April 1, 2026

There are so many days where I REALLY want to say something, but know that I should not.

Today is one of those days.

God loves you.

I love you.

Have an amazing day!

Just A Little Clarification

It has come to my attention, that some people within the PVBC and area are being told that I am 'coming around' and that 'reconciliation is just around the corner.' with regards to my relationship with my father.

This could not be further from the truth.

I have not seen or spoken to Mike Sullivant Sr. since 1999. 

There is no reconciliation in process as of right now, January 2026, with no hint of it happening anytime soon.

I did receive a Facebook  'friend request' from an account with his name and photo on it, but I did not accept the request.

I do have a tiny bit of contact with a some people of whom I will not betray their confidence, however none of them are my father, Mike S.

I hate that I still have to make posts like this, just to clarify for people who are being lied to. But I will not and cannot allow my name to be used to try and convince others of a certain way of life or belief system. 

Sorry, not sorry.

You Are Made To Worship

 Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)

         "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

The above verses that came with my morning devotions stuck out to me. I am a very musical person and I worship through playing instruments and singing. One doesn't normally view their body alone as a tool of worship, but it is! 

No matter how broken you feel or how busted up your body may be, if you present yourself to the Lord with humble spirit and be willing to be used by Him in any way possible, that alone is an act of holy sacrifice and worship to God.

I get it, being physically and mentally broken can make it difficult to 'see' how God could possibly use you, but the position of your heart is where the difference is. Are you afraid of what others may say? Are you focusing on all of the things that you can't do and not the things you can (no matter how small)?

How we live our lives, how we think and act is what matters, living a life that reflects God's purpose and not our own.

I confess that right now, I'm still struggling in this area...knowing what sort of purpose God has for me in this season of life. Where I thought I had it all planned out, I felt really happy with where I was in my life prior to the accident. 

Yeah, God has other plans for me in my life...I just don't know what they are. 

As I sit and work on my heart's attitude, I will continue to walk each step in faith, even though it seems as I'm only getting guidance for those steps right before I have to take them.

I hope that as you follow along with me in my life's journey, that you find not only encouragement, but a 'kindred spirit' of sorts, knowing that you are not alone.

Love ya!

October 24th, 2025

 Ephesians 4...

Yeah, I was going to start listing various verses here but you really should read the chapter for yourself in its entirety.

Over the last few weeks I have been contacted by several people who have left my father's teaching and my heart breaks for each one of them.

Anger, hurt, resentment, bitterness and total turning away from anything God related. These are only some of the messages/conversations I have had with people since starting this blog.

What truly breaks my heart though, are the stories I hear from people who have completely turned their hearts cold towards the Lord and into atheism or the occult/New Ageism. To blame God for what a human being does is heartbreaking and I hope that one day these wounded souls will be touched and healed.

I can't explain why God has spared me from a complete turning away from the faith but I am so thankful...SO thankful for His faithfulness in leading me through some of the darkest of times.

Darkness will never consume the light, the light chases away darkness...every time.

Not every post here will be the most positive one, I am going through a lot in my life both physically and emotionally, but I hope that as you read each entry that you will see through the pain and struggles that I am still relying and leaning heavily on my heavenly Father. 

I am a broken vessel who will continue to grow and learn. I learn so much in the struggle and trial, may I never stop growing in my knowledge of my Lord and Savior.

That's all for today.

Love ya!

October 9, 2025

 It's hard to believe that this year is so close to ending! 

I've come to the conclusion, that I am incredibly inconsistent when it comes to writing or vlogging (on YouTube). I've been so doubtful of myself and concerned about writing my life, struggles and accomplishments, because of the possibility of rejection and/or criticism. I've found myself feeling mentally drained and spiritually weak at times, and don't really want to 'air my dirty laundry' to you guys...But I really need to get out of that mindset.

I'm pretty sure that I've said this in the past, in one way or another, but I am going to keep you guys in touch with what's going on in my life. The good, the bad and the amazing!

I am in a lot of physical pain and have been since having been severely injured by a cow at my job two years ago. So, with being in pain on the daily, my mental health and vitality aren't always 100%. 

But that's life, right? I'm sure that not a lot of you are having the greatest time of your life ALL the time. But hey, thankfully God is gracious and there is ALWAYS something to look at that will encourage us...even if its in the fact that we are able to see a little bird outside and are reminded of His creation and perfection.

