Well, a lot has happened during this season already and we're just getting started. First, I would like to clarify that God is better and bigger than anything I could ever imagine and that He has been so faithful to us.
We went through a hard first season of marriage. Living arrangements were pretty difficult and with our baby boy on the way, finances were a big stress. It really affected me with some pretty nasty migraines and complete exhaustion all the time (emotionally and physically). But, nevertheless we continued to seek God and tried to have as much faith as possible, even though it seemed impossible at times. And though God didn't answer every single one of our prayers the moment we asked, our needs were met, we learned a lot and as time went on... our prayers were answered. :)
Right now, all I can really say is God is great.
The best news is that we finally got into our own place. If you have heard the story, it was completely from God. If you haven't, here is what happened:
We found this incredible place that seemed so perfect. It was pretty expensive but a good location and newly remodeled. I put in our application and we were disappointed to find out we were second in line and the couple before us decided to take it. We thought for sure that was the place and that it could have even been from God. However, when we first found it we did pray "God, if this isn't the place for us, intervene and make it impossible to get." That is what we did. So, when I didn't hear back from the landlord, I decided to just email her to make sure it was taken. When I did, she replied and said yes but to check out places in Independent Park.
Now, I knew that was a good area and a PERFECT location. However, I also knew that most places didn't take dogs. But, just out of curiosity I went to the wonderful craigslist and typed in "Independence Park." An add from two weeks before came up and that was it. It was pretty disappointing but I decided to email the lady and give it a try. In the past, most places on craigslist were rented within 2 days so I was pretty positive this would be taken also. But, to my surprise I received an email back the very next day that it was still available and to call her.
So, on Wednesday (the day before thanksgiving) I decided I would call her and check it out. I figured it wouldn't work out and it would be a waste of time. I almost talked myself out of going when Steve calls and says he's getting off work early so we should go look together. I couldn't say no.
When we walked it, we knew it was perfect. It was a one bedroom which we had not wanted but the location and price were absolutely perfect. Plus, the size of the one bedroom was large enough for a crib and I'd rather have one big bedroom than two tiny ones.
That night, we prayed about it and emailed the lady with our decision. We emailed her the application and she ran the credit check. A couple hours later she said the place was ours.
Thursday, (thanksgiving) we spent time together, ate a wonderful meal and really experienced "thanksgiving" like never before. We went home and packed.
Friday, we got up early and hit some sales. At 11 am we met our landlord, wrote a check and got the keys. By 5 pm that night, we were completely moved in:)
We have learned so much in our first five months of marriage. First, patience is a virtue. Second, God is always faithful. Third, we can get through anything together. And last, our strength is in God alone and as long as He is first... we have nothing to worry about.
22 Weeks of Pregnancy
Well, I am 22 weeks along which is very exciting. My belly is growing quickly and my back is definitely feeling it.
A couple weeks ago we were really seeking God about our baby's name. Names are extremely important to us and we just knew God had a special name for him. We didn't want to pick a name because we like the sound of it but because it is what God wanted him to be called.
We prayed a lot about it and we prayed the God would reveal the name to us. A couple days later, a woman came up to us at church and prayed for us and for the baby. She immediately gave us a name that God had told her which was unusual for her she said. She told us to pray about it more and see what God revealed to us. We did just that. At first, we weren't sure about it. But as we read more about it and prayed, it felt very right.
Originally, we weren't going to tell anyone our name until he was born... however, with this name we just got too excited and couldn't keep it in.
Our baby boy's name is: Levi Abner James Hanks.
and we love it:)
