Change

God has been teaching me a lot about change and how to adapt to it. God didn't intend for life to be lived comfortably. Jesus definitely didn't live a comfortable life, but thank God he didn't! If he lived a comfortable life, we would have no hope and no reason for living. I like comfort. I like coming home to my house, sitting on my couch, eating food I love, and spending time with people (and dogs) I love. But I want to do more with life than that. I want to have purpose, and just doing things I like to do day in and day out won't fulfill anyone.

This summer I was actively looking for a job, and nothing seemed to feel right. The school I worked at last year didn't work out. Fast forward a couple months, and I had an interview at another school system. Well, during this time we found out Chris's grandma had pancreatic cancer (beginning of July). It was stage 4 and really progressive. It was in her pancreas, lymph nodes, and liver when it was found. She died July 30th, the day of my interview. I didn't feel right going to the interview when I felt like Christopher needed support, but he and his family encouraged me to go, so I drove 3 hours from Montgomery to Decatur. The interview actually did go well, but can you say bad timing?! It seems like God closed every door for me in Huntsville, which I didn't understand for another week.

A week or so goes by and Christopher found out that his job will be ending in October. Boeing really worked hard for him though and found him some job openings in Huntsville and one in Seattle. We continually prayed and felt like God was leading us to Seattle. This was where we had to decide to listen to God or decide to live comfortably. It would have been so easy to say we're staying in Huntsville. We have a house, a church we love, amazing friends, and it's close to family and football.

After about a week of deliberation, Christopher accepted the Seattle job with Boeing. There are a lot of unanswered questions about the move and what's going to happen, but we're choosing to trust in the one who told us to go. He knew that Christopher would have his dream career at this time, working on commercial planes. He knew that we were leaving not only for career choices, but also to help others, particularly the 89% of people that aren't Christians. I heard Rick Warren say that in your later years, you'll regret the good you didn't do in life far more than the mistakes you made. We don't want to pass up an opportunity to show Christ's love to a city that doesn't see much of it. And I know things will be okay because we're doing what we're supposed to do. I admit that this has been very difficult. It's the toughest decision either of us have had to make. I've never really made any sacrifices to God, but now I'm sacrificing comfort for obedience. But amazingly, God has given me comfort throughout this time. I decided to study Paul's life, thinking it really wouldn't apply to me. I picked up a book I had but had never read called To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore. I couldn't have read it at a better time! God's timing is so perfect! There was a quote by Beth Moore that really spoke to me: "God will never take you anywhere he hasn't already prepared for your arrival."

God knew from the day that Christopher and I were born that we would end up obeying his call on our lives. Though we don't know what's going to happen, he's already prepared our arrival in Seattle. Now that is praiseworthy! Without our God we should fear to move; but when He tells us to go it would be dangerous to tarry (Charles Spurgeon). The only thing I should fear is God!

Matthew 6:28-30 is so comforting to hear. God is so good and so faithful. He is providing comfort throughout this transition already, and I know He will continue to do so. We're leaving the south for a time, but we'll be back plenty to visit. We will definitely miss everyone so much, but know that all of our family and friends are welcome to visit us anytime! We really appreciate all the prayers. Let us know how we can pray for you. You are such a blessing in our lives, and we are so grateful for every one of you!

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers." Philemon 1:4

-Christie

Home Alone

The title of this entry is for two reasons:

1.) I am home alone because Christopher is in Baltimore.

2.) I am currently watching the greatest movie of all time (with a little exaggeration), Home Alone.

I guess you could say I'm getting in the Christmas spirit. Christopher already put up our lights, and it looks amazing! And today I began watching my Christmas movies. I will probably watch all of them about 3 times each before Christmas. I'm one of those people that gets excited way too early, and then when it gets close to being Christmas, I'm kind of tired of the music and decorations, but never the lights or movies. I'm going to start doing my Christmas baking because it's fun and it tastes good. Gingerbread is next on my list.

Since I rarely update this blog, I better make up for the lost time. I love my 1st graders! They are hilarious! I have a lot of funny quotes from them. I made a list of them that I will post at a later date. They are a lot of work, but at the end of the day, I'm making a difference in these children's lives, and I know it's worth all of the stress and hard work.

