We are here!!
Here I sit on the couch of friends who have graciously offered to let our family, all 6 of us, stay with them while we are looking for a house of our own. Here I sit in disbelief that we are actually in Georgia!
When we first started looking and then actually got a firm date that we would move we had 45 days before we actually left. I thought it was going to be FOREVER. I never thought the day was really going to come.
It took us 24 hours in a car and lots of stops to make it to our destination. The kids did amazing with the trip. They slept on and off. There were very few fights. I survived driving through Nashville and Atlanta. It was awesome!
We were all ready to be out of the car when we arrived. We spent that first night just catching up with friends.
We thank everyone for their prayers and support as we traveled. God kept us all safe and for that we are very thankful.
I am working on posts for the rest of the week about the days leading up to getting her and our first week here so far! I just wanted you all to know we made it safely and are enjoying our time so far.
Blessings,
Dany
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Saturday, August 22, 2015
The Back Story
I need to share with you a little back story. A little bit about me that will help you understand why I am writing a book, why I write on this blog, why I live life, and why we are on this adventure to Georgia.
I was raised in a Christian home. I went to church every Sunday, participated in Sunday school and Wednesday night activities. I made Profession of Faith in 6th grade. I knew God. I could tell you the bible stories I learned and verses I had memorized. Christianity was a part of my childhood. Even though this was built into my education and my family life things were far from perfect. My parents divorced when I was young. And things spiraled from there.
As I continued to grow up I still knew who God was. I still learned about him often. I still believe that he died for my sins. I believed I was a Christian. There was a new normal of life. I had two parents who loved me very much, but they were under two different roofs. I didn't know any different. I didn't know some of the issues that a person, especially a girl, could develop due to being a product of divorce. The problems did show up though.
About the time I got into high school I started to notice I wasn't the smartest, or the prettiest, or the most popular. I sought the attention of any guy that would give it to me. I just wanted a boyfriend like all the smart, pretty girls. That's the start of my downward spiral.
My senior year of high school I dated my abuser. The same guy that I would eventually get married to and have my first child with. He gave me attention, no matter how bad the attention was, it was attention. I made myself believe that I deserved all of it. I wasn't worthy of anything better. At least that's how I felt then. You see, I lost sight of God. I lost sight of how precious I am to Him. I still believed He was my Savior. I still believed he existed, but I wasn't in relationship with him. I had forgotten all the promises God had for me and continued to let the abuse rage on. It got to the point that I couldn't let my daughter get caught in the same situation I was in. I needed to get out. So I did. It was heart wrenching, dramatic, and I truly didn't know what I would do.
So I sought out more guys. I sought out the next relationship. I sought out someone to love me next. I was looking in all the wrong places. I should have been seeking my Heavenly father.
I ended up in a not very serious relationship with my sons father. The minute he found I was pregnant he ran. He didn't want any part of it. So again I was lost. I left searching. Searching for my place, a love I had never felt. At this time I started attending a church with my mom. Here I was finally starting to feel wanted, feel needed, feel loved. I was scared about becoming a single mom of two. I had considered having an abortion. That is probably the hardest thing for me to admit. I didn't want this child. I didn't know how I would take care of two being a single mom. I couldn't do it. God then sent a wonderful couple into my life. They spoke truth, love, and wisdom. I kept my son because of the words they spoke into my life. I will never be able to repay them for what they have done for me.
Three months after my son was born, my on again off again boyfriend from high school showed up at my door. This man was someone I loved. I knew in my heart if I ever had a chance with him again I would take it. He had had a piece of my heart since that first time we dated our freshman year. I flat out told him I already had two kids, figuring he would run away as fast as he could. He stayed. We talked. We started dating. We were married in 2009. We had two beautiful daughters.
Life was great. I had found God, and I mean truly found God. I strived to serve him. I had found the love of my life. I wish I could say the story ended here, but it doesn't.
After 4 years of marriage things started to go down hill. We were always fighting. Nothing I ever did was good enough for him so in turn I just wouldn't do anything. I was depressed. I didn't want to get out of bed. I gave up. We separated in January of 2014. Our divorce was finalized in October of 2014.
