Exhausted and excited!

We are so so grateful how God has provided every step of the way. It's been so clear that He has gone before us and laid out His perfect path for us. It's our job to TRUST Him even though we can't see the whole plan. During this time we are covering everything in prayer. We are having to be totally dependent on God to come through and provide. It's raw and it's real.

That's where we are right now.

Kyle is still job hunting. The position he interviewed for several times has not been filled (when he talked to HR the other day) but he still hasn't heard back from them or others. Tomorrow he will be going to more places to apply. We are praying that when he leaves the house he will know exactly where to go, that people will be available to talk with, and that he will make connections...tomorrow.

As far as SaltRock... We are getting SO excited about our Easter Sunday preview service! We are still praying that God will provide the location for us that He wants us to meet at for atleast Easter and Mother's Day services. Forrest has meetings with people at 2 different locations the next 2 days. On Sunday, we drove around and prayed at several locations that we thought would be great spots... Now we are waiting for God to open the doors!

This was in our devotional today:

"...This is why prayer is so spiritually dangerous for Satan. It supersedes the limitations of a mortal world. Prayer is immortal. It has no boundaries and no marker lines. Prayer holds ultimate potential. The best the Devil can hope for is that you don't pray. And much of his strategy is to discourage you from praying at all, as a prayer never prayed has zero chance of ever being answered."

In other news, I've started running again. Since having Bailey, I haven't ran that much, until a couple weeks ago. I've worked back up to 2 miles. My original goal was 3, but since I'm already at 2, I'm thinking why not 5. The most I've ran before is 5 and I'm good with that number. I might stick with 3... Who knows! My thought was- I want to get back to 3 so if anyone was like "hey, wanna run a 5k?" Then i would be ready. Haha!

The Countdown is ON!

Today was a good day!
It was our first Sunday to go to church in Jax because last Sunday we were taking my parents to the airport. The plan for the next several weeks is to visit churches around the area and see what they have going on and see what we could possibly take away that would be great for us to do as well. Or maybe even things we want to do differently. Also, there are churches we will potentially want to partner with in order to do community outreach type things. So- today we all went to a church called The District that's in a part of Jacksonville that's called the historic district. It's a church that is only 2 years old. We had great worship and teaching and really enjoyed it!
It was def a younger crowd, but seemed to be a thriving, gospel centered church. I can't even explain how NEAT it was to be worshipping as a church plant team! (minus the Goolsby fam) It was so exciting knowing that we are getting so close to our launch date/1st preview service. Our goal is Easter. That's 49 days from now!! (Forrest is a fan of countdowns, so we are frequently reminded ;) )
After church, we went to lunch to have some good talk time and discuss things that needed to be discussed. When we left, I told Kyle that the whole morning made me SO excited because since April of last year we have been talking and dreaming but now we are executing. We are here. We have prayed. We are continuing to pray. We are focused, moving, and ready to see what God has in store for Saltrock!

Continuing praying for us as a church plant team that we will not be easily distracted. Pray that our eyes will stay upwardly focused and bring God glory.
Pray with us as we are praying and searching for a location to be able to meet and also for some form or fashion of worship leader/team. (None of us are musically inclined haha)

As for the Brewer fam-
-Kyle has had 3 interviews with the same company. He is suppose to hear something this week. We want to be exactly where God wants us to be, so are praying that in terms of employment as well. We know that God knows exactly what we need and we are trusting Him.
-Bailey has not fully adjusted and isn't sleeping like she used to... :/ that's sad for all of us! Haha!

Much love!

Here we are...

The goodbyes are necessary and loved but I admit that I'm ready for them to be over. I was in a go, rushed, focused mood for so much of the last couple weeks that I hadn't had time to be emotional. The last few days I've still been go, go, going but the goodbyes have begun. We have hugged tight, said lots of I love yous/see you laters, and cried. I hold my ugly tears back and do a pretty good job without blubbering around people, but as soon as I close the door they come...and they come big. (...until Bailey cries and I hop into mom mode and have to suck it up.  Ha! But, even then, I know I'm just pushing it back and it'll come eventually.)

