A Change of Direction - Following God's Beautiful Plan

We all have plans for our futures... plans for the next hour, the next day, the weekend, the next month, throughout the year, and throughout our lives. A lot of times we make the plans and think nothing can change them and they will happen as they are. As we journey through our life though we experience moments where our plans we had set didn't go quite the path we pictured. However, often times the changes to our plans turn out so much more beautiful and meaningful, even if it may mean making some adjustments to our lives.

Let me venture back to my mom and dad's past. When Josh, my brother, was born they planned normal baby plans, nothing seemed to cross their minds at first that anything would go too differently. As Josh progressed through his toddler years, they began noticing some things that didn't seem normal... for example him army crawling across the floor and to get up off the floor... seeing him struggle using furniture to pull himself up. After getting him checked, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 3. They were scared and felt lost. What did this mean? What would be his future? They hoped only the best for their son, and now he had a challenge to face his whole life. It crushed them. However being the strong faithful parents they are, they didn't let this diagnosis stop them. They educated themselves with this muscular disease and took Josh to St. Louis multiple times throughout his life to do all they could to be sure they did all they could to keep Josh strong throughout his life. He eventually went through leg braces and then to a powered wheelchair. My parents turned into his legs and arms. They were super heroes who brought him strength both through exercises and just by their faith and love. He may have been different by means of not being able to dribble a basketball, kick a soccer ball, ride a bike, walk, run..... but it never really got to him. Just as my parents had to adjust to the change, he adapted just as well. Because of my parents great love, care, and ambition in life, Josh held his head high and was content with his life. He enjoyed being with his family, cousins, friends. He loved watching IU basketball, playing video games, reading comic books, and telling all of us jokes. He was very intelligent in so many ways as well.... way better at math and drawing than me! Best of all, even though he may have not known it, he was a gift from God. He taught us and so many people the true meaning of life... to cherish each and every moment.. both small and big. My mom and dad's change of plan was far greater than they could ever imagine.... because it was God's plan. Yes they would have loved to not see my brother face all the obstacles they did and still be here today.... but Josh brought them strength and a close relationship with God..... and after all he is still present in our lives today... now as a guardian angel watching over each of us... even Easton and our little miracle Asher who was due on Josh's birthday. They would not change God's story for the world!

In January 2016 we found out that God had blessed us with the gift of my pregnancy. We were so excited and so was Easton! Again, just like my mom and dad, we had things planned in our minds. Over the summer we would paint and decorate Asher's room, we would get Easton potty trained, I would do learning activities with Easton and take him to the library each week. We also planned to get Easton a playground and tricycle for outside. The principal at my school, Hallie, got my maternity leave and sub set up. I planned to work for 5 weeks and then be off until the start of the new year. I planned to help the sub over the summer get things organized. Yes... again.. we had all these plans set not stopping to think they would go any differently. Just like my mom and dad... our plans did change as God stepped in... His story would unfold into the most beautiful change that we never could have imagined... this Miraculous Journey began. Like my mom and dad, we experienced a very dark and scary moment. We felt lost and didn't know what our future would hold. But we didn't lose faith... we reached for the light ... we reached for strength..... we reached out to God through prayer. God brought the most beautiful sunshine out of the darkest moment. The first few weeks on bed rest were like walking down a path where we couldn't fully see ahead, but yet we just knew in our hearts that God was walking right with us and He had a beautiful rainbow that He was leading us to. Before we knew it, July hit and so did contractions. Again there were scary moments, but God held us and we knew He was guiding us to His perfect plan. July 11, 2016 (29 weeks, 2 days) came... and God brought our miracle into the world. What a beautiful day that was and one we will never forget! In the nicu he entered.... some shaky rides have came and gone... but God has never left. Now at 36 weeks, 2 days.... 7 weeks have passed since our miracle's beautiful entrance.. and in the nicu he is still in God's healing arms strong and growing big. Our plan of a c-section at 39 weeks changed. Our plans for the summer never happened. But the story God gave us is so much more meaningful than any of our plans! I would go on bed rest again any day. It blessed me with two amazing things..... keeping Asher strong and forming a much deeper relationship with God. God blessed us with a miracle.... there is no plan greater than His!

So where am I getting at you might ask? Well if my plan had gone as I planned, I'd be teaching at this very moment and have a couple weeks to go. I would then be returning to school in January and teaching 22 second graders until the end of the school year while Easton and Asher went to the sitter. Again, those plans have changed... God had a different story in place for the year.... again a more beautiful story.

After talking with Dr. Pyle a few weeks ago, we were told how important it is to quarantine Asher and Easton for the year. Due to Asher being born at 29 weeks with little fluid, his lungs were hard and needed a lot of assistance. Babies born with underdeveloped lungs are highly prone to any germs... especially the flu and RSV... which if they would get would be very risky and mean hospital stays. With me being a teacher, I have a high chance of bringing these types of bugs and colds into the house where Asher could easily then pick up. With Easton going to the sitter, he again is in an environment where he could easily bring these types of illnesses into the house.. again putting Asher at risk. Dr. Pyle encouraged us to discuss with Hallie and Father Ed to see if there was any way they would grant me a year leave. Yes it hit me, and I never imagined this being the plan. But again, it was God's plan and His plan is the most beautiful!