During this time of separation and divorce I turned to God. I knew he would be the only one to help me. Every morning and every night I would do my devotions. I needed to change for myself and for my kids. The way we were living was not it. This was a dark time in my life. It felt like everyone believed him on why our marriage failed, but didn't give me the chance to say why I felt it did. I searched for God. God helped me find the answers I was longing for. He showed me who I was!!! He showed me I am his perfect child. Created to do good things. During this process of finding myself. My ex husband was also finding himself. Soul searching for what to change and fix.
Three months ago God brought us back together. We had reconciled our difference. We apologized and forgave. We were able to start putting our family back together. And then one night after talking about where life was going and what was next for us, I said "We should move." I didn't honestly think he would take me seriously, but he did.
We started looking at states that would be good for his business and for homeschooling. We ended up with Georgia being the choice because we have very gracious friends down there. It would be easier to move where we at least knew one family.
So here we are. A week until we move. Georgia here we come.
Blessings,
Dany
I was raised in a Christian home. I went to church every Sunday, participated in Sunday school and Wednesday night activities. I made Profession of Faith in 6th grade. I knew God. I could tell you the bible stories I learned and verses I had memorized. Christianity was a part of my childhood. Even though this was built into my education and my family life things were far from perfect. My parents divorced when I was young. And things spiraled from there.
As I continued to grow up I still knew who God was. I still learned about him often. I still believe that he died for my sins. I believed I was a Christian. There was a new normal of life. I had two parents who loved me very much, but they were under two different roofs. I didn't know any different. I didn't know some of the issues that a person, especially a girl, could develop due to being a product of divorce. The problems did show up though.
About the time I got into high school I started to notice I wasn't the smartest, or the prettiest, or the most popular. I sought the attention of any guy that would give it to me. I just wanted a boyfriend like all the smart, pretty girls. That's the start of my downward spiral.
My senior year of high school I dated my abuser. The same guy that I would eventually get married to and have my first child with. He gave me attention, no matter how bad the attention was, it was attention. I made myself believe that I deserved all of it. I wasn't worthy of anything better. At least that's how I felt then. You see, I lost sight of God. I lost sight of how precious I am to Him. I still believed He was my Savior. I still believed he existed, but I wasn't in relationship with him. I had forgotten all the promises God had for me and continued to let the abuse rage on. It got to the point that I couldn't let my daughter get caught in the same situation I was in. I needed to get out. So I did. It was heart wrenching, dramatic, and I truly didn't know what I would do.
So I sought out more guys. I sought out the next relationship. I sought out someone to love me next. I was looking in all the wrong places. I should have been seeking my Heavenly father.
I ended up in a not very serious relationship with my sons father. The minute he found I was pregnant he ran. He didn't want any part of it. So again I was lost. I left searching. Searching for my place, a love I had never felt. At this time I started attending a church with my mom. Here I was finally starting to feel wanted, feel needed, feel loved. I was scared about becoming a single mom of two. I had considered having an abortion. That is probably the hardest thing for me to admit. I didn't want this child. I didn't know how I would take care of two being a single mom. I couldn't do it. God then sent a wonderful couple into my life. They spoke truth, love, and wisdom. I kept my son because of the words they spoke into my life. I will never be able to repay them for what they have done for me.
Three months after my son was born, my on again off again boyfriend from high school showed up at my door. This man was someone I loved. I knew in my heart if I ever had a chance with him again I would take it. He had had a piece of my heart since that first time we dated our freshman year. I flat out told him I already had two kids, figuring he would run away as fast as he could. He stayed. We talked. We started dating. We were married in 2009. We had two beautiful daughters.
Life was great. I had found God, and I mean truly found God. I strived to serve him. I had found the love of my life. I wish I could say the story ended here, but it doesn't.
After 4 years of marriage things started to go down hill. We were always fighting. Nothing I ever did was good enough for him so in turn I just wouldn't do anything. I was depressed. I didn't want to get out of bed. I gave up. We separated in January of 2014. Our divorce was finalized in October of 2014.
During this time of separation and divorce I turned to God. I knew he would be the only one to help me. Every morning and every night I would do my devotions. I needed to change for myself and for my kids. The way we were living was not it. This was a dark time in my life. It felt like everyone believed him on why our marriage failed, but didn't give me the chance to say why I felt it did. I searched for God. God helped me find the answers I was longing for. He showed me who I was!!! He showed me I am his perfect child. Created to do good things. During this process of finding myself. My ex husband was also finding himself. Soul searching for what to change and fix.
