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This one is about God.

Sunday, October 5, 2008
It is also going to be long (I can tell).  Almost every single thing has gone wrong since we moved here.  Many of them I have not even shared on the blog.  But every single day I wake up and tell myself that it will get better. I began to wonder though and some of my friends even asked if maybe God was trying to tell us something. Maybe God was telling us to go back to Virginia. I think they said it tongue in cheek but I could tell they meant it a little too.
Dave and I have asked ourselves if maybe God was trying to tell us we had made a mistake moving here.  We began to plan out ways that Dave could commute and we could move back to Virginia.  Then I would say, "That is silly.  Bad things happen.  Hurricanes happen.  Moves are hard.  We'll adjust."
I have had a few serious conversations with my close friends asking them, "Do you think God really cares if we are in Virginia or Texas?"  "Do you think He would make all of these things happen to tell us we made a mistake?"  "Is He really in every detail of our lives?"
So, one of my friends advised me to really pray very hard and ask God to show me clearly what He wanted.  I told her I was afraid of the answer (and I was).  But last night I prayed and I begged God to let me know if that was why all of these bad things kept happening to us.  I asked him to knock me over the head with it because between the muscle relaxers and my illness, I am not really picking up on subtleties.
This morning we went to 11 am Mass which we have never done here but I felt compelled to do this week.  The priest was one I had never seen before and his sermon was aimed right for me. He answered the very questions that have been haunting me.  He spoke of a tragic event that happened this week to a family where the Dad was killed.  Then he went on to say that God did not make tragic things happen.  He said, so often we live life on '"cruise control" when things are going smoothly.  We don't make time for God.  He doesn't make bad things happen but in these chaotic times the most important thing is to rely on God.  I wish I could type it as eloquently as he said it today.  I will admit with everything that has been going on here, I have not made the time to turn to God as much as I usually do.  I am emotionally and physically exhausted. I have let a lot of things slide. This sermon made me realize God is not making the bad things happen but He does expect me to rely on Him to pull me through.
I tend to spend more time in prayer and thanksgiving when my life is going smoothly.  Maybe, I need to learn to make the time when things aren't going smoothly too.
Ironically one of the scripture readings today was my favorite verse too:
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts ad minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7
Our current situation also reminds me of all of the things that went wrong in our adoption process. Very few people know the millions of roadblocks we faced. I have shared some of them here and I hope to share others some day.  One was very serious.  I asked a few of these same friends if maybe God was telling us that we should not be adopting.  Maybe He thought that 2 kids was enough for us.  Maybe He thought other people who did not have kids should get the child we were trying to adopt.  One friend sagely told me that God does not lead us down a path he doesn't want us to travel.  Another suggested that perhaps God just wanted me to realize how badly I wanted Kate.
The bottom line is that I think tough times strengthen our faith and I KNOW that God wanted Kate in our family.   
I feel a little silly posting all of this but I also feel as though I need to do it.  Growing up Catholic, I am not used to talking about this stuff publicly.
Now for the mundane.  While I was going up for communion I walked into the side of a pew and really hurt my knee.  I could not walk.  I hobbled out of church and have a very swollen knee. I hobbled home to wait 5 hours for the cable/internet people to show up (C@omc*st).  They NEVER showed.  We called twice to check and we were told they were running late.  Then we were told that they came to our corporate apt building but could not get in the security gate. Our apartment phones are dead too but they were supposed to call our cell phones!  They cancelled our appointment.  New appointments are being scheduled for 2 weeks from now.  I am NOT happy! I despise C@mc*st right now.  I am missing my favorite shows again...not to mention that I missed the debates!  How can I be a responsible voter now?!
I have a few light hearted funny stories about the peanuts to post if I get a chance this week.  I do love Panera!

59 comments:

  1. I am sooo sorry my friend...
    But I think you have found what you need to do..
    I think God does things for a reason..sometimes we don't know that reason.. but you are strong and you are a WONDERFUL person and you have a WONDERFUL family..
    Hugs to you..
    Love ya girly..
    Keep your chin up..

