:) Fun Day!!!

             As most everyone knows Jeremy and I LOVE animals and are both still kids are heart so when we realized had never been to the zoo together we decided that had to change.
     Although I dont feel I have to explain myself I do want to say that Jeremy and I are using money we had saved in a account in Montana that we had to close when we left. We are not using money churches are giving us for ministry.
So today Jeremy had to go to Knoxville anyway to take a test. Lots of interviews and things in the works but sorry no info on here until something is official.
      We decided we should head to the Zoo after his test.

      We had a great day, and again needed that just the two of us time. Even though their were tons of people are the zoo! We had a wonderful time, and are thankful for days we can get away and be together.

I have a picture of me and this turtle when I was in 1st grade and I went to the Zoo with my school. Gonna have to dig it out and put them side by side.

One Week in Tennessee.....

   We have been here exactly one week today and when I think of all the things we have got I done I feel very accomplished. Jeremy has turned in numerous resumes and job applications and  He got his Tn licenses. Did I mention He did those things wednesday morning when we had just arrived tuesday night. What a man!! I have met with someone about keeping her baby boy when she has to go back to work in September. I will start keeping Alaina and Emmy on the 29th. I am so excited to start babysitting again although I wish I were keeping Alayah too :(.

            So we are settling in and things are going well and It is finally beginning to sink in that we are not here for a visit. I know that God has a plan for us here  and I am happy, but even on my best days deep down there is this empty feeling in my heart and other days it seems to physically hurt. I know I will always miss Montana and our life there. I know that not a day will go by that I wont wish I could scoop Alayah up in my arms and hug her tight. I know I will wish I could walk into Beyond Borders for Christ each wednesday and join all the chaos and love on the children,or even give Miss Pat a hard time.

       We miss everyone so much!!! But We have got to make the most of our situation because God sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us. So no more moping around or feeling sorry for ourselves.  Its time to face our new lives head on with all the excitement and wonder we had when we first set out for Hungry Horse, Montana. Thank you for your prayers as we transition and try to keep a good attitude :). We are so excited to see what the future holds.

Cousins!!!

The Fellowship Church

   Jeremy and I were very unsure about what God had planned for us in Tennessee. We were praying and seeking His will when our friend Derek told us about The Fellowship Church which at the time didnt yet have a name. We began to pray and a few months later we didnt have many answers, but we knew God had a plan for us and  it somehow involved The Fellowship Church. Please feel free to check out the website and please join us in praying for The Fellowship Church.

The Fellowship Church Website

Silly Saturday #22

   Anyone ever been in a relay race?? I'm sure at some point everyone has. Relay races are where each member of the team has a chance to participate by taking a turn then running back handing the ball to the next person so they can take their turn. Have you ever been the one running and when you get back to the next person you dont wanna give them the ball?? What if your faster?? What if the other person strays off the path? What if the next person doesnt care as much as you and just takes their time and doesnt put much into it? The truth is your tired, but you could still keep going right? I mean your still doing a good job arent you? Do you really need the break, or could you just keep taking everyones turn? I mean your not getting slower and sloppier since your tired, are you?

         This is exactly what I went through and am going through lately. The truth is I was tired and worn out. We were in Hungry Horse for two years, and dont get me wrong we loved every minute. We loved the ministries we got to be apart of and we fell in love with all the people. Then we got the call from God to move on. Yikes, I wasnt  ready to hand the ball to the next person. God reveal to me it was time by having Diane volunteer to take my class on wednesday nights. It was a huge blessing and relief, but I wanted to hold onto that ball. I watched as the kids began to learn her name. I watched as they began to call it Ms Dianes class instead of Ms Stephanies. Time went on and I begin to slowly fade into the background, and God showed me that its not a bad thing to pass the ball on and let someone else take their turn. The truth is your gonna get tired and worn out and if you continue to try to run and not let anyone else take their turn lots of times you do more harm than good.

           Are you someone gripping the ball with all your might too scared to let anyone else take their turn?? Or are you someone who is too afraid to even get in line for a turn?? I urge you to get in line today. You wont regret it.  1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

      If your gripping that ball with all your might and are tired and worn out. Pray for God to send the next person inline and when He does dont be afraid to pass the ball on and let them have a turn.
Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Date Night!!!

