I CANNOT believe it has been one year since I posted on this blog. Life has been busy of course, but really?
The good news is, we are still in Stillwater, OK. The bad news is, we MOVED again!
I guess it's not really bad news, but moving is hard!
Anyway, we were going to move this summer, to a little bit bigger home, since we have 5 kids, 4 of which are still home, but the contract fell through. So we were good with that, stay where we were, in a smaller home, with all our stuff being stored in 7 different places! Yes, that is correct, 7 different places. But still, trusting, God's timing, not ours. Well, we started the school year and all that it brings. We had Jesse's football schedule, Ruth's cross country schedule, Esther's volleyball schedule, and Anna's cross country schedule to work around. Joshua asked if he could sign up for flag football, and my answer was "Heck No!!" (His time is coming!) So, packing up the trailer and heading out every weekend to somewhere in Kansas for football, plus throwing a xc meet or VB game in there, sometimes we would be in 3 different cities, 2 different states in a matter of 24 hours!!
Right in the middle of this, the people who owned the house we had put a contract on over the summer, came back to us and offered us a deal we couldn't refuse, so after praying and signing the paperwork, we had to close in 2 weeks. All of a sudden, in the midst of an already crazy schedule, we were moving across town!!
This was exciting and exhausting all at the same time, because you know, the Ray Ford Family does not pay movers!! We do it ourselves. Ha! So we spent the next few weeks, slowly but surely trickling things over to the new home. But as we got to the end of the month, Ray said he was not paying another month in storage, so we HAD to get the storage stuff over to the new home by Friday. Well, that was fine, except, we had a XC meet in Arkansas, and a football game in KS, along with 2 volleyball games that week, both an hour drive away! The boxes were not the difficult part, and we were able to get that over in about 5 trips, but the RV, oh baby, that was a different story! You see, we have a large separate garage/workshop/RV storage at our new home. I call it the barn. Anyway, it is great, but the people before us didn't have an RV/5th wheel, so they built a loft type structure, to use as storage. It was right in the spot were the back half of the 5th wheel needed to go in the barn, so we had to take that out. Well, Ray wasn't about to waste that great storage, so instead of dismantling it, he wanted to MOVE it. Now this thing probably weighed 700+ lbs. It was attached to the side of the wall, but had 4 large beams that supported it, like legs. Ray decided that we could just cut it away from the wall and move it over on wheels. After we propped it up on skate boards, furniture dollies and the like, and tried to move it a few feet, we rethought! So the next day, while the kids were at school, Ray and I attempted to move this thing. He attached casters to the 4 legs and we began to push. It was sooooo exciting, the thing was moving, we were so proud of ourselves, we were gonna have this thing moved and secured to the other side of the barn in a matter of 30 minutes.
Well, pride cometh before the fall.......... we ran into a little finagling around the garage door and while Ray was trying to figure out how to manuver it, the thing started to fall!! We could hear wood cracking, and I was supporting one leg, Ray ran over to support the other, and we were huffin' and puffin' like to old fat people, sweat beads pouring from our faces. We couldn't move, yet, we had to get something under this thing or it was coming down!! About that time we look up and here comes 2 Jehovah Witnesses!! They asked if they could have a few minutes of our time!!! What?! Can you not see we are in dyer need of some assistance?! Ray said "No! We are a little busy at the moment, but you can help us if you want!" They declined, but then asked if they could leave some reading material for us?! You have got to be kidding! No!
After they left, Ray said, "Ok, I am gonna step away and grab the ladder, and try to prop it up underneath, if it starts to fall on you, just run away!!" Oh my gosh, how do I get myself into these situations with this guy?? Well, he was able to get the ladder under the structure before it fell on top of me, and we stepped away for a moment. He decided we would use the tractor, and lift the weight up off the legs, while we moved it, then secure it into place before we moved the tractor. Long story short, 10 hours later, after we started this project, we had the stucture moved and secured into place. A friend stopped by while we were in the process and gave alot of support and encouragement, but like she said, it looked like a 700 lb spider on roller skates!!
Needless to say, we were exhausted after working ALL DAY on this short quick little job, and we were supposed to get on the road that night and head to Fayetteville, AR for Ruth's XC meet the next day. Well, I thought we were going in to clean up, when I heard the chain saw roar to life! What now? The 5th wheel was still at the storage facility, but we had to renew the lease the next day if we didn't get it out of there by the weekend. We were taking the 5th wheel to AR and then to KS, but when we came back home on Sunday, Ray wanted to be able to put it into the barn, soooo, we had lots of tree limbs that hung across the driveway. Ray had to clear those so he could bring the 5th wheel in once we returned on Sunday. So all of us went out and as Ray cut a limb, we dragged it into the front yard. I wanted to take them all to the back behind the barn, but the sun was going down, we were supposed to get on the road, and we just didn't have time. I was embarrassed because our neighbors all have very well kept yards, and here we come, just moving in, and trashing the place!! Well, as we worked into the night, Ray cut, and we dragged! Finally, after he had cut his last limb, the idea of getting on the road was out of the question!! To say we were tired was an understatement! We decided to crash, and just get up early the next morning and head out.
The next morning, Ray headed over to get the 5th wheel, then come to pick us up and head out. He called and said to come outside and load up, but as we walked outside, with overnight bag in hand, we see Ray unloading stuff out of the 5th wheel onto the front lawn. We had several kayaks in the back of the 5th wheel, and to have room for the kids to sleep in the back, we had to unload them. At this point, we are cutting it close to make it to Ruth's race, so we just start chunking kayaks and all the gear into the front yard, along with piles of tree limbs! About that time, our new neighbors cautiously walked over and asked if we need any help. What was your first clue?! Yes we need help, but I think it goes deeper than just unloading our crud out of the trailer!! We graciously declined, and assured them we were not the Clampets, and we would have this all cleaned up eventually!! Ray hollered for everyone to load up, and we flew out of there, dust and leaves off the tree limbs flying behind us!
Well, several hours later, we were cruising toward Fayetteville, when we realized we had missed our exit! That was fight number one on this trip! We only had to go 30 miles out of the way, because we were on a toll road, and there are no exits!!
After getting back in the right direction, and apologizes and forgiveness were given, we were cruising again. We made it to the meet, and only had to park 2 miles from the course!! Ha! Thank goodness they had a bus that shuttled back and forth. We ran up to the start, saw Ruth run with 600+ other high school girls, it was crazy 22 minute race, then loaded back up to head up through Missouri, and over into central Kansas for Jesse's game. Whew!