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  2. Oh Kim, I so know what you are talking about. Do you remember when I told you that we live our lives from crisis to crisis? It's hard. Period. Dont' feel bad about that. Don't feel that you should not feel that way. You are going through a tough time and you are HUMAN! Keep posting about it...in times like these you need others to pray for you when you don't feel like praying. We are standing in the gap for you! I hope we can talk again soon.

    ~Lynn

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  3. I'm so sorry, Kim. Really really sorry.

    You and the Peanuts are in my thoughts and prayers every day.

    Snick

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  4. Kim,
    I am so sorry that you are enduring so many roadblocks and are having such a hard time. I agree with your friend who stated that God wants you to rely on Him during these hard times. We do often get into auto pilot. He indeed is always there in the good and bad. He wants you to draw strength from Him to get through a day or an ordeal. May you find Him close, may you feel His strength and may He give you wisdom and guidance. There is a rainbow at the end of this storm!!!

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  5. I really appreciate your honesty. I mentioned yesterday to my husband about the hard times you are going through and my 12 year old overheard and asked me "oh Mom is that Steven Curtis Chapman you are talking about?" and I said "oh no honey, nothing THAT BAD!" I've been thinking maybe I should tell you about that conversation.

    I'm praying for you :)

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  6. I truly am sorry for the trials you're enduring right now, Kim.

    One verse that I cling to is Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Being a math major and a logical person, I want to understand EVERYTHING, but God's ways cannot always be understood on this side of heaven.

    Think how the disciples must have despaired when Jesus was taken from them. I know in that situation I would have been questioning God, "What kind of plan is this?" But what made no sense in earthly terms had an enormous purpose in God's plan.

    Hang in there. Save your energies for your husband and family and let go of everything else. Take comfort in how many people love you and care for you. And don't hesitate to let others help you right now!

    XOXO

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  7. I'm so glad you decided to share this with us...and although I am not happy that you are going thru a storm right now, I AM glad that God showed you that He is there to see you thru it.
    The times in my life where I've felt the absolute CLOSEST to God, were the also the times in my life when everything around me seemed to be completely falling apart.
    Cling to Him like never before...
    XXX (and I'm still praying)

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  8. Kim I am so glad you were strengthened and given hope this morning. Here are a couple of verses that go along with what the message you heard this morning that came to my heart immediately when I read your post.
    James 1:17-18
    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

    John 10:10 The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

    I pray this week is a week filled with His blessings and you turn the corner this week.
    Love
    Connie

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  9. HE always knows exzctly what we need to hear and when. I know you can now thank Him for all those road blocks that got you to Kate. It makes me think of the song Broken Road..I have been meaning to add it to my blog and I just did in honor of all of our broken hearts along the way....even though it's Rascal Flatts and not real spiritual it has always spoken to me! Praying this season will end SOON for you and grateful He is speaking to you as you walk through it!

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  10. You all have had such a tough time. Sending good wishes and prayers your way.

    Janet

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  11. Kim- I so understand you. I really do. There is so much I want to say to you but too much to write here on your comment section. I really had a tough time with my move. So many things kept happening and I questioned why God allowed us to move here. I thought of every way possible to go back home to CA. And here I am 10 years later still in Chicago but now this is home.
    I am going through a horrible time right now and I ask God all the time why? why me? I have turned to God for help because I truly need answers. Continue to pray. Know that I will be praying for you too. I am a Catholic and I am not used to talking openly about my faith but lately I have really leaned on my faith. Hang in there...and as for comcast, they stink here in Chicago too! I think my picture with a warning "dangerous lady" is posted in the comcast offices across the country. I would demand they come out sooner. Want me to step in? : )

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  12. delurking here. been following your blog for a while now. I find it very inspirational. in addition i live in colonial billsburg, va. so feel like i can relate and there's a connection. my sister is "abby's mom-jenny (waiting 4 abby). i've been feeling for you and your family and praying for you all as i've sat back and watched this all unfold. can't imagine all of the anxiety, uncertainty, and unrest you must be dealing with. felt like i had to comment because you quoted my favorite scripture (i have highlited vs. 4-7). i think you found your answer. stay strong and soon enough this too shall pass.
    p.s. your new home is fantabulous!!

