My nose in a book!

For the first time, in quite a while, I have picked up some great fiction novels for the summer. Lynn Austin's Gods and Kings series has me walking the dusty roads of Jerusalem alongside kings and prophets of the Old Testament. Loving that my feet are getting dusty with this series.

While determined to read only for fun & enjoyment this summer - meaning that I would not jump right into my regular reading of ministry, leadership, church. Well, maybe just one won't hurt - I have Alan Hirsch's The Forgotten Ways on my kindle! Admission - while taking the summer for rest, I also find enjoyment in learning more of how God's church can best bring Him glory!

"No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, poet

coming undone

"I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Over the past year, especially the last six months, God has brought our family through a ministry valley. God called us to be a part of something, pour much of ourselves into it...for His name sake. Directions shifted, changes were made...and there were days when I felt like a tightly stretched rope, frayed, hanging on by a single strand. We all will have these times in our lives, especially if we are walking in obedience to the Lord. Our response is what will make the difference.

Learning (sometimes the hard way) to trust in the Lord and not in ourselves or others.

Knowing that God's grace is sufficient, and his mercies are new every day.

Submitting to my husband brings joy beyond measure. He has been a rock.

Teaching our children to be steadfast in their faith, by watching us be steadfast in our faith.

Experiencing friendships that comfort, stand in the gap, speak truth, & are trustworthy.

I do know that on the days when I felt the stretch, more of the coming undone...

that single strand left that kept me from snapping altogether was my trust in the Lord.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil."

Proverbs 3:5-7

These two scriptures I have shared with many, children and their parents, along the way. God gave me new eyes to see them & heart to understand them while walking the valley - certain that if his hand could hurt from my squeezing it so tightly it was! Often times both in the valleys and on the mountain tops it is worship through song (David was so onto this, thankful for the Psalms) that keeps our eyes on the Lord.

Laura Story's song Blessings has been a sweet balm during a difficult time. Something tells me that you will relate. While your heartaches, circumstances, and even joys are different...they can be mercies in disguise.

Packed, Prepared, & Pooped

Packed:

We made our list (several times), checked it twice.

100 stuffed animals.

106 cards from Hope Point families for their child, who they pray for daily!

Bibles, counseling books, commentaries, children's books.

Technology for the fingertips.

Generous gifts from those who are blessed for saris for over 200 women.

Of course, personal clothing & items.

= 500+ lbs.

Prepared:

to love on tons of children, encourage our brothers & sisters serving faithfully in hard places, share the hope of Jesus, build up our sisters in Christ through Bible teaching, prayer, & worship, spread joy through simple acts, love on tons of children- did I mention that already?!

Pooped:

Before exhaustion takes over...Good Night! Pray that all four of us will get good rest on the long flights!