June 26

June 26 was our second anniversary. It's hard to believe it has only been two years since our wedding. So much has happened in those two years. Last year, at this time we were on the road to California, and our first anniversary was actually observed sometime between Ohio and Iowa. Needless to say, we didn't celebrate until we were settled in our apartment. Since we didn't take a trip (just for our anniversary), Joshua planned for us to spend the weekend up in South Lake Tahoe. He made a great choice!



We stayed at the Black Bear Inn Bed and Breakfast. Very cute!
We went hiking on Monday to see a waterfall that flows into this lake.

I'm standing in front of Emerald Bay - part of Lake Tahoe.

My handsome husband.

Lake Tahoe is beyond the strip of woods separating the two bodies of water. We actually drove between them, and it was awesome to be able to look over on either side of the narrow strip of land, which was also high above the water.

We had a wonderful time, and we hope to be able to go back in the near future! I love you Joshua with all of my heart!

Promises

Romans 8:28-30 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

Job 42:1 - 6 "Then Job answered the Lord and said, 'I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct me. I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You; therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes."

Habakkuk 3:17 - 19 "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places."

Cars!

Joshua, Janice, and I saw Cars on Saturday night, and I highly recommend it! It is extremely funny, and it has a great message. I didn't think I would like it, but I'm glad I saw it. I would definitely see it again.

Back on the house hunt...

Joshua and I are back on the house hunt. We finally decided that the house we found wasn't worth the struggle. When we found out at the beginning of May about the title issue and potential probate proceedings, we wondered whether we would even get the house in the end. Since it appeared that we would, Joshua and I decided to wait. However, in the past couple of weeks, we haven't been able to agree with the sellers over repairs and such, and after we decided to extend the escrow period because of the issue with the title (the sellers' issue), they decided to get pushy. So, after trying everything to resolve the disagreement without success, we withdrew from the contract. Now, the only issue remaining is to convince the sellers to instruct the title company to release our deposit, which is rightfully ours. We thought we found the house, and instead it became a headache. However, the one thing I know for certain is the Lord is still in control, and His plan will be carried out.

It has been a hard three months. We have had several struggles with Joshua's middle school, he has been looking for a job, and we've been searching for a home. Now, in the last two weeks, we've had a huge issue with his school, we're trying to get our deposit back, and we're back on the house search. Through it all, the Lord has been faithful to remind us of His promises, and we are so thankful for our church family. It would be easy for us to wonder if we made the right decision moving to California. We both had fine jobs, a home, a church family, and friends. However, we firmly believe the Lord brought us to this area, even with all of the difficulties, because He wanted us to be at River City Grace Community Church. We have been blessed with the messages, and recently, they have been dealing even more with the sovereignty of God and His timing and purposes. I know the Lord has a reason for what we are going through, and hopefully in the end, we will be able to look back and see how He refined us and deepened our walk with Him. By the way, Janice, you should get the sermon tapes from May 7 and May 28.