A Roman's 8:28 Move

Ok.... so our trip to Virginia did not come without it's challenges.  It is truly a long, exhausting, and hard-to-follow story that I do not want to relive through this blog but I will say this... God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).

When I find myself going through an extremely difficult time, I try very hard to focus on the truth which gives me great comfort and joy even when circumstances seam unbearable.  I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel which are glimpses of hope that God is working out the details. 

Making this long story extremely condensed, we had an awful time getting communication from the moving company.  They didn't return phone calls, couldn't tell us where our truck was, didn't show up, tried to charge us over $2000 in added fees, damaged some furniture, couldn't get the billing correct, charged our credit card before services were rendered, and created an extremely frustrating experience for all of us when the customer service team couldn't help us.  It was a complete and utter mess of a move but it was all part of the adventure!!

My husband, who is very professional and diplomatic, documented everything and mailed the president and CEO of the company to share everything with him. After speaking to him on several occasions and for extended periods of time found out that this moving company is a start-up company that he is trying to grow and was completely unaware of what was happening behind the scenes.  He had just installed a call recording system and listened to the calls to match up Jeff's facts.  We found out that 2 of the employees were planning to pocket the overage fees they were charging us.  They have both been fired.  One employee had traveled to Las Vegas without notifying the company, thus, the reason for unreturned calls.  In the end, Jeff was asked what he thought a fair price was for the move (he was quoted $4600 and it was quickly approaching $7000) and he said $3800 considering the time wasted, unfair overages, and the damage done to furniture.  He agreed and the money is soon to be reimbursed as long as we do not report them to the Better Business Bureau.  

As an added bonus, the CEO spoke to Jeff on both professional and personal levels about ideas that would make his company better based on our experience.  He is already putting into practice changes based on Jeff's feedback.  Lastly, the guy needed Accounts Receivable solutions so Jeff is calling him this week to share how Gallium (Jeff's company) can help. 

Isn't that just how God works?  He always works it out!! Through it all, I kept saying that we would look back on this and laugh... well we are not quite there yet, but will be soon I hope. :)  

The Best of.... Arkansas

If someone would have told me 6 years ago that I would be living in Harrison, AR, home schooling our children and attending a Baptist church, I would have said they were Craaaaaaaazy!  These last 4 years have been such an adventure to say the least.  This "Best Of"  list is a celebration of my time here.  

Favorite memories of our first trip to AR to find a house: 
Hudson's cow sign and selling frog legs, riding in Marty Burlesworth's MG because his wife was hurt and had to use the big car, driving 30 minutes to go to a restaurant (ate at the Candlestick Inn), finding out that some white-collar workers do also own farms.

Favorite Home school adventure:
Our visits to Bruce's chicken farm:  I'll never forget the first time when he snapped the neck and sliced up several chickens on the back of his 4-wheeler while carrying on a conversation (my kids have finally healed).  The second time Kerri and I went to pick up our new family members :  several adorable baby chicks!!  We raised chickens on the golf course (sorry... I didn't know the law) until they were beheaded by a ravenous predator. We had company that weekend when we found the dead bodies.   

Favorite Restaurant in Harrison:  Overall... Neighbors Mill then Jasmine as a close second.

Most Frequented Restaurant in Branson:  Fuddruckers... favorite dining... Bleu Olive

Favorite Anniversary Celebration:  Staying in a cabin at Mt. Nebo State Park near Russelville. 

Least Favorite House Pest:  Brown Recluse Spiders (in Florida, it was cockroaches)

Favorite Redneck Activity:  Satellite dish sledding behind a Teryx.

Favorite Girltime Adventure:  Christmas shopping trips with the ladies

Most Interesting Person I've Met:  Bruce Medley - is there anything he can't do?

Favorite Saying First Heard in AR:  "What have you"  pronounced "wa hayee"

Favorite Church Memories:   The dances and ASL:  Captivated, I Surrender, the stomp, None But Jesus, Revelation Song.  Shannon and his object lessons especially the one when he was preaching about filling up and being poured out and water came out of the pitcher so he proceeded to continue pouring out water on the stage - I don't know if that was planned but I got the lesson for sure!!  Girltalk, Romance Uncensored (all of them), Zain Roland dressing up like the Easter Bunny.

Most Memorable Kidz Praise Memories:  Berry Blast Theme Park with Jeff and Gerald in blue Dickies shorts and bowties, Jeff repelling from the high platform during a caving theme, Black and White night with Tammy and me in our fake eye lashes and afro wigs, Olympic synchronized swimming in kiddie pools with Tammy for BNK's Got Talent night, Kam and Bruce dressed as Wynona and Naomi Judd - a little disturbing but highly memorable nonetheless!! 

Most Cherished Family Getaways:  Camping with the Harrison family from Florida and staying at the "cabin" with the Satterwhites, Thanksgiving at the cabin.  

