Streams

All I can do, is post the streams in the desert for yesterday. In ministered to my heart right where I am.  We have sick kids, which is no fun... So Ive been staying home with them while they recover.  Friday is our big day as we travel to California for 10 days.  I need them to get better for that.  We went by the house yesterday to see if it survived last weeks storm, and ended up meeting one of the neighbours.  He couldn't chat for too long because one of his cows was halving a calf and he needed to pull it. lol.  

Hope you are encouraged by the yesterdays Streams... 

And there came a lion (1 Samuel 17:34).

It is a source of inspiration and strength to come in touch with the youthful David, trusting God. Through faith in God he conquered a lion and a bear, and afterwards overthrew the mighty Goliath. When that lion came to despoil that flock, it came as a wondrous opportunity to David. If he had failed or faltered he would have missed God's opportunity for him and probably would never have come to be God's chosen king of Israel.

"And there came a lion." One would not think that a lion was a special blessing from God; one would think that only an occasion of alarm. The lion was God's opportunity in disguise. Every difficulty that presents itself to us, if we receive it in the right way, is God's opportunity. Every temptation that comes is God's opportunity.

When the "lion" comes, recognize it as God's opportunity no matter how rough the exterior. The very tabernacle of God was covered with badgers' skins and goats' hair; one would not think there would be any glory there. The Shekinah of God was manifest under that kind of covering. May God open our eyes to see Him, whether in temptations, trials, dangers, or misfortunes.
--C. H. P.

House hunting in Franklin Tn

People keep asking me for the links that I used to find out information about flooded properties, flood maps, etc.  Im going to post them on here for everyones information. It is amazing how many properties flooded, and how little many real-estate agents tell you!  Chris and I have been through a few agents here already (I know, thats not normal, but when your new in the area, its all about trial and error).  I had to do alot of the leg work myself to find this information out with all of them.

If your dream house is on this map, flood insurance will be needed on top of the regular home owners insurance.  As well, its a really good idea to pay extra attention to the crawl space during the inspection to make sure you deal with any mold, and/or water issues.  We viewed several flooded houses, and found that the wood floors were bubbling, which was a sign that there was alot of moisture underneath.  There are companies that can be hired to put extractor fans and a barrier seal under the house to get rid of that moisture, and redirect standing water.

http://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/110
https://msc.fema.gov (look for flood maps and do an address search)

We found many you tube videos from the great 2010 Franklin flood, and devastating pictures.  One of our 'dream homes' was featured in one such video completely under water. That was an eye opener, and a real deal breaker.

Also, another tip... The Williamson County Sheriffs department is more than happy to tell you if there was any information on your property or surrounding properties.  I called them the other day and they were able to find 'hits' on neighbouring properties from many years ago.  They were also to tell me how long an estimated call out time would be if I needed them.

www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov

Theres also a crime report website that will give you some of that information as well, and let you know of any offenders in the area and what they have done.

www.crimereports.com

Obviously, these are only a few ways of protecting yourself before falling in love with a house.  There are problems with every house.  But atleast you can go into a viewing knowing a little bit more about the property.

Tornado Warning

Growing up in California, we had earthquakes.  I still remember the one we felt while in the Target garden centre...I must have been 8?  We also had El Nino, and I certainly remember that hitting while driving my Ford Aspire with 3 of my friends in the car screaming.  That was a very dramatic moment for a new teenage driver!

Then in Newcastle we had flooding and heavy snow/freezing conditions.  The flooding never really bothered me because I was always in a top story flat.  But the frozen roads and snow storms were something that brought a chill up my spine, especially when driving.  I remember the time I wanted to surprise Chris with a birthday trip down to Whitby, on the Yorkshire coast.  We left right after I got off work... I was working at Denes Deli in Jesmond (just a little in between job), and I made us sandwiches for the short 1 1/2 hour drive.  However, that short trip turned into a long journey, as weather conditions become quite unbearable.  While driving on the motorway, our car spun sideways in the ice which was really scary.  Then, while driving through the Moores, the roads were shut down in front of us and behind us.  We bravely followed a four runner through the closed roads and made it to whitby.  It was very scary, especially when the news was saying people were being evacuated from the Moores by helicopter!

