When we look back on life we are always able to see where one chapter began and another chapter ended. Life is like that, at least for me it is. Our lives are filled with different seasons good and bad. There are seasons where we are in school as a college student. There are seasons where we deal with an illness or struggle or tragedy. There are seasons where we have a certain decision that guides our lifestyle and then inevitably changes are soon to follow. The page turns and we are on to the next chapter.
Growing up my family were always campers. In fact my folks still own a trailer and keep it in Myrtle Beach, SC. However, I didn't marry a camper in Erin and to tell you the truth for the season of our life (first 12 yrs) that really didn't bother me. Most vacations for us consist of visiting her folks or mine for w weekend or a week. Then usually once a year we would take a week long family vacation and rent a chalet or a cabin or some type of house. We just returned from Gatlinburg, Tn in July and had a blast. Our first love has always been Myrtle Beach but until now the babies have just been too small for that far of a trip. That's when we decided we were ready for the next chapter in our life. With the two youngest getting older and it becoming more and more expensive to rent houses for week we have decided to do the camping thing. It was kind of funny all Erin had to do is look at me and say she was ready to do the camping thing and I hit the ground running. I have been waiting for years for that moment.
It makes so much sense for us. We want to be able to get away more often both locally and going to places like Myrtle beach and out West but can't afford to stay in hotels and houses every time we do this. Also we have 5 kids and keeping them entertained is a chore in and of itself. Camping affords us all these opportunities and more. The kids will have plenty to do anywhere we go and will have to get creative in enjoying the outdoors. Camping is relatively inexpensive once you get over your initial expenses of purchasing whatever means you are be using for camping. Plus we will be able to do it more often that just a week out or the year. I believe this will be a good thing for our family especially with all of the struggles we have with our children. It will allow for us to devote more time to each other and in the end I sense God is going to do something special.
Needless to say this has caused us to have to make some significant changes in our approach to life. We have decided that a Travel trailer is the best way for us to enjoy camping. (just don't think we are tent people, if you know what I mean!!) This has meant that we also need to acquire a vehicle that can both carry all 7 of our family and at the same time have a significant towing capacity. In the end my white trunk was the sacrificial lamb. Here is the great news. With the economy the way it is and gas prices the way they are we were able to pick up exactly what we needed for our new camping and family lifestyle and relatively the same value that my truck was worth when trading it in. God's timing is always perfect! Now we are in the market for a used Travel Trailer that can sleep 8-10 people. Keep your eyes open if you see anything give me a holler. God is so good and I am looking forward to our new season of life as campers. I am nervously anticipating what God is going to do for us. Anytime you step into a new place where there are unknowns and things we haven't done before one always gets a little nervous curiosity. But, I know God is going to meet us there and am so excited for this opportunity.
Lastly, this has been a good lesson for my children. We have included them in on this decision from the very beginning. I have been able to share with them how blessed we are that we as a family can make theses kinds of choices. I was able to share with Austin that because his mom and I have made a lot of healthy choices in our life that we have the freedom to be able to do these things. If you work hard and trust God somehow he always meets our hearts desires. Thanks God for making this dream and new chapter in our lives come true! I am expecting God to bring a lot of additional joy into our life because of this blessing. Thanks God.
Blessings,
Your Dreaming Pastor
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