7 miles out from the meet, Ray asks where his phone is!! I don't know!! We have find my friends on our phones, so I can see his phone is on the side of the road, back where we pulled onto the highway from the meet. Ray wheels the big rig around, and we head back to get it! As we are approaching were it showed it was, it begins to MOVE!! What? Someone has picked it up. We started calling it, multiple times, but no answer! So, what do we do......... We follow it!! 2 miles down the road, it stops in a Lowe's parking lot. Ray instructs the kids to stay in the car, while we walk around in the parking lot, my phone in hand, tracking where his phone is. We look like a couple of creepers, and it's a miracle someone didn't call the police. We had narrowed it down to 2 cars, so as we were looking through the windows of the cars, and getting lots of stares, a shady looking guy comes out towards Ray and asked if we were looking for an iPhone. Not sure if he had good intentions initially, since he hadn't answered when we had called, but needless to say, we got the phone back!! Miracle!!
Well, that put us 30 minutes later on the road than we had planned, so we headed out again, 5 hours away from where Jesse was playing. 2.5 hours down the road, Ray and I could NOT keep our eyes open, we were so worn out, not only from the last 24 hours, but the last few weeks of moving and kids' athletic schedules. We pulled the truck over, gave our phones to Joshua and Anna, and all crawled into the trailer. We set the timer for 20 minutes, told them to play games, and not wake us up until the alarm went off, and we crawled up in the bed and CRASHED, dead to the world, as soon as our heads hit the pillow. 20 minutes later, we were off and running again!
We arrived at Jesse's game, at the end of the 2nd quarter, after dark, in an unfamiliar stadium. Fight number 2 happened after I tried to coach Ray on where to park!! Ha! Eventually, we made it into the game, reconciled and exhausted, but thankful we had made it, finally.
After the game, we camped in the trailer and slept in a little the next morning, before we headed back to Stillwater. When we pulled in, it was bitter sweet. We were so thankful to be home, yet looking at the piles of stuff in our driveway and yard, it was a little hard not to get overwhelmed. Ray announced that no one was released until we got this trailer into the barn. So we all worked together, cutting the limbs up into small enough pieces, so that we could drag them out of the way. We cleared all boxes out of the way in the barn, and made sure the path was clear for Ray to back that baby in. It was the moment of truth, and excitement as we had all worked so hard, the weekend was so exhausting, but this would be balm for the soul, and make it all worth it. You know what I am about to say.......... The trailer AC unit was TOO TALL!! by about 6 inches!!
That was it, we were done, Ray put that baby in park, and we left it there, all week, half in half out!
Our poor neighbors.
We either had to laugh or cry, so we laughed. We had already cried a little that weekend. It's all good, right? This is a first world problem, it's not eternal!
Well, I am happy to say, 3 weeks later, Ray Ford, who is a risk taker, and not afraid to attempt something I would NEVER do, took a chain saw, and cut a notch above the garage door, and got that sucker in there!! No, it's not that pretty at the moment, but even our neighbors were impressed. I think it is what makes Ray a good surgeon, he is not afraid to cut something open, fix it, and make it work.
And I am happy to say, we have moved all piles and items out of our front yard and around to the back. Also, things are calming down, thus, the ability to do this blog entry. Ruth qualified and ran in the State Championship XC meet this past weekend. Esther finished up a good season of VB a few weeks ago. Anna had her last meet 2 weeks ago, and we only have 2 more Sterling Football games. We finally were back in town for church on Sunday after 6 weeks of missing in action from being on the road for football games. I think things are calming down!! Now to unpacking boxes!
Have a wonderful week,
JJ
Showing posts with label Moving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moving. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2016
Saturday, February 21, 2015
I Wanna Be FAT!!
As a recap and conclusion from the last post, we finished football season, we ended up with a big win, Jesse playing a great last game, and winning a leadership award for both on and off the field. He also was named an Oklahoma All-Star for football, as well as All District.
We were thankful for the season, even with it's ups and downs. We are also excited for him as he enters this next season of life, working for Kanakuk this summer after getting to be a kamper one last year, and then heading off to Sterling College to play football at the next level.
As January came around, we knew that we would have to start thinking/praying about the decision to move again. Honestly, I didn't want to. Things were cruising along pretty well in my world, and I didn't want to have to think about the decision, let alone the move, to Stillwater. But, with Ray working out of town, and doing what he does, we needed to see if that would be the best thing long term. We had accomplished the goal of staying here to let Jesse finish his senior year, but now needed to reevaluate the situation.
Funny story in the midst of this, during January, as we were beginning to have conversations about this, Ray got stuck 3 extra nights in Stillwater, that he wasn't on call, because he had seen ladies in the clinic that were in labor, and had to put them in the hospital so they could have their babies. He couldn't leave them after he did that, so he was stuck down there until the baby came. (That's not the funny part!)
Anyway, it happened to be one of those really cold weeks we have had up here, 16 degree nights. After the second night of getting stuck, I decided I would go down and just be with him, even if he just slept, I could just sit beside him and read. Just didn't want him to have to be alone again. So, I threw a jacket on, some driving gloves, and headed out. I didn't pack my heavy stuff (bad idea, you should always travel with your winter gear up here!!) but anyway, just put on my light stuff and headed down. I called him on the way down to give him the heads up that I was coming to just hang out with him. He said that was fine, but he was so tired, he just wanted to head back to the trailer and sleep. I had brought a book, so I told him that would be great, I would just sit by him and read, but he won't have to be alone.
Well, I met him at the trailer, where he was just returning from filling up the tank with more propane. He said when he had returned to the trailer, that the heat was off. He thought surely it must have just used up all the propane since the temp was so low. So, after hooking up the newly filled tank, he proceeded to crank the heat on again......nothing, tried again........nothing, made a few adjustments......nothing. He then asked me to help look up troubleshooting for the rv's furnace. We googled it, and tried every suggestion in the troubleshooting portion in the manual.......NOTHING!!
By this time, the temp had dropped to a cool 20 degrees outside the trailer, and inside the trailer it wasn't much better. He was so tired from the night before, and was just wanting to sleep, but here we were, he outside in the sub-freezing temps, and me inside, wrapped in a quilt, trying to look up anything that might help. I finally just suggested that he go get a hotel room, and get some rest so he could be ready to go in whenever the hospital called for the delivery. He reminded me that the trailer was not winterized, as he had un-winterized it the night before to take a shower. That is not a problem IF your heat is working!! But with the heat refusing to come on, he said the pipes would freeze and do major damage, with the forecast being 16 degrees that night.
"Ok, what do we do then", I asked.
"We need to winterize it," says Ray.
"Ok, how?"
"We need to run to Walmart and get some antifreeze."
"I'll go."
"No, If I can't get the heat to come on, and I am going to winterize it anyway, I might as well not leave it here in the camping spot, I might as well just hook it up and take it with me to the hospital parking lot, and just pray the call room is open tonight."
So, at 10 o'clock at night, in 18 degree weather, we are hooking the trailer up, hauling it to Walmart, and then after purchasing the antifreeze, winterizing the trailer in the parking lot. We were both freezing, but I was especially cold, since I hadn't planned on being outside, and had only grabbed my lighter gear.