And now, in Franklin, we have Tornados.  Our first experience was in December while driving home from a friends house in Nolensville.  All night the alarms on our phones kept going off, but we discounted them.  As we got in the car to go home, there was tree branches lining the driveway.  It was quite and still outside, and a little eery.  As we drove through the country lanes (our friends lived further from the city), I began to get a little worried about the alarms on my phone from the red cross, which kept going off.  So we turned on the radio, and the alarm went off saying, Williamson county, take shelter.  What!!! Then it started to get really windy and tree branches began flying through the air.  We were terrified, so we pulled over to a house that was lit with Christmas lights.  Jayne and Chip, the owners, were kind enough to let us take shelter in their home. As embarrassing as it was, we really enjoyed our time and felt very safe.  Lesson learned, do not drive during a tornado warning!

And so that brings us to last night.  Chris kept saying there was going to be a tornado, although I didn't really believe him because my app on my phone never went off.  But sure enough, at 8 last night, the sirens began wailing and our new NOAA radio started going off.  So we grabbed the kids and huddled in the bathroom.  Now, I really don't think that was necessary because the winds were only between 65-80 miles per hour...so it wouldn't have been a huge twister.  But we are new to all of this, so we didn't know.  All in all, it was an experience, and part of the moving process.

                                          (above: Chris and I in the bathroom last night...the girls are laying on a bean                                                         bag chair in the bathtub )

After our first experience with twister, Chris made a little emergency kit, equipped with a NOAA radio (watch out, that puppy is LOUD), and other tornado emergency things.  It was actually comforting last night to know we had everything.

A blast from the past!

(above: Chris and I on our first date in Durham)

Ok, I have had a fun time today. I merged all my old blogs onto this one! I was even able to access the first blog I started, TheParryFamilyHappenings, to this one...which dates all the way back to 2008!  I thought I had lost the blog forever, because I couldn't remember the password.  Im so excited. So, if you are in the mood for some entries from life before kids, and my first year of marriage, have a look.  Benji, our giant rabbit is even featured in them!  To wet your whistle, here are some pictures from a few years ago...

above: Chris rowing the boat on our first date in Durham 2006

above: Chris and I at his murder mystery performance 2006

above: Chris and I at Stephs birthday party in Heaton, 2007

above: Carefree me on honeymoon in Santa Cruz California 2007

Mint.com

Has anyone out there ever used Mint.com?  A few months ago, a gal in my MOPS group told me about it and so I decided to give it a go.  Oh boy, was it eye opener.  First off, I realised that most of our money was going to one store in particular.  Any guesses on what store? If you guessed Target, you were right!

Let me go on my Target rant.  First off, I absolutely LOVE Target.  Theres no surprise that most of our money went there every week.  It is so clean, and child friendly (with the double 'fun' cart, as my kids call it).  The dollar bin is always fun, with little surprises, for ONLY a dollar!  You can get clothes, food, and household stuff all in one place...whats not to love!  But its a money pit for me.  And I am being serious.  I cant seem to leave target without spending 100$!  Those little dollar bin items add up.  For example, the other day I was there to get diapers (I love Target diapers...they are so cute with the spots all over them) and dish soap.  Two items...are you following me.  And then the dollar bin called out to me... cute little easter hats and gloves.  So I picked them up, 2 hats and 2 pairs of gloves.  But wait, what is that, oh its little purses... ok, so 2 purses.  Oh wait, little baskets....oh and easter towels...and....you following me.  So going into Target for 2 items, turns into 20 very easily.  Thankfully I had self control and was able to walk away....Victory! But honestly, it was hard.  Thats why I have vowed to stay away from Target until I can trust that I will be able to walk away more.

So back to mint.  I love that you can set little budgets, and goals.  Since looking into buying a house, we have really had to tighten our purse strings.  Chris and I are pretty frugal with some things...but with others, like grocery shopping, eating out, and going places for special treats, we just are awful with.  We have never had heavy mortgages or bills to worry about, and so this past month we have 'pretended' to have that.  And it has been hard!  I have already gone over on my food budget...which is something I am going to have to readjust accordingly.  Life is going to be changing for the Parry's once we get a house... but Im liking the lessons in self control and budgeting it is teaching me.   And with the help of mint, Im able to accomplish that much easier.

So in conclusion...check out mint. com.  I cant rave about it enough.  Its free and super easy...just takes some time to set it up!

Unknown

I sit here in the unknown.  Unknown as to what is happening with the farm.  There may be another offer.... they may want to pull out...the list goes on and on. It is completely in the Lords hands because there is nothing we can do.  No amount of calling our agent, or crying or wishing or hoping will change a thing.  Its up to God.  I have to remind myself over and over, He is in control!  He could give this house to us if He wanted.  He can open and close doors, and so it is up to Him.  Yesterday was a rough day. I ended up spilling my heart, and over sharing a bit, to our realtor, while the kids were screaming all around me (not a good idea!).  Anyways, it didn't help one bit.  Today at MOPS, I was reminded once again of Gods power.  Of His timing, of His plans for our lives.  One day I will look back at this and see Gods hand in it all.  Im thankful I have a mighty God.



