Modern Day Muellers

George Mueller (1805-1898)

Philippians 4:6-7 says to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The first person that comes to mind when I hear these verses is George Mueller. He was a man of great faith that trusted God for everything. He fully relied on God to meet his needs and those of the orphans he cared for, and God never let them down. He always blessed them in extraordinary ways that could only be explained through faith and God.
Many things have changed for us in the past few years. We started out with huge plans of building our two story dream home and having three or four kids.
The first change came when, after having two precious boys, we were advised not to conceive again,  but God had already been at work in our hearts planting the seeds of adoption.
Our second big change came when Matthew (shortly followed by Gabe) was diagnosed with Autism. God first blessed us with a church family that has a wonderful children's ministry and a heart for special needs children.  Then, God came through in a mighty way in the selling of our house that had been on the market for six years.  This enabled us to move and enroll Matthew in the best ever preschool. We have since watched him grow, learn and meet and exceed goals. We also look forward to Gabe starting to preschool with Matthew around his 3rd birthday in January.
The third and biggest game changer occurred when Mike had a heart attack during a training exercise at work. This has actually led to a roller coaster of changes. First, Mike was actually diagnosed with a heart condition which can not be fixed by surgery. He can only attempt to prevent a repeat heart attack through avoiding strenuous activities and taking blood pressure medications. This diagnosis led to the determination that Mike is no longer eligible to be a firefighter. The uncertainty gave us cause to put a hold on our house building. Shortly after, Mike did in fact receive notice of the decision to terminate his employment with his final day then being about three weeks out. Since that day, Mike has filed forms for medial retirement, as well as cashing out certain other retirement plans he has paid into while working. All of which we don't expect to amount to his full paycheck as a firefighter. Knowing this, last week we contacted the builders and closed the file for our house. The next day, we were in Dothan and started noticing the mobile home lots. We actually liked one of the double wides we could see from the road.  We were impressed that it was bigger than what we thought typical double wides are,so we pulled in and inquired. We were then pleased to find out that we could get a 5 bed 3 bath for less (actually half) the price we were planning to build for. We can even raise the pitch of the roof, add porches ad brick around the bottom and still come in well under original budget, so we had pretty much talked ourselves into doing this. We planned to use the money from cashing out Mike's retirement to clear and site prep our land and install the well and septic. Great! Thank you God for providing us with a new direction. Enter next change... today. When we checked the mail, we unknowingly opened a letter that was not to us but to the actual home owner. We think God intended it to happen though to give us a head start. The letter was a notice that the homeowner has defaulted on the mortgage. He has not made a mortgage payment since March. This makes us feel very uneasy. Our rental contract was actually up two weeks ago. We didn't re-sign because we were hoping to move onto our land soon and didn't want to be locked into another contract. We pay a month in advance as a safety net in case of hard times, so we are actually already paid up through the month of June.
So here we are... from birthing to adopting, from federal firefighter to unemployed and uncertain of future funds, from two story home to NICE mobile home. This has definitely been one of those cases of "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans." Through it all, we have learned patience. We have learned to sit and listen for what God says to do next. We have learned that we have no control, that God alone holds the future. We have learned to lean not on our own understanding, because God's thoughts and plans are much higher and better than our own. But most of all, we have seen and felt God's love for us, that with all the billions of people in the world, He knows us, loves us and is steadily meeting our needs and providing for our future. Even before we know there is a problem, He already has the answer. Everyone has struggles. No one can make it on their own. We can fool ourselves thinking we have everything under control, but it is only temporary. Everyone needs God. Faith in Him and salvation through Jesus Christ are the only way. That is what George Mueller knew too. Let God direct your paths, because where He leads He also provides. The course may not be easy, but when God is with you, you can have peace in knowing that everything is going to be alright.

Just Five Days Till Everything Changes

Just 5 days left till everything changes. As of that day, Mike will no longer be a firefighter, and at this point we don't know what to expect. We will be without insurance. Mike has filed so many forms already, and we still have more to file that we can't until he is officially unemployed. It is going to be a very busy and uncertain time for us as we get everything figured out as best we can. We really aren't worried at this point, because we know God holds the future and is already there. His hands are all over our lives, and it's actually a little exciting to see what they are shaping our future into. I know the nerves and panic will likely increase in the days ahead. The uncertainty is unsettling, and we are going to need patience, peace and prayers. We thank you all for having kept us in your prayers through all of this already. God blessed us with some truly great family and friends.