I thought the reason I was going down there was to encourage Ray by just being with him on another unexpected call night, but the real reason God had planted this idea in my head, was for me to be there to help him. (Winterizing goes twice as fast with 2 people!) He needed his helpmeet.
After this miserable week, we felt God was showing us to put the house on the market and get closer to Ray's work. The worst part was telling the kids before we put the sign out. They have done really well here in Ponca, and we hate to move them again. Their response was a trust in God's plan, even more than mine. Ruth's comment to us after we told her was, "Mom, why are you sad, it's all good, God's got this!" What a precious girl! The others, though overall supportive, where a little more concerned.
Well, we have had the house on the market for over a month, and only 3 looks. Ray has also had several good weeks again, of not getting stuck, except for planned call nights. So, we question, we waver. I feel like waves of the sea, being driven and tossed back and forth.
I feel so anemic in my faith. I told God the other day, I just can't keep doing this, I can't handle this, back and forth, unsure what His perfect will is, sell or not, move or stay. What is best for the kids, for Ray, for our family as a whole?
I am lean in my faith, and I want to be FAT!! Fat in my spiritual walk with Him. Knowing that if I go through difficult times, my fat will sustain me. I always have said the way God made my physical body, was one that could have survived a famine, always plenty of reserves, but my spiritual body, my faith, the moment things seem to get a little dry, unsure, unstable, I crumble, I faint, I'm weak.
Lord, help me feed on the fat of your word. I need You, need it, more than anything. Like I tell the kids, the army you feed in your mind is the one that will win. Lord, help me feed the faith in my heart and mind, by knowing, praising, and worshiping Who You are and knowing/meditating on Your Word.
We still have the sign out in the front yard, and the house showed today, but we are praying God's will. We are not praying for it to sell, or not to sell. We are just dumb sheep, we don't know, and since we can't see what the future holds, we are asking God to do His will in our lives, trusting, if the house sells, God is moving us, if it doesn't, then He is keeping us here longer, and He will take care of Ray's commute part. We need our good Shepherd to lead us where He wants us, either by the "Stillwater" or stay put in Ponca. I have to trust in His character, He doesn't toy with us, teasing us for fun. His Word says, "if we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths." (Prov. 3:6) We are acknowledging Him, seeking Him, taking steps of action we believe He has lead us to do, and now waiting, being still. In this waiting process, I wanna be FAT. The last thing I want is Psalm 106:15 "He gave them their request; But sent leanness into their soul." I want His way for us, and fullness of soul. Full of faith, and trusting that God is already knee deep in His plan for us, working behind the scenes, even now, as I type. He is trustworthy. I must trust, and rest.
No diets here,
JJ
 |
| Last game! The family is painted up and ready for the game. |
 |
| Football Banquet |
We were thankful for the season, even with it's ups and downs. We are also excited for him as he enters this next season of life, working for Kanakuk this summer after getting to be a kamper one last year, and then heading off to Sterling College to play football at the next level.
 |
| Go Warriors! |
As January came around, we knew that we would have to start thinking/praying about the decision to move again. Honestly, I didn't want to. Things were cruising along pretty well in my world, and I didn't want to have to think about the decision, let alone the move, to Stillwater. But, with Ray working out of town, and doing what he does, we needed to see if that would be the best thing long term. We had accomplished the goal of staying here to let Jesse finish his senior year, but now needed to reevaluate the situation.
Funny story in the midst of this, during January, as we were beginning to have conversations about this, Ray got stuck 3 extra nights in Stillwater, that he wasn't on call, because he had seen ladies in the clinic that were in labor, and had to put them in the hospital so they could have their babies. He couldn't leave them after he did that, so he was stuck down there until the baby came. (That's not the funny part!)
Anyway, it happened to be one of those really cold weeks we have had up here, 16 degree nights. After the second night of getting stuck, I decided I would go down and just be with him, even if he just slept, I could just sit beside him and read. Just didn't want him to have to be alone again. So, I threw a jacket on, some driving gloves, and headed out. I didn't pack my heavy stuff (bad idea, you should always travel with your winter gear up here!!) but anyway, just put on my light stuff and headed down. I called him on the way down to give him the heads up that I was coming to just hang out with him. He said that was fine, but he was so tired, he just wanted to head back to the trailer and sleep. I had brought a book, so I told him that would be great, I would just sit by him and read, but he won't have to be alone.
Well, I met him at the trailer, where he was just returning from filling up the tank with more propane. He said when he had returned to the trailer, that the heat was off. He thought surely it must have just used up all the propane since the temp was so low. So, after hooking up the newly filled tank, he proceeded to crank the heat on again......nothing, tried again........nothing, made a few adjustments......nothing. He then asked me to help look up troubleshooting for the rv's furnace. We googled it, and tried every suggestion in the troubleshooting portion in the manual.......NOTHING!!
By this time, the temp had dropped to a cool 20 degrees outside the trailer, and inside the trailer it wasn't much better. He was so tired from the night before, and was just wanting to sleep, but here we were, he outside in the sub-freezing temps, and me inside, wrapped in a quilt, trying to look up anything that might help. I finally just suggested that he go get a hotel room, and get some rest so he could be ready to go in whenever the hospital called for the delivery. He reminded me that the trailer was not winterized, as he had un-winterized it the night before to take a shower. That is not a problem IF your heat is working!! But with the heat refusing to come on, he said the pipes would freeze and do major damage, with the forecast being 16 degrees that night.
"Ok, what do we do then", I asked.
"We need to winterize it," says Ray.
"Ok, how?"
"We need to run to Walmart and get some antifreeze."
"I'll go."
"No, If I can't get the heat to come on, and I am going to winterize it anyway, I might as well not leave it here in the camping spot, I might as well just hook it up and take it with me to the hospital parking lot, and just pray the call room is open tonight."
So, at 10 o'clock at night, in 18 degree weather, we are hooking the trailer up, hauling it to Walmart, and then after purchasing the antifreeze, winterizing the trailer in the parking lot. We were both freezing, but I was especially cold, since I hadn't planned on being outside, and had only grabbed my lighter gear.
I thought the reason I was going down there was to encourage Ray by just being with him on another unexpected call night, but the real reason God had planted this idea in my head, was for me to be there to help him. (Winterizing goes twice as fast with 2 people!) He needed his helpmeet.
After this miserable week, we felt God was showing us to put the house on the market and get closer to Ray's work. The worst part was telling the kids before we put the sign out. They have done really well here in Ponca, and we hate to move them again. Their response was a trust in God's plan, even more than mine. Ruth's comment to us after we told her was, "Mom, why are you sad, it's all good, God's got this!" What a precious girl! The others, though overall supportive, where a little more concerned.
