Another School Year has Begun

Well it's that time again. Though for us this year it started about two weeks later than ever before. School for the kids began yesterday. And yes, ALL four of the kids are in a school program this year. Where has time gone?!


The boys are all in the public school system. In this school district middle school begins in 5th grade. So Alex is at Manheim Central Middle School this year. Jack and Stephen are at Doe Run Elementary School.


Emma began preschool this year at Morningstar. This is the preschool that is a part of the church where I work. She loves it so far and is actually excited that she is going to school "at mommy's work".


The kids are all loving school so far. They all seem to really enjoy their new teachers and are beginning to make new friends. The fact that this transition is happening smoothly so far is such a blessing and answer to prayer.

Here are some pictures from the first day of school...

The boys eating a good breakfast and being excited to start school.

The annual poses with backpacks...

Yes, this is the Middle School. WOWSERS!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful that there is only 1 more sleep until I see my husband and kiddos. SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

I am also thankful for the staff/elders of this church. They are so supportive and excited for me in this adventure of minsitry but also for the family to come.

Thankful again for the rental house that God provided.

And that there is only ONE more sleep until the family arrives. YIPPPEEE!!!!

An "all over the map" post

I have missed my husband and best friend. Ministry is hard and jumping into a new ministry without him by my side has been stretching to say the least. I have desperately missed my children. Talking to them on the phone is fine, but it's not like the daily interaction of being in the same home. And there is nothing comparable to their hugs and kisses.



I am thrilled with the opportunities I have been given to work in this ministry position. However to do it without my family has been difficult. Our family is very "family oriented" and so the last few weeks have been out of the norm for all of us. I think that we are all ready to find a new normal.



God has been reminding me in many ways that I am to keep my eyes fixed on Him. At times I do a better job of remembering this than at other times. There have been desperate moments when I have been driven towards Him and other times when my humanness has won out and I have sulked. The pain of being away from Aaron and the kids is OK, in fact if I wasn't feeling it then that would indicate a bigger issue. However, when I don't take that pain to God and ask Him to sustain me and give me peace I then begin to sulk and turn inward. It's OK to feel sad and discouraged. I even think that God has not been the least bit put out by my anger and frustration either. It is what I do with those emotions that can either draw me closer to God or become a sin issue.



I have run the gamut of emotions over the past few weeks. Even in my excitement and joy that my family is coming, I need to keep my eyes fixed on Christ. It is in that joy that I can praise God for His continued blessings.



I think that all too often we allow the excuse of "life happens" to dictate how we live our lives. Yes, our lives can get busy. We do get pulled in many different directions. The truth is that our lives should reflect the transforming work of God in our lives and then out of that transformation we live. When this becomes the way we operate and view life (God-perspective) then the happenings of life appear different. Our priorities may shift. We live outside of ourselves in ways that can't be explained in any other way than God working in and through us. When we truly fix our eyes on Christ, no matter the circumstances, no matter the feelings or emotions, the truth is that there is a peace that passes our human understanding and a love that is immeasurable consumes us and oozes out from us.



Are you in a place of "life just happens"? Do you want more? The truth is: there is more. Christ is the author and perfecter of our faith. He desires to transform your life and mine. I have wrestled the last few weeks with living a transformed life where my focus is solely on Him. I am a work in progress. I am so thankful that I have a God who will continue His work in me until it is complete.

Thankful Thursday (a bit early)

Today I am so very thankful for God's hand in our lives.

He knew I was desperate to have my family with me in PA, and so He not only provided one place for us to rent but two. He gave us a choice. And so we chose.

I am thankful for the rental house that we will live in for at least the next year. It may not be what I would pick as far as something to purchase or in the way of decor (it's a bit dated), but it is a house with enough room inside and outside for us to thrive as a family.

He also knew what I would need as far as support here on this end. He provided me with family that is taking such good care of me. He also provided me with amazing co-workers who are willing to help in various ways. I made a simple request for a referral for an oil change and I came away with multiple phone numbers and even a few coupons. I also have had the opportunity to have dinner and time with many of them as friends.

I am thankful for my family in IN that is helping to take care of my husband and children during this time of transition. Their support even from a distance is such a blessing.

God knew how this season of our life would play out. He knows how all the loose ends will come together in the future. His hand is always guiding us and protecting us. He knows our needs and wants and He desires to shower us with His love.

I am so very thankful and I just couldn't wait until tomorrow to share it.

Change

Change seems almost too simple a word to describe the last few weeks. And yet it clearly describes the state of our lives.

Last weekend Aaron brought me out to PA so that I could begin my new position as the Director of Children's Ministry at Grace Church in Lititz. We spent that Saturday looking at possible housing. In light of the fact that we have yet to sell our house in IN we were just trying to get an idea about the housing market and options. Then on Sunday I took him to the airport so that he could go back to IN for work and to be with the kids. I cried!

This last week was spent trying to figure out some of the ins and outs of the new job. I had quite a few meetings and also lots of questions. I spent Thursday and Friday at a conference. I was able to build relationships and was able to hear some amazing speakers.

Thursday night was really hard for me for some reason. I was missing my family like crazy. I still hadn't found a place for all of us to move into. I wanted to have more things in my new position figured out. I was really missing my kids and my husband. I cried!

Friday, I was really emotional and found myself crying on the phone with my sister, listening to an amazing message that was just what I needed to hear, and really missing my family. I cried!

Friday night came and I made a call to Aaron to talk. It was not a "normal" conversation, but I just figured he was distracted. We made plans for another phone call later that night. So I waited. At 10:30 I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to stay awake until he called, however within 10 minutes my phone rang. About that time, I had a knock on my door and in walked Stephen and Emma. Just behind them was Aaron and his dad, Larry. I cried!

I had an amazing weekend. I got to hang out with two of my kids and with my husband and my father-in-law. It was great. I couldn't stop smiling. It was wonderful to see their faces and to touch them and hug them. It was such a blessing and as only God can do, it was perfectly timed.

While I know that they are in the process of going back to IN even as I type this, I am smiling and living in the happiness of having spent time with them.

There have been many tears shed over the past few weeks. But there have been a lot of smiles as well. God is good! He provides for our needs, emotionally and physically. I know that He is in control and that He will provide housing and a job for Aaron. I know that He will help my babies adjust. He is faithful and good and He loves me. Oh, How He Loves Me!!!