An Update / Prayer Request

As many of you know, Mike suffered a heart attack at work on 10/29/2013. On 2/13/2014, a similar incident occurred while again at work. He has since been deemed medically unqualified to perform the duties of Firefighter. What most of you don't know is that recently he was given a "Proposed Letter of Removal". Basically it states that within no more than 30 days from that letter's date he would be out of the job. We have about two weeks left in that time frame. He filed for reasonable accommodation efforts (to find another job for him) but was denied.
Our current situation is this:
Mike has filed all appropriate forms for medical retirement benefits, but they could take up to 9 months to hear from. Only having 2 weeks of actual employment left, that is a bit scary to consider the potential 8+ months in between. In order to keep his current insurance, he must stay in the federal system. With Mike's medications and Gabe's therapies and vitamins, we need the benefits his insurance has been providing. Job hunting efforts have been unsuccessful to say the least. Even getting another job, he wouldn't make as much as he was making as a Federal Firefighter. We know that unemployment won't come near what he was making either. So the next several months are going to be tight until he hears from his retirement, which we pray goes through.
To say we aren't a little nervous would be a lie. We are. But we also have a great peace in knowing that none of this took God by surprise. We know that everything is going to work out to the glory of God. We have faith. We are still holding tight to our adoption plans. House building is very much on hold for the time being, and that's OK. It will happen when it is meant to. We know that great things are coming. God will provide all of our needs according to His will.
Through this, we would GREATLY appreciate it if you would keep us in your prayers. God has heard and answered so many of the prayers of ours and our prayer warriors, and we know that He will do no less with this situation. Thank you all.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone! Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and on the third day He rose from the grave conquering death. Now He reigns in Heaven. Our Savior is risen, and one day He will come again to take His children home. If you don't know Jesus, I pray today is the day you change that. Embrace a relationship with the One who paid it all for you, for everyone, while we were but sinners. He took our punishment and became sin so that our sin would be washed away. We have the victory in his name. No greater love.

Sorting It All Out

Due to changes in Mike's working conditions and uncertainties in his employment/income, we have put our house building process on hold for the time being. However, we are making lemonade from these lemons. We had hoped to have our house built in time for our new addition, but circumstances change. We intend to make the best of the house we are currently in. We are cleaning out our bonus (storage) room and going to turn it into our 4th bedroom. It's going to take alot seeing as how we have ALOT of storage and the previous tenants took the room door off the hinges and disposed of it, but junk can be sold and doors can be replaced. Just please keep us in your prayers as we realign and sort through the details. We know God has everything under control, and we are praying and seeking His will in all situations. We feel strongly that He means for us to keep pressing on, and He will prepare our path ahead just as He has always done. One day at a time, we are going to get there. Thank you all, and God bless.

Prayer Please

Please be in prayer for our family. God is at work in several areas of our lives. So much has happened the past few weeks, and we know great things are coming. Our prayer is for patience and wisdom as He works, that we will not hinder His Will but be a positive testimony of His works, love and compassion. Please also be in prayer for our extended family. Several of our family members are sick, battles ranging from aches and pains to cancer. Many are experiencing emotional trials also. Nothing is too big OR too small for our God. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.

Valentines Day, Hearts and Love

For those who do not know, Mike had another episode with his heart at work on February 13th and had to be taken to the E.R. via ambulance. We ended up spending the night in the E.R. Observation Unit. Our Valentines Day started out with us waking up in the hospital. No breakfast. Mike was told he couldn't eat just in case they needed to order any certain tests that required that. Out of love and respect I didn't eat either. Around 1:00 they finally brought Mike a tray as it was determined there was no test they could run that he hadn't already had done in the past few months. Since he had food I went down to the cafeteria to get a plate and brought it back to eat with my Valentine. Mike was released shortly after finishing lunch. We went and picked up Mike's truck at his work and got his new prescriptions filled on the way home. We got home, shortly followed by Mama bringing the boys home. Then came supper, which was hamburger helper and steamed corn courtesy of Mike, followed by Finding Nemo (twice). There was no romantic getaway or dinner for two or flowers or candles. There were no expensive gifts. In fact, Mike and I didn't get each other gifts at all (just treats for the boys). And that is OK. We had each other and we were together. We came home and enjoyed family time together. It's the little things. Nothing says love like knowing you have nothing to give but yourself, nothing to do but talk and watch game shows and reruns and nothing to cook but hamburger helper and knowing that is ENOUGH. There is no where else I would rather have been than with my Valentine on Valentines Day... for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health as long as we both shall live. You are stuck with me, Michael Laramore. I love you.