Things Change. God doesn't.

You know when people ask, "what's new?" and you feel awkward because you really have nothing new to report? I've been in that situation numerous times and I always try desperately to find something to share that may have carry a small amount of interest. Well, these days, I find myself in an entirely different circumstance. When people ask "What's new?", I truly don't know where to begin. So much has been going on in our lives. So many unexpected surprises and blessings, so many decisions, and so many chances to embrace God's perfect work in our lives...even when it seems so confusing. So, I think it is time to update the blogging world. I want to say that I am sorry I could not have this conversation in person with each of my friends, and if any of you feel shocked to find this information on my blog, I do apologize. A lot of the decisions have been made quickly and it is a difficult and emotional conversation to have. So, before I freak anyone out to much, let's just get to the point.

First of all, there's this surprise:

That's right! This little guy (or girl) will be arriving in our family sometime around the beginning of May. Because I know everyone's question is whether or not we planned this, I will just say that we know by now that we don't make the plans. God does. We are thankful for this little life and happy to report that he or she seems to be developing well and on track at 14 weeks! Our thankfulness, though, does not come without questions and concerns. Because we are unexpectedly expecting this little one, we have had to make some adjustments and admendments to our previous plans. As many of you know, we have been under a lot of financial pressure lately. We know that, especially with a third child on the way, we can not continue down the path we are on and have had to make some difficult decisions about our future. Because of that, we have made the extremely difficult decision to move to Pennsylvania and stay with my parents for a little while. They have graciously extended an offer to us and we are humbled to accept. We are taking a step of faith and trusting that the Great Provider will take care of our needs. Please pray with us: that our transition would go smoothly, that God would open up the right doors for Kirk to find a good job that can support us, and that in all things, Christ would be exalted.

This is a hard transition for us. Kirk and I have lived in Indiana for 9 years! This is home now. We are established and have some great friendships and memories here. We will be so incredibly sad when we leave here. Obviously, the idea of being closer to family is exciting and we will be so thankful to have them close, but we will undoubtedly miss the midwest and our incredible friends. We are moving next week. It is a quick move, but was a financial decision. Since we had already planned to make a trip out there at Thanksgiving, we figured moving there at that time would put the smallest burden on us financially.

So, how is that for an update? I want to say thank you for your prayers for us this past year as we have had so many transitions and decisions to make. We are so humbled by the outpouring of love and support from our friends and family...and even people we hardly know. We are also so thankful for the consistency of our God. He never changes, even when things seem to change at the drop of a hat everywhere else. We have seen God's faithfulness proved again and again and are more aware of his love for us now than we ever have been before. He is a great God.

And a few pictures of today to send you off:

Sweet Leah, who loves hamming it up for the camera these days.

Elijah doesn't love the camera, but is still cute :).

Love this one! They are crazy about each other!

And some family cuddle time on the bed. I just love my family!

"For the LORD is good and his faithfulness endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." -Psalm 100:5