CLOSED!!! Really!

Can I tell you, this is the blog that I have been waiting to write. Greg and I have been waiting for a very, very long time for this. As of Friday, Mar. 26, 2010, we are no longer homeless. Hallelujah, Praise God!!!! In His perfect timing, the closing process on our home is now complete. It only took about 5 very long months, 8 attempted closing dates, 1 break in, 3 deadline extensions, and 1 brilliant realtor. HGTV really missed out on about 3 seasons of the most intense and dramatic reality show on television. Real Housewives of Atlanta have nothing on what really goes down at the A P T in Hiram.

In this process, God is really answering our prayer of making this test a true testimony. Now, our focus is shifting towards renovating this house, and making it our home. It's time to plant some seeds. We've found our place here, so now it's time for us to figure out what to do with it. I cannot describe how blessed we are to have met some amazing friends in this area. The move was so difficult, but the people here have welcomed us with open arms.

One day last year in the middle of worship, I was singing in the choir at Pinelake....I remember it clear as day...God spoke to me. We were singing "Forever God is Faithful, Forever God is Strong, Forever God is with us"..... Anyway, God said, "Why are you worried about where you're going to live, and your future home?" "I already know where you're going to live and I already know what house you'll live in." God is too perfect to end sentences with prepositions, but you get the idea. This was so comforting to me. Forever, God is faithful, and Forever, God is with us.

We decided that since selling our home was complicated, buying one should be as well. Since we love a great challenge, we chose a home that was a short sale. Believe me, there is absolutely nothing short about it. I highly encourage anyone that wants to add a little bit of chaos to their lives to try this. My advice is to not plan any T'giving dinners at your new short sale home until 2012.

I am not sure what God's reasons were with His timing. I do know that He and I have become much closer, and much better friends through this process. Through this time, my priorities have changed. I never realized how materialistic I was, until almost everything I own was packed into storage. I've found my identity in Christ, instead of in the groups and activities I was/am involved in. I've learned that my importance level isn't based on how much my jeans, purse, or shoes cost. Brand named foods do taste better than generic....if they're purchased with Publix BOGO free and a coupon. And, I love, admire and respect my husband so much more than I ever have.

The road ahead will be hard work, but as I mentioned before, we love a challenge. With God, all things are possible. We hope God's timing allows us to be in our new home by the end of April or beginning of May. This is just in time for summer. So, pack your bags and plan your road trips to come see us. Our disclaimer is you have to come to church with us. I promise you'll never be the same. God is good!

Psalm 27:13-14

13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—

so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

so why should I tremble?

2 When evil people come to devour me,

when my enemies and foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.

3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,

my heart will not be afraid.

Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His Temple.

5 For He will conceal me there when troubles come;

He will hide me in His sanctuary.

He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

6 Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.

At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

singing and praising the Lord with music.

7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord.

Be merciful and answer me!

8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

9 Do not turn your back on me.

Do not reject your servant in anger.

You have always been my helper.

Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,

O God of my salvation!

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the Lord will hold me close.

11 Teach me how to live, O Lord.

Lead me along the right path,

for my enemies are waiting for me.

12 Do not let me fall into their hands.

For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;

with every breath they threaten me with violence.

13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.

14 Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

I just love this Psalm. It's been so assuring during this time of transition.