I Don’t Think it Was a Dare…(NEWS!)
Life can look like a barrel of monkeys at times- reach your hand in and you never know what will show up....or is someone planning things a little better than that? As fun as the monkeys would be, I have to say now more than ever I believe in a plan, a purpose and a God who always gets His timing right.
I've summed it all up before, the last 3 years of my life pretty much- you should go read it so you can see how incredibly cool what just happened is. When God called us to Spain, I put my biggest dream of moving to a farm, living on some land, bee keeping, goat raising, blueberry harvesting away. Less than a month ago Brad's Uncle asked us to move out to the farm and live there. It is larger than we'd ever need, the house, the land, and the God that I serve, by large in all of the aforementioned- HUGE. Not only is it a dream-- but it was one I had no idea how God would remedy. I've told Him often, either grant this wish or take it, I'll be content with either. But when we were asked to move to the family farm my brain popped and my image of God shattered, He is a very weird God- in an extremely great way. It won't be any time super soon, things have to get prepped and primped- but it will be in about 6 months.
So when that happened, I pretty much looked straight into heaven and thought to myself (and probably right at God too) saying: "Huh God, you are good, always good, I wonder if I am pregnant now too". I don't think it was a dare, and I know God didn't take it that way...but I am currently pregnant. Yep, sometimes people say things happen by coincidence, I think that they must be some of the most oblivious people in the world. Farm and baby in the same month,that is no coincidence.
If you don't believe God can do it, I dare you...give Him the chance. He doesn't love me any more than He loves you. God is just purposeful in how he loves us, weather through complete joy filled blessing, or trials that will bring the heart that He desires in us, which is bigger than any earthly blessing. God is stinkin' AWESOME!!!!
It also is no coincidence that I just started memorizing Hebrews 11 on Faith.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
In approximately 6 months we will be farm dwellers, and use the land (oh that is thrilling!!! AHHH!!!) and in the first couple weeks of June I'll be having a baby. That is a lot of news for one post.
Here is the summary with links if you'd like to be more clued in:
First we were excited to be missionaries, and have more BABIES!!
We waited and waited...
Then He said "NO", to the missionary thing and I wasn't getting pregnant.
Learned the humility that that required. (for both things)
And then I thought I just would never know why God did what He did.
Now I do.



















October 11th, 2011 - 22:55
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you!
October 12th, 2011 - 11:09
THANK YOU!!! I can’t wait to see this little one….oh goodness, the wait begins.
October 11th, 2011 - 22:57
What perfect timing for this post! First, I am so filled with joy for you all! His ways are not our ways. And oh, how I need to remember that. We are currently involved in ministry and wondering if God is calling us on to a new place and begin our dream farm. I have prayed a similar prayer as your regarding taking this dream if it is not of Him. But most times, I am utterly convinced it is purely given by God for it brings such joy and causes me to praise Him at such a wonderful gift. Though I have no idea how we could ever swing it, I wait on Him and do what I can on our little rented property. Anyway, what a great reminder of His goodness and faithfulness which brings things about in His own timing and His way. Congratulations to you all! :)
October 12th, 2011 - 11:08
Well, a good friend of mine always reminds me: Our father owns the cattle on a thousand hills…
It is very true.
October 12th, 2011 - 06:30
congrats! So happy for you! What a great BIG God we serve!
October 12th, 2011 - 11:09
For sure!
October 12th, 2011 - 07:24
Congratulations on both sets of good news Bethany! It’s going to be extra fun at book club these next few months. :)
October 12th, 2011 - 10:12
Thank you! It will be very fun.
October 12th, 2011 - 08:45
Congratulations to you, over and over!!! Sometimes it feels like we live parallel lives. :D
October 12th, 2011 - 10:11
I agree!!! It is pretty cool.
October 12th, 2011 - 09:58
How wonderful Bethany. Will you be moving far? Looking forward to hearing all about your land owning adventures.. and baby ones too! Lots of love..
October 12th, 2011 - 10:11
Nope, not far at all, just about half an hour :)
October 14th, 2011 - 10:01
God is good and God is weird – very astute observations. Everyone once in a while I have to sit down with pencil and paper, organize my concerns and marvel all over again that no matter what happens, God is good. That has, without question, been the biggest and hardest truth for me to grasp.
I am so happy about the baby – the farm is frosting on the cake!
October 19th, 2011 - 10:21
It is so good to do that, to realize what there is to be thankful for, and then when you look back at the things you were concerned about you realize he has met every single one of your needs. Our God is faithful!!
October 27th, 2011 - 08:22
Congratulations to you and Brad. Grand pop told me the news, I am truly happy for you and especially your mom. I wish the best and my God Bless you and your family.
Uncle Jack
November 2nd, 2011 - 12:59
just sent you an email;)
November 22nd, 2011 - 13:12
Congratulations! I have been following your blog for a while but never really comment but this is all great news so I just had to chime in :) It all sounds really exciting!