I went to costco after Mops to pick up a few things and ran into a dear friend who is grieving a loss.  It was a quick reminder that my problem is trivial.  There is so much I have to be thankful for.  So much that God has blessed me with .  I will trust you Lord.  Then, Olivia came up to me this afternoon and said "we dont need a farm mom. We can pretend this is a farm, with cows.  Dont be sad".  And she touched my hand.  Thank you Lord for her encouragement.  We dont need a house to be content, to have fun, to make a home.  This is a 'value' that the Lord is continually asking me to give to Him.  Having a house, a yard, more space, are not things that are bad... but its when you cannot be content without them....when you covet what others have...when your satisfaction is not found in what the Lord has given you... Thats when things aren't right.  Thats when a readjustment needs to happen.  My joy is in the Lord... my future home is in heaven... it is not here.  I need to remember that!  Moving is hard, on so many levels.  And I truly believe, like many things in life, it is like an onion.  it is processed layer after layer.  I am so thankful for the friendships the Lord is bringing into my life.  We are blessed!



I wanted to share the lyrics of a song that I heard this morning.  It has reached me right where I am at....in the midst of the unknown.  This entire move, taking a leap of faith, and just trusting God. This is my anthem!

                                                       "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

Inspection!

House Inspections.  Oh boy, how I dread hearing that.  Our dream began to slip through our fingers last week as we had the house inspected.  The radon test came back all clear, which is really good because apparently there is a lot of radon in these parts.  However, as the inspector (who we loved by the way), checked through the house...there seemed to be one problem after another. On the outside, this house looks perfect. But once you look into the crawlspace, attic, HVAC, plumbing, etc, there was problems everywhere.  We left the property deflated... but trusting God.

Now Id like to say I was completely joyful, and fine, knowing that God had a plan. But I wasn't.  I cried, as anyone would do, and was down in the dumps for a day.  But then something amazing happened.  As I prayed for Gods peace, and His wisdom while crying out to Him one morning...He whispered...Trust Me.  So I decided to do just that, and was filled with so much joy and so much peace.  I knew God had a plan!  (although there have been moments here and there where my human nature of distrust, worry, etc creeps in...God keeps telling me to trust Him). Ok God, here we go!

There were some moments when tears came easily.  Like when my 4 year old said she really wanted a house with a garden so she could play.  And when the reality hit that her only experiences were in an apartment.  Or when my 1 year old kept saying, home, in reference to wanting to go visit the farm.  Sigh....thank you God that you know!

So on valentines day, while out with the girls on a date... we got a message that the seller would pay 10,000$ towards repairs.  Great we thought...until we found out they wouldn't be doing it until after closing...not so great.  (especially since the repairs look like they may be somewhere around the 15000$ mark!).  So we said we couldn't accept that.  Again, we trusted God.  Then yesterday we found out that the seller will be doing all the repairs before closing!  It needs to be put in writing, but we couldn't believe it!  So once again, we are trusting God!!!

I think the best piece of advice I can tell other buyers is, Trust God. He can give you whatever house in the world He wants to!  And He can give you favour beyond measure with the seller.  And most of all, He can fill you with joy when things dont go the way you want it to!

So we wait... wait for signed legal documents...wait on God to reveal His will for our family... Is it the farm Lord?  Only He knows the answer to that, and Im thankful that He is the best realtor around!  And so I cling to:

So, if you are looking for an amazing, detail oriented home inspector, I highly recommend Tim Gunther at bjkenterprises.com.  He was so informative, and lovely to work with.  Its a father son operation and we 
just cant say enough about them.

My little gal

Today was a crazy day. We had Bible study at 9:30...which Im always 3 minutes late to, and therefore the girls are late to there programs! We then ate lunch at church, then straight off to the drs where Faes weight was checked. She has put on a little bit of weight, so no further testing is needed at the moment!  We then headed back to church for Olivias ballet class.  She loves ballet, and looked super cute in her pink tights and cowboy boots walking to and from class! The boots are from her birthday, and are absolutely adorable.  I hope she never grows out of them.  She has been getting a bit anxious about moving again.  I think she thinks its another move like to England. I have assured her its nothing of the sort.  Moving with toddlers is really tough, as its hard for them to understand things. Their sense of security is taken away, and its the unknown.  Once at the house, im sure she will be fine. Its just the lead up to it which is tough.  Our inspection is Thursday. I am so excited!