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  13. Kim - We worship a loving God - who cares deeply about everything in our lives. His shoulders are big enough for all of your troubles and your roadblocks right now, and His strong hands will guide you & your family safely through this valley.

    Love you guys -
    Karen, Becky & Doug

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  14. Hold on tightly to your faith, remember to laugh and take the time to breathe. I thought you might appreciate this exerpt I recently read...

    ...."there is no strength without challenge, adversity, resistance and often pain. The problems that make you want to throw up your hands and holler "Mercy!" will build your tenacity, courage, discipline and determination. Strength comes from our ability to stand up, face resistance, and walk through it.

    As you walk into what you fear, know that you already have the enduring power you're asking for—then say "Thank you," because you understand your deepest struggle will produce your greatest strength."


    My prayers are with you, thank you for sharing so we can provide you comfort. :) Hang in there.

    Melissa

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  15. Dear Kim, Your words resonate with me. I respect you for being forthright about your beliefs. I too, know that God watches over us. That He loves us. That he wants us to remember Him always. And I know that He stands with us through our sorrows, our struggles. My own grieving heart has been soothed by turning to our Father in Heaven. I admire you for your bravery and your optimism. I know about the trial of one's faith. When we lost James, I thought my faith would never be the same. It isn't of course. I know so much more now, about how our Father in Heaven sees us... as capable, with His help, of enduring great trials. I see myself in a new way now... maybe more akin to how He sees us all. Bless your heart, I hope that your burden lightens. I hope that your strength improves, and your outlook remains bright. I count you as a source of strength... it is heartening to know that there are others who soldier on.

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  16. I know it is tough right now. You were truly blessed to be able to flee the hurricane and be safe and sound in a hotel away from Ike. You were truly blessed when you returned but were able to go stay with friends who were with power. You are truly blessed to have the friends and income you have to get you thru these tough times. There are so many people who do not have the blessing that you were afforded during these tough times. Please rejoice in your blessings. Cable, power, internet will come back. Soon you will be out of the apartment situation and into a nice home. Your life will return back to your normal.

    SO glad you were able to have an answer to your prayers.

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  17. Thinking of you sweet girl....our Lord is with you....rely on Him...we all have tough, tough trials in life and He wants to know that we will turn to Him.

    I pray that things will begin to smooth out for you and your peanuts.....miss you.
    Hugs,
    Steffie

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  18. Dear Kim,

    When I received this several days ago, I thought of the message I need to hear, and of the trials you and your family have endured lately. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

    St. Theresa's Prayer: May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those
    gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been
    given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let
    this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
    freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

    Here's to better days! :-)

    Meg

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  19. I think that so often we think that when things are going well God is with us and blessing us. But God is with us and blessing us in the hard times, too; it's just harder to see where God is. There is no "reason" that you've experienced the difficulties that you've had, but God is present throughout. My prayer for you and your family is that you will get through these times and one day maybe even laugh about some of them.

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  20. Oh Kim, this is such a great post!! When I saw the title, I went and poured myself a HUGE cup of coffee so I could just hunker in and read it!!! It is so obvious that God does want you to lean on Him in the good times and the bad. Even for the smallest of things some days! I just pulled out my BSF notes, and I am going to quote a few of the teachers comments from the past few weeks. The ones that I think can apply:

    --God hears our cries and is always working behind the scenes for something greater!
    --"I try I fail, I trust, I succeed!!!!"
    --God can use our time of solitude....
    --Lean on God, The Rock, in the desert times!
    --Some seek God in adversity, and others blame Him.
    --We have to relinquish our worry to God.
    --Remember always how faithful God has been to us in the past. (Like in your journey to Kate!)

    Continue to seek Him, and you will continue to see God's will for you. It will be His Plan, and His perfect timing!

    Bless you my friend! (How about you go to VA just for 2 weeks of TV and internet?!)