And I must confess, I've been writing in a different blog but not one that is public. A lot of what is there has been written on some of my worst pain days, which is why I haven't really wanted to post where people can actually read it. But I will be posting those on here in the future. (You can join me in my suffering, right?) And I will NEVER say 'no' to prayer. I accept that anytime, day or night.

Love ya!

The Stars

One of the many things that I love about living in the country (and yes, the word 'many' doesn't do justice lol), 

is the fact that you can see the stars. Thousands and thousands of them...twinkling, shooting and falling from the sky in a gorgeous display of God's creation.

Because I work the night shift at a dairy farm, I am blessed to be able to see many prairie sunsets and the amazing stars on nearly every clear night. 

One night as I arrived home from work, I stood outside our home and just watched the skies. I regularly use this time to talk to God, my Father, this night was no different...until it was...

The emotions came rushing up, it was as if a tidal wave came from out of the literal blue and I was overcome with tears.

Why was this so intense, you might ask?

Well this night was the first of many nights where I, as a 40 something year old woman, was looking up and enjoying the stars 100% by choice!

This was not a time to escape the stress and violence that I've come to know as life, 

this was not a time where I was seeking release in order to cry out to God in desperation in the season I was in.

This was peace.

I don't know why I've not felt such peace prior to this night. Maybe my heart wasn't there yet, maybe I wasn't truly ready to accept it...until now.

I'm not saying that I've now 'succeeded' and that I've 'made it', because I most certainly have not and am nowhere near ready to say I'm even close. But God has now given me a massive window into what my future holds and I am excited to see what other 'moments' He will be giving me.

Love ya!

I Chose This Life

 Several months ago I had the mother of one of my kids' friends offer to 'help with university' as I 'must feel like I've been held back and unable to truly make something of my life due to my horrible past.'. 

She wasn't super impressed by the fact that I work at a dairy farm. Didn't I feel cheated out of making something of my life by not going to university like she was able to? 

Umm...nope! 

I have always loved working with dairy cows, not necessarily always with certain people over my 20+ years in the dairy industry but, I have never regretted my decision to not go to university and pursue a different career.

I love where God has placed me today. I am able to spend time with and homeschool my son Dexter, I am available for any and all medical appointments and school functions for my girls AND I only live 5 minutes from my job! I mean really, why would I complain?!?!?

An added bonus, is that I am able to contribute financially to our household, which is a big thing for me. I have tried being the stay at home mom that I see so many other women achieve (with success, I might add), but that life is just not for me or my family...at least not at this stage of our lives.

I don't feel gipped out of being able to go to University. It's not that I am against it or anything, I've just not had enough of an inkling to go, never mind spend the money on it. It has been and still remains a willful decision on my part.

So ladies, please leave other women alone. Don't attack their career choices or lack thereof. It's one thing if someone is searching for help/assistance in an area, but don't make them feel like they are 'less than' just because they do something that to you is a little on the ordinary side. 

February 3, 2023

The responsibilities of a mom.

Man, the weight and pressure of being a mom does NOT get easier with age...and I'm not just referring to my children's growth Ha Ha!

My oldest two kidlets are turning 18 this year and GRADUATING! WHAT?!?!?! 

And so goes the process of dealing with the crazy brain waves of my mommy self. 

Did I do a good job?

Are they going to be good humans in this insane world?

Are they going to make a positive difference in others' lives?

I was thinking all of the above last night as I was working, then had to stop myself.

I had left out one very important question in all of this...

Will they do what GOD'S will is for their life?

There it is. My (and a lot of other parents') reason for raising your children right. 

We raise them in the hopes that they will make a difference by having God's Light shining through them and blessing those around them.

I think that we as moms especially, put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves when the command is simple, really....Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  *Prov. 22:6

That verse doesn't say that you are guaranteed to see the fruits of your parenting. It doesn't say that you will see your children in service to God during your time on this earth. It says that when your child is old, he will not depart from it.

Philippians 4:6-7

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

As a mom it is SO easy to slip into that pit of worry and discouragement. I know this first hand. But you and I can totally survive this if we follow after the heart of God. 

I apologize if this post is a bit rambling, but this is just what's been swimming in my mom brain these last several months and I know I'm not the only parent who is struggling with the humaness to worry and be depressed or feel discouraged.

If we as parents do our best with God leading us, then that is all we can and should be doing. 

There does come a point when your child will make mistakes, but you and I have become the people we are today because of the lessons we ourselves had to learn...all by ourselves!

