It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

When N and I bought the house in Puyallup we made two rookie mistakes. We aimed higher than our pocketbook and didn't seek any counsel. We were trying to live the dream and were convinced we were smarter than we actually were. In reality the house became a way to drift the focus away from some problems in our marriage we weren't willing to work on.

Then two things happened. Zoe & I got sick and N got out of the military. All the goals, thoughts, dreams we had for the future built on a cracked foundation were challenged by these two events. We made the decision to leave our first home and move back to Spokane to be near family who could help us.

Instead of looking years into the future our scope became smaller. It could be guaged by days or hours rather than years. When you start looking at life in smaller increments all the cracks start to show themselves. You either face them or they break you. Which only leaves you the option of dealing with them. One way or the other.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it. N and I were to the point we were separating assets and trying to figure out how to live separately and still maintain that Puyallup house. There was no way to do that. We had to stay together. We didn't like each other. There were days we barely spoke. My poor mother probably regretted the decision to let us move in with her. A decision had to be made.

Instead of living in anger and dislike, we sought the help of our pastor. My Dad B. His counsel, prayer and accountability helped get N and I on the right track and remaining under the same roof. I know God used him in my life in many ways, but none was more evident than through my marriage.

Once N and I were on God's path, the Puyallup house became a symbol of what we had overcome. We have had two realtors that I would've preferred not to have. We've had two realtors that were/are a God-send. The most recent gentleman, Ryan Lex with Skyline Properties, is the man that I believe God has been waiting for us to find. Within a month of working with him we had a buyer. Ryan is ethical, honest and willing to give advice, which is much needed. His faith isn't something he wears on his sleeve, it's something he lives. There is no one else I want getting this commission than him.

Now we're in Bellevue signing the paper, saying good-bye to the past and hello to God's plan. We're meeting Ryan for the first time and celebrating all that God has provided for us.

As I look back on the last 18 months it's been the best of times and the worst of times. Yet God has remained faithful through it all. He's surrounded N and I with a family that shares our trials and joys, a church family that ministers to us and new friends. While I have no idea what the next hour, day or even year holds, I know the foundation is strong. It's not built on false wisdom or pipedreams, but on Him. On His plans yet unknown.

While His plans will include trials and joys, we can rest easy knowing that we are surrounded by family that won't let us fail and are willing to pray with us, helping N and I stay focus on God rather than all the other noise.

As N and I see the many blessings He has been bestowing on us, may He provide the same for you. May He be your guide in the best of times and the worst of times.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May His face shine upon you.

May His countenance be with you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26