8/31/11

It's over, over, ovaaaaaar!

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You might be wondering, "What's over? Ovaaaaaar sounds like you are celebrating something!"

Well, our family has been through a lot.  All for our own good and growth, and I praise God for ALL of it!  He has shown how faithful He is over and over again and now a whole new chapter has started and the last chapter is ovaaaaaaaar!

Here is a small list (just the highlights) of trials:

  • Left dream Victorian home for full time ministry
  • Left a great paying job for half of the money
  • Owed $24,000 in credit 
  • Left our home church
  • Suffered at the hands of evil men for 5 years
  • Left that ministry and started one from nothing
  • Lived in MIL's basement for 22 months (homeless)
  • Had no income for several months
  • Car broke down ~ no $, no car, no home
  • Lived for a whole year on less than $12,000 with no government assistance
  • While homeless, old Victorian home was illegally taken (Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae scandal) and had to declare bankruptcy (not a proud moment but couldn't help it)

A New Beginning:

Now, why did I give you a highlight of all our woes?  So I could show you how God turned them all into blessings!


  • Learned how to take huge steps of faith and sacrifice "the American dream" for God, ministry, and others
  • Leaving a lot of money is a faith step ~ depending on God for needs and wants ~ learned to hear His voice
  • Used a large sum of money (from 1st job) to pay off credit cards (and cut them up!)
  • Learned how to feel "at home" in any church and how to be leaders
  • Persevered through persecution, learned a lot about ourselves and able to discern evil spirits
  • Learned how to plant a church and start brand new ministries
  • Grew Spiritually under pressure and became different people
  • Now able to identify with poor and homeless ~ have a HUGE heart for their needs
  • Very grateful for everything we have ~ it changed our lives
  • Learned how to live frugally and make due with what we have ~ resourceful!
  • Depended on God and His provision ~ saw all kinds of miracles
  • Lastly, we learned what not to do!  We can understand what people are going through.  We can help them in their financial hard times.  God is restoring to us 7 fold what the devil stole!  I'm all for that!


So, now the big reveal....  drum roll please... two days ago, we paid off our car 3 months early and are now completely debt free.  We don't owe anyone anything!

It CAN BE done!  You can do it too!  There is a recipe for becoming debt free.  I will share that with anyone willing to listen.

Watch God work!  We have lived in obedience to God and He rewards that!

Romans 13:8Owe nothing to anyone--except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.

Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.


I believe God's Word.  It IS truth.



2 comments:

Kathleen said...

What a FABULOUS testimony, and no doubt exactly what people need to hear during this incredibly challenging, dare I say "painful" times?!!

It's such a blessing to watch you walking upon the high ground. It truly is a testimony to God's faithfulness.

Breathing In Grace said...

As I read this, I saw so much of my husband and myself and some of the trials and tribulations we've gone thru this past year...but GOD...has a plan!!! Thanks for sharing what He's done for you and some of lessons you've learned...it's a help to the rest of us!!! HOPE you have a great weekend!!!

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