War Paint

Today felt like a war!  My entire day was revolving around a trip to the hearing specialist for the girls to get a hearing test.  We were going to go there, then to drive by the house, and then to some thrift stores (daddy wants a pair of rain boots... he kept saying, buy used, save the difference...oh so Duggar!).  Anyways, as we were walking out the door i realised i had left my keys in our car! Oh the tragedy of the it all. I had kids crying, frustrated mommy, and appointments that needed to be canceled.  So, we went to plan B.  Fae went to bed for an early nap (she couldn't stop crying out of disappointment that we weren't going out).  Olivia and I decided to watch a movie, and bake some of the Pioneer Womans oatmeal cookies.  Baking cookies with kids is always an adventure... an adventure in a super messy kitchen, where half the ingredients get dropped on the floor!  Then she painted a bird house for our dear friend Anne in England.  Things seemed to be going somewhat smooth...and then it hit.  Craziness!!! A tax man called to talk over some tax issues, while Olivia took a marker and started writing on the wall and carpet! What!!! Then a friend called, after hearing the news of our lock out situation, to see if she could do anything... and then Olivia took my glasses and tried to break them! What! Fae got into the paint as well, so it was crazy-town over here! I call this blog war paint because, well, thats what Fae looked like...and Indian wearing war paint with paint all over her!  In all of this, I can have joy. I have been blessed and love these two sweet gals!

E-I-E-I-O

Church was amazing yesterday! We have started reading Ephesians, which has been such an encouragement.  We truly do have EVERYTHING we need in Christ! One thing which struck me was that, we were born to die.  I have confidence that I will be going to heaven... that is the end result of my life. So everything I do now is preparing me for then. WOW!

Throughout the day, we continually committed the house to the Lord. We drove by it to say 'hi' and then drove by a rental property we were considering.  While driving back home, we got the news that we got the farm! Peace filled both of us, along with a big ole heap of excitement.  So, if inspections go through, and if the house is appraised at the price we are paying... we will be getting the keys to our farm on February 28th! Yippppeee!!!

So what do you think we did last night... well, Chris spent his birthday money on an axe, a gun safe, and a security system lol! I looked at different dog breeders in the area... and now Chris is asking me to check out the thrift stores for some wellie boots! Things are changing for the Parrys... and now we are having to pack up... AGAIN!

Below are some pictures of our new home...if all goes well with the inspection.

Trust me

Yesterday was Chris' 31st birthday. I must admit, i wasn't the best company throughout the day.  My attitude stunk and I was weepy.  We had put an offer on our dream house, and was waiting to hear back regarding a counter. Our agent said we would hear from them Friday or Saturday morning, but we didn't.  All day, I was grieving what could have been...confused as to why God would open and shut the door.  I was weepy while on facetime with our good friends, the Joys in England.  A few areas of my life are being challenged, and the Lord keeps telling me, be patient.  Its so hard to do, and once again, I am thankful that the Lord understands I am human and struggle with this area.  While doing my devotional for the day, my Streams in the Desert was talking about how during our hard times, the Lord is there.  He is there whispering, I love you.  He is the one that has put us in the situation...He is the one teaching us more and more about Him... His love, His grace, His faithfulness.  I am His and He is mine.  After spending some much needed time with the Lord, we went to Loveless cafe for a yummy lunch.  Someone had blessed us with a meal out for Chris' birthday, so Chris opted for Loveless.  We waited an hour and 40 minutes, but it was well worth the wait? While waiting, we went on a trip down the Nachez Trace and enjoyed Gods beauty.  Then played checkers and corn hull at the cafe before being seated.  Much to Chris' dismay, the entire restaurant sang happy birthday to him while he enjoyed some key lime pie.  Since that is not something done regularly in the UK, he was super embarrassed!  It was fun! We came home, enjoyed Mary Poppins and popcorn and the kids went to bed early (although they both cried throughout the night!).  We watched ' The Butler', which was very interesting.  It is amazing how much an individual can go through in their life, and the many lessons they learn.  This morning while taking a shower, I just began praying... God, please help me through all of this. Please give us wisdom, please guide our steps.  I heard Him say ' trust me'.  Ok God, I will trust you... no matter the outcome, I will trust You!
So now we are off to church.  We have not been in awhile due to sick kids...but this week we get to go. Chris is excited to talk to someone about the band, and I am going to talk to someone about the welcome team.  I want to use this season to glorify the Lord. I want to be a witness to others, as hard as that is at times... of patience, and joy while enduring a slight hardship.  Thank you God that we can trust YOU!

This is Chris and the girls at Loveless Cafe