So ALL of that to say,

You got this! Keep your head up! Don't let the devil distract you from your walk with God. Press into the Lord and He will lead and guide you. Be sensitive and teachable in all areas of your life and I promise you, you will never be disappointed!

Be that Godly example your children need to see.

Love ya!

Who Is Allowed To Have A 'Say' In Your Life?

"You need to wear makeup." 

"Don't wear your hair like that, it makes your face look too long." 

"Keep your teeth together, you look grumpy when your jaw is open."

"You had sex before marriage, you can't wear a white wedding dress." 

"You will never keep a job more than a year if you leave this one." 

"You should write in a private journal and not in a blog."

All of the above statements were said directly to me.

For some reason, that last one really ate at me and I have been allowing it to erode my purpose in writing in this blog.

While I do find it to be healing in sharing my thoughts and experiences, my main reason for starting and continuing this blog is to help others who have found or are in the process of finding themselves in similar situations.

Yes, I do write some more personal details and whatnot, but how else are we to reach others if we are hiding our true selves in the process? 

Who else other than myself, is in charge of what I choose to share about my life and innermost feelings and experiences? 

I am going to dig up the Laura that started this blog, to reach inside myself and unchain the grit and determination that I've had for so many years. 

Putting a stop to the intrusive thoughts, ignoring the people who discourage, and not allowing the every day stresses of life to put a stop to my current purpose in life needs to be of utmost importance right now.

October 30th, 2020

Being strong is SO much more difficult than people think.

I don't know if there's any other way to put it. Sometimes you just don't like being the 'strong one', that you should be able to have a weak moment.

I remember as a teenager I had thought about joining the military. My mother kinda freaked out on me, she told me that she didn't believe that a Christian woman should join up.

But now, some 24 years later, I'm realizing more and more that I am a soldier for Christ.

Think about it... I've been abused in many ways with no remorse on the side of the abusers, I've had supposed family turn their backs on me when I needed them the most, I had to leave everything I ever knew to be able to save my physical/mental self.

I still have very little family who truly cares for me or my husband/children.

Doesn't that sound a lot like what today's military woman has had to go through?

I'm not looking for pity, I'm not looking for a pat on the back either. 

My goal is to encourage others through showing my pain and difficulties and how God is able to be there during all of it.

I think that God wants me to show people my heart, struggles and triumphs. I may be in the midst of a struggle and not able to tell you that I've gotten through something yet, but it'll happen...eventually. It always does, He is faithful that way.

Lately I've been finding it difficult to have my daily Bible reading. And Journaling, yeah....thats virtually non existent.

However this morning, as I was having my devotions, my 5 year old son was cuddling with me and we ended up just sitting there listening and singing along to Praise and Worship songs. As I sat there with my son, I felt this overwhelming peace come over me. 

My son Dexter has sensory processing dysfunction(sensory seeking) and ADHD but in that moment, that BEAUTIFUL moment...he was quiet and listening, sometimes trying to sing along to the Praise and Worship music.

God was telling me that I was still doing good, even though (in MY eyes) I didn't measure up to what I thought my life as a wife and mother was supposed to look like...I am whole in Him, I am right where God wants me to be.

Man, tears flowed down this momma's face this morning, I tell ya! It was amazing!

I realize that today's blog is a bit of a mix of two entries but its one of those 'sorry, not sorry' sorta things lol. 

This is just what you have to deal with today! (Or don't lol, that's fine too)

And to my baby brother,...I will always love you and will be here for you no matter what the world has thrown at you. My arms have been and always will be open.

Have a great weekend, my peoples!!

Changes

I don't blog very often but I know I should. 

I often wonder about those that have sent me emails and messages in the past through here, telling me of their own personal experiences with abuse and how much my story has been an encouragement to them.

I want my blog to be a little different than when I originally started back in 2011.

I want to show you my heart, both the broken parts as well as the healed. 

I feel God is pushing me to begin to reach out again as this is currently the only avenue available for me to be able to serve others and help them walk with Him and survive in this world.

I believe that social media today is all about showing off, or faking it. That you shouldn't show how your life really is, all the good, bad and ugly parts.

While I do agree that there is such a thing as privacy regarding certain matters, is it really a bad thing to allow people to see the tears in your eyes because your teenager lost it on you and you screamed back in anger/frustration? That you as a mom actually make mistakes just like everyone else?

Yep, let me be the first to raise a hand/arm/jump up and down to say that I am guilty of 'hiding' behind social media too. 