     Last night Jeremy and I decided we needed a date night. With the move and so much on our minds as far as Jeremy finding a job, us eventually finding our own place, and everything else we just needed to get away together. We went to dinner and a movie. So much has changed in the Athens area since we lived here. We are trying to settle into our new lives in a place that we always called home, but now seems so unfamiliar.
Please continue to pray for us. We are hanging in there and doing okay, but we still need your prayers.

We made it!!

  We made it home Tuesday night!! Thanks to everyone who prayed for us to have safe travels. We made it safe and sound with no problems.  On the way home we made a stop to check out Mount Rushmore!!

We are still just trying to settle in best we can since we dont have a place of our own yet. We are hanging in there during this tough transition and trying to make the best of it.

I was so thankful to see my family!!

But at the same time I just left behind so many who feel like family in Montana. Its bittersweet and its really hard, but we trust God.  Please continue to pray that Jeremy can find a job, and that God will provide us with a place to live.

Did I mention that I have fallen inlove????

Silly Saturday #21

   We have been having a great week with Judy and Larry ( My inlaws). We have tried to really enjoy and just soak in everything our last week in Montana. So hard to believe that tomorrow is when we leave. Please pray for us as this will be a hard transition. Thanks for you love and support. You will be able to continue following my blog to find out how things are going with Jeremy and I. God has a plan for us in Tennessee and we cannot wait to see what He has in store. Here are a few pictures from this week.

U-Box We Haul

          So for those who don't know once we made the decision to not take Molly to Tennessee with us we begin to look into u haul u box. You pack your stuff in the box and u-haul ships it wherever you want and you have up to a month of storage. I hear everyone talk about how expensive they are but once we factored in gas the u box was about $100 cheaper than renting a uhaul and driving it ourselves. So we decided to go for it. We got two u boxes. They brought them today that way our last few days are not spent worrying about packing. So today we loaded all our things and left the boxes at the u haul place. I was beginning to worry about everything fitting because the u boxes dont look very big, but I asked everyone to pray. And EVERYTHING FIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! A BIG THANKS to Lee and Steve for helping!! It is such a relief to be able to enjoy our last few days here in Montana.

Exactly how Im feeling !!! LOVE this song!!

I didnt know

                   I cannot put into words what I felt when I rode away from a life I had always known and a family who is so close. I can't explain what it felt like riding to Montana not knowing what it was gonna be like or even if I would like it. I had no clue what was to come. I didnt know that I was about to experience the most amazing two years of my life. I didnt realize that it would strengthen and bring new depths to my marriage. I wasnt prepared for what was coming I didnt know I was about to gain another family that I would have so many amazing friends. I prayed and asked God to bless our life in Montana, but I didnt deserve all this. I asked Him to be our provider and He went above and beyond my wildest dreams. I asked Him to give us comfort and their was not a day in those first few weeks that I didnt feel His arms around me. I also prayed a prayer that I have prayed nonstop for 5 years now. Sometimes God answers our prayers, but not the way we want. Sometimes He gives us what We need instead. God sees our future and knows what is best. So when I prayed for God to bless Jeremy and I with a child to love and care for

He did!

    God didnt give me my own, but He answered just what I asked. I started babysitting Alayah in May of 2012 and Jeremy and I have loved and cared for her ever since. I cannot explain to you what she means to us, or how She has made our lives so much better. I never knew I could love a baby that wasnt my own so much. I could never explain all the joy she has brought to mine and Jeremys life. Everyday was a adventure and we are so thankful God answered our prayers the way He did.

  Now as most everyone knows God is calling us back to Athens, Tennessee. I should be thrilled. This should be the happiest time of my life, and I am happy dont get me wrong. At the same time my heart is broken. I feel so crushed God blessed us with this beautiful gift and now He wants us to leave her. We love our lives in Montana. We have so many friends and its just unimaginable that God would call us away from a life He blessed us with. Then I am reminded that I have felt this way before. I remember the pain and the heartache, the fear, and the questions. I felt this way about coming to Montana two years ago. This time I trust God more although it hurts I know He has a plan and its for our good. After all look how well things worked out for us here in Montana. Although I cannot even fathom the goodbyes we will say in just a few short days I have hope for my future because I know God has a plan. Instead of being upset We chose to thank God for the two years He allowed us to be in Hungry Horse, Montana. We thank Him for the friendships that will last a lifetime. We thank Him for the memories We will always hold close to our heart. We thank Him for Alayah and for answering our prayers the way He did. 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

    where does my help come from?

