Time for a prayer list update!

When we first posted this blog, we had just moved and were experiencing all these unknowns in our lives. I thought it would be a good time to go back through the list and see what God has done for us lately!


1. Item #1 was "That my house in Owego sells FAST--by the end of November, and it sells for a good profit". My house DID sell (well, I had a contract on it by then, anyways) by the end of November--In fact, it just closed this past Friday. I made a good enough profit that I was able to pay off my outstanding mortgage, closing costs, final bills and still have money left over. AMEN!!!!!

2. "That in spite of our deep hurt, anger and sadness that we can look beyond that to the promises of the Bible and Christ's Resurrection and find a way to find and make peace and forgiveness. That we do not become bitter, faithless or spiritless as a result of the trauma we are facing" Still working on these two, every day, but we are strong and happy as a family and making the best of what we have. Our story isn't turning out the way WE would write it, but we are trusting God and following his lead!

3 . That I keep my strength up, both in my faith, physically and mentally. This has been one answered prayer after another. I had been dealing with a number of health issues over the past year that are basically resolving themselves. I am still dealing with some arthritis/auto-immune symptoms that are periodically annoying, but being monitored and don't seem to be anything in particular. My recent blood work and visits to the endocrinologist, rhematologist and surgeon were VERY positive. My thyroid tumor is shrinking, and doesn't seem to be anything more than a benign, empty lump. (we call him Fred, and Fred is on one serious diet these days!)

4. And please ask the same for my family, especially my mother. Well????? :)

5. That Scott and I can meet our financial needs throughout this mess. I need to find a job. I need a job that pays well but allows me the flexibility to meet the kids' needs and my needs to appear in court periodically. So far so good! We are warm, fed and clothed and able to pay all our bills and even have some fun here and there. We are working together as a couple and a family--a luxury I have never had the pleasure of enjoying. We do need to address some backed up debt from both our family court issues. We are exploring options for this, and would appreciate prayer that we find the best one for our needs. The quicker we can pay them off, the quicker we can both get back in there fighting. We were almost going to be short this month, but then my house money came, and I have been working so amazingly enough, here was enough money for the bills and now we are ahead again. Yay God!

6. We also have a need for health insurance to kick in for the girls quickly as we have a monthly prescription bill for the girls that tops $2000. The girls insurance ran out January 1st, and I just found out today that they are approved--I just need to send a copy of their cancellation letter. The new insurance will be back-dated to January 1st, so we are all set there. (hallelujah!)

7. We also need to find a primary care Dr., a neurologist, a psychiatrist/psychologist, a rhematologist, a heart specialist, and an endocrinologist that are a reasonable distance from our home and can serve our needs quickly and effectively AND be good with kids!!!!! This is the next biggie--I don't want to be driving all over the place three times a week to consult people I don't like or understand.

8. That all our travel between CT and NY is safe and that our cars hold up. So far, so good!!!! Keep praying, though, because both our cars are due for maintenance......

9. That Alannah and Aidan's academic and social needs are not disrupted by our travel needs. That our family is blessed, not burdened or damaged by our travel needs.That Alannah and Aidan are able to deal with the emotional strain this has put on them. That their new school will be a blessing to them both academically and socially. They are doing GREAT. Alannah just tried out for the school play and made call backs for the lead. (Beauty and the Beast, Belle) Aidan is making good friends. We actually have made travelling fun. We have been able to break trips up with visits with Andrea, Curt (Alannah and Aidan's dad) and mom and dad are able to help with transportation.

10. That we find and make connections in our new community that help, support and minister to us, and give us an opportunity to reach out to others' needs. There is nothing like helping someone else, and lord knows others are suffering right along beside us! We just found out that friends of Scott's from high school live just down the road from us! We invited them over last weekend and had a great time. They have kids that are similar in age to ours. We have met some of our neighbors and are starting to get to know people. We found a church that the kids love with a huge Sunday School and Youth Program. I have been approached about serving on the youth committee. I am feeling possibly called to volunteer to help out with the school play.........

11. That Susie and Dan are wrapped in God's love and protection. That if there is any evidence of suffering on their part that someone who can do something about it notices and is led to report it. That the judge allows liberal and unhindered visitation with Susie and Dan and me and my family.That my lawyer can represent me fairly and effectively. That I can continue to pay her on time so my case can keep moving through the system. That if there is evidence to support us we will procure it. That our faithfulness to honesty and fairness will be rewarded by justice and vindication as promised by God. That the hand and voice of God is working in the hearts and minds of judicial leaders that hold the answers to my cases. This is just going to take TIME. We do have GREAT visitation--in fact, I sat down and added it up, and we actually have them MORE time than William does. (go figure) Susie and Dan love it here, they love Scott and they miss their sisters and Mommy very much. BUT, we are all working to make the best of what we have right now, and trying to find the happy things. We hug A LOT when they are here.... as much as we laugh and have a great time together.


AND, last but not least, that we are open to the voice and leading of God and that we can accept, humbly, his calling for our lives irregardless of his plan. PSALM 24!!!!! (Oh yeah!)

So.... THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of you who keep us in your prayers, and please keep them coming. Prayers work!!!!!!

P.S. Our bonus prayer--the one I didn't ask for, at least back in October, anyways... (hahahahaha) was that the STEELERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!! Whoooooooooo!!!!!!!