We were reflecting about the crazy journey that God was leading us on when Evan remarked how incredible it was to look back at our whole relationship together - and even our whole lives - and be able to see now how God had been preparing us for this very experience. The longer we discussed this, the more clarity we both had about this revelation.
When Evan and I were engaged and preparing for his graduation from college (I had graduated the previous year), I really wanted to move away. We had both spent our whole lives in central Illinois, and I really wanted to experience a different city. Well Evan received a good job offer from a national bank...and out of all of the places they could have placed him, he got Springfield, our hometown...where so many of our family still lives and so many of our friends ended up too.
A few years later, Connor was born. My whole pregnancy and time on maternity leave, I felt deep in my heart that I should stop working full-time so that I could be home with Connor and work from home as a freelance writer and run my photography studio. We crunched all the numbers and for a while, didn't believe it was financially even possible, let alone d0-able. But after a few months, thanks to a turn of events at my job, we made the leap of faith and have been constantly amazed at the opportunities that the Lord has brought our way.
Looking back, I am certain that God was leading me to be home so that I can now be home with both of my babies. I am certain that I would have had to quite a full-time job in order to care for Brenna if I wasn't already working from home... but instead we have learned to live on a lot less and be more frugal and purposeful with our money during the last couple of years so that now we're not being hit with the shock of losing a second full-time income.
These are just a few pieces of God's plan that have become obvious to us so that we could welcome and care for one of his precious angels.
And yet, even before we met, God's plan was in action. He knew that we would need so much support from family and friends, and our community, so he ensured that the vast majority of our family and friends would be living here in town. He gave us these wonderful people in our lives who have stepped up to give us, and our babies, unwavering support and show us what unconditional love looks like.
I am so thankful for this great plan of his and the preparation he gave us so that we are now able to care for our special girl to the best of our abilities and lavish endless love upon her and Connor.
What a blessing to have such a loving support group surrounding you. Your Connor and Brenna are, I'm sure, showered w/ love and encouragement. I was a stay-at-home mama to our adult daughters and now I'm a stay-at-home Mawmie to JoElla & Addison. There have been sacrifices, but well worth it. Praise the high and holy name of Almighty God for how He is using you to make His name famous! To God be all the glory!
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I believe I know exactly how you feel. I used to call it hindsight - now I call it faith. We are all blessed. Sounds like you have a good gratitude list! Prayers keep coming...
ReplyDeleteCourtney, when Fred and I met you at the Murphy wedding we knew that you were a special person. I had no idea that in a few short months you would be a part of our daily lives as we read every day about Brenna's amazing journey and your strength as a mother. You and Evan are a true example of what a strong marriage, built on love and faith can face. God did have a plan and he has made all of us stronger by giving you the courage and strength to share Brenna's story with all of us. To know that your family is surrounded by love and support from all over the world must be emotionally overwhelming at times but a true sign of the power of prayer and the goodness in people. Thank you for sharing your blessed angel with us and may God continue to bless and watch over your precious family.
ReplyDeleteOMG that is so true...only God knows...you both are amazing people...god bless you & your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteThis is a blessing from my "Prayers & Blessings" booklet:
ReplyDeleteBlessing of a Family in a Home
Almighty and Eternal God,
your fatherly tenderness never ceases to provide for our needs.
We ask you to bestow on this family and this home
the riches of your blessing.
With the gift of your grace sanctify those who live here,
so that, faithful to your commandments,
they will care for each other,
ennoble this world by their lives,
and reach the home you have prepared for them in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
My prayers are with you throughout this day, little Brenna and family.
I was just thinking the other day about how glad I am you guys are in Springfield with both of your families around. So thankful you have the help around - now you just need to remember to not be afraid to ask for it!
ReplyDeleteAmen to faith. I worked as a waitress for 24 years. I applied for a job working in the dining rooms of a long term care nursing home. They cross train you, so I was trained as a nurses aide also. 6 months after I recieved my STNA training I needed and used it to take care of my dying mom, my dad when he fell and broke his hip and then again after my daughter had a serious accident and I had to take care of her during 3 surgeries 1600 miles away from home. Both my parents have passed away and my daughter is fully recovered, but one of the owners of the nursing home asked me one day, "what brought you to us?" And I replied without thinking "God" He knew the training I would need for all who needed me. I'm praying for your beautiful family. KathyL.
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