    Love,
    Diana

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  21. I am so sorry that you are having to go through a difficult time right now. It sure seems to be piling up!! I'm so thankful that God really spoke to you, and that you shared this with us. It is a very good reminder (and ironically very similar to the sermon I heard yesterday as well). I know that I've drawn much closer to God during the difficult times. I will continue to keep you and your peanuts in my prayers!

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  22. I can understand why you were questioning your move. But God is wonderful enough to speak to your heart when you needed it the most. You are such a strong woman, I know this is just one of those crazy trials. I can't wait to hear all of your adoption story. I knew that there were many trials there as well.
    Hugs,
    Chesnye

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  23. When I saw your comment on my blog, I was so hopefull that your internet was back on. I love Panera too, and having a reason to visit there daily would make me happy!

    Isn't it great when you get a word just for you? When you hear a story of someone who has lost more than you, it always makes you appreciate your situation a little more.

    Are there any shows you want me to record? I can send you the DVD!! Just let me know.

    Things will be better soon - they have too, don't they?!?

    Praying for you.

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  24. Oh Kim...

    I love this honest post. I believe that the Lord is always drawing you closer to Him. He loves you so much and He does NOT want you to hurt and have to go through all that you are going through.

    When we've gone through times that are tough, I always think about what we COULD be going through that would be so much worse (a death, an illness, etc.). And then I'm thankful for the "little" trials I'm having to face.

    Be encouraged and know that I am praying for you!

    {{HUGS}}

    Blessings,
    Jenn

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  25. We keep you in our prayers and hope that one day you will find looking back on this time that it has somehow made you stronger. Blessings, Michelle and Meg

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  26. Kim,

    Your priest is right, God does not send bad things to us, but he does allow them to increase our faith. Read the story of Job in the Old Testament. Job was blameless and upright before the Lord, but the Lord allowed him to go through a very difficult season. Job's friends also accused him of "disobeying" God because they couldn't explain why these things could happen to him unless something was "wrong." Be encouraged, you have not done "wrong", but do allow the Lord to be your source during this time. You touched on an important lesson I have had to learn. God wants my "quiet" time with him in the good times and the bad. I have had to become very disciplined to do this, but I have found the bad times are not so bad when I have been in constant communion with him. Sorry about Comcast! Maybe you guys should consider satellite!

    Hugs,
    LA

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  27. Kim,

    I am so sorry that you have found yourself walking through some valleys right now. I don't know what all has happened in your lives right now, only what you have shared, but I can say that I have recently asked myself the same exact questions you have asked. We recently moved from Houston and we STILL have not sold our house, then it had lots of damage in the hurricane and insurance does not want to pay b/c we were not living there, AND a gillion other things have gone wrong. My hubby and I often ask ourselves if we made the right move...and we really think we did but it is hard to understand why there are roadblocks every direction we turn.

    Thank you for sharing the sermon and verse...it really hit home. I do believe that God wants to be involved in all aspects of our lives its just sometimes we are too busy to let Him in. My Sunday School teacher once said that God does not make bad things happen... that is part of living in a sinful world. She said she looks at it as if things are sifted through the hands of God and He teaches us and helps us grow out of those situations. It's true that I find myself talking to God a lot more when things are not going smoothly. It's not that I am not thankful for all of my bleesings b/c I am, but I am often on "cruise control". I hope that I can go before Him on my knees a lot more and work on having a more intimate relationship. THANK YOU for sharing. I knwo it is not easy but through your words you help so many.

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  28. I am so sorry that you are going through all of this!! But everything that happends to us is filtered through God and yes he doesn't make bad things happen but He sometimes allows them to make us better people!! God bless you for hanging in there!!! I can't wait until you are in your new home and settled!!

    Debbie

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  29. So sorry you are having such a hard time these days.

    Sounds like you saw a bright light in church though.