All of those flowery, smart sayings with the gorgeous pictures are a dime a dozen. They're so nice and encouraging, aren't they?

Absolutely! 

But what about every day life?

Is your life encouraging and happy every single moment, or do you ever fall so far that it takes hours or even days to get back up?

Like I said earlier, I want to show more of what my heart is truly feeling and experiencing. Not just the parts that look good on paper or sound good on YouTube. 

Life just sucks sometimes, and I think that people need to see me for me, and not just what the mass media expects from all of us.

There have been a lot of happenings here so hold onto your hats, 'cause this ride is going to be bumpy....I guarantee it!

'Til next time...

To My Brother

I don't know what is truly going on with you, but I know you're not happy.

I've tried finding a way to get in touch with you by contacting family, but they will only read my messages without replying.

I know that you are hurting, that you think no one will understand. Your pain is something you are trying to hide within the deepest, darkest places of your soul.

Substances will definitely numb the pain, but only for a little while.

People within that life that you have chosen to surround yourself with are not family. I am.

I will ALWAYS be here for you!

I realize that you are being ostracized by others, and while I cannot offer you a place to live, or money(because we really don't have any), I am here to listen.

Please, I am begging you, contact me here on my blog or even on Facebook or Instagram. My phone number is still the same too.

Life is so intense and difficult, you don't need to deal with this alone. I have so many connections that can and will help you, whenever you are ready.

I love you!!

Here we are, January 31st and I'm writing my first blog entry of the year. (face palm!)

The holidays went well for us, I am a part of our church choir so the holidays were especially busy for me. I loved it!

My husband and kidlets are doing well with the oldest two making it thru their first semester of high school! YAY!

Our finances are still super tight BUT, we are still maintaining a budget and for the first time since James started his job a couple of years ago, we had saved up enough dollars to cover his unpaid time off! Being on the same page with my hubby with regards to finances is a massive blessing.
Having 4 weeks off every year, unpaid aside from any holiday pay there might be, is pretty stressful for a family of 6 on such a low income. But God gave us brains to use, so we should be using them wisely.

Christmas was still a little bit stressful for me personally, it usually is. Not having the luxury of being able to join in any of the gatherings, seeing/meeting my nieces and nephews, etc,.
I've reached out to three of my brothers a few times on Facebook, two of them read what I send but do not reply. I'm okay with that, at least I'm able to tell them 'Happy Birthday' and whatnot directly instead of needing to always put things on this blog as I have to for Julia.

I know that there are a lot of families out there who have bad stress and anger over the holidays with family, but imagine never being able to communicate with them let alone see and spend time together.
But please suck it up, you really don't want to be without your family.
Over the holidays, friends just don't have time for you because they're all busy with their own gatherings and families, so there are no 'stand in' family over the holidays.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be a downer or have people feel sorry for us, but I saw an awful lot of complaining about family going on with my Facebook friends and its just so sad that people can't be thankful for what they have.

Happiness and thankfulness are both a choice, and it is 100% up to you.

I am so thankful for peace and togetherness in our marriage and children right now. God has blessed us so much in following after His will for our lives.
James and I are both unsure as to what God wants our future to look like right now, but we also both know that we are doing something right...We've been under attack but the blessings keep coming anyway.

All that being said, I hope that all of you had a wonderful and Merry Christmas and that this new year will be the year that you choose to follow after God's heart and not care how others treat you.

If your focus is on what God wants for your future, don't allow others to distract. You are the only one who has to live with your decisions.

Love you guys!

September 30th, 2019

Money, oh how I hate the constant requirement of it.

Money for food, money for fuel in our van, money to pay for the house....UGH!! The list never seems to stop!

** Slight Interruption**    Speaking of houses, I would like to point out that James and I were able to purchase our very first home together this past March! YAY!!!

That being said, we have also made the decision to become debt free outside of having a mortgage.

Life has not been fun for us over the last two (ish) years, however things seem to have finally slowed down enough for us to be able to collect our thoughts, and choose to fight to get out of debt.

For us, credit cards are the bane of our existence. We're really good at paying them down, then we don't save, hit a major financial hurdle, and rack the cards up again!

Almost a year ago, I was kicked by a cow at the farm where I worked and as life would have it, I am now unable to do the job there and lost my hours. I still have pain in my left arm that may take years to go away and the lovely Worker's Compensation Board chose to quit paying for my physio, nine months in. So, this is potentially my 'issue' for the next long while.

