Tuesday, January 5, 2010

This post is to answer all of the questions we have received about the recent happenings in our life.

As of this week we will be moving to a new ministry position at a church called Cornerstone in Bethalto, IL with Pastor Phil and Renee Schneider. A few months ago Erik had felt in his heart a need for a transition to take place, and when we went to visit Cornerstone we were so impressed with the staff, the congregation, and the way this church family places value on its community. Many of Erik's gifts align perfectly with this assignment, but there are also areas in which he will be stretched. It's a growing church, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for this time, and the work that He is going to do in us as well.

We spent 5 years at Stone Church in Palos Heights, IL with the students, and we have grown very attached to them and their families. They have supported us and loved us, and we have invested a 100% of our hearts in to them. That is why it so difficult to leave. But, through this entire process, I have felt an unspeakable peace that overwhelms my heart when thoughts of sadness have come. I know that many of them will be in our hearts, and we'll have a bond that spans time and distance.

On a personal level, it has been difficult explaining the transition to our children. As I have polled several ministry kids who are now adults, they have all told me that I should be transparent with my feelings and honest my children regarding ministry. Kent is young, but he has said that he is "mad" that we are moving. I think he is just copying the emotions of his older brother. Being almost 6, Parker is certainly more aware of the situation. He has expressed some anger at God for "making us move", but at the same time he has seen pictures and some videos of our new church, and he has shown signs of excitement as well. All in all, I want them to see the faithfulness of God regardless of life's twists and turns. I want them to see the honor that it is to serve in ministry, and the blessings that come from following God's will. I hope that through my interactions with them, and through the way I react, they will see God's goodness.

This will be stretching for me, because for the last 8 years, I have lived within an hour of my family. It's no secret that I am very close with my family. I talk to my mom and dad at least once a day, and my siblings and aunts multiple times. We visit frequently, and they have been available to help with watching the boys for ministry events. It will be difficult to not see them as much, and to not have the security of being so close. Its funny because when I was a teenager I wanted to be a missionary to Russia. I was ready to go live across the world alone....now, I'm having trouble digesting the fact that I am going to live four hours from my mommy and daddy. But, I know enough to know that God's grace is sufficient. I just have to grab on to it.

We do need prayer to sell our home ASAP. I know the market is down. I know this isn't an ideal time to sell a home. But, I also know God owns the market, and I believe He can orchestrate divine plans to occur. My faith is being stretched, and I have to rely on God more than I ever have before. Finances are a security blanket for me, and now there are many uncertainties regarding our budget. WHEN this home sells, it will be a relief. So please join with us in prayer for that need.

Lastly...we are GINORMOUS Cubs fan moving to Cardinal country. Seriously, Parker's room is currently decorated in all things Cubs, and he said, "Mom, don't put up my Cubs stuff when we move, because then no one will want to be my friend there." Awee. I am going to have to continue to brainwash my children, and teach them to be strong even if they are the minority. This experience will teach them loyalty, and to remain true to the Blue.

Well, that about concludes the update. Any and all prayers on our behalf are welcomed and appreciated. I know that God is good. I believe that God is good. Now I am trying to live like God is good.

4 comments:

Megan said...

Praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Great Blog. I am praying for you and Eric and the boys. I am so excited for you that God is moving in such a huge way in your life contrasted by my sorrow of losing two of my best freinds at Stone Church. May His Sunshine light the path for you and your family:)
Love, Joy and Peace, Valerie Schiller

Angel said...

I'll be praying that your home sells quickly and that your boys adjust great to the new church and area!!! It doesn't matter what the market is, God's in control!

Anonymous said...

Early sexualization costed me ascention.
Sex costs you your chance at ascention.
Only virgin children ascend into heaven.
You're all coming back, reincarnated into this deteriorating enviornment.


Think about what I say. Consider what I teach.
When I am no longer here or no longer teach the Gods ARE NOT going to share with you.
Even if you doubt now you need to remember the principles that I teach because the Gods ARE NOT going to be generous with the disfavored. Society is going to become disturbingly ugly as we approach the Apocalypse due to spiralling, runaway disfavor, WHETHER CONCEALED IN REVERSE POSITIONING OR NOT (like Christianity, like money), and you are going to be on your own.
I do not know when this will occurr, but it is the God's way to grant some time after a learning event such as this before they end on Planet Earth.
Make the decision to always be good and never look back. Until you do this technology will employ tactics to test your resolve:::Ridicule, beligerance, doubt and refusal to abandon what people perceive to be their "investment".
Either you make that decision now and accept the punishment for the sins of this life or you will pay for it in the next, reincarnated into a similarly low role, ensuring another wasted opportunity, or as an even lower form of life, and hope will begin to slip away.
Another lifetime, shot to hell.
Young people who understand yet still wish to have children MUST begin to do the right thing and work on fixing their relationship with the Gods, accepting the punishment for the evil they have done in their lives. Without this progress they won't do the correct thing for their children and ultimately cause even more problems for themselves by continuing this behavior.
You need to be willing to tell the Gods "No." when tested with temptation, and accepting punishment and putting it in your past is the only way you will suceed as a parent.
You need to do the best, teach your children and give them the very best chance to ascend if you want a similar opportunity in your next life.
If you do well for your children now your parents will do well for you when reincarnated.
Pray daily. Think appropriately. Impart these charecteristics upon your children. Too many are confident, unaware of the God's awesome powers or their status as antients. Others may fall prey to their positioning.
Be humbled, God-fearing and beware of the God's temptations, for everyone is tested to evaluate their worthiness.

Much as the celestial event which occured that day on Ocean Beach they say when I die there will be some final clue to the people suggesting my importance. Perhaps a "Star of Bethlehem" type of event.
They say some children see a halo on my head. These are the children who have a chance to ascend.
The entire Situation was a way to offer subtle clues for the "haves", distration-based theater for the "have-nots". With this document I am the end-stage "catch-all", an attempt to help everyone understand. Unfortunately, the Gods have retained the priveledge of refusal, manifested in positioning.

Sexy Parris.
Sexy Dale Fitzgerald.
Sexy Artist Formerly Known As.
Three important clues among many.

The Gods never committed. They are free to walk away from this. And that is exactly what they intend to do.
This is all sunk cost and I recognize it anbd I will respond appriopriately.