About this Story....

Welcome to "Caterpillars to Butterflies." This is a narrative of our faith journey and the incredible transformation God performed in our lives from 2007 to 2009. It is a story of God's unwavering faithfulness and what happens when we choose to trust Him, regardless of how circumstances appear. Through hardships, struggles, loss, and confusion, God revealed Himself to my husband, Tom, and me. We learned invaluable lessons about letting go of our own logic and understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), surrendering our personal goals, and embracing His eternal purpose for our lives. Ultimately, this journey revealed His redeeming and transforming love for us. We hope our story inspires you to nurture your own faith and deepen your relationship with Him, trusting in His faithfulness no matter what challenges you face. May our journey from caterpillars to butterflies encourage you on your path.

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

I got a chance to witness to a co-worker today and share some about our situation with another! It was a good day :)

My scripture of the day: John 15:1-8

The Vine and the Branches

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Father, please help me be the branch, produce good fruit and remain in you!

Friday, December 9, 2022

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Today’s Reflection

Today was a hard day. CT will be back soon, which means we’ll need to return her car. On top of that, my co-worker is going on vacation all next week, so we’ve been considering renting a car again to manage the situation.

To complicate things, I called Tom, and he mentioned a call from CarMax. They offered us a better payment option, trying to make it easier for us to get the Concorde back. It’s so tempting, especially given the predicament we’re in right now. I was leaning toward it, but I had to remind myself to look at Jesus and not the car.

I told the Lord how hard this was getting, and He gently reminded me: “Did you think it would get any easier?”

On the drive home, my co-worker offered to loan us his car if the "check engine" light can be reset. I’ll find out tomorrow if that’s a viable option.

In the meantime, I feel led to fast and pray. I’m setting aside my evening to seek God’s presence. I truly need to be with Him right now.


Scripture of the Day: Psalm 112:1-8

"Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.

His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.

Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.

He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end, he will look in triumph on his foes."


This passage reminded me to stay steadfast and trust in the Lord, even when challenges feel overwhelming. My heart is secure because of Him, and I have no reason to fear.

Praise You, Lord, for being my strength and light in these moments.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Friday, August 17, 2007

 

Today’s Reflection

My co-worker told me the "check engine" light didn’t reset, which was disappointing. I had been praying for a solution, as we didn’t have any other transportation lined up. I had to let CT know I didn’t have a way home, and she graciously let us use her car for the weekend, saying we could switch on Sunday. Despite her kindness, I felt deeply conflicted—like I wasn’t supposed to keep borrowing her car. Lord, help us.


Scriptures of the Day: Jeremiah 23:28-29

“Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?" declares the LORD. "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”

His Word is so powerful. It created the earth and everything in it, and with just His word, He can destroy and rebuild effortlessly.

God’s ways are perfect, even when they seem unpredictable. His thoughts are higher than ours. Who would have thought that Jesus needed to die? Imagine what the disciples felt after giving up everything for three years, only to see Him crucified. But God’s plan was infinitely greater than they could have imagined.


A Difficult Evening

Tom and I sat down and talked after what felt like an emotionally exhausting day. I was completely spent. I had gotten out of work late and stopped by CT’s house to return her car, which turned into a long conversation. She’s also struggling with her own challenges, so we ended up praying for each other before I left—with her car again. She needed Big Blue for the weekend, so we agreed to switch cars on Sunday. I felt torn, knowing we don’t have another option right now.

Tom opened up about how much he’s struggling. He shared that the stress is impacting him physically—he feels like his blood pressure is through the roof—and emotionally, he’s drained. Listening to mortgage company messages every day is wearing him down. He even admitted to having thoughts of suicide if God doesn’t deliver us.

He’s been battling old tapes in his mind, replaying messages of failure: “You can’t do anything right.” “Why don’t you get a job?” He feels like he’s failed as a provider and a husband. My heart breaks for him because I know how much he’s carrying.


The Weight of Our Circumstances

We’re in such a tight spot. My thoughts have wandered to what we would do if we lost the house. While people have offered to take us in—which is comforting—the uncertainty of “what next?” looms over us. Life as we know it would change drastically. We’re not opposed to change, but what would Tom do? Without the house to maintain, he’d have to find work, yet we couldn’t even afford an apartment or car right now.