I'm going to do my best to keep you updated on the life of the Brewers, all the goings on of our adventures, and what God is doing in and around us. Of course, you'll see daily updates on fb, but so many have asked, so this is where the big updates will be.

So- like they say when they get cut from a show... This isn't the last time you'll see (or hear from) me!!
Bahahaha! 😉

Much love.

Lots of new coming our way...

There are so many new things coming up, I felt like it required a blog post. So... If you're ready- let's get started! :) (it will probably be long!)

New #1
Of course, the BIGGEST 'new' coming up, you know about. I can't believe we are less than a month away from Bailey's due date!! We are finishing up the process of getting her sweet room ready. Kyle has been busy making furniture look like I want it to look and I'm cleaning everything from top to bottom and organizing and reorganizing the whole house. Haha- nesting much?! Yes... When I'm not exhausted and sleeping! :)

I've been so thankful for a smooth pregnancy and healthy baby this far, and of course am praying for both of those to continue. 
My favorite part? Definitely feeling her move. It's so crazy and wonderful to me!!

New #2
This goes along with Bailey's arrival. We made the decision this summer that I would stay home with her! It's a huge step for us, but we have a peace about it and trust that God will provide. For those that know me, I've always said- I would love to stay home with our baby, but if we have one while we live in Marshall, there is no doubt that I will have to work. God is good. He knew the desire of my heart and has paved the way. It was no doubt a bittersweet decision though. I have loved my time teaching in Hallsville since January '08. I have loved the people that I've worked alongside and the students I've taught.  The last couple weeks, as I've packed up my things and turned in keys, I admit there have been a few tears in the process.
                                            

New #3
Making the decision to stay home with Bailey is greatly linked to this 'new.'
In January, we are moving to Florida. We will be with a group of sweet people that are starting a church. Part of the Saltrock team is already there and by January we will hopefully all be there. We will be in a community near Jacksonville. This, of course, has been many, many months of praying and seeking God's perfect direction for our soon to be family of 3. 

With all of the 'news' we covet your prayers. Especially with new #3. There are still so many unknowns that are involved and if I focus on them, I would worry myself crazy. We know God has called us to take this step and we are going to follow in obedience. 

Some specific ways you can begin praying for us:
God will go ahead of us and pave the way.
Moving as a new family of 3.
All the additional finances that come with moving.
Kyle has to take additional graduate classes/ intern hours to meet requirements for the Florida counseling license. 
A job for Kyle... Specifically a job that will be able to count towards intern hours for license.
Possibly a job for me, depending on what he is able to find.
If I work, daycare/someone to keep Bailey.
Place to live.
The relationships that will be formed and the communities we will be serving.
A future home for Saltrock to meet at on a regular basis.  
All of the members of the Saltrock team: jobs, places to live, continue to seek God in all areas and follow Him obediently and faithfully.  

Find out a little more here: http://saltrock.at/

Above all, we want to bring God glory in all that we do and we want to make His name known. So, like I said- we covet your prayers during this sweet time of transition in our lives. 

Slavery and skincare...WHAT???

In my last post, I said that I wanted to make sure everything I said and did in regards to my new side business with Rodan and Fields would bring God glory. Whether that meant being able to share God's with someone who had never heard, praying with people for needs in their life, or using the money He blesses me with to bless others.
That's where this post comes from-

During the month of July, the pastor of our church did a sermon series called Set the Captives Free.


A big portion of it was focused on the 27 MILLION men, women, and children that are enslaved. These people are held captive through human trafficking or sexual exploitation. 
It becomes so real and hits so close to home when I hear that Houston, TX is one of the largest hubs for modern day slavery in the United States. The fact that Hwy 59 runs  thru Marshall and goes straight to Houston means people are probably making pit stops right in this area and all along. I might be at a gas station and see someone who is being held captive and not even give them a second glance.

This. Breaks. My. Heart.
And it might break yours. But what good is it to get emotional about something and not do anything about it? 

Www.destinyrescue.org is a grassroots, internationally recognized, Christian based, non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They help rescue the sexually exploited and enslaved, restore the abused, protect the vulnerable, empower the poor and are a voice for those that can’t speak up for themselves.