Well, we have had the house on the market for over a month, and only 3 looks. Ray has also had several good weeks again, of not getting stuck, except for planned call nights. So, we question, we waver. I feel like waves of the sea, being driven and tossed back and forth.
I feel so anemic in my faith. I told God the other day, I just can't keep doing this, I can't handle this, back and forth, unsure what His perfect will is, sell or not, move or stay. What is best for the kids, for Ray, for our family as a whole?
I am lean in my faith, and I want to be FAT!! Fat in my spiritual walk with Him. Knowing that if I go through difficult times, my fat will sustain me. I always have said the way God made my physical body, was one that could have survived a famine, always plenty of reserves, but my spiritual body, my faith, the moment things seem to get a little dry, unsure, unstable, I crumble, I faint, I'm weak.
Lord, help me feed on the fat of your word. I need You, need it, more than anything. Like I tell the kids, the army you feed in your mind is the one that will win. Lord, help me feed the faith in my heart and mind, by knowing, praising, and worshiping Who You are and knowing/meditating on Your Word.
We still have the sign out in the front yard, and the house showed today, but we are praying God's will. We are not praying for it to sell, or not to sell. We are just dumb sheep, we don't know, and since we can't see what the future holds, we are asking God to do His will in our lives, trusting, if the house sells, God is moving us, if it doesn't, then He is keeping us here longer, and He will take care of Ray's commute part. We need our good Shepherd to lead us where He wants us, either by the "Stillwater" or stay put in Ponca. I have to trust in His character, He doesn't toy with us, teasing us for fun. His Word says, "if we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths." (Prov. 3:6) We are acknowledging Him, seeking Him, taking steps of action we believe He has lead us to do, and now waiting, being still. In this waiting process, I wanna be FAT. The last thing I want is Psalm 106:15 "He gave them their request; But sent leanness into their soul." I want His way for us, and fullness of soul. Full of faith, and trusting that God is already knee deep in His plan for us, working behind the scenes, even now, as I type. He is trustworthy. I must trust, and rest.
No diets here,
JJ
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
"These are a few of my favorite things"
Well, can you believe we have been here for over 9 months?! I CANNOT believe it! We made it through school, Hallelujah!! We made it through 5 sports! We made it through our first winter up here! We are still together as a family! :)
I am grateful for God seeing us through this past year, this move, the transition. So much has happened since we arrived up here in Northern Oklahoma. I will share the next step for our family on the next post, but for now, I wanted to share with you some of my "favorites" up here. Yes, there are many things I miss about home in Texas, but the Lord has shown me some really neat things up here to appreciate and enjoy. Hope these pictures give you a little glimpse of some of them.
1. The Fall Colors
They were absolutely beautiful!! What a treat to have a REAL Fall.
2. The cool temperatures.
Another benefit of having a real Fall. We so enjoyed wearing jackets from September through November, and getting to visit a real pumpkin patch in Kansas. So fun!!
3. The Snow!!!
Yehaw!! We had so much fun sledding, right out in our back yard, and it was beautiful!!
4. The Eagles!!
We got to see so many eagles this Winter. They winter here, making a home out at Kaw Lake, Lake Ponca, and even in Ponca proper. We actually had one fly right outside our kitchen window!! That was one of my favorites!!
5. The colors of our school.
I LOVE the navy and red. Makes for a great uniform!!
6. The Spring flowers.
Amazing how the colors just started popping up everywhere. I actually even have some in my yard, and I usually kill everything, but things just seem to grow easier up here.
7. All the neighborhood kids.
My kids walk outside and there is always someone ready to play or hang out with them. So fun! They are usually out until the sun goes down, then I call them in with my whistle!
And yes!!! That is a baby raccoon that Esther found one day while riding her horse!!
8. The beautiful historic buildings and homes.
From the Marland Mansion, to the museums, to the lovely homes along the red brick streets, I am always seeing something worth looking at every day in Ponca.
9. The friends that have welcomed us into their lives.
Football guys, lunch buddies, volleyball girls, and neighbors. They have made us feel right at home.
10. The hometown parades.
Makes you feel like your in Mayberry and the whole town comes to watch.
11. Prom.
Sounds like a funny thing to love about Ponca, but it's a big deal up here, and thanks to the Wilsons, we were able to save our spot for the Grand March, and come out with all the town to watch the kids parade around the grounds to the Marland Mansion.
God's glory is revealed in all this, in the faces of people that have welcomed us in, in the nature that reflects His beauty, and the majesty of watching an eagle fly or seeing the snow fall so softly. I am grateful He has allowed us to experience all this here in Ponca.
Next time I will post on some changes that are happening and where the Lord is leading us next.
In His grace,
JJ Ford
I am grateful for God seeing us through this past year, this move, the transition. So much has happened since we arrived up here in Northern Oklahoma. I will share the next step for our family on the next post, but for now, I wanted to share with you some of my "favorites" up here. Yes, there are many things I miss about home in Texas, but the Lord has shown me some really neat things up here to appreciate and enjoy. Hope these pictures give you a little glimpse of some of them.
1. The Fall Colors
They were absolutely beautiful!! What a treat to have a REAL Fall.
Another benefit of having a real Fall. We so enjoyed wearing jackets from September through November, and getting to visit a real pumpkin patch in Kansas. So fun!!
3. The Snow!!!
Yehaw!! We had so much fun sledding, right out in our back yard, and it was beautiful!!
And so fun that we had snow shovels, salt, and ice/snow shoe tractions in EVERY store!
4. The Eagles!!
We got to see so many eagles this Winter. They winter here, making a home out at Kaw Lake, Lake Ponca, and even in Ponca proper. We actually had one fly right outside our kitchen window!! That was one of my favorites!!
5. The colors of our school.
I LOVE the navy and red. Makes for a great uniform!!
Amazing how the colors just started popping up everywhere. I actually even have some in my yard, and I usually kill everything, but things just seem to grow easier up here.
7. All the neighborhood kids.
My kids walk outside and there is always someone ready to play or hang out with them. So fun! They are usually out until the sun goes down, then I call them in with my whistle!
8. The beautiful historic buildings and homes.
From the Marland Mansion, to the museums, to the lovely homes along the red brick streets, I am always seeing something worth looking at every day in Ponca.
9. The friends that have welcomed us into their lives.
Football guys, lunch buddies, volleyball girls, and neighbors. They have made us feel right at home.
10. The hometown parades.
Makes you feel like your in Mayberry and the whole town comes to watch.
11. Prom.
Sounds like a funny thing to love about Ponca, but it's a big deal up here, and thanks to the Wilsons, we were able to save our spot for the Grand March, and come out with all the town to watch the kids parade around the grounds to the Marland Mansion.
The Wilsons came out to stake our claim the week before the Grand March and Prom. Each tarp represents a family's area to sit.
Jesse and his date, Hannah.
Walking around the grounds in the Grand March.
Look at all the people. They estimate several thousand come out to watch.