James and I knew that we could not survive financially if I were to get cut off of my job or Worker's Compensation, so he started looking and was able to find a Saturday job cleaning trucks and whatnot.

I have also started teaching piano and violin lessons again and also hope to do some babysitting to add to the household income. It won't be as much as I was able to make at the farm, but it's something and I am able to be at home with our little man Dexter as well as the girls when they're not in school.

Someone told James and I that we should just 'get used to having credit cards, a mortgage, and having a car payment.'

Well no,James and I don't currently have a car payment, and we do not intend to EVER have one....ever!

Late last year, I 'discovered' Dave Ramsey and his 7 Baby Steps.

James and I started paying down some of the bad debt, but didn't really commit as it wasn't something important enough, I guess. We were doing awesome until May...then it was birthday month, Mother's Day, and of course Father's Day. Yeah, we were THOSE people.

I still can't believe how much money we put on the credit cards in just that one month alone. CRAZY!

Now though, we actually cut up our cards, it wasn't enough to freeze them in water in our freezer. We needed to outright get rid of them, for good. That was actually really hard for me to do! 

I mean, we didn't have a lot of room on them anyway but still....Whoa!!

I know that this post may seem a bit off from some of my previous, but I believe that it is quite relevant to what this blog represents.

My Life Unchained

How not to be chained to debt, not to be indebted to someone else instead of living and paying for our own things, being able to give back and to help others who have been in my and/or James' shoes.

Now THAT is part of what a life unchained SHOULD be like.

This is going to look ugly at times...like today for instance, I thought I had accomplished so much with saving a whopping $60 but I'd forgotten that my driver's license AND vehicle registration was coming out at the end of the month. It's literally a once a year thing but still something that I'd totally gapped! 

I can't wait though, to see how God will bless us in our desire to follow after Him in removing our debts to others so that we are able to give and serve God and not man.

That's all for now, thank you to all of those who keep us in your prayers. We appreciate them to no end!

Laura

To My Baby Sister On Her Wedding Day (June 1, 2019)

I guess that I thought that I would have been able to share this day with you regardless of our father, but that's okay, I do understand.

Since I have no way of sending you a private email, I decided to write to you here.

Julia,

Although you probably don't remember me, you still hold a special place in my heart.
All of those time when you would beg to sleep with me to have a 'slumber party' (you would have been about 3 or 4 at the time), I remember looking at you sleeping and hoping and praying that I would never forget those moments.
I never forgot.

I want you to know how much I love you, and I want you to be happy no matter what choices you make.
I know that you only know of me by what you hear from my haters, but that's okay.
If you need me for any reason, don't be afraid to reach out.
I was, am, and will be here for you anytime, day or night.

God has provided so much for me since I left, and I know that if you keep Him at the center of your life, you will be taken care of too.

So, my one and only baby sister and soon to be brother in law, I want to wish you many years of happiness and joy.

Julia, I miss you more than you could ever imagine.

Love Forever,

Laura

March 10, 2018

These last couple of years have thrown some of the lowest of the lows in my life. I have wanted to scream at the top of my lungs about the injustices of this horrible world and tell them where it was they needed to go and how fast they need to go to get there.

While I would be completely justified in doing such a thing, it wouldn't be right.

There are so many well-meaning people who have and continue to advise me to be vindictive, to avenge all of the wrongs that I have been dealt by those in my life, and I just can't bring myself to do it.

Out of all the hatred that a person such as myself has had thrown at them in my nearly 38 years by so many...most of whom don't actually know me at all, (most of whom have been of the male variety), I just can't imagine how those individuals must feel deep inside.

To bully someone...To treat someone worse than you have ever been treated yourself....To hate someone simply because you can.

While I don't understand how these people can continue on with their lives as if their behavior has little or no consequences, it is they who will have to live with said consequences. Whether it be on this earth or after. And they can (and probably will) blame everyone else. I learned a long time ago, when I left my parents', that one should not regret walking away from those who bring sadness and destruction, those relationships that are toxic.

Throughout the last several years, one of the most difficult things that I am STILL having issues with learning, is to just know that God is going to provide our needs. I've done my share of panic, crying, asking 'why', and so many other typically human and understandable reactions when one is placed in the throes of financial instability. But every single time, God has provided for us...Literally!

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

There are a couple of things that I notice about that verse...It says that 'God SHALL supply', not that He might or that He can, it says that He WILL!

