Life Lessons...

My life has been a real roller-coaster lately. Allow me to describe the last nine months of our lives: the struggles, the sorrow, the joy, and journey to come.

Over nine months ago, we put our home up for sale. We were approaching financial trouble and knew it was time to do what was right. We struggled with this decision for a long time, but we did it. For months the housing market fell to rock-bottom for sellers. House prices became very competitive and buyers had the distinct advantage. This was horrible news for us. Yet, God was teaching us a very big lesson.

If there is a single destroyer of marriages, it is finances. Men have their idea of financial responsibility, while women have theirs. Thankfully, Deb and I agree who controls the finances in our family; God does. Now that doesn't mean we live like hermits and keep our money inside a mattress. No, God teaches us to be very wise with it. And so, selling our 4,000 sq. foot home was the first step in taking better financial responsibility.

Unfortunately, it took 9 long months to learn this lesson. During this time, Deb and I prayed: Thought of different ways to stay in our home - prayed more. Had long discussions with each other - prayed more. Cried out to God for answers to prayer - prayed more. Questioned our faith and hope - and still more prayer.

We had other plans as well and they all fell apart. Old job - gone. Life in ministry - gone. Masters program in theology - gone. More and more prayer and tears. Little did we know that God was taking us in a whole different direction...

Finally, about three weeks ago, someone put a contract on our house. We were cautious, yet optimistic. Was this the answer to our prayer? What would happen to us now? These thoughts and more occupied us for two solid weeks. Where would we move? Could we afford it? Would God see us through?

I have to admit that every time I heard God's voice, He was telling me that he would never leave us nor forsake us. I had to put my trust in Him.

On Saturday, March 25th, we receivd the news we had been waiting for: The contract was finalized on current home and we purchased a new home, to be built, in Canton, Georgia. Here's the link to our new home site.

Are we excited? Yes, and there's more to come. We have to be out of our current house by April 30th. Our new house won't be finished until late July, early August. The journey is beginning anew.

I am deeply blessed for friends such as Misawa, EeyoreJeff, Tim Ellsworth, Joel Maners, Howie Luvzus, Marty Duren, Jon Dale, Ms. Terry Wassink, and Kevin Bussey. You guys have always lent an ear to my problems and struggles and I can't thank you enough.

As for Deb and I, we are now much smarter regarding finances. Sure, we'll make mistakes every now and then, but God is with us and he forgives us when we foul up. He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He will always see us through.