2 

My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

Silly Saturday #20

   I know this is a day early but while I have the energy and time to write I figured I better go ahead!!  This goes out to all mothers!!!

    Dear Moms,
           This week I found a new respect for you that I must be honest I have never had before. I didnt know how hard and challenging your job is. Yes its rewarding and worth every moment, but lets not pretend its easy. I have been babysitting Alayah who is 21 months old since she was about 8 months old, but this week I faced new challenges and obstacles. This week I took Alayah to Wow Week ( Vacation Bible School) everyday.  The last day of Wow Week the kids who have attended 3 out of the 4 days get to go to the water park. I went last year, but not with a baby. I made sure I had her diaper bag, snack bag, and sippy cup ( Her mom had packed) I made sure her sunscreen,  little swimmer diapers, and swim suit was in her diaper bag. I made sure I had towels for her, me and Jeremy. I made sure she had on her shoes and had on a clean diaper and this was all around 9AM. So we headed to the school . I unstrapped her car seat and proceeded to waddle across the street with everything in my arms and her by my side trying to jerk her hand out of mine. We made it safely into the school. I thought we were leaving when Wow Week started at 10 for the water park so I had brought Alayah to /school in her pjs. I didnt want to change her into her swimmer diaper too early plus I wanted to put her sun screen on right before I put her swim suit on. We got to the school and found out that we were actually not leaving until closer to 11 so poor thing had on her long sleeve pjs while everyone else was in tank tops and shorts :/ bad call on my part, but anyway. We found out who we were riding with so I took /Alayahs car seat and put it in that persons car ( Jeremy had to drive a van) meanwhile someone was watching her for me, but she screamed and cried as she watched me  out the window thinking I was leaving her. I came back in and asked when I should get her changed and sun screened up. I was told I had plenty of time, but then someone came to me and said hey we need to leave right now. Ha! So I hurried Alayah down to a empty class room ( the bathrooms have no changing tables :( This is a big problem!!!) I shut the door so everyone wouldnt stare in as they walked by and /I changed Alayah and put sun screen on her and put her swim suit on. What felt like forever later We came out and headed for the water park. Alayah was so excited we headed for the kiddie pool. The water in the highest part is just about to Alayahs waist. I like a dummy assumed she would hold my hand. She indeed had no intentions of that. So I followed along behind her and sure enough before long she tripped and I was snatching her up out of the water. Scared me, but she just coughed for a minute then was ready to play again. By the time afternoon came she was so whiny because it was way past her nap time. I took her into the changing area to put on dry clothes I got her changed then laid her on the bench while I changed and turned around to find her fast asleep. Now She is curled up sleeping on the couch and /im wishing I were too. I am exhausted after one day I cannot imagine how Moms do this daily!!  Not to mention Moms who have more than one child!! I guess its that rewarding smile or giggle that gets you through, but I just wanna say to all the moms out there you are amazing I have so much respect and admiration for you.. God Bless You!!!!!

Although a challenging week I am thankful to have gotten to spend this week with Alayah. It has been a tiring  week but a  great week :) at the same time.

Soaking it all in :)

            Wow Week is in full swing and the kids are having a great time. In the pre K class we have been having around 17. So I volunteered to take a few of the little guys to help out. So 2 years and under go with me. Although I cant share pictures I assure you I have a bunch and they are heart warming. Today We painted!!!!

  Everyday the kids have taken naps which has made for a much happier afternoon!!!! I am loving every moment with the precious kiddos and am thankful God has allowed me to be here for my second wow week in Hungry Horse, Montana.



Not much else going on this week just staying very busy. We apologize to everyone who keeps Alayah in advance  it seems these last two weeks we have taken everyone elses time with her, but we are just trying to utilize every second with her and make lots of happy memories!!!

About to paint at Wow Week!!!!

Seems like Yesterday!!!

           6 Years ago today Jeremy and I went on our first date. I had no idea I would fall head over heels for a guy I had known my entire life!!! Our relationship was rocky but our love was real, and despite many peoples opinions we got married 10 months later. In April we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. We might have had a rough beginning, but We finally got our happily ever after!!! 

We were only dating in this photo! Look how young we look! Not sure why I dont have one of us in the same picture but we are side by side in these.

Night before my wedding!!! Glad I didnt smile like this haha!

Silly Saturday #19

      Random picture day!!!!

Hiking Avalanche 

Baptism at Beyond Borders for Christ!