Isn't that amazing?!?!

The second thing that I notice about this verse, is that He 'shall supply all your need', seriously, ALL, not some.

I'll let that sink in.....

Something that I still have to get a grip on however, is that what we think our needs are....They may not be what the Lord sees as an actual need in our lives.

I have had those feelings of disappointment over the fact that I am unable to buy my children something small or give them a special outing, or go on a date with my husband that involves more than just a coffee or ice cream cone.

I then have to take a step back and look, actually LOOK at the many incredible blessings that are a part of our lives.

• I have four beautiful, healthy, smart children, I have a husband who loves the Lord and accepted my daughters as if they were his own flesh and blood ,we have a warm home, I have a select few friends who I like to refer to as family more often than not....The list goes on and on...

I mean really, when we get mad and/or frustrated at the short comings of our lives, what are we really saying?

That WE know better than God as to what we need in our lives?

Do I need to have my children cheerful and perfect 24/7? Well....that's definitely something that I want, but when my children fight with us or each other, it is teaching them that they have a voice, that they are individuals and they also learn boundaries and how to deal with other personalities. But respect and honor are still a must, that is never up for debate.

Do I need thousands of dollars in a bank account? Again, something that we want but not that we need.

God may be teaching us that we need to humble ourselves and rely on Him to supply our needs. Maybe we have to learn to ask God or others for help in such matters.

Now, if there are things that God has pointed out that need to be changed or improved upon within an aspect of your life, get off your butt and do what needs to be done!

Maybe some of the hardships you or I are experiencing in our lives are as a result of the consequences of our actions. (or they could be a result of someone else's actions...that happens too.)

Just don't be so proud as to ignore the inklings of what you need to do.

I am so thankful of the many blessings that the Lord has given me. This year we had a massive miracle that could only be explained as being 'a God thing'. I wish I could write about THAT one on here, but suffice it to say....My heart is overflowing with joy and thankfulness in the richness of God's mercy and caring for His children. My praise will never be enough.

I am no longer able to have the girls in our YouTube channel, I apologize for that however it is something out of my/our control. I am now thinking about different ways to continue on with it and would love to hear any suggestions from you, my faithful readers. Are there any other aspects of my life that you all would find interesting that I could put in YouTube form?

I enjoy writing, I just figured that maybe I could try the whole YouTube 'thing' and see what that is all about.

And remember, there's still a contact button here on the blog and you can also make comments on my YouTube.

We Are On YouTube! (November 27, 2017)

Well, due to the general busyness of our everyday lives here in our household, we have now taken the step to putting ourselves on YouTube.
Yeah, I know...Putting our lives in real-time video is going to be interesting to say the least!

Some of the videos may be a tad boring, or not your 'speed', but I thought that this would also be a way for my brothers and sister to be able to catch a glimpse of our lives.
So, to Michael, Mark, Matt, Jon, Nathan, Jeremy, and Julia; it's ok if you feel uncomfortable emailing/contacting me, this is now a way for you guys to be able to see your nieces and nephew as well as myself and my man James.

And not to worry, I will still try and blog every now and again but doing a Vlog is proving to be much simpler and quick. Because as I'm sure you all have already guessed, I tend to write LONG blog posts which takes up a large part of my day.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for our family, we have experienced some pretty big changes in our living situation but we know that God is still in control and He has ALWAYS kept us in His hands.

So here's to our YouTube Vlogging endeavor, boring or not, here we come!

* Friend Family * is our YouTube Channel

Check out the link to the left of my page

Have a beautiful November day!

January 22, 2017

The GoFundMe page that we put together has been a total disappointment.

We bare our hearts and our total financial issues for all the world to see, but I was still called a 'fraud', 'liar', and pretty much anything else you can think of.

I've even had friends verbally attacked for simply sharing the GoFundMe on social media! One person who I used to consider a friend, warned others publicly (in writing which I have copy of) to be careful when they are “only getting one half of the story.” And yet, this woman herself has NEVER spoken to me regarding our situation.

I'm sorry, but there are certain details as to why we were in such crisis that I am unable to legally write on a public site. If anyone were to need to know said details, I could and would be willing to share them privately. And no, not one person has come to me to ask.

But enough of that, now the GOOD NEWS!!

I want to thank all of our friends and family for their thoughts and prayers during the last 14 months, they are working!