Next time I will post on some changes that are happening and where the Lord is leading us next.
In His grace,
JJ Ford
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Sing with me......."Oklahoma, OK!!!"
Well, I have been trying to find some time to post this BIG NEWS!!!........ We moved to Oklahoma!! Northern Oklahoma!!
What!?!
That is exactly what I said just a few months ago!! How in the world did this Texas girl get drug all the way to Northern Oklahoma?
Well, I have to share all the details of how the Lord lead us here. It is important to share His faithfulness in our lives, and what He has done. It is especially important, when we encounter difficulties, to remember that God IS faithful, He really is!
Well, this journey all started back in May of last year, actually, it started years ago, but to not drag this out too long, things started unfolding this past May.
We had been praying for years for the Lord to bring us a Christian partner to join Ray in his practice. This had not happened. Along with the desire for a Christian partner, Ray was one of only 2 OB/GYNs in Johnson County. The craziness of the "Call Schedule", along with changes in medicine, and the ever impending "Obama Care" had just about taken it's toll on Ray, and the family for that matter. Ray had sought council from some men in our church who had encouraged him to set a date in his mind of when it was time to stop "persevering" and to believe God was leading him elsewhere. Hard call, we are called to persevere, so when do you say, "Enough!! God is leading us out of this situation", like Israel out of Egypt?
Well, his time table was set for May, and when it came and went, and still no change, no partner, no relief in the call, no relief in the stress of preparing for the changes in Obama care. He went back on line to the Christian Medical and Dental website, where he had placed an ad for a partner, and saw a new ad, one that had only been put up for a week or so. He called and got to speak with this Ob/Gyn who was also looking for a Christian partner. After a brief conversation, Ray immediatly had a connection with him. He called him back a few days later, put me on the phone, so I could listen in, ask questions, and visit with him and his wife. Truthfully, I wasn't that interested, but did anyway, and was amazed to hear how similar this guy and Ray sounded, in their mission, their love for the Lord, and their desire to use their practices to share Christ with others. As we hung up the phone, I asked Ray exactly where was this guy located?
Ponca City, OK.......Where the heck is Ponca City, OK????!!!
I went right in and googled it, only to find a picture of a public pool...that was it!!
Oh boy, and it was only 15 miles south of the Kansas state line.
A tornado had hit Cleburne, only a few months prior to this, so being that far north, smack dab in the middle of tornado country, didn't thrill me at all.
Well, a few weeks went by, and no mention of Ponca, Hallelujah!! My life was safe and secure for the moment, or so I thought, but little did I know the pot that was boiling in my husband. A few more situations with work and the downs of owning your own business was enough to prompt a visit to Ponca, to at least meet this guy face to face. Who knows, maybe we could recruit him to Cleburne!!
So in June, Ray announces that we are heading up on a secret trip to Ponca, to check it out. I didn't want to go, but figured it would be a good get away with my hubby. Hey, free hotel, free dinner out, why not?
As we made the 5 hour journey up through Oklahoma, we enjoyed each other's company, and as we turned off onto Hwy 60, the 2nd to last exit before you come to Kansas, we began to joke about how we would have to pick Indian names for each other if we moved here. "Stands with a Fist" was naturally going to be mine!! We started looking for "Tatonka" (Buffalo) Those that remember "Dances with Wolves" will get this, those that don't know what I am talking about, go rent it!
To our pleasant surprise, the town was lovely, with much more to offer than a public pool! The Pioneer Woman statue was the main focal point (No, not the cooking lady on TV), she is a statue of a woman standing with a little boy in one hand, and a Bible under her other arm. (Love it!! Now we're talking!) Derek, the other Ob/Gyn was such a neat guy, along with his wife. We were feeling that this was a definite possibility. After we met with who would be Ray's boss, we knew it was a great opportunity that we at least HAD to consider!
We fought the whole way back to Texas. How could we leave our church, our friends, our home in the country, my family, especially my newly widowed mother!! And our KIDS……... Jesse had just earned a starting postition on the football team, they were very involved in our youth and children's programs at church, and had friends they were all close to.
After we got home, I got serious with the Lord, I felt like he "filleted" me open, and dealt with me in a serious way, this was what He was leading us to do, and He would take care of all that concerns me.
The next week, Ray began talking with some of those same older men, discussing our options. It all sounded good, except the part of leaving ALL that we know and love.
As we discussed our options over the next few days, we were originally considering splitting the family up, Ray working in OK 3 days a week, and me staying in Cleburne with all five kids to allow Jesse to finish out Cleburne High School.
We actually seriously considered this for about a week, but then, these same men began to report back to Ray on their thoughts, and all of them were encouraging us that Jesse would be fine and we should go!!
Ray had been feeling this already, deep in his heart, as well as myself, well, I was at least feeling that God wanted me to consider it.
So, on June 30, we decided, if we were going to do this thing, we needed to act fast. You see, school up there in Ponca started Aug. 13th, with registration on the 5th. We were quickly losing time and needed to act fast.
We decided that we would tell Jesse first and in private. As we sat down to tell him, I started crying, of course, feeling that we were about to ruin his life, yet again!!
As we told him, the first question he asked was, "Is it a cool place?" He asked a few more questions about Ray's work situation and if it would be better up there, he asked about youth groups, and then boldly looked at me and said, "Mom, we have to go for Dad."" I will be sad to leave my friends and church, but I know we need to go." I cried even harder, but what a HUGE confirmation from the Lord, the one we were worried about the most!
So, at 10pm at night, on July 1, we loaded up all the kids and drove to Edmond, crashed on the floor of Ray's brother's house, then got up the next morning to head to Ponca. We took the kids to meet the coaches, see the schools, and look at a house or 2.
They all seemed to be handling it alot better than me! They were truly just excited about the opportunity for their dad, and that we were going to be together.
Well, the first house we looked at, we quickly called "The Fun House" and boy was it a great house for teens and kids, big with room to play, and well, just FUN. And it had a tornado shelter!! Yeah.
So, my biggest concern, the kids, all seemed to be doing good, Ruth made the volleyball team on an impromptu tryout, and the football coach was excited to have Jesse coming out. Things were falling into place.
We still had the problem of selling our house, it had been on the market 6 months earlier, with no luck what-so-ever, and we had it for sale the year before with not even a call. So, how are we going to sell our house, which isn't for sale anymore, and when it was, no one wanted it?! Well, all I can say is God sold our house!! Some friends of ours called and asked about it, and said if we were serious about considering this move, would we except an offer? What?! Major confirmation number 2.
We then had to seriously start looking for houses in Ponca, so the next weekend, we went back up and looked, but kept coming back to "The Fun House." The only problem with the fun house was this; Esther had a horse, and she really wanted to bring him, but the house was not sitting on enough land for that to happen. The" Fun House" is in a neighborhood right in the middle of town, with houses on either side. It sits on little over an acre, but not big enough to legally keep a horse. So, as we prayed and looked, we even considered boarding the horse, but it was way too expensive.