James and I knew that we needed to make this work. Again this change was very scary to us.  It was hard to not take Easton to the sitters as that was where all his buds were and where he learned so many things. What would Father Ed and Hallie think?... I felt in my heart they would understand... but it was scary because I loved my job and didn't want to lose it. However, again we knew we had to take a leap of faith because this was God's story and it would all work out according to His beautiful plan. So we took that leap of faith and met face to face with Father Ed and Hallie a couple weeks ago. On our way we said prayers and just knew God would be with us. The meeting went very well, and they were very understanding of the situation... after all they only want the best for Asher too. Last week God's plan got even more beautiful as I was granted the year off and Janet (lady taking my leave) is going to teach the whole year for me. God definitely had that planned as her grandson is in the class this year... so it will be a special year for both of them! It broke my heart as I received some mail from the 2nd graders praying for Asher and saying how they looked forward to me being back. However, I knew they would understand as they knew Asher needed Mommy's love and care this year. Teaching is my passion, especially in a place where I am blessed to teach about God's everlasting love. So it is difficult being away, but God is calling me to a different plan this year. He is calling me to be at home as a Mommy to our little miracle and Easton this year to be sure they get the best care in an environment as germ free as possible. It is a blessing and I look forward to each moment and will cherish each moment! Yes God has led me on a complete different path than I had ever imagined... but how special of a path it is! God gave us a miracle, and now I am blessed with the year off to take extra special care of our miracle. I want to send a special thank you to Father Ed and Hallie for their understanding and granting us this opportunity as it will provide Asher with the care he needs. It means the world to us.

At first James was looking into finding a second job. Right away I told him that just didn't feel right to me in my heart. I felt God speaking to me that that wasn't part of His story for us. I felt God was calling us down a different path... a path that would allow James and I to work together and form a little side job while getting to stay at home with our sons. James is a handy man... and loves carpentry. He enjoys creativity and working with wood. We have been those people who have always enjoyed looking on Pinterest for ideas and Etsy to observe peoples creative talents. James has made things for the house such as lantern holders etc., but the thought never really crossed our minds on making things to sell. After all we both worked in the past, so extra time we dedicated to Easton, our family, and friends. But now James is working while I stay home with Easton and eventually Asher. So the thought hit me one day... I felt a calling to create an Etsy shop of our own and come up with something creative for James and I to make together. This would allow for him to let his carpentry shine. It will allow me and him to have a second little hobby that we would both enjoy. I began looking for ideas on what we could create together and sell. We enjoy the rustic style, so I began searching for things that we could create out of pallet wood. At the same time, I wanted to create something meaningful to praise God for the miracle He blessed us with. Then the thought hit me, I felt a calling for us to begin our shop by creating items in honor of Christmas- as Christmas is the season we celebrate our GREATEST miracle... Jesus. So to me I felt what a beautiful way to honor God for the miracle He gave us... by honoring the GREATEST miracle he gave ALL of us on Earth. While searching for rustic items that we could make and Christmas ideas, an idea was made in my heart. I always have loved rustic trays made out of pallet wood. Why not create rustic decorative trays with Christmas sayings on them? James could make the trays, and I could then finish them by using stencils and paint to create them. We also will be creating rustic stocking holders to hang on walls for the Christmas season. Our idea was formed and we both agreed it would be something we would enjoy while honoring God at the same time for our little miracle. Once Christmas season passes, we have other ideas in mind for our store that we will share later.

I have already ordered stencils and James has began getting wood ready. This weekend we hope to make our first Christmas tray so we can then begin to set up our shop on Etsy.  We look forward to sharing photos of our creations and more on this with you as we get it together.

Did we ever plan this journey? Did we ever plan our summer to be in a hospital? Did we ever plan our miracle to be in the nicu? Did we ever plan for me to take a year off from my passion? Did we ever plan on using our creativity to create and sell items on Etsy? No... God did. And we are so grateful He did. I can't say enough what beautiful stories He writes for each of our lives. Because of this miraculous story He has changed our lives and led us to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. He has shown us what life is all about.

What do I hope you take from this post? I hope it reminds you that when your plans go in a complete different direction there is a purpose. I hope that when they change you stop and remind yourself God has a different plan... a better, more beautiful plan. Also, I hope when you feel scared and lost when they do change, that you turn to God in faith and know He will lead the way and guide You to His beautiful plan as He writes the most amazing stories of our lives.

I ask that you keep us in prayer, as you have since day 1 of this journey (which means so much!). Please pray that we continue to let go and let God.... this year will be a little rocky at moments I predict as it will be busy. But we have a rock to lean on... God. Pray our creativity may shine and our Etsy store becomes successful. Most importantly pray that we stay healthy throughout the year, especially throughout flu season to continue to keep Asher healthy and free of sickness once he arrives home. Your prayers bring us strength and mean the world to us! May God bless all of you for the amazing prayer warriors you are..... Because of you and God Asher is the amazing warrior he is and we stand strong in faith. We love all of you so much and God above all things!

I had to update this post with the following beautiful words below.... I just got back from the nicu and it has been several hours since I made this post. But as I was pumping I opened my reflection book that I usually read in the morning, but didn't get to yet this morning. Each day I flip to next page where there is a verse and a reflection to go with it. The verse and reflection made my eyes widen.... it went right along with this post. I felt God talking to me through the words... I felt He sent me these words to go along with this post and to share with all of you from Him... a beautiful God Moment!

From the book Blessings for the Morning
Written by Susie Larson

Todays Verse:
"Do no be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown." Isaiah 43:1-2

Reflection Title: Do Not Fear

Reflection:
When you can't sense what God is up to, may you trust even more His heart toward you. When your journey is different than you would choose, may you see His invitation to make you new.

When the storm rages overhead, may you know - with everything in you- that new mercies are on the other side.

And when you're tempted to overstate your problems and understate His promises, may you step back and find your footing again.

On Christ the solid Rock you stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Embrace a joy - perspective this day!