Summer 2010

Life in 2010 is much different.....

So, it's been a while since i've updated and we finally have answers to the questions we've been waiting for. We are NOT going to the flying h ranch. We are staying here in McMinnville for the time being. We have moved to a different house and are planning on being here for a while. The economy has been hard on us (as it has for everyone) this past couple years and we have been changing our priorities. You see for many years now we have been chasing the American Dream, and frankly we have been attached to this world's system far too long (1 John 2:15-16) You see, when we are chasing the American Dream of Prosperity and Recognition we take our eyes off of Jesus. Those things that we have attained or are trying to obtain become Idols and we begin to worship them. We were not giving our whole hearts to Him. We were keeping a portion for things of this world. Now, i'm not saying trying to purchase a house, or buy somethings nice for your family is serving Idols....i'm just saying that if your whole LIFE PURPOSE is to get richer and obtain more and more things then you are NOT living for Christ!! You are living for the ruler of this world....S A T A N!!! So, God gave us an attitude adjustment. We almost lost our business (due to the economy), we lost our house, our New car, and are completely broken and left in debt.

God wanted to make sure that we were paying attention because He had something important to say. "The time is coming near! Put away your selfish ambition and cling to ME!!" We were Distracted! You see, when we were clinging to things of this world we were not relying on God to take care of us.....we were taking care of ourselves (so we thought). And, we were focused on getting business bigger and getting more money to do more things.....

So, there it is. It's now out in the open. I was embarrassed of this at first. But, now I want to use our experience to help others NOT do what we did. Here are three things to chew on:

1. It's not always God's will that we own property on this earth. He has His many reasons why we should or should not own a house. But, I want to make sure that you don't think that just because it's the "American Dream" to own a nice home, that means that it's Gods plans for you.

2. DON'T USE CREDIT CARDS!!!! They are of the DEVIL!!! hahaha- No but seriously, most of us don't use them correctly and have a problem with debt. The bible says "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Rom. 13:8 Let's remember that before we "need" another pair of shoes, or frankly use it for something we do need like bread, gas, etc. I believe (and I may be wrong on this), but I believe that HE will supply your needs without the use of a credit card with 21% interest!!

3. Just because you can afford it doesn't mean you NEED to buy it. I was obsessed with things. I love fashion!! I love shoes, I love purses, I love jewelry, I love having pretty things, I love having this and I love having that.......this, coupled with my many credit cards, has helped us get in the mess we are in right now. But, I didn't just use credit cards to buy my things. I used Cash too!! WE had money!! It was really nice, I can't lie. It made things much easier. But, instead of using that money for good and saving more and tithing more (i don't know if i spelled that right) I just bought more. Now, am I saying that having a love for fashion and looking nice when you get dressed is a sin. NO!! I'm just saying that you need to be disciplined in your purchases. Just because it's pretty doesn't mean it should be yours! :)

Well, I hope that you can learn from our mistakes. It is painful to learn them yourselves....so, try to take my advice. Live your life for Christ!! He has done so much for us. He paid the price so that you and I could have eternal life. I don't want to get distracted. I don't want to live my life for that temporary Feel Good thing. I want to live it for the Eternal Feel Wonderfully Awesome and Amazing thing :D

Thanks for listening!!

Springtime

Hey Everyone,

So, nothing really new to report. We are still waiting to hear if we were accepted on staff at the Flying H Ranch. We are trying to sell our house and our van. And, all in all make our monthly finances smaller. The Lord is good and is supplying our needs daily. We are learning alot about Patience and Faith. I wish that He could just put these into our brain like updating your hard drive or something. You know, I take a nap and he uploads new abilities into my system....Then when I wake up, Voila!! NEW!! hahaha That would be the best. But, we have to walk through certain things to learn them....sometimes over and over-when we are really stubborn. But, God is Good, All the Time!! So, I just need to follow Him, be Patient, and Trust that He really does have all things in His hands. I will let you all know when we know more. Please pray that He fills us up with Peace and Wisdom for all the things that we need to make decisions on. And, that His Will, Which is Perfect, is done in our lives!!

What's New with the Allen's

So, many of you may be wondering what is happening with us. You may have heard rumors or bits of things that are going on. We are indeed praying about a possible Mission commitment. We are going to visit the Flying H Ranch up in Naches Washington next week and see if Jesse is a good fit with the boys and the group. If accepted we will then be moving up there when we get everything in place. We definitely need some prayer warriors out there. So, if you feel so inclined. Please pray for God to open doors that He wants us to go through. And, close doors that He doesn't. Also, to pray that the house sells quickly, but not too quickly.....Jesse has been out of work for a few months now and we are kind of hurting financially...so, moving at this moment is out of the question. I do Trust that God has perfect timing. So, we pray that ALL will happen in that time. We are excited at the prospect of this new phase. It is exciting, yet sad to think of leaving our families and friends here. God is Awesome and All Knowing!! He is in complete control and we will indeed follow Him wherever He leads us!!

October 2009

Fall/Homeschooling

So, it's been a while since I updated. We have been back to school for about a month now. I am homeschooling them all. Mack is doing so well with highschool work. He frequently says that he likes school which is really nice to hear. This semester I have him doing a computer typing program and an art program at home as well for his electives. Next semester he wants to take driver's ed. and Cooking. Driving....uggh!! I didn't mention that at this next birthday ( which is only a little over 2 months away) he will be 15!!! He's already talking about getting his permit. " You know mom, in a couple of months this will be me" as he is sitting in the driver's seat. NO!! I think I lost your birth certificate....or anything else you will need to get it :)

Josh is still getting done with school at record speeds! The only thing that seems to slow him down at all is Math. I at least still have a grasp on what he is learning, so for now I can help him. But, soon I will need to reach out to friends for help tutoring.

Gabe really surprises me. He does school very slowly......but, he seems to retain almost everything that he learns. So, although I wish that he would speed up so we can be done with school before lunch, I'm glad that he is learning so well. He just took a History test last week that he received 100% in and an English test that he received 96% in. So, I am very glad!!

Then there's Jesse and I. Work slowed down quite a bit for Jesse this year, but we are managing. It did allow him the oppurtunity to go on our youth group bike trip with the boys. He was really moved by the youth group kids and the teaching. He was really impressed by these young people and their commitment. It made him re-evaluate his own walk. He is reading the word more and praying more. He has become softer and more pleasant to be around. And, I just got to do some of my own music for the youth group and gave my testimony to the Women's study goup. It was the first time in a long time that I've gotten to do more than one song and it was the first time ever I gave such a lengthy testimony. I was really blessed!! And, I hope that I glorified God and was an encouragement to all that heard both things.

That's about it for now. No new pictures to put up yet. Thanks for listening and God Bless You!!

A New Phase

Mackenzie Graduates 8th Grade

So, another school year is over. I can't believe that Mack is going to be in highschool this year. We are going to be homeschooling him this year and are trying to get a grant to put him and Josh in a Christian Private High School the following year. It is insane to think about! Just yesterday he was this little 2 year old trying to get onto the kitchen stool without help and not succeeding. And, now he is 6 months away from learning how to drive a car...... And, his brothers are soon to follow!!! I pray for wisdom and discernment, Patience, and Obedience to our Father!!!