    Praying for peace and adjustment :)

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  30. BIG HUG......................
    I agree.... God is not causing all these bad things to happen but He does allow them because altimately He is control.... but, He loves us enough to allow us to suffer through trials in order to grow more dependent on Him, to understand that He is truly our strength, our peace, our hope our salvation.
    For what it is worth I do not believe He would have your family separated from eachother. I grew up with my Dad comuting and I don't think it was the best thing for our family.
    He has a plan for you my friend.... suffering can be bitter sweet.... yes, it hurts... but He can teach us so many priceless things through it.
    (we don't have cable... but if you get rabbit ears and buy one of the high def converter boxes we are now getting the network channels really clear and I am so excited! Might be worth if even for two weeks.)
    I am praying for your precious family
    Love you and God's Peace....

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  31. Kim,

    I can SO relate to these feelings. I can't tell you how many times we have hit roadblocks and then wondered if it was God trying to tell us we shouldn't adopt. Or we shouldn't have bought our house, or switched jobs, or whatever.

    One of the most precious things about being a child of God is that hardships always produce good in our lives. Maybe the difficulties aren't always SENT by God... but because He is bigger than everything & everyone, He has the power to turn every one of those difficulties into our benefit.

    I have turned to these verses a lot in James 1 lately:

    "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

    You know as well as I how much endurance is needed to complete an adoption! But aren't you glad God worked that perseverance & tenacity into you while you walked through your adoption process... even using those hurdles you faced to do so? Look at that beautiful reward at the end of the journey. :)

    I know for me, I long for that "completeness" in my character when I can handle whatever challenges life throws my way with grace and maturity. That "calm strength". I wish there was an easier way to get there, but if the end result is to be that woman I want to be, I'll take the difficulties!

    I hope this is encouraging to you... I could just tell you to hang in there & I'm praying for you, and I WILL, but going through these same feelings lately I wanted to share how I'm getting through them. Wow, that was like my Monday therapy just typing this comment. :)

    Blessings,
    Rebecca

    PS. We bought that couch at JC Penney. The brand is Klaussner. I LOVE it... it's the most beautiful sky blue. I have it paired with a persimmon orange chair and love how it brightened up my living room. :)

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  32. Your post is so lovely and open. Thank you for sharing those thoughts. I am so sorry that you have been going through such hard times.

    I will keep your family in my prayers!

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  33. I love this post and growing up Episcopalian I hear ya sister on talking about these things publicly. But since I have been in the Baptist church I am getting a little better about it.

    First of all, yes He does allow things to happen so that you will come back to your first love....Him! And you are doing this and He is very pleased. You are a wonderful role model and mother Kim and you remain in my prayers.

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  34. So sorry to hear what you're going through. It is so easy to go through life on auto pilot...I also find myself asking if God trying to tell us something. Thank you for sharing, your honesty is moving.

    Karen

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  35. I know there are times in all of our lives that we just feel as though we are climbing Mt. Everest, and then there are other times that we feel as though life just can't get much better. I hope things start sliding a bit easier for you, and I think sometimes it is great to have someone put things in perspective.... a priest is a great resource for that. While we feel overwhelmed with the events of our lives, so many others have it so challenging we can't even imagine. The family whom the father died is a great example. I have a friend that we are close enough to remind one another on the bad days that things could be so much worse....we could live in Darfur. I really don't say that to be flippent, but it does remind me that the things we are stressed about pale in comparison to what other mothers in the world are having to deal with to just keep their children fed and or alive.

    I think things will improve soon in the peanut gallery, and I think once you get settled into your new house(which looks amazing) and are able to actually feel like you have a home, you will feel so much better about being back in your city.

    get to feeling better, and try to keep your chin up, and before you know it you will be decorating that beautiful new house with all of your lovely things, and hearing your kids running through the halls having fun:)

    take care

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  36. Thank you for sharing the Bible verse. I am praying for your family. (and your kitchen)

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  37. Your trust in God will see you through these challenging times. I find the following passages in Isaiah comforting, when I am struggeling to find meaning during difficult times. Sometime I think I have to have all the answers, and I forget to place my trust in God.
    "...For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts..... (Isaiah 55)
    I hope you are feeling better!

