Double birthday

Yesterday, these two girls....



turned two!



(These last pictures are from two months ago, I wasn't able to put their birthday photos up as my camera equipment is packed awaiting freedom when we move into our house)

Laughter,
toys,
cake,
smiles,
a day in the fall weather,
throwing rocks into the river,
"quietly" sneaking up on squirrels as they bury their acorns,
sliding with brother,
dancing with sister,
swinging with daddy,
running through the grassy field in two different directions,
skipping an official nap and only dozing in the car...
a glimpse of the second birthday of twin girls.

"Come, let us return to the Lord"

How beautiful are the words of Hosea? I love these particular verses and have read them so many times...in times of hardship and in times of peace. A reminder of God's knowledge of all we go through, and His promise to always hold us, to always see us through, to keep us always in His arms.

"Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but He will heal us;
He has injured us
but He will bind up our
wounds.

After two days He will revive us;
on the third day He will restore us,
that we may live in His
presence.

Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to
acknowledge Him.

As surely as the sun rises,
He will appear;
He will come to us like the winter
rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth."

Hosea 6: 1-3

Did you read that? "As surely as the sun rises, He will appear" No matter what. Despite what we are going through. Despite our own lack of faith, He will appear. He does not depend on us; He will appear...to heal us, to bind us, to restore us, to revive us...so that we may live in His presence.

A beautiful worship song made from these verses is here. Be reminded of His unending and unfailing promise. He will come...you will be restored.

Have a peaceful day,
Amy

Houses

Our first house fell through. The sellers couldn't wait any longer, so they put it back on the market. A day later we heard from the bank, and it was a go...but now we had no house.

So we had to find a new house. House B we fell in love with. It was a beautiful, big house, just perfect for our family. It was $10,000 over what we could afford. I felt very good about this house though, so despite our realtor warning us it was a long shot, we put an offer in. We received a verbal counter offer from them, something we could actually do. We, of course, accepted, and were just waiting to sign the papers. Our realtor called. Before he received the written, signed counter offer, another offer came in which they accepted. It was pretty shady, but there was nothing we could do about it.

Looking for houses again, we found a nice home, nothing compared to house B, but very nice. We went to put an offer in... it was already under contract.

House D we found and it was a beautiful house. First day on the market. We offered full price, and it was accepted. Finally, right? Well, we went for our home inspection, everything is great. The last thing he checks is in the crawl space...termites. Lots of termites. The house needs to be treated and repaired and it will take months. No more house D.

Of course we are being as positive as possible, knowing that God is doing something, teaching us things, and that He will bring us to the right house, (which I still think is House B.)

We put an offer in on house E. The house was okay, but we were settling for this one. It was not what we were looking for. They counter offer. As we are deciding what to do, we get a phone call...

House B fell through. They want us to put our offer back in, which will be accepted. So we are finally under contract for the perfect house, the one I knew was supposed to be ours. Home inspection has passed (and no termites), our closing date is Oct. 16 or sooner.

I never want to buy a house again. :) This has definitely been an adventure.

But God is good, and we are continuing to trust Him, knowing He will work it all out for us.

Have a beautiful weekend,
Amy