Not going to lock the door

I am continually amazed at our Lord Jesus. Seriously. I have been listening to Brandon Heath today and I love these words from his song "Trust You".

" Not going to fight you anymore/ I'm not going to try to lock the door/ You took your life and gave me yours/There's no reason why I shouldn't trust you with mine."

Wow. Sometimes you don't think about it like that! All we think about is how hard it is for us humans to give up what we think is important to us, but in the grand scheme of things..they are pretty meaningless. Jesus said that it would be hard for us to surrender EVERYTHING to Him. But why wouldn't we? Why lock the door when we can open it for Him and have a life we never thought we could have? Why settle for ordinary when we can have EXTRAORDINARY?

God has proven to me over and over that He Loves me so much and that he's not finished me yet! He has great plans for me, I just know it!




On a side note...Friday we find out the sex of the baby! And the baby has begun kicking this week! =)

Quick Update

Things are good with us. Life always brings challanges, but we're learning through them. My uncle, Bob Kring, who has been battling brain cancer for 2 years passed away the Friday after thanksgiving. The funeral was last week and although it was sad for us here on earth, it was so amazing to see how loved and adored my uncle was. Throughout his entire life, he wanted his life to bring God glory, and he truly did.

This semester is done for me (pretty much). I have just one online quiz tomorrow to take from home and then I'm officially done with school until January 5. I am very much looking forward to this break. Allen also has only 1 1/2 left of school until his break begins. We are thankful because he has a strong possiblity of a second job, which will help us. After he's done teaching this school year, many changes may take place, but we're trusting in God. We'll let you know what happens...because we're not even 100% sure yet either!

Being pregnant has been ok. I've gotten sick again with a nasty cold that causes me to "get sick" (shall i say). I really don't want to have to go through all of that again, so hopefully I'll get better quickly! Other than that, things have been fine. It is quite different and weird to be going through these changes for the first time. I'm not quite used to them and at times, it is frustrating..especially when trying to sleep! We're just living and learning! Janurary 2 we find out the sex of the baby...so stay tuned!

Ok, I guess that's it! We continually need prayer..so please keep us in yours! Thanks!

Continual surrendering

Well, in general update with our lives, I am doing great in school. I'm getting really good grades, although I am ready for Christmas break. A chance to rest both my body and brain! I only have two weeks left, so sometimes it is hard to continue studying hard when I know the time left is so short! Pregnancy wise, I am doing much better. It was rough for me the past month and a half or so, but the help of modern medicine, I've been doing much better. I'm starting to feel better and regain some energy, which is nice. Allen is still teaching and doing well with that. He has a short break from soccer until after christmas, although he has picked up helping coaching basketball. So he's always busy!

I have been struggling lately with completely surrending control. (I know, big surprise!) There are some areas in our lives right now that are so unknown and up in the air that it scares me a lot. There isn't a lot that can be done now so I have been been trying to lean wholly on God and again releasing my tight grip on my life. I think it is the first born in me...always trying to be perfect, always trying to please everyone, AND always wanting to control everything in my life. I know that somehow life will work itself out and everything will be ok in the long run; however, if you think about us, please pray for us. (or rather me..that I won't go insane trying to control the uncontrollable!) Anyways. We love Jesus, love each other, and looking forward to loving our little one. God is blessing us in many ways and I just need to remember that amist the bad/stress-causing issues in our lives.

All in all, we're doing well and taking one step at a time! I guess that is all we can do right? God only gives us light to see what's at our feet, not the whole path!

New bundle of joy

Well, in case anyone hasn't heard...God has decided to both surprise and bless Allen and I with a little one due June 1. It is true, we were both shocked at first and nervous, but now we are really excited. There have been so many different "signs" (if you will) from God displaying to me over and over how much He loves me and that He wouldn't give me anything I can't handle. It's like He is whispering in my ear..."Erin, please REMEMBER that I know the plans I have for you--plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." And that is exactly what He is doing, He is giving me a future, a family. I trust in God entirely knowing the He knows what I can and can not handle--He believes that I will make a great mom AND a great PA. I can be both. I will be both.