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  38. Dear Kim,
    Your post is something everyone should read and take to heart. Really EVERYTHING is about God isn't it? or should be!!! When I went through my valley, I picked up a book called Streams in the Desert and it was amazing to read each day. After I read, I always journaled what God was saying to me or so I thought. Now when I look back on my writings, I feel strengthened by my journey. You are right- God doesn't send the bad times- it just is the way it is because we live in an imperfect world. He is there to bring us through to the other side. I have heard it said, "Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes He calms us to get through the storm." You are such a strong person and God is showing you that. Hang on to Him and everything will be fine.
    Blessings,
    Sharon

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  39. That very same verse has pulled me through many obstacles in my life. Cling to it.

    Comc@st blows. We have nothing but problems with them.

    Hope the sun starts shining brightly again.

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  40. Good Morning Kim,

    Here is another way to look at your season of adversity right now. Think of it in this way, what is it that God has for you and your family there in Texas that has the enemy so outraged?
    There must be some incredible blessings in store for you and your precious family with all of the unfortunate things that have happened just in the time that you all have moved there. And yes, I believe just as you wrote in your post that there are times that God allows things to happen in our life to bring us closer to Him. But there is also an enemy who did not want a gift named Kate Emerson to be a part of your family! Sometimes we have to fight and push (pray until something happens) our way through until we get to the other side so to speak. I would love to e-mail you!

    Be encouraged and know that He is for you ...

    Sending you lots of prayers,

    Sebi

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  41. Hang in there. Everything will be different by the time you get to move in the new house. Sometimes it does feel like we get left alone for a long time, but God hasn't forgotten us, he's just busy helping others (according to my 5 year old!)

    Kate

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  42. Kim, hang on! Hold fast! Rescue is coming! These trials are storing up for you eternal treasure! Seek to be obedient in big things as well as small. Remember, we see only small tiles in God's huge mosaic! And that's okay! We couldn't handle the mosaic! Your God is able! When you are not, He is! If you get a chance or are near a Christian bookstore...pick up Louie Giglio's book, "I am not but I know I AM". It's an easy read and will challenge you as well as reassure you!
    Much love and prayers,
    Kam

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  43. HI Kim..I have been following your blog for a long time and have sent you messages to thank you for the "date night" idea and to express how much I love reading your blog when you shut down for a while. I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and that fate will guide you to whatever is meant to be for you and your family! Hang in there!! I also wanted to let you know that you can watch episodes of your shows online. My DVR didn't record the season premiere of Desperate Housewives and we watched it on our computer. Just go to ABC.com or NBC.com. Good luck to you ...I will say a prayer for you and your family! Mindy :)

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  44. I love your post Kim! It is wonderful, thank you for sharing. It is a reminder to us all! I have been thinking of you constantly, and i wish you were right down the street so I could help you out! Sending hugs, and I hope the kiddos are doing well! XOXO, Clare

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  45. Kim,

    I have noticed things have been hard since you have moved. My heart goes out to you. I am adding you all to my prayers and asking God to give you and your hubby wisdom for all the new decisions you are still making and strength for this season. There have been times in my life like the one you are having. Since this post is about God, it reminds me of reading Acts several years ago, and noting how many things were really HARD for the early church leaders and especially, Paul, and it was all with God's purpose in mind. Blessings to you, friend!

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  46. Ouch! Zoicks! My head hurts just reading about your chaos. Please know that you are in my prayers (in great detail):)

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  47. I found your blog from a link on another blog and have so enjoyed visiting! I'm so sorry about all the difficulties with this move! My family moved a little over a year ago and some of our rough times were in the months leading up to the move (trying to sell the house, fear of moving, worrying about the kids, etc). My husband actually had to move before us because our house didn't sell. That was no fun! But God was faithful and has worked everything out - even things I had never thought of or expected. It's so easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged!
    Just keep praying and seeking God!
    Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to my mind, "Trust 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."
    Alot of times things don't make sense to us - but God's got it all figured out.
    I'm praying for you now!
    BTW- I'm feeling your pain concerning your cable!! We had to wait about three weeks before the cable people came!