We came home and told Esther, she would have to sell the horse. Oh what a sad day in the Ford house! She cried herself to sleep for the next 3 nights.
But then, when we came back over to look at the Fun House one more time before we made and offer, the realtor representing that home was there, and we told her our dilemma with Esther's horse. She told us we should check with the horse farm that butted up to the back of the property. What?! All the houses next door were regular homes on regular lots, but can you believe there was a long piece of property that runs down behind all the houses and butts right up to the fun house's back yard!! Not to stretch this part of the story out, but can you believe, Ray called the owners, and after a long visit, we discovered that they were Christians, and they would LOVE for Esther to keep her horse there, and for FREE, she is going to work for them to clean stalls, help feed, etc. Amazing, Conformation #3.
We made an offer on the Fun house, and after a little negotiating back and forth, we had a deal.
The next 2 weeks were insane, as we had enough money to pay the movers to MOVE us, but not enough to PACK us. The people of our church and community came in waves, brought packing supplies, boxes, food, etc. We had that house packed in 2 weeks, a family of 7!! Unbelievable!!
The night before we left, as we were finishing up the last few boxes, we got a call, that the contract on our house in Ponca had fallen through!! We couldn't believe it. We had just finished packing, marking everything for that house!! Ok, we were to trust God in this no matter what, He would take care of it. There was a peace, even though we were leaving the next morning, not knowing what house we were going to move into.
One of the beautiful homes
we got to live in.
So, on August 4, the children and I headed out, in two cars, packed with enough clothing for 2 weeks in suitcases, so that we could be there on Monday for school registration. We had a place to stay for the next 10 days, (Dr. Holmes, Ray's new partner, was going to be gone on vacation, and had offered their house to us while they were away), but after that, we had no idea. As we crossed the Red River in faith, and entered Oklahoma, the kids and I got out and picked up 12 stones. "Our stones of remembrance", to remind us of all that God had done, and all that he was going to do, taking us to Ponca City, OK. (See Joshua chapter 3 and 4) After 10 days, we did not know where we were going to be living, but we knew we had to step into that rushing water, knowing God would cause it to cease, and make a way for us. (again, see the Bible reference in Joshua)
So, we arrived, got settled in, registered, school supply shopped, and started learning our way around Ponca. It is pretty small, so that didn't take much time! But, people started reaching out to us, inviting the kids to church activities, taking us to dinner, bringing meals over. The people of Ponca could not have been more friendly. We looked at other homes, but nothing seemed to fit, surely God wanted us to have that Fun House!!
As we came to the end of the 10 days at the Holmes, the kids and I were looking to move to the Holiday Inn, Yes!! Can you picture us?! And wouldn't you have loved to be in the room right below12 feet running around! Anyway, we went to the YMCA for a little recreation, and Ruth met a girl at the Y who was going to let her borrow a book she needed for her English Class. The girl's mother brought the book up for Ruth to borrow, and while she was there, came over to introduce herself to me and welcome me to Ponca. After a few short moments of conversation, she offered her 5 bedroom, 4 bath house for me and the children and eventually Ray to live in until we could find a house to buy!! I am not kidding, this was unreal! Long story short, instead of moving into a hotel, we did indeed move into the Lewis's lovely home, just one street over from the Fun House!! They were angels unaware, and graciously gave us their home, while they moved out and lived with Mr. Lewis's father across town. They had offered for us to stay for up to 2 months or longer until we could purchase a home. But God moved quickly after that, and we were able to not only purchase the Fun House, but have the movers deliver our stuff only 8 days after we moved into the Lewis'. God bless the Lewis Family! Confirmation #4
Ray was able to come join us October 1, after staying in Cleburne to finish up with his patients and shutting the practice down. All seemed as if it were coming together perfectly. We had survived the time of separation, and now we were moving into the good life, or so I thought. I would love to tell you that all has been wonderful, and easy, but that is not the story God is writing in our lives up here.
The night before Ray was leaving to come join us, the sell on our home in Cleburne fell through. As we had already purchased our home in Ponca in faith that God was doing all this, we were then tested. Yikes, owning 2 homes in 2 states, with 2 mortgages, 2 electric bills, 2 water bills, insurance, taxes, etc. Wow, we were stretched to say the least, and of course questioned, "were we listening to God in the first place?" "Had He really lead us here?" "Did we just jump into something we shouldn't have?"
I have always criticized the Israelites when they questioned God after He lead them out of Egypt. Couldn't they just look back only a few days and see the hand of God leading them out and making a way??? Hello... couldn't we just look back only a few days and see the Hand of God leading us out of Cleburne, and making a way??? I am just as guilty. But the truth is we did question, as we entered this new life. Though we strongly felt him leading us here in the beginning, the house falling through, as well as some other bumps along the way and disappointments in the work situation up here, and things not being totally as they had been presented, caused and continues to cause us to doubt ourselves, and how we listen to the Lord. But isn't that just like the Israelites? They knew God lead them out of their previous situation, after years of praying, and yet, when things outside of Egypt were not perfect, and they encountered a few unexpected disappointments, they thought surely they had made a mistake!!
We have now started the new year up here, and I will say, praise God, the house did finally sell to the same original friends, right after Thanksgiving!! Yeah!! And the job is a work in progress, some things still are not as awesome as they were first originally presented to us, but the Christian partner and fellowship in that relationship for Ray is great. That has been, by far, the biggest blessing in the work situation.
We still believe, God did bring us to Ponca for a reason, and we pray with our eyes wide open, looking to see what He wants us to accomplish as a family, and as individuals, while we are here. We are not sure if we are here on a short term mission, or long term move. But God knows, and we are grateful for the opportunity, and look forward to how He wants to use us for His kingdom work here. All that being said, there have been lots of tears, lots of sleepless nights, lots of feeling alone, lots of questioning. If I couldn't stand on what I KNOW to be true, that God works all things together for good in our lives, I would have completely crumbled by now. But God.
Overall, the kids are all doing well. Jesse had a setback this fall, as he had just worked his way into a good position on the new football team, and then broke his arm in practice, the weekend before the first game. He was out the first 5 games, then played the last five with a full cast on. This also played a part in our doubting, again, on trusting the Lord, had we made a mistake? We wondered would he have broken his arm if we hadn't moved?? Oh, we are like waves driven and tossed by the wind! God only knows if he would have broken his arm in Cleburne, but again, I stand on the truth, God promises He uses all things together for good, so, we move forward. Despite the broken arm, Jesse came back and started as linebacker his last five games, had some great plays, great tackles, and did his best cheering his team mates on while he was on the sidelines the first half of the season.
