Wanna hear a little story? So we bought a house in Colorado Springs, CO in 2004. (AKA Our biggest mistake EVER).

We bought when the market was good and there were tons of incentives. We were able to move into a gorgeous new home, with nothing down and Pulte Homes paid for closing costs and threw in a free 40 inch flat screen TV. So we moved in SCOTT FREE. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Problem was Alan and I never discussed putting roots down there or thought about what it would take to sell if we decided to move. We had made a big boo boo.

In our defense, we probably should NOT have been approved for the loan because Alan hardly made any money at the time. So there we were, 26 and 22, with a brand new house and a mortgage we could barely afford. It was our choice, though, and we've lived with the consequences.

To make a looooong story short, it's been 5 years since then. We moved to CA 3 1/2 years ago and we've struggled to make mortgage payments and rent the house out ever since then, because it wouldn't sell due to the poor economy. In short, it has been a burden and even a nightmare at times. MANY sacrifices have been made to hold on to it and save our credit rating, but finally 2 months ago I had had enough. (Yes, sometimes agreeable little Cristi has a tough side-- something probably gained from being the mother of Emma), and I said:

NO MORE. NOT ANOTHER DIME GOES TO THAT HOUSE-- LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY.

Well, see there's a little thing called PRAYER and FASTING. Do enough of it and doors will open. We were about to foreclose and have our credit ruined for 7 years but some lovely lady named Jennifer put in a offer yesterday for a Short Sale. Jennifer, I don't know you, but I will love you forever and ever.

In approximately 2 months, this burden will GONE.

The Lord hears our petitions and delivers us from our bondage, even when we don't deserve it. I know this. We have to but ask in faith and humility and patience.

He has also taken this opportunity to teach us about thrift and debt and consequences, and what we will do with it when we finally DO have money. And sometimes we have to "wait upon the Lord," and that's ok. There have also been blessings poured out so great that there has not been room enough to receive them, just as He has promised.