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  48. Kim, would you mind dropping me an email? rebecca30@comcast.net. I have a new blog that I started for the "mamarazzi" and thought you might be interested in being a contributor. I noticed you opened up a photography blog (I did too, recently... but I think I am going to do this instead.) Anyways, drop me a line if you would and I will send you details. :)

    Rebecca

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  49. Kim,

    So happy that you were able to find peace today at Mass. I feel that whenever I am least expecting it our priest "preaches right to me". Now I know that is not the case, but sitting there in Mass I certainly feel that way! Hope all continues to get better!

    Ashley

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  50. Kim, I'm so sorry you're having a tough and trying time. Keep the faith and hang in there. God brought you to this and he'll bring you through it. Hugs!

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  51. We have moved to 3 different areas in the past 6 years. I too, have continually asked if God was trying to tell us something.
    I also came to the realization that God is not responsible for the bad, but is very easy to blame. That was hard for me. Very hard!
    We are in that situation again, as my husband works for a company owned by AIG and our future in in the balance. I told my husband the other day that I cannot do this again. I just can't.
    Maybe I need to start praying again for guidance, instead of answers.
    Hang in there!

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  52. hi kim,
    crazy day - by the time I had a chance to call it was dinner time and knew that was the worst - thinking about you - will call tomorrow - with love - staci

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  53. Kim, Isn't it amazing that we try over and over to do it all ourselves, only to be reminded that we NEED to rely on HIM. Sometimes, we need the reminder, His way of telling us "YooHoo, I'm over here just waiting on you". Its awesome that you got your answer so quickly...there have been times in my life where I have a waited and waited...or maybe I had the answer, but it wasn't the one I wanted.
    I will be praying for you...keep us posted on how you are doing!
    Norah

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  54. Kim,
    I am sorry to hear that you have had one trial after another since moving. I am glad you got the answer you were looking for. It's amazing how He answers at just the right time. I, too, had been praying about something and asked God to basically thump me over the head with the answer, just as you had asked. The next morning at church, both my husband and I heard His answer loud and clear.

    I am praying for brighter days ahead for you and your family.

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  55. OH sweet Kim, I am so so sorry for all the valleys that your family has been traveling through for the past several weeks. However, you are so wise to realize that God IS in the details of your life...He loves you more than anyone else! That is so hard to Really fathom...actually it is impossible....but HE does...and I just know you are seeking HIS perfect will and He will make it clearly known...in HIS perfect time!
    May GOD bless you and your sweet family as you seek HIM and wait for HIM...your faith is inspiring, as are YOU!
    And, just a little tidbit.....Phil. 4:6-8 are my life verses! I love them....I have them written on many post it notes all over the house.....to remind me..."Not to worry about anything, but in all my prayers to ask God for what I need and then be thankful.....always thinking on the good , lovely, worthy, right things!"
    Praise God for His word that is such a source of guidance & strength...such a lighthouse for us as HIS children!
    I am thinking of you and lifting your family in prayer daily.....please let me know if there is anything specific that I can talk to the Father about for you, my friend. (you have my email addy)
    Love and hugs!!!
    Denise C

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  56. Kim, yes he is in all the details! And he works regardless of what we decide..."mistake" or not, which I think is very comforting! He's always working for the good of those who love him!!
    I'm sure there's great things ahead!!! :)

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  57. ps I hope you're feeling better!!!

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  58. Sounds like you have heard what he is trying to tell you. I think we are all guilty of what you described, I know I am. And your message today was a reminder that we need to seek him in all times. Especially to lean on him when we can't do it ourselves. Because we can't and HE wants us to know that. MckMama at www.mycharmingkids.net did a post about this very same thing a few posts back.. go check it out if you haven't already!

    Continuing to pray for you!

    :)
    Amie

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  59. Just as your church sermon spoke to you, your post spoke to me. Thank you. We moved to FL in Feb., and left all of my family in Charlotte, NC It has been so hard, and I too question God's will for us here in FL. Thank you for reminding me where to turn when I begin to question this move.

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Thank you for your kindness.