We’ve left everything familiar to follow what we believe God is asking of us, and now we are entirely dependent on His deliverance.

We thought about the Israelites at the Red Sea, with the Egyptians closing in behind them. I think we know how they felt! We need God to part the Red Sea for us—to deliver us financially—or we’ll be overtaken by foreclosure.


Prayer and Revelation

Tom and I prayed together, and as we did, I realized how alive the Bible has become to me. Spending time in His Word, I can deeply connect with the emotions and struggles of Biblical figures. Their experiences feel so real to me now, like never before.

When I’m in the Word, praying, or praising Him, I feel at peace, knowing everything will be okay. But as soon as I step away, fear and doubt flood in. It’s like sitting in my Heavenly Father’s lap, wrapped in His arms, where everything feels safe and secure. Yet, I felt the Lord telling me it’s time to leave His lap, to stand on my own, and to face life with Him walking beside me.

The enemy is working overtime, throwing every obstacle and lie my way to make me panic and try to fix things on my own. But I’m holding onto this truth: His Word is like fire and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Saturday, August 18, 2007

 

Morning Reflection

This morning, we found ourselves reflecting on the Israelites again. We opened the Bible and read from Exodus 14:10:

“As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD...”

Moses answered the people:
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

God’s timing is perfect—He knows exactly what we need to hear. Reading this reminded us that we are in His arms, and He is carrying and comforting us through this season.


Encouraging Scriptures

He also gave us:

Isaiah 50:7
"Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame..."

Isaiah 51:12-13
"I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mortal men,
the sons of men, who are but grass,
that you forget the LORD your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?"


Grateful for His Comfort

After spending time in these scriptures, Tom and I had a much better day. We couldn’t help but wonder why we so easily fall back into doubt and fear when the Lord is so close to us.

But today, we’re reminded once again: The LORD will fight for us; we need only to be still.

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Sunday, August 19, 2007

 

A Day of Faithfulness and Fellowship

Church was uplifting today. The message focused on God’s faithfulness, no matter what circumstances look like. The pastor shared his personal testimony about the trials he faced when moving out here, and it felt as though he was speaking directly to us and our situation.

Genesis 15:1
"After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.'"


After church, I went to a brunch at a friend's house, but only CT and I were able to make it. We had such a wonderful time catching up and sharing what God is doing in our lives.

During our conversation, my friend mentioned that her daughter is going to college soon. Since she’ll be working and living on campus, she won’t need her car. My friend said she would talk to her husband about the possibility of letting us borrow it for a while. Is this part of Your plan, Lord?


Family Night

Later, we had family night. Only E and the kids came since A and C were sick, and R stayed home to catch up on household chores. We were able to share with E even more about how God was there for us yesterday when we felt so low. She seemed more understanding and supportive than before, which was such an encouragement.

Monday, December 5, 2022

Monday, August 20, 2007

A Morning of Clarity and Strength

I feel pretty good this morning.

Yesterday, I was dreading going into work and feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. The thought of it was really bothering me, and I realized it was the enemy trying to get to me in that area. Last night, I rebuked him, shifted my mindset, and adjusted my attitude. I reminded myself that I’m only one person—what gets done is what gets done. This morning, I feel better and more at peace.

Psalm 67:1-7
"May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us, Selah
that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth. Selah

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him."


A Day of Unexpected Opportunities

The day ended up being a bit stressful, which I’m sure had a lot to do with how I was reacting to it. But there was a bright spot—I got a chance to witness to my boss!

We talked about our perceptions of God (he’s an atheist) and explored why we feel the way we do. It was a great conversation. I had the book “Letters from a Skeptic” sitting on my desk, which I originally planned to give to a coworker who’s on vacation. I asked my boss if he’d be interested in reading it, and he said yes! I don’t know if he’ll actually read it, but I’m praying that he will.


God’s Confirmation

Later, we met with another couple and shared an update on our situation. Once again, God confirmed that we are exactly where He wants us to be.

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

 1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

I was thinking about this scripture this morning on my way into work… I somehow feel as though God is preparing me for losing everything.

It was a better day. I didn’t stress at all, praise the Lord.

Tom and I had some good worship time and I tried to catch up with my emails before I went to bed.