Unfortunate Change

Recently we were forced to make a difficult decision of leaving our church. It was not something we had wanted to do but we had to stand in alignment with God's word. We disagreed with the pastor on the biblical doctrine of election. We do not feel that God only offers his grace for salvation to a chosen few. God has given us a free will and choice and our eternal destination rests on whether we accept or reject him not whether or not God has chosen us. It really baffles mind how someone can believe this way. We still love and respect our former pastor as he is a great man. We just cannot stand behind this belief and it is being taught in the church.
So, unfortunately we are now having to search for a new church home. It is not a fun search by any means but we are praying for the Lord to give clear direction. We are asking that you pray with us as we are searching.

Wow! It's been awhile!

Wow! It has been such a long time since I have posted once again. I guess Facebook has sort of taken the place of my blog. I am realizing though that the things I post on my blog I wouldn't necessarily post on Facebook for the whole world to see. We do have some things I need to post for updates but do not have the time right now. I hope to post again within the next few days. I trust that any who still may be with me and trying to follow me on here are doing well themselves. Take care my friends and look for a new post soon!

Easter

When you least expect it!

Of late there have been some things happen that were least expected. First off, about 3 1/2 weeks ago we were robbed. I pulled into the driveway while the robber was manually closing my garage. I can't begin to tell you how I felt at that very moment. I had my two boys with me at the time. I confronted him and tried to block him from getting away since he had hooked up our 4x8 ft trailer and loaded it and his truck with my belongings. Unfortunately, he drove off around me through my yard. I followed him while speaking with the police dispatch and shortly after lost sight of him. Thankfully the next day he was caught in the act at another home and the police had to chase him and track him in the woods. He is now behind bars and awaiting trial. That was the last thing I expected to see when I drove home. I never thought it would happen to me.
Then this past week we heard that a man from our church in Oregon died from a freak accident. It was totally unexpected and was while he was working. He left behind his wife and 2 teenage children. It really hits close to home when it is someone you know. Once again, something that was not expected.
This all makes me think about things and I know that none of this was a surprise to the Lord. He knew each of these events would happen and he has allowed the out come.
I thank the Lord for his protection of me and the boys during the minutes of contact with the robber. Things could have turned out much worse. Also, the things he took are replacable but me and the kids are not. As irritated as I am at losing so much I am thankful that I am still around.
My heart goes out to the family in Oregon as they grieve for their loss. I praise the Lord that he is up in heaven this very moment. If you think of it please keep the Jarrett family in your prayers as well.
We all must take each and every day and savor the moments we have with our familyand friends as the least expected can happen at any moment.

How do you view your pastor?

Well, once again it has taken me far too long to post on my blog! I start this blog with great appreciation for the pastor God has given me and my family. For me to say that it is astonishing in and of itself but I truly mean it. It is nice to have a pastor who truly cares about you as a person and not what you will do for the church. Don't get me wrong, we should be willing to serve in various ministries, which Robert and I have always done. In fact, we may have done too much in times past with having such a young family. Anyway, back to what I was saying. Our pastor has went out of his way to make sure we know he is praying for us and asking us how we are doing.(even the little day to day things) He inquires with sincerity not just duty. Lately his love and care for our family has truly shown through. He is one who will listen and understand you as a person individually. His advice and counsel is given with great thought and is most certainly Spirit led. The Lord knew what he was doing when he led us to Birch Harbor Baptist Church. I thank God for leading my husband's heart to join this amazing church. I never thought I would attend such a small church but this small church has become family. I have been in many churches in my lifetime but for the first time in my life I have a pastor who I feel has more than earned my respect in a most humble way. That is not to say I never respected my former pastors, it only means that somewhere along the way respect was lost as a result of their actions. God knows what we need and when we need it. He knew we needed Pastor Jeff Offord as our pastor and I thank God for bringing him into our lives. I hope and pray you all can say the same about your pastor as well. This was just something that has been on my heart and I wanted to share how God has blessed.

How much is a wife worth?

Ok! I just have to share this with everyone. You all know the Bible story of Jacob right? He worked 7 yrs. to marry Rachel only to end up with Leah so he then worked another 7 yrs. and married Rachel. Well this was the discussion for the boys class on Wed night. After they discussed this our Pastor's wife asked the boys, "How many of you boys would be willing to work 14 YEARS for your wife?" Gregory immediately chimed in with, "Oh I would!" After a few more answers Eric chimed in with, "Not me, I am going to find a free wife!" The teacher that was helping in the class came and told me the story and all I could do was laugh. I knew Gregory would say that instantly. Both their answers were what I would expect but was too humorous to hear told though. The kids say the darnedest things sometimes!

I'm back and blessed!

Sorry all for the delay in posting! Things got kind of crazy around here with the holidays. We had sickness hit our home again during the Christmas break, so when the family left we just relaxed and allowed everyone to get well.
Lately God has been showing me how truly blessed I am! I have a most loving and caring husband that anyone could ever ask for. There have been times when I have forgotten how blessed I am to have him by my side.(ie. wondering when he will do the dishes, or fold laundry, or quit falling asleep all the time after working so hard all day!) but thankfully God gently reminds that he gave him to me. In the whirlwind called life I sometimes lose sight of the things most important. I was able to spend some good quality time with my dear husband during the holidays and enjoyed his time very much. It is the little things I enjoy most, sitting and talking into the wee hrs of the morning about really nothing, just the day to day things, unloading the dishwasher together, and playing games on the Wii. Marrying my husband is the best thing that happened to me besides Salvation!
There are 3 other blessings in my life as well named Eric, Gregory, and Audrey! Boy, this one has hit home to me as well. There are moments when I think they will never stop arguing and being mean to each other and I just feel like pulling my hair out. Then I realize that there are many people who wish they could have kids of their own and can't or even some who do have their own child but has very poor health. Here I am with 3 beautiful and healthy children and I want to complain because they are just being kids! UGH! This holiday season I so enjoyed having them home and spent some quality time with them. Who would have thought that sleeping in until 10 am, eating breakfast then snuggling back up on my bed to watch a movie could be so meaningful. My kids love to snuggle on my bed with me and I love it just as much! We played many a board games and Wii games. I am so grateful for my time with these 3 amazing kids. This week they had 3 days off school and we didn't go anywhere during those 3 days. We stayed home and enjoyed our time together. Unfortunately Robert had to work still so he couldn't spend as much time with them. I had dinner ready so that when he got home we could eat and enjoy the evening. The kids loved it! They treasure their time with their daddy. I love sitting in the background to watch them play with daddy. Watching them mature and grow spiritually has been a huge blessing. Our oldest, Eric has shown some huge signs of boldness for Christ lately and we are so proud of him.(makes me feel ashamed) The other two are maturing so much and all 3 are willing to talk to us about anything! (not many kids talk with their parents these days!)
So, this year is my year to just enjoy the little things and each small and simple moment and impress them into my memory banks forever. It will be all too soon when I won't have the time with my sweet children.
Take the time to enjoy the simple things of life as well!