack of posts! As well as working on the visa issues, the kids attended Vacation Bible School at our church and I had the privilege of spending 2 FULL days at the CHEF Homeschool Conference in St Charles.

The time at the conference was wonderful. I was able to sit in on several workshops including "How to occupy toddlers while teaching others" and "Hands on Kindergarten and First Grade". Hopefully this will help me make our school year more productive. It was great to spend several hours perusing the vendor hall. I was good and didn't spend too much, but was able to get many ideas of ways to (hopefully) make learning more fun for the kids.

I have to admit the break from the kids was nice. I was able to be fed and encouraged and now feel energized to dive into this school year with enthusiasm and lots of hope for a great year.

An added bonus to the conference was being able to spend it with 3 friends from church. We had a great time laughing and learning together.

Michelle

Please Pray!!!

We are having to register the children as citizens in England before we can get them British passports. This process can take up to 6 months which will delay our moving until Jan/Feb, which we were originally planning early September as our arrival. Once we get them registered then we can apply for British passports. Only then can we apply for Gary's visa as we need their passport numbers for his application. We are praying that God would have us there sooner than Jan/Feb. If you would, though, pray with us, that God would move the government mountain to process the paperwork quickly. We have seen God speed up visa applications in the past, and I am confident that He will have us there when He wants us there.

Gary

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Never

Yesterday morning during the offering, Shannon led us in worship by singing the following song. I was moved, not only by the beautiful delivery, but by the words themselves, so I wanted to share them with you.

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer By Margaret Becker

Jesus, draw me ever nearer, as I wander through the storm. You have called me to this passage, and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith. And at the end of my hearts testing, with your likeness let me wake.

Jesus, guide me through the tempest, keep my spirit staid and sure. And when the midnight meets the morning, let me love you even more.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith. And at the end of my hearts testing, with your likeness let me wake.

Let the treasures of the trial, form within me as I go. And at the end of this long passage, let me leave them at your throne.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith. And at the end of my hearts testing, with your likeness let me wake.


Michelle

I deserve an award for ....

The Most Neglectful Mother of the Year.

I have been looking for sandals for Elaina for a few weeks, but couldn't find a style that was suitable for some foot issues she has, so she has never got around to trying any on. Well yesterday I found a pair that might work so I reached down to her size 4.5 shoe to feel where her toes were so I could guess at what size she needed. Her toes were all the way at the end of the shoe. This surprised me as she hasn't had her shoes too long.

What shocked me was that the new shoes she got were a size 7!! How could I have been so neglectful not to notice that she needed shoes so badly?! I cannot beleive she is only 8 years old and now wearing a size 7 shoe.

How fast our kids grow up!

Michelle

To Give Up???

I have a bunch of reasons to give up.

This is hard! We have spent the best part of 3 days making phone calls (in the US and UK), sending faxes, writing emails, searching the web still to be left in a place where we are not sure of which way we should enter the UK.

This isn't cheap. Even after we spend several thousands on applications we are not guaranteed that they will be approved.

This is emotional. We have to sell, take or give away everything we own. We started through stuff this week and it has already produced tears. What do I do with my wedding dress?

I know settling into a new home, along with the culture shock will be hard on ALL of us.

Life is just easier here.

BUT will we give up? NO

Christ did not call us to do things that are easy. Several times in the gospels we read of Christ telling people to leave everything and follow Him.

Jesus died on the cross for us and we are called to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him. When I remember this I am so grateful that He is only calling me to give up my comfort, money and things. At least (at this time in my life) He is not calling me to a country where my life would be in danger because of my faith.

So many have sacrificed so much for the gospel - including their lives, why am I complaining about my minor struggles!!?? So what does it matter if I have to get rid of my wedding dress, I can't take it to heaven with me. Also, does it really matter if we spend a lot to go where He is leading. After all, doesn't it ALL belong to Him anyway?

"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him." CT Studd

Michelle

A Hiccup!

 

Last night I was finalizing the above paperwork to be able to apply for the children's British passports. After a couple of hours of work I was reading through the application notes one last time to make sure I didn't miss anything, when I came across a paragraph that concerned me. It stated that (unlike biological children) children adopted by British citizens are NOT automatically entitled to citizenship. I had also read that the application fee was non-refundable even if the passport is denied. So I decided that I needed to confirm if the children could get British passports before we sent off their applications.

After much hassle I was informed by the British Consulate in Chicago that the children were NOT entitled to British citizenship. As you can imagine this greatly disappointed me. Partly because they were not allowed citizenship, but more because they are being treated differently because they are adopted. These are my children, given to us as a gift from God and I was upset that my home country is treating them differently than any child that might have been born to us.

I was also disappointed as this meant we have to change our plans regarding how we move to England. But you know, this is only a hiccup - God knew that this would happen and just as important, He knows what will happen. He has called us to England and He WILL make a way. I just need to be patient and trust in Him - easier said than done - but I'm trying!

Michelle

Prayer Update

We really would appreciate your prayers at this time as we prepare for our move to England. We have updated our PRAYER link on the left sidebar.

Thank you

Michelle

A Surprise for the Kids

Last Saturday we managed to totally surprise the kids.

Brian lived in the room next to us at the castle and was a good friend to the children. They often went to his room just to see if he was home. So when he called to let us know that he was coming through St Louis and wanted to meet up with us we invited him to spend the night and decided not to tell the children. So last Saturday evening they received the big surprise.

They were all ready for bed and we were sitting down reading a book. Gary had left the door open for Brian to come in. When he walked through the door the kids just stared. Brian came into the room and started to greet them, but it took 4 or 5 seconds for the kids to realize who was standing in their house - then they went crazy!! Elaina started bouncing up and down and Nicholas fell off of his chair! Then the excited voices all joined together for a very loud and enthusiastic welcome, along with questions like "Mr Martin how did you get here?" and statements of disbelief "It's Mr Martin!!"

What else can I say except we thoroughly enjoyed his short visit and it was well worth keeping it a secret.

Michelle

SOLD!

We thank God that after many months of trying to sell our house it finally sold yesterday.

We also want to thank you for all your prayers for us regarding this matter.

Michelle

Van Trouble Again!

The van overheated when Michelle was on the way home from the hospital with Daniel on Friday night and they had to find another way home. A friend brought their van to her and told her to keep it for the weekend. I retrieved our van on Sunday and tore into it on Monday to find the problem. A friend and I took the front of the van all apart looking for the radiator fan relay. We finally found it! Then I drove all over town trying to find all the parts to put it back together again and still did not fix the problem. We were stumped. So, on Tuesday, I took it to a mechanic and we searched some more and found a broken power wire to the circuit (he had access to the wiring schematic). He was very busy so I told him I would pay him for diagnosing the problem for me and I would replace the wire. He told me I didn't need to pay him and sent me on my way. I got up this morning and replaced the wire and now the van is back on the road. Praise the Lord! He does provide even in small ways.

Gary