Chris is still enjoying his job. He hasn't had to travel much, though he is traveling this week.

We've been busy going to the football games and working. I'm just trying to keep my head above the water, but I know in a few weeks, it will be a little easier. I'll have Christmas break and free weekends.

We're still enjoying our home, though it's a bit cluttered. Today I cleaned, and hopefully tomorrow I'll clean the clutter. Once I clean the clutter up, it reappears the next day, but I suppose that's what happens when you're busy. We also have uninvited guests - mice. If you're a member of PETA, I encourage you to stop reading. We've been using sticky pads to trap the little boogers. Well, once it worked, and once a mouse got away. All in all, we have disposed of two mice so far and suspect a dead one to be under the fridge. Last weekend, I woke up and went to the kitchen to brew some coffee. Well, unfortunately that didn't happen because I found blood on the floor on my way to the pantry. There were bloody mouse prints all over the floor. I cleaned it all up, but it was leading to the refrigerator, so I assume it's under there. There has been no blood since then. I used to think it was cruel to "get rid" of sweet, innocent rodents. But they're not sweet or innocent. They have pooped all over the house and ate our food. So now I've declared war, and I will win.

I hope everyone has a good November!! And since I'm watching Home Alone, I have to put a great quote in the post..."When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone!"

-Christie

Love

Christopher is on his way to Gulf Shores with a friend and his friend's groomsmen. I guess it's kind of like a bachelor party get-away. It sounds like a lot of fun. I think Chris brought the most stuff out of any of those guys. I'm surprised they had room for everything. He brought a suitcase, my backpack, golf clubs, cranium, his camera, and cookies. There could have been more, but I don't remember. They went in an Expedition, which I know doesn't have a lot of trunk space. We haven't really been apart from each other for long periods of time since we've been engaged. I'm not saying a weekend is a long period of time, but it's weird that I miss him even though he's only been gone for 3 1/2 hours. I think it's just the thought of him being hours away from me. I think absence does make the heart grow fonder. Missing him teaches me how much I love him and want to marry him. 

I'm really excited about our future! Chris received a job offer from Boeing in Huntsville, AL, so I'm 99% sure that is where we'll begin our life together as husband and wife. I know God put us there. After all, He didn't give us too many choices to make...job or no job. I am concerned about myself finding a job, but I know more jobs will open up in the next couple of months, and hopefully I will be able to get one of those. I have applied for jobs already though. 

Our wedding is offically 79 days away. It sounds further away than it is, 2 months and a couple of weeks. I know it will be here before we know it, and I can't wait. I hope I am relaxed so I can truly cherish that day. 

P.S. I took bridal portraits, and if you want to look, go to our photographer's blog. They're pretty amazing!

Life is Busy. I miss Kona.

Today I have been thinking how drastically Christopher's and my life are going to change. In the next seven months, we will be married, graduated, and (hopefully) working. We will most likely be living in a new city, maybe in a new state making new friends. It's exciting but scary at the same time. I'm really not very scared because I am excited for change. I like being comfortable but I think it's time for a change. It makes it easier knowing that I won't be alone; Christopher (and Kona and maybe even another baby...by baby, I mean dog) will be with me. I know God will provide us with everything we need, whether it be money, shelter, food, etc. I'm really now worried about money because I'm pretty certain that we will both have jobs and will make plenty to survive. Even with the bad economy, teachers and engineers are always needed. 

I have been trying to live my life according to Isaiah 26:8--"Our desire is for Your name and renown." God is most glorified when He is able to show his great power and glory. If we have pride and are too busy talking about how great we are, then how can He show his glory? It's simple--we have to get rid of our pride and look to God who is able to do" immeasurably more than all we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)." Even during football games, I pray that the team and/or fans that glorify God the most will win (Alabama fans, don't try to kill me for that). It's not that I want to lost the game, but I want God to win more. I want to make God's name famous, but to do that, I need to act more like Him. I try but am often not successful. I will strive to do this for the rest of my life, with the help of God, Christopher, and my friends and family. I will continue to pray that the journey that Christopher and I will be taking soon will allow us to make God famous, and I know that God will take care of that because He is in control. 

P.S. I miss Baby Kona! It's way too quiet here, and I have no one to walk or cuddle with at night...except my turtle, but that would be nasty.

-Christie