Three months ago God brought us back together. We had reconciled our difference. We apologized and forgave. We were able to start putting our family back together. And then one night after talking about where life was going and what was next for us, I said "We should move." I didn't honestly think he would take me seriously, but he did.
We started looking at states that would be good for his business and for homeschooling. We ended up with Georgia being the choice because we have very gracious friends down there. It would be easier to move where we at least knew one family.
So here we are. A week until we move. Georgia here we come.
Blessings,
Dany
Friday, August 21, 2015
Blog Goals:
I need a goal. I need lots of goals. I'm a type A personality and simply cannot do something just for the sake of doing it. The pros and cons need to be laid out. The lists need to be made. It is who I am.
So here it is. Goals for the blog.
My goals here are simple. Write. Inspire. Encourage.
In all my writing, here on the blog or in my book, I hope you can find inspiration and encouragement. I'm just an average person who has lived life. All I can hope to do is share how I made it through this far and encourage you to overcome as well.
I hope to accomplish these three goals a couple of different ways.
1. I am going to write about our adventures with life. I want to be real with you. I don't just sit behind a computer every day writing blog posts. I am living life, sometimes in the trenches, right along with the rest of you. I do know, however, that God will get me through each day.
2. I will post quotes, bible verses, or other inspirational saying. Why keep something to myself that might be exactly what you need that day! My goal is to encourage and inspire.
3. I will post pieces of poetry I have written myself or portions of text from the book. I want you to be able to see the heart and passion behind my writing.
I still cannot believe I'm writing a book. I have sent in the first initial chapters in for review. It was so scary and rewarding at the same time. This has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I can remember I have loved words. If you know me at all you know I love to talk, I talk a lot. Writing is an extension of that. Writing allows me to police all the thoughts, ideas, and stories floating around in my head on paper.
The next few chapters of the book have been on hold while we move our life to a different state. I'm excited to get back to the paper and write, write, write.
So here it is. Goals for the blog.
My goals here are simple. Write. Inspire. Encourage.
In all my writing, here on the blog or in my book, I hope you can find inspiration and encouragement. I'm just an average person who has lived life. All I can hope to do is share how I made it through this far and encourage you to overcome as well.
I hope to accomplish these three goals a couple of different ways.
1. I am going to write about our adventures with life. I want to be real with you. I don't just sit behind a computer every day writing blog posts. I am living life, sometimes in the trenches, right along with the rest of you. I do know, however, that God will get me through each day.
2. I will post quotes, bible verses, or other inspirational saying. Why keep something to myself that might be exactly what you need that day! My goal is to encourage and inspire.
3. I will post pieces of poetry I have written myself or portions of text from the book. I want you to be able to see the heart and passion behind my writing.
I still cannot believe I'm writing a book. I have sent in the first initial chapters in for review. It was so scary and rewarding at the same time. This has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I can remember I have loved words. If you know me at all you know I love to talk, I talk a lot. Writing is an extension of that. Writing allows me to police all the thoughts, ideas, and stories floating around in my head on paper.
The next few chapters of the book have been on hold while we move our life to a different state. I'm excited to get back to the paper and write, write, write.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
About the Author
I want you all to know a little bit about me.
First, I am a daughter of Christ. Without my faith in Christ I would not have pulled through some of the toughest times in my life moments. My faith has encouraged me, sustained me, and holds me daily. God gave me the gift, ability, and desire to write. In the book I am in the middle of writing I share the times God has carried me through and the lessons I have learned. My favorite verse was one I found when I was in the 6th grade. It was during the time when I was thinking about making Profession of Faith. This verse is one that I recite often, especially when I need to regain focus on my life.
Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
"Study this Book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."
Second I am a significant other. This may sound strange. I have been through a lot in life. I am getting the second chance at life with the man I married in 2009 after being divorced and separated for 18 months. God has done a lot of work on both of our hearts. He has brought us back together stronger than ever and I am so thankful for this chance.
