our life lately.

I really have been intending to update this for some time now. Also, I do intend to do a much better job once we move- hold me to it! Maybe I'll break this one apart into what's been going on since my last post:

Moving:
Yes, we are moving to Little Rock ( I know, old news :)). We were originally planning on moving today. However we've pushed our move date to July 8th when we officially become southerners for a year! It's actually one month minus 2 days from right now! We are currently living with our parents and all of our belongings are stuffed in two trailers (generously provided to us to keep our things in until we move!). Time just keeps flying by- right when I think I have toooons of time to do all my projects/see friends/etc, I realize I actually don't & better get moving on my huge to-do list :). However, I must admit that I love having a few lazy days while I can :). Currently we are both still working- seth is working full time with the exception of one day or so a week & I am very part time- usually 1-2 days per week. We are trying to spend as much time as possible with our family & friends before we leave :). We are realizing how much we are going to miss everyone & how blessed we've been to live where we have & close to who we have for our whole lives. We are excited, too, to meet wonderful people in Little Rock.

Us:
First of all, God is faithful & good. We've been reminded of that LOTS lately as satan continues to attack us (as previously mentioned in another blog post). God has told us to be open & honest with the hard times. And hard it has been lately. We are realizing just how tricky emotions can be, how stinkin' pride can lead to destruction, how walls are no good, how blame only causes more blame, how arguing can lead to weariness, and how in the midst of all the attacks & the destruction satan is trying to create- God has been refining us in a way we have never known before. We have Jesus fighting for us & during the battle He is molding us to better reflect Him & His love. We are very very very imperfect people who are in need of their Redeemer. Truly honest thought: We often wonder why God is sending us to ministry when we have so much work of our own to do? Honestly, We don't fully understand but God has placed an unwavering peace & confidence in our hearts this is exactly where He wants us for such a time as this. He has grown our desire & passion for FamilyLife's mission so much during the last 6 months. We are much better beginning to understand the battle that wages against the family & the marriage.  It's a powerful & beautiful thing- the family is. So am I trying to wrap this up in a bow? Nope. Honestly- we are crawling sometimes. Sometimes we are running hand in hand. Sometimes we are standing on the uncertain ground.  God is doing some re-modeling right now. But who doesn't love the finished product of a re-model? Something new & fresh & exciting....it's just the process that can be a little nerve-wracking at times :). With all this said- we are so thankful for eachother & to be on the journey together! We are so excited for what is ahead!

Life & everything else:
Below are some pictures of what we have been up to this spring/early summer :)

                              Mother's day- Bets & Maggy :)



 Dayners- what a little stud :)

 Maggy moo- what a sweet heart!

 Mom B & Maggy :)- precious!

 Me, BEBO NORMAN, & Seth. We went to a concent in the chicago area & were able to do a meet & greet with Bebo & Christ August. Also, we had FRONT ROW seats :). He's my favorite musician. God is mightly in his music & his heart. God has healed me & spoken to me alot through his lyrics :).

 This is us & Christ August. He is an awesome musician & great guy!! 

 

Us, in our front row seats :)!!! 

 Braker girls took a shopping day to chicago and of course ate at PF Changs :)!!

Picture of the hostesses at one of Jackie's baby showers :)



To wrap it up:

Sorry this was such a long post! I'll try not to wait so long next time! To wrap it up- we are moving soon, we love eachother & we love Jesus. We are continuing to walk this journey step by step & hand in hand.

P.S.

Some of my favorite tunes lately (can't get through a blog post without some new music, right?):

1. What a Savior- Laura Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSXpFsjSc-4

2. Your Name- Phil Wickham & Paul Baloche http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqCkRl26JbY

3. Faithful God- Laura Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiTH7NGWzxA

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)