House Update

Quick update folks-- we are closing on the house tomorrow morning. I know for some people this is no big deal at all. For me, this is huge. I feel the need to celebrate and freak out all at the same time. We don't plan to move in for a while because we want to do some renovating to the inside and we are blessed to be able to stay in our current location until that work is done. I know the next few months is going to be filled with decision-making, first experiences, and eventually moving which may all be stressful but it will be worth it to enjoy our first home together. We are truly blessed. Hopefully as the summer moves on we will be able to post updates on our progress. Keep us in your prayers!

Easter

We celebrated a wonderful Easter Sunday with our families this past weekend. Our minister and song leader were used by the Holy Spirit to deliver an outstanding worship service and I was literally moved to tears as we sang Worthy is the Lamb. I am thankful that he who had no sin was sent to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)....the righteousness of God. When I think of myself and my inadequacies, I cannot imagine being the embodiment of the righteousness of God. But that is the amazing gift of grace that God gave us through Christ, his sacrifice and his resurrection.

Thank you for the cross, Lord.
Thank you for the price you paid.
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love you came
And gave amazing grace

Thank you for this love, Lord.
Thank you for the nail pierced hands.
Washed me in your cleansing flow
Now all I know
Your forgiveness and embrace

Worthy is the Lamb
Seated on the Throne
Crown you now with many crowns
You reign victorious
High and lifted up
Jesus, Son of God
The darling of Heaven, Crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

Update

I know we haven't posted in a while. This month has been CRAZY. Spring is busy for me in the semester at work, but we have also been busy personally and had to take care of a few things. I do want to say this-- thank you for your thoughts and prayers on the house situation. We found one. :)

This past weekend, Jack and I were out working in the yard. While moving trucks around we missed 4 phone calls from our realtor. She left a message on both of our phones. When I did get back in touch with here is how our conversation went:
Realtor: "Are you in town?"
Me: "Yes..."
Realtor:"I have a house you need to see. It has some great features for you and a huge outbuilding that Jack will love. You need to come see it."

So Jack and I talked briefly and we asked her when would be a good time to come by.
Realtor: "Now."
Me: "Well, we've been working in the yard all day, we aren't cleaned up at all."
Realtor: "Doesn't matter. No one is here. Come on over. You've got to see it."

So Jack and I got into the car with the faint smell of our outdoor workmanship and headed off to see this house. Part of the reason the realtor was in such a hurry was because the house was priced very well. Very well. Her concern was that if we wanted it and we didn't move on it soon that someone else would make an offer before us.

So we went to see it and it was great. We brought our families in and they loved it too. While we normally take a long time to make these kinds of decisions, we also knew that other people would be seeing the house that afternoon. So we went ahead and made an offer. By Sunday afternoon, we were on our way to buying a house! Now we are in the process of inspections, securing the loan, etc and it is wonderfully distracting. If everything continues as hoped we will move in sometime this summer after we have done some updating to the inside of the home.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. We are very excited that we have found a home and we pray that everything moves smoothly from here.