While we are here, we are appreciating some neat things about this little community and this part of the country, the Marlin Mansion, the community parades, the historical sites, the beautiful colors in the Fall, the red brick roads, all the snow and sledding, the deer, fox, and EAGLES, Yes Eagles, that we have seen in our back yard. We have even been blessed by some families that have invited our crew of 7 over and welcomed us into their homes.
Sorry this was so long, but to cut it short would have left out some important details that God has done. In sitting down and writing this out, it has encouraged me, that even though things are not perfect (far from it actually), I can see the Hand of God in our lives. I hope this encourages you too, to reflect back, look at the details, and see God working in your life as well. He loves you, has your name written on His palm, and has a plan for your life. It may not always be fun, and it may be down right difficult, or dare I even say, miserable at times, but just know He has a plan, and He is working it for good in your life. I hope to share more fun stories later about Ponca and life up here in Northern Oklahoma.
God's blessing to you all,
JJ Ford
What!?!
That is exactly what I said just a few months ago!! How in the world did this Texas girl get drug all the way to Northern Oklahoma?
Well, I have to share all the details of how the Lord lead us here. It is important to share His faithfulness in our lives, and what He has done. It is especially important, when we encounter difficulties, to remember that God IS faithful, He really is!
Well, this journey all started back in May of last year, actually, it started years ago, but to not drag this out too long, things started unfolding this past May.
We had been praying for years for the Lord to bring us a Christian partner to join Ray in his practice. This had not happened. Along with the desire for a Christian partner, Ray was one of only 2 OB/GYNs in Johnson County. The craziness of the "Call Schedule", along with changes in medicine, and the ever impending "Obama Care" had just about taken it's toll on Ray, and the family for that matter. Ray had sought council from some men in our church who had encouraged him to set a date in his mind of when it was time to stop "persevering" and to believe God was leading him elsewhere. Hard call, we are called to persevere, so when do you say, "Enough!! God is leading us out of this situation", like Israel out of Egypt?
Well, his time table was set for May, and when it came and went, and still no change, no partner, no relief in the call, no relief in the stress of preparing for the changes in Obama care. He went back on line to the Christian Medical and Dental website, where he had placed an ad for a partner, and saw a new ad, one that had only been put up for a week or so. He called and got to speak with this Ob/Gyn who was also looking for a Christian partner. After a brief conversation, Ray immediatly had a connection with him. He called him back a few days later, put me on the phone, so I could listen in, ask questions, and visit with him and his wife. Truthfully, I wasn't that interested, but did anyway, and was amazed to hear how similar this guy and Ray sounded, in their mission, their love for the Lord, and their desire to use their practices to share Christ with others. As we hung up the phone, I asked Ray exactly where was this guy located?
Ponca City, OK.......Where the heck is Ponca City, OK????!!!
I went right in and googled it, only to find a picture of a public pool...that was it!!Oh boy, and it was only 15 miles south of the Kansas state line.
A tornado had hit Cleburne, only a few months prior to this, so being that far north, smack dab in the middle of tornado country, didn't thrill me at all.
Well, a few weeks went by, and no mention of Ponca, Hallelujah!! My life was safe and secure for the moment, or so I thought, but little did I know the pot that was boiling in my husband. A few more situations with work and the downs of owning your own business was enough to prompt a visit to Ponca, to at least meet this guy face to face. Who knows, maybe we could recruit him to Cleburne!!
So in June, Ray announces that we are heading up on a secret trip to Ponca, to check it out. I didn't want to go, but figured it would be a good get away with my hubby. Hey, free hotel, free dinner out, why not?
As we made the 5 hour journey up through Oklahoma, we enjoyed each other's company, and as we turned off onto Hwy 60, the 2nd to last exit before you come to Kansas, we began to joke about how we would have to pick Indian names for each other if we moved here. "Stands with a Fist" was naturally going to be mine!! We started looking for "Tatonka" (Buffalo) Those that remember "Dances with Wolves" will get this, those that don't know what I am talking about, go rent it!
To our pleasant surprise, the town was lovely, with much more to offer than a public pool! The Pioneer Woman statue was the main focal point (No, not the cooking lady on TV), she is a statue of a woman standing with a little boy in one hand, and a Bible under her other arm. (Love it!! Now we're talking!) Derek, the other Ob/Gyn was such a neat guy, along with his wife. We were feeling that this was a definite possibility. After we met with who would be Ray's boss, we knew it was a great opportunity that we at least HAD to consider!
We fought the whole way back to Texas. How could we leave our church, our friends, our home in the country, my family, especially my newly widowed mother!! And our KIDS……... Jesse had just earned a starting postition on the football team, they were very involved in our youth and children's programs at church, and had friends they were all close to.
After we got home, I got serious with the Lord, I felt like he "filleted" me open, and dealt with me in a serious way, this was what He was leading us to do, and He would take care of all that concerns me.
The next week, Ray began talking with some of those same older men, discussing our options. It all sounded good, except the part of leaving ALL that we know and love.
As we discussed our options over the next few days, we were originally considering splitting the family up, Ray working in OK 3 days a week, and me staying in Cleburne with all five kids to allow Jesse to finish out Cleburne High School.
We actually seriously considered this for about a week, but then, these same men began to report back to Ray on their thoughts, and all of them were encouraging us that Jesse would be fine and we should go!!
Ray had been feeling this already, deep in his heart, as well as myself, well, I was at least feeling that God wanted me to consider it.
So, on June 30, we decided, if we were going to do this thing, we needed to act fast. You see, school up there in Ponca started Aug. 13th, with registration on the 5th. We were quickly losing time and needed to act fast.
We decided that we would tell Jesse first and in private. As we sat down to tell him, I started crying, of course, feeling that we were about to ruin his life, yet again!!
As we told him, the first question he asked was, "Is it a cool place?" He asked a few more questions about Ray's work situation and if it would be better up there, he asked about youth groups, and then boldly looked at me and said, "Mom, we have to go for Dad."" I will be sad to leave my friends and church, but I know we need to go." I cried even harder, but what a HUGE confirmation from the Lord, the one we were worried about the most!
So, at 10pm at night, on July 1, we loaded up all the kids and drove to Edmond, crashed on the floor of Ray's brother's house, then got up the next morning to head to Ponca. We took the kids to meet the coaches, see the schools, and look at a house or 2.
They all seemed to be handling it alot better than me! They were truly just excited about the opportunity for their dad, and that we were going to be together.
Well, the first house we looked at, we quickly called "The Fun House" and boy was it a great house for teens and kids, big with room to play, and well, just FUN. And it had a tornado shelter!! Yeah.
So, my biggest concern, the kids, all seemed to be doing good, Ruth made the volleyball team on an impromptu tryout, and the football coach was excited to have Jesse coming out. Things were falling into place.