What does this post have to do with skincare?
From now until the end of the month- any purchase you make from Rodan and Fields; I will donate a portion of the earnings to destiny rescue to help an enslaved child to be rescued. 

Go to my website and check out the products. 
https://sbrewer1.myrandf.com/
Message me on Facebook or email me sherylrabrewer@gmail.com if you have questions regarding anything. 

Lets pray. Lets get involved. Lets get the word out there about the 27 million men, women, and children that are being held captive. 

praying through life's adventures

So, I leaped into something that is SO unlike things I usually even consider doing. I joined Rodan+Fields Dermotologists as an Independent Consulant. And there are some ways I would like for you to pray me through this journey!

How does this make me feel?    OH MY GOODNESS- SO nervous! This is wayyy out of my comfort zone!!!

So Why did I do it then??       A few reasons:
My face hasn't been loving the Mary Kay that I've loved for so long so I was trying to decide if I shoud try something else. Once I started talking to a consultant about the business, I was pretty much in.

It's a very ground level company and is suppose to be very easy to succeed. I've NEVER been one to try and sell or promote things. But, like I was told..."I can wash my face and talk about it!

Before I even decided to take the plunge and commit, I was sharing with Kyle what
 was on my heart and the OTHER REASONS why this sounded like a neat opporutnity to me....

We both went to ETBU and he his going to grad school there right now. THAT is alot of money!! haha I would love to be able to pay off student loans faster than we are able to do right now...but more importantly, I can't even express how many times in the last few days I have prayed that any money I might make through this, that I don't want to think of it as "our" money. "Our money to do with what we want and get more things."  I am constantly praying that I won't be consumed by thoughts of "oh, we could do this or that!!" I know that is so easy to do and have been so guilty of that thought so many times.

SO at the beginning I said there were ways I would LOVE for your prayer ... You should had to read other stuff before this part...  :)

I would love for you to pray with us through this journey. I would love to know that you are praying that other than paying off debt, we would be obedient with any extra money that God chooses to bless us with. I pray that we would be able to bless others all because we have been blessed. I am praying that I wouldn't do this for me or us, but that I would bring glory to God through everything I say and do.

:)
Here is a plug for it all:

Feel free to check out my website http://sbrewer1.myrandf.com   or www.rodanandfields.com  Or just message me if you want more details about anything. I can also let you know how to get 10% off and free shipping.

remembering india

So I was sitting out on the front porch reading, enjoying my Sunday afternoon when the cool breeze stopped and all that was left was still, quiet, warm air.  Something about the still, warm air brought India to my mind. I looked out and then kept reading. Afew minutes later it happened again, but this time, the air smelled different. Someone is burning leaves down the road, so it filled the air with smoke. The smoke mixed with the quietness of my front porch made me unable to shake the thoughts of India. When we weren't at the school teaching or seeing one of the many waterfalls or shopping with Rani...we would be at their house...usually reading. In the afternoons, the electricity would usually be out and it would be still and quiet in the house. An occasional breeze would blow that would send the smell of smoke or a different odd smell throughout the house.  Much like happened just a few minutes ago.


The two different times I was there are treasured thoughts and are the people I met I hold dear to my heart. The first time I left, I knew without a doubt, that I would be back...and sure enough, the next summer when Isaac met us at the airport, it felt like I had never left. Everything was so different, but everywhere I went there were people... who with very few I could actually communicate with...  but there were people that I longed to get to know. To catch a glimpse into their way of doing life.  Sure, there were things that frustrtated me about the culture I was experiencing...but there is so much that frustrates me about the culture I live in also. There are problems and issues everywhere, but one thing that reigns true is those who HOPE in God have confidence to face the problems and issues that come along in life. Whether that be life in Tirunelvei, India or life in _______ (you fill in the blank)

And so as I sit here on the porch typing away I can't help but know and be comforted by the promises that God is good and he loves His children. He won't ever leave us. He cares far more about us than anyone on this earth possibly could. Earth being here and earth being on the other side of the world. He doesn't love me any more or any less because I live in America. His love is constant.