Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Just Ask

We have a contract on a condo!  And I am very thrilled.  Since 2004, I have sensed a great desire to own my own property, and stop this horrible cycle of wasting money on rent.  When the economy tanked a few years ago, Zane and I began to understand just how difficult it is for a first-time homebuyer to actually purchase a home.  We have nearly perfect credit, are extremely frugal financially, but, as any of you who have a home know, there are always bumps in the road!

Back in April, we found out that when our lease is up, July 2, our rent will be increased over $100.  I assume that with so many people losing their homes, more people are renting, and apartment management can take advantage of that by increasing rent due to apartments being in such high demand.  Well, where we live is not worth what we are currently paying.  Zane and I decided to step out in faith and look for property.

What you might not know is that we live in the Nashville area.  Zane's dream job is in Atlanta.  When God brought us here, we were confused, to say the least.  Then God led us to our church.  We believe He brought us here for that reason--for us to be a part of Redeemer.  While the job Zane wants will definitely be his as soon as the company starts hiring again, we have no idea as to how long we might wait.  Our stepping out in faith was not just for God to lead us to the home He wants for us, but if God wants us to stay in Nashville, that He would take us to our home.

We couldn't find anything.  Two days before we had to give our apartment management their 60 day notice of us staying or leaving, Zane and I decided to look at condos/townhomes.  We just couldn't find a stand alone house and wanted to make sure we looked at everything.  I emailed our realtor and we set up 5 condos to view the next morning.  That is when I read James 4 and gleaned these 3 things:  1) "you do not have because you do not ask."  While we were seeking God's will, I had not simply asked for a home.  So, I did.  2)  "Do not speak evil against one another."  I had become slightly bitter towards my fellow believers surrounding me.  I was judging them from what I viewed they had, while thinking Zane and I do everything right and can't find the smallest, safe home for our family to grow in.  But has God not given us more than we could ever imagine!  I must not judge my fellow Christians!  and 3) "you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."  This confirmed how our house hunt started:  stepping out in faith because we don't know what tomorrow brings but do know that God will lead us where He wants us.

And that morning, about an hour or so after studying James 4 and spending time in prayer, I walked into the condo that we now have a contract on.  Goodness, waiting for closing is so difficult though!  Trust in the Lord.  He will lead you.  Follow.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

A New Journey

I know, I know!  It has been a very long time since my last post.  I could sit here and make excuses about how busy I am feeding Roman, changing diapers, trying to be a good wife, crochet, clean, etc...but the truth is, I haven't even thought about writing that much!  Shame on me.  I love writing.  So, let's try and do this again!


I began, as in 1 entry, to share a chapter in the Gospels.  That didn't last.  I'm not going to tell you "I will do this every day."  Things in my life just don't work out that way anymore!  But what I can tell you is that I will do my best to be more consistent with writing and sharing.  


Roman has his 2 bottom front teeth now.  He is crawling, everywhere.  He makes a beeline to the dog food every single day.  (Don't worry.  None has made it to his mouth YET.)  Roman adores our dog, Caprica.  They make out (yes, kiss all the time), play tug of war, share toys, and Roman will even lay on her, hitting her over and over and Caprica is just SO gentle with him.  (She is a german shepherd/rotti mix.  Her gentleness with Roman amazes me.  Such a huge blessing from God!)  Our other dog, Frisbee, we gave to my older brother.  I have loved her and raised her for 8 years.  But once Roman came along she started messing every single day in the house.  She even pooped on my foot...yes...ON MY FOOT 4 times.  She also growls at Roman if he gets too close.  So, yes, Fris had to go.


We have a contract on a condo in Hendersonville.  This began with us stepping out in faith.  Not knowing if God wants us to remain here, or move back to Atlanta.  But while we wait for His calling, our lease was coming to an end, and to re-up, management was going to raise the price over $100!!!  So, we began looking for houses.  I will tell you more about this in another post:)  


God is great, and He is doing great things in our lives.  And in our friend's lives.  I can just see Him at work in so many ways.  And this makes me excited, and prayerful, and more and more eager to know what He will do next.  And more and more eager to have Him hold me in His arms, my family, and those I love.  Being a mother has taught me that I have ZERO control...but that is okay, because God is never surprised by anything and He will work everything out for our good and His glory.


Have a beautiful day!