Arkansas Firsts as a Family:  canoeing, hiking, satellite dish sledding and regular sledding, deer hunting, caving, chicken farms, blueberry and raspberry picking, apple orchard, frozen custard, horseback riding, shooting guns, buiding a snowman, the Dirty Water 5K, Crawdad Days

Cherished Visitors to AR:  Jeff's parents, The Harrison Family, Sarah Nance, Kayla Braddock Coats, Mikey Wallace, Sharon Wallace, Kristen Branson Langley, Debbie Phelan and sons, Lisa and Tony Garcia, Antoinette Garcia. 

Everyone knows how much we have enjoyed living in Harrison and how sad we are to leave but God has something for us in VA and I am excited to find out what that is!!  Please pray for us during this journey because it will be extremely difficult to part with our beloved friends and family!!  Thank you to all those in Lakeland who helped us through our transition to AR - it gives me great comfort knowing that the relationships we had there have since been strengthened - isn't that just how God works?  

Until next time....:)    

Abundant Joy!

"That makes me happy!"

"As long as your happy!"

"Do what makes you happy!"

I've said it, heard it, used it, advised it!  What's wrong with it?  Not a thing if that's what I really mean. I'm basically wishing upon someone that they find something in this world that brings them a fleeting feeling of euphoria (say that 5 times). The more I read God's Word, the more I know now that God's desire is not for us to be "happy", but instead for us to be "holy". We are to have pure joy in our hearts, one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), which is much different than happiness. The sad thing about happiness is that it doesn't last; it goes away and we can be left trying to fill that void.  

I was journaling a few mornings ago on a weekend getaway and I spent some time reflecting on the differences God has shown me between happiness and joy in my life. 

It makes me happy to wake up in a warm bed with my best friend by my side.

I am joyful knowing Jesus is the ultimate friend that provides for all my needs

I am happy when my kids are getting along.

I have pure joy focusing on the fact that my children belong to God and He will work out in them what He has started.

I am happy when home schooling runs smooth.

Joy is knowing that not a day goes by that God isn't teaching me something new about my children.

I am happy when I get time to just be Stacey the friend, putting all my other hats aside.

It brings me great joy knowing the truth that God has a purpose for every friendship and conversation I have.

I am happy when I am on vacation!

I have joy knowing that even without a vacation, rest can be found in the Father's arms.

I am so happy saving money on items my family needs (or wants).

There is joy in my heart because God guides my path and knows my heart for thriftiness and honoring Him with our finances.

I am happy when prayers are answered!

Joy is knowing that God answers all prayers in His timing with either "yes", "no", or "wait".

I am happy when the kids do what they're supposed to do without being asked.

I have joy because God does perform miracles!!

I am happy when playing games or reading to my kids. 

The truth that God has called me to home school and will provide the answers I need when things seem impossible fills me with joy. 

I am happy to serve, organize, and help!

Joy is knowing that we are the hands and feet of Jesus and we will be blessed when we do His will.

I am happy when Jeff and I are on a date!  I love date night!

I am joyfully confident that God has a specific plan for my life, marriage, and children.

I am happy when things go my way!

I have joy knowing that if they don't, there is a reason.  God's ways are not my ways.

I am happy eating Good Food!

I am joyful with the only food necessary for sustenance, God's daily bread. 

With Love From Africa

     A couple of years ago, I was a responder/counselor for BNCGO which stands for Brand New Church Global Outreach.  During that time, I made some amazing friendships with people in Africa.  It is a fact that our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those enduring much danger and persecution,  need our prayers and support more than we can imagine.  It is intriguing to me how grateful they are even amid the horrible enemy attacks.  They see the United States as a place of hope and refuge.    

Read below one of the latest e-mails from Samuel Audu.. we will be skyping hopefully soon.  Samuel has a picture of our family as his computer screen saver. 


 Hi Stacey,
> I hope all of you are well and fine by the grace of God out there in
> the US. As for us we are just reeling and recovering from multiple
> bomb blasts that occured just nearby our neigbourhood on the 24th of
> December just before Christmas. I read online the Secretary General
> Ban ki Moon has joined our President in  condemning the dastardly act.
> So far it is confirmed by one governmnet agency that about 80 have
> died and over a 100 are injured. A group related to the violent
> Islamic sect that goes by the name boko haram ( anything Wester is a
> bad) has already claimed responsibility and have even set up a
> website.
> Ma'am these are indeed trying times for us as youths retaliated by
> killing muslims passing by the neighbourhood who might not have known
> anything about the bombings and there is more tenshion.
> I still hav'nt bought a digital camera so i have'nt snapped more
> pictures of my family to send to you. I would have even taken pictures
> of the bomb sites where there was much impact. But we are fine by the
> Lord's grace. Infact we usually go to the market that was bombed.
> Please remember us in your prayers as it is not easy.
> Stacey, your husband looked a bit different for me when i saw a drive
> to convince you people not to leave Arkansas some days ago. He looked
> younger than the first picture you had sent us and its really nice.
> thanks.
> Bye and let me not bother you with too much text to read this holiday
> season. How are your four great kids? Many people here when they see
> your picture as my wallpaper on my laptop are really excited to see a
> beautiful white couple having lovable four four kids. Its really nice.
> Thanks and stay blessed.
> Sam

So Much to Write.... So Little Time!

