Hey everyone. :)
I'm sorry, I know you probably think I just dropped off the face of the Earth! Just wanted to fill you in with a quick update as to why I have not had a chance to blog recently.
A week after I moved and got married, I started school full time online to get my Associates degree in Christian Ministry. I had no idea how much of my time it was going to require, but it has been completely consuming me. I just finished up my first 3 week long course and started a new class today, without a breather in between. I am so mentally exhausted, sigh.
I am desperately struggling to find balance in my life right now and unfortunately have had to put a few things on the back burner for a moment (including my blog) until I adjust to all of these changes. To be honest, when I'm not doing my school work, I don't want to be anywhere close to the computer, as I am spending so much time doing all of my assignments online. Even as I am writing this now my brain is thinking about APA guidelines, ha!
On top of trying to balance school with being a wife, a mommy, and a (neglectful) friend... our faith has been pushed to the limits recently. Nolan's job transfer fell through after a lengthy waiting period, we have had one problem after another with our new house (which is still filled with unpacked boxes), including lead paint and septic gas fumes, and we have also been struggling to adjust as a new family as we all live together for the first time. To add to the stress, over the past month we have become completely financially drained. As a result, it has brought us closer to our Father in Heaven, as we have been forced to depend completely on his grace and mercy, along with the generosity of others to help fill our humanly needs.
I feel this deep stirring inside my soul that I can not quite pinpoint, but I know that we are going through these tribulations for a reason. I feel as though we are being prepared for something to come. It has caused me to look at life and survival in a completely different light, and not take what we have for granted. Just as the birds in the sky do not worry about what they will eat or where they will sleep, neither should we. We are already taken care of and provided for.
And on an even more positive note...
The wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was so sweet and simple. Nolan's father married us at their house, with just immediate family present. His mom made finger food for afterward, my friend Jamie took our photographs as a gift, and I accessorized a dress I already owned and had never worn. Our total cost- $0. It was perfect and I so am crazy in love with this beautiful man. It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be our one month anniversary already. I am so blessed to have him not only in my life, but in my boys' lives as well. Although the adjustment has been difficult at times, he has been so incredible with them.
Also, although we have been put through many tested and trials recently, God has shown his love and devotion to us over and over again down to the smallest details. It is so good to have a husband who is so strong in his faith. When I am weak, he lifts me up. And when he is down, I help him stand his ground. As long as we keep God firmly rooted in the center of our marriage, I know that we can get through anything and everything together.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." ~ Romans 8:38
I hope and pray that you are all doing well. I will try to post some photos soon. I apologize that there is so much distance between us and that I have not been able to keep up with your lives... I miss writing and reading your blogs so badly, but right now I have to focus on my family and my school work. Hopefully I will find a way to balance everything eventually. In the meantime, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to transition.
Much love and many blessings,
Erin