God has answered many of our prayers in the form of a complete stranger. We have now been able to purchase a little 1997 car for me to drive the kids to and from school in town those 4 days a week, we've parked the van and once James is able to fix the issues it has we will be selling it and replacing James' car as well.

We have also been able to pay off a huge amount of debt thanks to God's miracle worker.

On top of his already busy full time job, James has been able to obtain a second full time source of employment. This has actually worked out quite well for us as he is able to sleep at the drop of a hat(unlike me who needs hours just to wind down) and is always guaranteed to have time to sleep versus myself who has to be available for the kids when sick, no school, and whenever Dexter doesn't nap! (which tends to happen every once in a while)

Due to all of the above, I will be removing the GoFundMe page.

Thank you again to all those that have and continue to keep us in your prayers, your prayers have helped us beyond what we could have ever imagined. It has given us the extra boost and encouragement that we so desperately needed.

Our battle is far from over but we are now able to place more of our focus on the children without the added financial burden.

Thank you to God's Angel, may He bless you for all that you've done for our family.

Asking For Your Help

Dear Friends,

Again it has been a long while since I last wrote in my blog. The last 12 months have been stressful beyond words for our family.

I know as a Christian that God will provide all our needs, but I also know that God gives us the education and wisdom to be able to ask for help from those around us if we need it.

I am one who believes that everything happens for a reason,
I believe that there are always consequences to our actions be they good or bad.
I also believe that we are often chosen to suffer the consequences of someone else's decisions.

When I have my daily devotions, I've frequently thought about writing to you all on here, but then I think to myself, " But my blog is called 'My Life Unchained'....My life sure doesn't feel 'unchained' 100% of the time."

But that's the thing...Being unchained doesn't mean your life is going to be perfect! YES!! I needed to tell myself that! LOL

Someone I know once said, "This is heaven for those who are unsaved, but this is going to be as close to hell as a Christian will ever get."

As a Christian mom, I needed to take a step back and come to grips with the fact that I have never been promised an easy or even good life, that I will no longer be able to protect my children the way I used to.
When my daughters are away from me, I need to fully trust God to take care of them and release myself of the fear and anxieties that can creep in during those times.

Something else I am being forced to come to grips with, is the fact that during the last 12 months our finances have taken a few massive hits and unless we ask for help we will not be able to dig out.

I'm not used to not being able to pinch pennies here, eat less there, drive less during the week, and so on. What has happened is beyond our control and now that I have my 1 year old son to also care for, that makes fewer corners that we are able to cut.

James and I are working when we can but are not able to cover any extra expenses beyond the necessary.
We are choosing to expose our financial debt list to show that we aren't just asking for money to play around, things are at a serious level and need to be dealt with.
James and I have opened a GoFundMe account and in it we tell you exactly how much money we owe and what it is.
We are not asking for constant support, simply help to get caught up so that we can maintain our family.

I am including a link to our GoFundMe account below...I'm also going to try and see if I can put a button on the blog as well.

And please, don't think that you have to give. We still need prayer as our vehicles are falling apart but still running and getting us from point A to point B and we are extremely thankful for that. Also, other than the odd sniffle and tummy bug, we are all healthy. We still have food on our table and are still employed!

I'm going to try (again) to get back into writing on here...It may only be a recipe that I've tried that my family loves or simply what has all happened that particular day, but I'll do my best.

Thank you all again for putting up with me, you are awesome!


https://www.gofundme.com/friendfamilyhelp





**Comments have been deactivated on my blog and will continue that way as some that are being sent in are quite vulgar and have no place here.**

April 7, 2015 Excitement!

Wow! It's already been 6 months since the last time I wrote!!
   Homeschooling has definitely come a long way and we've finally been able to get into a proper routine and are enjoying it.
   The last month or so was a challenge due to my pretty rough morning sickness...yep, that's right, we are expecting!!

September of this year we will be welcoming a precious little one into the world. It was unexpected but we are completely ecstatic and feel blessed that God has given us the opportunity to have a child.

The girls are over the moon with excitement as they will be getting a new sister or brother! We've been busy looking at nursery supplies and dreaming over baby clothes together. We can't find out the gender yet as I'm not quite far enough along to find out, so we can't buy blue or pink yet.

I have to admit that I'm not terribly thrilled at the prospect of being huge and prego during the hottest months of the year, but I'll just have to hang out in front of our little window air conditioner to keep cool LOL!

Anyway, let's see how long it takes me to write in my blog THIS time  :-)

Talk to ya later!