The holidays are officially over!!!  Jeff's parents have returned home, closets been reorganized and our core family trying to reconnect.   
 How can I survive the holidays next time without feeling overwhelmed?  The reason for the season is Jesus, and I was struggling to find time for Him.  In my quiet thoughts I kept saying "All I want to do is think about you and I have ALL this to do". On top of all of the normal everyday "to do's", there's holiday meal planning, church rehearsals, family logistics, baking and making, shopping, planning for company, having company, shipping gifts, deciding on pictures, and the list goes on. I enjoy all of it individually, but collectively it's too much  for one person. In addition, we flew to Virginia in mid December to find a house to rent.   I can't imagine how overwhelmed Joseph felt when He and Mary had to return to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. The events leading up to the birth of Jesus had to feel like too much to handle for Mary.  

One of the most rewarding holiday activities was serving at the Mercy Mall during the Toy Drive and coming face to face with those in need of gifts for their children and many in need of a Savior.  The toy drive is so much more than making sure there is something under the tree of those less fortunate.  It's about stepping outside ourselves to focus on others.  Its about sacrificing time and money and taking care of the last, lost, and the least.  It's about the blessing you feel when you have been the hands and feet of Jesus.  The toy drive is a relevant way to reach hundreds of people, get them in your doors, love on them, show them Christ, and hope that they saw something in you that they want for themselves.  When you see them in the lobby of your church before the next service,  you know God is at work!

Maybe the answer for me is better planning and starting earlier on the gift planning and making and baking.  I also would like to start some new traditions next year in our new home.  Maybe we could have a neighborhood birthday party for Jesus... or adop a family again...how about going Christmas caroling with the kids?  That would definitely create some memories!

We have a family party planned on Friday night that I'm looking forward to:  games, meeting, food, and fellowship!!  We invited my sister and Ryan since they will be living with us - she has already RSVP'd!  We will be discussing relationships and goals for 2011.  

Until next time...    
  

Happy New Year!

I love, love, love to write!!  And what a great way to start the year off.... taking advantage of the available technology and write until my hearts content on this blog, whether anyone reads it or not.  This is a joy of mine that has been tucked away for many years (besides my "letters to God" or prayer journal entries) while I pursued full-time mommihood and other things. 

The main reason why I started this blog is because I have so many random thoughts going through my head during the day and few outlets (besides my wonderful husband who is not surprised that I would start a blog).  There is so much in my head that I must get out... sort of like a composer that hears a song and must write the notes.  

I am a very transparent person so nothing I write should surprise anyone that knows me.  And if we must be completely honest, all of us have random thoughts but there is something keeping some of us from sharing them. 

Starting a new year automatically triggers something in my brain to ponder the previous year and plan for the next. 
Here are the highlights from 2010 - It was all good!!

1. Tanner and Tristan accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and being baptized at BNC by Jeff
2. My sister-in-law Sharon visiting us and taking the most amazing hike through the woods
3. A major conflict in my home school group that caused me much pain, tears, and suffering but inevitably resulting in much personal and spiritual growth.
4. Antoinette Garcia coming to live with us on April 1st 
5. My trip with Jeff to Las Vegas -  Doon Buggy Rides, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and much second-hand smoke inhalation
6. Jeff looking for a job outside of FedEx - praying and waiting for an answer
7. Starting Couch to 5K several times 
8. Fighting for Peace in our family (is that an oxymoron?)
9. Watching my daughter's service to the church and others drastically increase
10. Many episodes of relational dispute in our new-formed family resulting in... you guessed it... spiritual growth
11. Leaving my CC group .... absolutely heartwrenching....but blessed by God
12. Watching my husband continue to grow as a husband and father
13. Watching my mom grow in her theatrical talent
14. Getting an iPhone from my husband 
15. Both siblings leaving the military
16. Hope learning and loving to read
17. Jeff left FedEx and started with Gallium on Oct 1
18. House on the market - keeping it clean
19. My 20 year high school reunion
20. Mom and Dad J's 50th wedding anniversary
21. Flew to our new home, Richmond, VA and found a house to rent
22. Finally finished my study on Philippians
23. Did some pleasure reading:  Redeeming Love, Voice in the Wind
24. Stacey, Crissy, and Stephen together on Christmas
25. Janie retiring
26. Janie and Milton spending holidays in Harrison, AR
27. Dad's Christmas letter to the family
28. Crissy and Ryan deciding to move with us to VA

This is not the exhaustive list but a good start.  As far as planning for the next year, that will have to wait for a future post...church in the a.m.... Good Night!