Challenges!

It seems that when our family is heading in the direction God is leading us, we have 'challenges' that test us in numerous ways... Perhaps you don't believe in the spiritual world or maybe you think "they certainly think they're important, don't they?" or maybe you just believe it's all coincidence. We believe everyone is equally important, but for us, it's a pattern that happens every time. We'd love it if it didn't happen. First, we make a decision to be obedient to what God is asking us to do. Then, the 'challenges' follow ~ you'd think we'd learn and really be in a mode of praying for protection, but somehow we still haven't learned to be ready for it. It's crazy, but it's our reality. Usually, it's our cars first and significant financial bills to go with them.

And yes, Blaine's car suddenly malfunctioned Tuesday night. He went to pick up Nicholas from work in Fremont while I was painting in the bathroom. When they went to leave, his car wouldn't start. He figured the starter or alternator went out. So, while he called a tow truck I headed up to Fremont. He had parked in the underground parking garage which was going to make things trickier. We went downstairs and I decided to try and start the car. As I tried, I listened to the sounds the car was making ~ definitely a problem with the battery sound (at least in my humble opinion). Thankfully, it was late and the one level garage was nearly empty. Blaine and I pushed the car toward to entrance/exit while Nicholas steered. I suggested trying to jump the battery and got my car. When Blaine began attaching the cables, his battery sparked - so we left it alone. I had the bright idea that we could push the Grand Prix out of the garage (there is a bit of an incline out) if we just got enough momentum. With the two of us, we got the car going well - but nearly died when the weight of the car stopped its motion and rolled backward. We easily got out of the way, but decided to wait for more help... With the help of the tow truck driver and a co-worker of Nicholas', the 4 of us pushed the car out of the garage and off we went toward home. Blaine and I waited at the car's destination and about 10 minutes later we saw the driver approaching. Nothing prepared us for what we would see next: The tow truck driver didn't see a median in the middle of the road and dragged our car down the length of it - sparks flying and the sound of scraping metal filled the air... ugh.

The next day, the car repair shop let Blaine know that the battery was bad and replaced it. And, the median incident only caused scratches and dings to the underbelly - no actual damage. Blaine and I just looked at each other and shook our heads. Guess we made the right choice, huh? Here we go! Okay, Lord, our life is Yours ~ please be with us.

But this time, we were really caught off guard...

This morning, as I'm reading the responses to my blog post from last night I hear a horrible crash and yell to ask Blaine if he's okay. His reply sounds bewildered and I ran into the other room downstairs not believing what I was seeing. The wall cabinet unit had pulled out of the wall and crashed straight down onto the workspace counter. Stunned, Blaine held up the cabinets while I quickly unloaded some of the heaviest stuff so we could try to lower it to the ground. The right cabinet is a complete loss as the base of the cabinet cracked and the back of the cabinet is cracked too. Both desk lamps are a loss. Thankfully, there were no computers on the counter at the time. A container of blank CDs broke the fall of the cabinets and actually helped protect against further damage on the counter. It's a total mess. Guess we'll be cleaning up that today instead of working on the front yard...

We are so thankful that God protected Blaine and he wasn't hurt when the cabinets fell. Not one single anchor screw is bent, the cabinets did not fall forward - but came straight out of the wall and straight down onto the counter. Very strange indeed.

Funny thing is ~ these challenges just confirm to us that we're headed in the right direction! No, we're not expecting or looking for these things to happen. Actually, each time we are surprised as if we've never gone through it before. We then say, "not again" and prepare ourselves for what's to come... And pray ALOT more!

Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world!

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33b

Every blessing You pour out, I'll turn back to praise

And when the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say ~

Blessed be the name of the Lord,

Blessed be Your name.

Blessed be the name of the Lord,

Blessed be Your glorious name!