Redneck yard photo

Being silly

So true!! But very hard not to be afraid!

WHY??!!!!

      Why?!   Almost two years ago I was asking God the same question. See Jeremy and I had a good life. We had a beautiful house, pets we loved, surrounded by family, and a awesome church family, and yet God was telling us to leave it all. So July (2011) I told my family goodbye and left a life I loved and had always known. I wont lie I asked why?! ALOT. I cried ALOT. I didnt understand my heart was broken and no matter how great Montana was it would never be home.


           Two years later and I am broken. My heart aches and I am asking Why?! With only a few weeks left I can feel the knife in my heart sinking deeper and deeper. I love my life in Montana and it has became home.  I dont wanna start over. I dont wanna leave. I cry ALOT and my heart is heavy. I dont wanna say goodbye  I dont wanna leave another home.


            I know God has a plan and I know that if we hadnt listened in the first place we would have never known the beauty and wonder of our two years in Montana. So all I can hold onto is that something beautiful is ahead. A new life that will bring happiness and please God.

         Its human nature to ask why and to not understand Gods plan, but we have to trust Him with our lives even when it hurts and even when its hard. Please continue to pray for Jeremy and I as we try to make the most of our last few weeks in Montana and as we transition to life in Tennessee.




I couldnt have said it better myself!!

Surprise......We have the best friends ever!!!!!!

           So I have been helping my friend Dixie invite everyone to a surprise dinner we were having  for Lee and Joy today (sunday the 16th) after church. I was sneaking around behind Lee and Joys back and inviting everyone and surprise the party was for me and Jeremy too!!! Lee and Joy thought it was for us and We thought it was for them!!! It was a great surprise and we are thankful for everyone who came!!! We are very very thankful Dixie has such a servants heart and threw the party for ALL of us!!!

This is the cake Dixie made for Jeremy and I. Since We came to Canyon Baptist to be the worship leaders the cake is a music note!!!

Happy Fathers Day!!!!!!

He never looks for praises
He's never one to boast
He just goes on quietly working
For those he loves the most
His dreams are seldom spoken
His wants are very few
And most of the time his worries
Will go unspoken too
He's there.... A firm foundation
Through all my storms of life
A sturdy hand to hold to
In times of stress and strife
A true friend I can turn to
When times are good or bad
One of my greatest blessings,
The man that I call Dad.

                                               Karen K. Boyer

              

Silly Saturday #18

    Yes I know its friday, but I have plans tomorrow and am not sure if I will have time to get to my computer. Tomorrow Jeremy and I are going to the park ( Glacier National Park). We have never been alone and decided some quiet time together would be nice.  My parents just left yesterday and We had a awesome week!! It was so much fun to have them here and show them around.

     Today I have plans with a friend and so does Jeremy and since its only a few weeks from our moving day we know that some quiet time together in the park will do us alot of good. We are filled with so many mixed emotions especially since this coming us Wednesday is our last Beyond Borders for Christ :(!!  We are nervous, excited, and anxious about our new life and we are sad,broken hearted, and dreading leaving our life here in Montana, but we know that our God is working things out for our good and that He has a plan for us. We are clinging to those promises!! Thank you for your prayers during our time of transition and please keep them coming.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Silly Saturday #17

    For two years I prayed and waited ( Patiently......ok no I just waited)  And finally after two long years ....... MY PARENTS ARE COMING TO MONTANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I had no idea I could be this excited!!!!! Finally my stories will have a picture to go with them. Finally they will get to see all the ministries I have told them so much about. I cannot wait to show them what I have been doing and where I have been for the last two years.  I am so thankful my prayer has finally been answered. Gods timing is perfect!!

 God is good. 

 Speaking of that here is a cute video of Alayah for all you who dont have facebook and havent seen it yet.  She is 21 months old now and  learning to talk and it is awesome to hear her learn new words. She is one smart girl!! We are taking lots of pictures and videos and enjoying our last few weeks with her. We could spend this time being sad, but instead we are thanking God for the past year we have had with her. :) And we will definitely be back for visits....ASAP :)

Psalm 37:4

            As we have begun cleaning out drawers and things in the apartment we are finding all sorts of interesting things.  Nothing could have prepared me for what I read in  this letter I wrote to Jeremy back in August  ( 2012) when I was in Tennessee.  Keep in mind We had no idea at this time that God would be calling us back to Tn.

Take delight in the LORD 

and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Silly Saturday #16