Where We Are May 2012
It has been a long month full of paperwork (house related stuff) and illness. Shamus, Es, and Rachel still have whatever this sickness is and I just really got over it finally yesterday. This is probably more rambly than usual as I have been dealing with the remains of the illness (headache that won’t just go away) and have been spending much time pondering things in my head rather than out loud.
We are still working on selling the house. Finally have all paper in for possible short sale and now it is a waiting game. People keep looking at it but no offers yet. We have gotten a letter from one of those companies that buys houses offering to buy it but we feel we need to wait on God on this and not try to jump the gun and go with a quick solution.
We are also continuing to prayerfully consider an RV. We would really like to be able to travel to conventions (which would help sell Shamus book and get his name out) and the kids and I just want to travel and see the US in general (what better way to homeschool?) An RV would give us a cheap place to live, allow Shamus to travel while giving him a place to work and be comfortable and home, it would allow us the freedom to go where we want to go but be back home with family as needed. We need to wait for the Lord on this as well. We don’t want to get something that won’t run, doesn’t fit our family, or has had pets so we are prayerfully watching and waiting.
We have also decided not to sell our stuff but rather to give it away where it is needed. We have prayed about this a lot and feel strongly that we need not attempt to sell everything but instead rely on God to provide. I am trying to decide how best to put my art for sale since we don’t want to store it. The paintings of the kids will mostly go to family as interested but I have the dragon and bunny paintings plus illustrations from the game and book that I would like to sell. Have considered ebay but looking at sales results I don’t think that is the best way. Considering just putting buy it now buttons directly on my art page (http://elasah.com) or just putting things up on Etsy. I don’t keep up with Etsy enough to really get sales that way so am not sure. I have however spent the last few days updating my art site (http://elasah.com) and Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElasahArt) with more art so hopefully some things will sell.
The Lord has been providing, mostly through sales of Shamus book. The initial sales were good though they have tapered off and it will be interesting to see how the Lord continues to provide. We have an added monthly expense for Him to provide for (in order to do short sale we have to pay a certain amount each month– nearly as much as the original mortgage which we didn’t pay because we didn’t have it. Thus far He is providing and we trust Him to continue.
We continue to rely on Him rather than the government and He has been faithful. Just the other day we had several checks we had been waiting for suddenly go through just in time to make the mortgage payment that had to be in that day or we would go straight to Sheriff sale. We have also had numerous small miracles– free vitamins, $10 off coupons for new stores accepted at the only store that carries the butter we use, things like that. God continues to provide and take care of us in wonderful ways.
The last few days it has rained while the sun was still shining. Usually we are in the perfect location for a rainbow (they appear just over the hill from us nearly every time it rains). I look forward to them as the Lord has used them many times in the past to remind me that He provides and will continue to take care of us. However the last few days there have been none. As I was driving home from getting milk in the pouring rain with the sun glaring directly in my eyes I had a revelation.
Sometimes we can’t see the rainbow because we are in the midst of it. I am sure those around us could see a rainbow and I am trusting that He will continue to use our current situation and how He takes care of us to give others around us hope.
I’m always amazed at your deep trust in God despite your circumstances. I can definitely see a rainbow around you! And I think it would be awesome if your family could purchase an RV and travel around the country.
I am so impressed with your attitude about this situation you are in. You are teaching your children so much just by responding the way that you are. You are an amazing family.
If your family has any allegies or sensitivities, you might think twice about the idea of living in an RV. RV manufactors are not bound by the same standards as other buildings because they specifically include language that states they are NOT designed to live in permanently.
The high concentrations of Formaldehyde is the most reported toxin because of the FEMA debacle but RVs are notorious for high concentrations of other allergens and toxins. Recently there have been some “Eco” units that have hit the market but new ones are still more than $250,000 and I have never seen a used model sell for less than $185,000.
Very interesting and definitely something to consider– though at this point we don’t know of any other options. Our income is irregular and the only places we could possibly afford to rent require regular income or govt stuff which we do not do. We will see what the Lord does.
I’m not fromthe US, so I have no idea what the “government stuff” entails. And so my question may be really stupid, in which case I apologize. But can you rule out that God doesn’t mean to provide at this time via the government?
I am sure that in some cases God does but in our case we have been specifically convicted to trust in Him rather than in the government. And thus far He has provided so we will continue to trust Him in what He has called us to do.
Also, so far He has continued to reassure us every time we begin to doubt. Just yesterday we got three separate donations and sales of things that meant we could go a bit further on this particular path. Each individual encouraged us specifically where we needed the encouragement without knowing that we needed said encouragement– all three were random strangers, not even people we know and talk to about what is going on (I have a very small group of people with which I discuss and pray over specifics).
I hope this doesn’t come across as insensitive because I ask out of geniunine curiosity.
Since your children are on the verge of losing their home, is there some reason why your husband or yourself cannot find a regular job with a regular income? I am all for entrepreneurial endeavors (my husband is now a full time writer but he worked 2 jobs until he sold his first book).
Well, it is a long story, but it comes down to several factors– the main one being that thus far every time we try to go that route God reminds us that He has said to trust Him. So we are trusting and praying and obeying instead of running after things He has said not to do.
Aside from that we both have physical health factors that make working in a traditional setting a thing that would greatly damage our health. Part of the reason both of us can do as much as we do is because we are both home and can rest on bad days. If I had continued working in the public sector (public school teacher) I would have quickly had to stop and would qualify for social security thanks to my RA. Because I am home I can adapt and work on good days and not on bad days and not take govt assistance. If we could get out from under our current debt we would be fine and perfectly able to live on our current income. Shamus asthma also gets very bad when working in an office (thanks to a severe animal allergy among other things) and it is one of the factors. We are prayerfully considering a few possible situations for Him but thus far the answer has been no. Our family thrives when we are together and able to work together and help each other and our goal is to be where God wants us, when He wants us. That may include going as we are, doing odd jobs plus the various creative jobs we do to bring in income, it may mean doing some sort of part time or full time work, but regardless we want to be where He wants us and follow His will. Where we are occasionally gets scary but honestly, He has provided at every turn and has promised to continue to do so.
Hi Heather, good to catch up. I will be in prayer over your housing and finances. We serve a mighty and sovereign God. You are faithful, and your endurance and obedience to Him is inspiring. You ARE in the midst of the rainbow! What a lovely thought.