We still had the problem of selling our house, it had been on the market 6 months earlier, with no luck what-so-ever, and we had it for sale the year before with not even a call. So, how are we going to sell our house, which isn't for sale anymore, and when it was, no one wanted it?! Well, all I can say is God sold our house!! Some friends of ours called and asked about it, and said if we were serious about considering this move, would we except an offer? What?! Major confirmation number 2.
We then had to seriously start looking for houses in Ponca, so the next weekend, we went back up and looked, but kept coming back to "The Fun House." The only problem with the fun house was this; Esther had a horse, and she really wanted to bring him, but the house was not sitting on enough land for that to happen. The" Fun House" is in a neighborhood right in the middle of town, with houses on either side. It sits on little over an acre, but not big enough to legally keep a horse. So, as we prayed and looked, we even considered boarding the horse, but it was way too expensive.
We came home and told Esther, she would have to sell the horse. Oh what a sad day in the Ford house! She cried herself to sleep for the next 3 nights.
But then, when we came back over to look at the Fun House one more time before we made and offer, the realtor representing that home was there, and we told her our dilemma with Esther's horse. She told us we should check with the horse farm that butted up to the back of the property. What?! All the houses next door were regular homes on regular lots, but can you believe there was a long piece of property that runs down behind all the houses and butts right up to the fun house's back yard!! Not to stretch this part of the story out, but can you believe, Ray called the owners, and after a long visit, we discovered that they were Christians, and they would LOVE for Esther to keep her horse there, and for FREE, she is going to work for them to clean stalls, help feed, etc. Amazing, Conformation #3.
We made an offer on the Fun house, and after a little negotiating back and forth, we had a deal.
The next 2 weeks were insane, as we had enough money to pay the movers to MOVE us, but not enough to PACK us. The people of our church and community came in waves, brought packing supplies, boxes, food, etc. We had that house packed in 2 weeks, a family of 7!! Unbelievable!!
The night before we left, as we were finishing up the last few boxes, we got a call, that the contract on our house in Ponca had fallen through!! We couldn't believe it. We had just finished packing, marking everything for that house!! Ok, we were to trust God in this no matter what, He would take care of it. There was a peace, even though we were leaving the next morning, not knowing what house we were going to move into.
One of the beautiful homes
we got to live in.
So, on August 4, the children and I headed out, in two cars, packed with enough clothing for 2 weeks in suitcases, so that we could be there on Monday for school registration. We had a place to stay for the next 10 days, (Dr. Holmes, Ray's new partner, was going to be gone on vacation, and had offered their house to us while they were away), but after that, we had no idea. As we crossed the Red River in faith, and entered Oklahoma, the kids and I got out and picked up 12 stones. "Our stones of remembrance", to remind us of all that God had done, and all that he was going to do, taking us to Ponca City, OK. (See Joshua chapter 3 and 4) After 10 days, we did not know where we were going to be living, but we knew we had to step into that rushing water, knowing God would cause it to cease, and make a way for us. (again, see the Bible reference in Joshua)So, we arrived, got settled in, registered, school supply shopped, and started learning our way around Ponca. It is pretty small, so that didn't take much time! But, people started reaching out to us, inviting the kids to church activities, taking us to dinner, bringing meals over. The people of Ponca could not have been more friendly. We looked at other homes, but nothing seemed to fit, surely God wanted us to have that Fun House!!
First Day of School
Move in Day, exhausted, but finally home.
Ray was able to come join us October 1, after staying in Cleburne to finish up with his patients and shutting the practice down. All seemed as if it were coming together perfectly. We had survived the time of separation, and now we were moving into the good life, or so I thought. I would love to tell you that all has been wonderful, and easy, but that is not the story God is writing in our lives up here.
The night before Ray was leaving to come join us, the sell on our home in Cleburne fell through. As we had already purchased our home in Ponca in faith that God was doing all this, we were then tested. Yikes, owning 2 homes in 2 states, with 2 mortgages, 2 electric bills, 2 water bills, insurance, taxes, etc. Wow, we were stretched to say the least, and of course questioned, "were we listening to God in the first place?" "Had He really lead us here?" "Did we just jump into something we shouldn't have?"
I have always criticized the Israelites when they questioned God after He lead them out of Egypt. Couldn't they just look back only a few days and see the hand of God leading them out and making a way??? Hello... couldn't we just look back only a few days and see the Hand of God leading us out of Cleburne, and making a way??? I am just as guilty. But the truth is we did question, as we entered this new life. Though we strongly felt him leading us here in the beginning, the house falling through, as well as some other bumps along the way and disappointments in the work situation up here, and things not being totally as they had been presented, caused and continues to cause us to doubt ourselves, and how we listen to the Lord. But isn't that just like the Israelites? They knew God lead them out of their previous situation, after years of praying, and yet, when things outside of Egypt were not perfect, and they encountered a few unexpected disappointments, they thought surely they had made a mistake!!
We have now started the new year up here, and I will say, praise God, the house did finally sell to the same original friends, right after Thanksgiving!! Yeah!! And the job is a work in progress, some things still are not as awesome as they were first originally presented to us, but the Christian partner and fellowship in that relationship for Ray is great. That has been, by far, the biggest blessing in the work situation.
We still believe, God did bring us to Ponca for a reason, and we pray with our eyes wide open, looking to see what He wants us to accomplish as a family, and as individuals, while we are here. We are not sure if we are here on a short term mission, or long term move. But God knows, and we are grateful for the opportunity, and look forward to how He wants to use us for His kingdom work here. All that being said, there have been lots of tears, lots of sleepless nights, lots of feeling alone, lots of questioning. If I couldn't stand on what I KNOW to be true, that God works all things together for good in our lives, I would have completely crumbled by now. But God.
Overall, the kids are all doing well. Jesse had a setback this fall, as he had just worked his way into a good position on the new football team, and then broke his arm in practice, the weekend before the first game. He was out the first 5 games, then played the last five with a full cast on. This also played a part in our doubting, again, on trusting the Lord, had we made a mistake? We wondered would he have broken his arm if we hadn't moved?? Oh, we are like waves driven and tossed by the wind! God only knows if he would have broken his arm in Cleburne, but again, I stand on the truth, God promises He uses all things together for good, so, we move forward. Despite the broken arm, Jesse came back and started as linebacker his last five games, had some great plays, great tackles, and did his best cheering his team mates on while he was on the sidelines the first half of the season.
Ford,#39 (with the cast), about to bring # 9 down!!
While we are here, we are appreciating some neat things about this little community and this part of the country, the Marlin Mansion, the community parades, the historical sites, the beautiful colors in the Fall, the red brick roads, all the snow and sledding, the deer, fox, and EAGLES, Yes Eagles, that we have seen in our back yard. We have even been blessed by some families that have invited our crew of 7 over and welcomed us into their homes.
Watching the Parade on Grand Avenue.
"The Fun House" this Christmas
God's blessing to you all,
JJ Ford
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