Third, I am a mom. I have the four most amazing children ever. I am truly blessed to be their mother. I have three pretty princesses and one handsome prince. Being a mother has not always been ways. My oldest was diagnosed with Autism. My youngest has Cortical Vision Impairment. I've also spent years as a single mom. My children are my pride and joy. They have made me a stronger person. They have taught me so much about the importance of life. These kids I get to call mine are everything I could have asked for. I do everything I do everyday for them. They inspire me to keep moving, growing, and learning. They give me hope, love, and joy. My biggest goal when it comes to my children is to set them on the right path focused on God. I want to share openly and honestly about the choices I have made in life and help them learn lessons so they will not need to make the same mistakes. As I author my book, I constantly think about what I hope my own kids will get from it. By doing this I also get excited that it may touch even more people and be a blessing.
Fourth, I am a homeschooler. I teach each of my sweet blessings right here at home. This coming year I will be teaching preschool, kindergarten, second and fourth grade. It is a lot. It takes time, energy, and lots of planning. However, I feel this is the path God has set me on. Homeschooling comes before work. I only get so many years with my children before they grow up and leave the nest. I'm hoping to share some of our journey with you!
First, I am a daughter of Christ. Without my faith in Christ I would not have pulled through some of the toughest times in my life moments. My faith has encouraged me, sustained me, and holds me daily. God gave me the gift, ability, and desire to write. In the book I am in the middle of writing I share the times God has carried me through and the lessons I have learned. My favorite verse was one I found when I was in the 6th grade. It was during the time when I was thinking about making Profession of Faith. This verse is one that I recite often, especially when I need to regain focus on my life.
Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
"Study this Book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."
Second I am a significant other. This may sound strange. I have been through a lot in life. I am getting the second chance at life with the man I married in 2009 after being divorced and separated for 18 months. God has done a lot of work on both of our hearts. He has brought us back together stronger than ever and I am so thankful for this chance.
Third, I am a mom. I have the four most amazing children ever. I am truly blessed to be their mother. I have three pretty princesses and one handsome prince. Being a mother has not always been ways. My oldest was diagnosed with Autism. My youngest has Cortical Vision Impairment. I've also spent years as a single mom. My children are my pride and joy. They have made me a stronger person. They have taught me so much about the importance of life. These kids I get to call mine are everything I could have asked for. I do everything I do everyday for them. They inspire me to keep moving, growing, and learning. They give me hope, love, and joy. My biggest goal when it comes to my children is to set them on the right path focused on God. I want to share openly and honestly about the choices I have made in life and help them learn lessons so they will not need to make the same mistakes. As I author my book, I constantly think about what I hope my own kids will get from it. By doing this I also get excited that it may touch even more people and be a blessing.
Fourth, I am a homeschooler. I teach each of my sweet blessings right here at home. This coming year I will be teaching preschool, kindergarten, second and fourth grade. It is a lot. It takes time, energy, and lots of planning. However, I feel this is the path God has set me on. Homeschooling comes before work. I only get so many years with my children before they grow up and leave the nest. I'm hoping to share some of our journey with you!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
New Blog, New Adventures
Here is the new blog.
Here is a new adventure.
I originally started the new blog for the purpose of writing. I wanted people to get a chance to learn my writing style and maybe some day purchase the book I am in the middle of writing.
As life has changed so much in the past 6 weeks I want to start the blog with new adventures. We are moving to Georgia!!!!
I know, I know, I still can not believe it either. This is such a crazy thing. I never thought I would move hundreds of miles away from my family. Here we are. Moving in 9 days!
I will write more about how we got here and all the lessons God has been teaching me along the way in future posts.
Be sure not to miss out on future posts and keep caught up with all that is happening in our life by subscribing to the blog.
Blessings, Dany
Here is a new adventure.
I originally started the new blog for the purpose of writing. I wanted people to get a chance to learn my writing style and maybe some day purchase the book I am in the middle of writing.
As life has changed so much in the past 6 weeks I want to start the blog with new adventures. We are moving to Georgia!!!!
I know, I know, I still can not believe it either. This is such a crazy thing. I never thought I would move hundreds of miles away from my family. Here we are. Moving in 9 days!
I will write more about how we got here and all the lessons God has been teaching me along the way in future posts.
Be sure not to miss out on future posts and keep caught up with all that is happening in our life by subscribing to the blog.
Blessings, Dany
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