Academically, God has truly been blessing me as well. I have been doing very well in school. I do work hard, but God has definitely been blessing all of my efforts. These blessings are also whispers in my ear of God telling me.."See, Erin, I told you you could do it. I knew you could do it along. I am so proud of you." In case anyone doesn't know, words are my primary love language. Tone of voice, words used...these all affect me. (ask Allen!) So it not only feels great to hear from my earthly father that he is so proud of me and what I'm accomplishing, it feels amazing to hear (or feel) my Heavenly Father tell me how incredibily proud He is of me.

So as Allen's and I's life takes a change in life towards parenthood, I know without a shadow of doubt in my mind that we are in very capable, loving, and trust-worthy hands.

Speechless

All I can say is that God is faithful. This week I've had some issues that brought doubts to my head in different areas and God has reassured me in not one, not two...but many ways that He has my back and that it is all in His timing. His timing is perfect, even if we can't understand right now. I was amazed at how many times in one day God revealed Himself to me telling me how much He loves me and is looking out for me. It is so nice to know that God is right there behind you supporting you and loving you each and every step of the way. How amazing is our God!!!

On a side note, school has been going well for me. I have been studying VERY hard (as Allen will agree since I don't see him all that much), but it has paid off because this week I got A's on both tests (two different classes). It is nice to see that hard work pays off. Although, I definitely know that it was not all me in those tests, but God with me. I definitely give Him ALL the credit.

Allen is doing well also. He is keeping busy with soccer. His middle team will be done in three weeks, while his highschool aged team will be done in about a month and a half. Teaching is going well and we're hoping and praying that he finds another part time job for the mornings. He has been great while I've been studying, supporting me and being there when I just need him to hold me, take a break with me, or make me laugh. I am very lucky to have such an amazing, compassionate, sensitive husband.

Well, that's about it for today. On monday, in lab, I get to cut into the skull and remove the brain (very cool!). (I know that wasn't really relevant--I just think it is exciting.) Have a great day everyone and rest in God's peace, love, and grace!

In love, Erin

Bifid spinous process

Things have went well this week. I am working hard studying all the time, but not that stressed about it because I know God is with me every step of the way and also, I have confidence in my abilities (through Christ). It's amazing the peace that God can bring when you just trust Him! (who would have thought right?)

Allen is also doing well. He's been keeping busy with soccer and school. He also started being a small group leader for the 5th and 6th graders at church and is starting to get involved in Element (the Friday night youth outreach). I am very proud of him and excited to see where God takes him.

Well, that's it for now! I need to get back to studying...as you can (or can't ) tell from the post, I'm studying the back in advanced anatomy. (and pretty much EVERYTHING having to do with the back). But I love it! See you soon!

In love, Erin

My fortress, My Deliverer

Sometimes (ok, a lot of times) I tend to get stressed out very easily and have panick attacks. Obviously, with school starting, I have already had a few. With continual prayer of letting go of my control and reliquishing Satan, I will, however, overcome. I have found a couple of verses that are my weapons agains Satan when he is attacking me.

"I will love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust. My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise, so shall I be saved from my enemies." Psalms 18:1-3

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

This is an everday battle for me, so I would appreciate any and every prayers for me. I am learning to truly let go completely and trusting in God fully.

In Love, Erin

...And the madness begins

Today was the official start of the crazy busy schedule in Allen and I's lives. He officially started school today and I had my first class today. Our schedules are pretty crazy. I'm thinking that my rear end will probably be perfectly formed to my desk chair in the next coming weeks with the all of the studying that is going to be put in. Even though this may seem pessimistic, I am really excited to finally be learning topics that I am so passionate about. That actually makes it fun, if you can believe it. =)

This week, Allen has a couple of soccer games to coach and a full week of teaching. I'm sure he's already looking forward to the weekend. (like everyone does!)

Well, guess what? Time for me to get back to hitting the books! Pathophysiology is calling my name!

In love, Erin

Start of school..

As many of you know, in about a week, Allen and I's lives will become more intense and busy as ever! Allen is coaching two soccer teams, teaching, and the acting athletic director! I will be working one day a week and the rest of my week will be filled with studying because in about a week, I will start PA (physician assistant) school. We are very excited about our next journey in life, but also need lots of prayers since this fall we may not see much of each other!

Hopefully, we'll (or rather I) will be able to keep up somewhat with this blog. I am "virgin" to blogging, if you will, but I'm hoping to help keep the family and friends updated that do not live close by!

In love, Erin