Every time I hear the word 'Providence', I use to think of the old Michael W. Smith song from the late 80's. I've always loved me some good ole' Smitty!
In the last few months, God has been replacing that first thought, not with another song, but with faces.
We are where we are meant to be, doing what He has called us to, and relying on faith in Him to meet our needs. I won't claim that it's not a terrifying place to be, but perhaps that's why God knew to make me a bit of an adrenaline junkie ;-)
Yesterday was a prime example of God's providence. We visited Immanuel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, FL, and it was a day of comfort, blessing, and a 5-hour energy drink for our faith. Thanks to a friend of Ruel's from his college days, we were able to talk to their Sunday School class and fell in love with them! Not only was it a blessing to hear their excitement in what God has called us to do, but the pastor also prepared a special sermon just for us...even though he had no clue we were coming! One guy even came up to us with the word providential on tongue to describe our visit.
After leaving there greatly encouraged, we arrived at our home for the week and were blown away by the generosity of one of our brother and sister's in Christ. What a great opportunity it was to teach our kids about Christian love and generosity- even what they can do. Elijah already has a plan of what he wants to do for them :)
Let me encourage you: God knows what He has planned for you- and it is good. Not easy. Not comfortable. Not typical. But it's for you, you alone, and it's very good.
Ask Him for the faith to help you follow it. He planned it all out, just for you :)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Theme of the Month
This month has been breathtaking! Both literally -due to allergies and bronchitis - and figuratively with preparing to sell the house and move to Ireland.
As Ruel and I sat at the table yesterday morning eating a calm breakfast before another day's work, I looked over at our calendar and laughed as the the image registered for the first time in full: CHANGE.
Now if that isn't the understatement of the year!
In the last two weeks, we had spent a week with the boys in this house for the last time, switched bedrooms around, replaced our backdoor and added a screen, prepared for switching posts on the porch and replacing the railing, switched kitchen tables with our neighbor (going from an almost 4x6 table to a 3x3) cleaned out every room for moving/yard sale stuff (and we're really only about half done), got the two younger kids passports sent for, had our house reviewed for selling (so we know what still needs to be fixed/replaced), started thinking about who to give our beloved cats to, and had our black emperor scorpion, Fluffy, die.
CHANGE.
Through all of this upheaval, we've prayed constantly that the Lord grant us and the kids a peace. Especially for Lauren and Elijah- this has been difficult for them. As I sat there consoling Lauren the other day on some of the changes, I told her what I remembered when I was 4 years old, crying on the side of the road as my parents threw out "the only stove I've know my whole entire life!" Yes, I was a bit dramatic as a kid. Especially since it only had one working eye and even the oven was a hit/miss. Change is difficult, but necessary. Not that it makes it easy, but it grows us. Change helps us to rely on the Lord, and not things.
Say a prayer for us and the changes will snowball further this month! We will be going to Florida to talk with some churches and friends about Ireland and partnering with us.
Can't wait to see what changes will have occurred by next month!
CHANGE.
Through all of this upheaval, we've prayed constantly that the Lord grant us and the kids a peace. Especially for Lauren and Elijah- this has been difficult for them. As I sat there consoling Lauren the other day on some of the changes, I told her what I remembered when I was 4 years old, crying on the side of the road as my parents threw out "the only stove I've know my whole entire life!" Yes, I was a bit dramatic as a kid. Especially since it only had one working eye and even the oven was a hit/miss. Change is difficult, but necessary. Not that it makes it easy, but it grows us. Change helps us to rely on the Lord, and not things.
Say a prayer for us and the changes will snowball further this month! We will be going to Florida to talk with some churches and friends about Ireland and partnering with us.
Can't wait to see what changes will have occurred by next month!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
It's funny...
This year as I see all the amazingly gaudy and green St. Patrick Day's paraphernalia for sale, I've noticed a strange sensation. I'm giddy! At first I thought is was like when you are excited about Christmas, a birthday, or a special vacation, but that didn't quite capture the feeling. Then I knew! It was like when your engaged and everything that reminds you about your betrothed makes you giggle and tell perfect strangers all about him. I feel just like that! :)
This St. Paddy's Day has me in a pre-"wedding" tizzy. And I'm lovin' it!
Enjoy this adorable version of the story of St. Patrick. It's too cute!
AND...if you've always wanted to be of the Irish culture, but never quite knew how....Might you consider supporting us?!?!? :-)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bumps, Turns, & Forks
One thing I will never be able to claim, is that living life fully for the Lord is dull...
We've had the most surreal month:
First, Ireland is becoming more and more a reality to us mentally. We can't explain why, but Tennessee is feeling more like a temporary place, and that going to Dublin will be getting home. There have been numerous things in the last few weeks that have created this for the whole family. All I can say is that the Lord is weaning us. :)
Second, I (Tiffany) had gallbladder surgery almost two weeks ago after a month long gallbladder attack. Though I was very grateful to get rid of it, recovery has been much more difficult than I imagined. I knew from previous surgeries that my body doesn't handle anesthesia very well, but this time has been particularly rough. I've been dizzy and nauseous the whole time unless wearing a patch which then gives me double vision. On top of that, I've developed a very bad cold and double ear infection, and the medicine they are giving me to fight it, yes....makes me sick to my stomach. This is one of those times that I can rest assured that Christ is my victor, because it sure feels like a no win situation!
Finally, Our Ministry Partner Development (MPD), has really suffered this month. (Though I have to say every time I see that well used acronym, I think it means Multiple Personality Disorder....that works well here too! ;-) )We've not been able to meet with many people and share about our calling to Ireland. This is where you can really help:
We've had the most surreal month:
First, Ireland is becoming more and more a reality to us mentally. We can't explain why, but Tennessee is feeling more like a temporary place, and that going to Dublin will be getting home. There have been numerous things in the last few weeks that have created this for the whole family. All I can say is that the Lord is weaning us. :)
Second, I (Tiffany) had gallbladder surgery almost two weeks ago after a month long gallbladder attack. Though I was very grateful to get rid of it, recovery has been much more difficult than I imagined. I knew from previous surgeries that my body doesn't handle anesthesia very well, but this time has been particularly rough. I've been dizzy and nauseous the whole time unless wearing a patch which then gives me double vision. On top of that, I've developed a very bad cold and double ear infection, and the medicine they are giving me to fight it, yes....makes me sick to my stomach. This is one of those times that I can rest assured that Christ is my victor, because it sure feels like a no win situation!
Finally, Our Ministry Partner Development (MPD), has really suffered this month. (Though I have to say every time I see that well used acronym, I think it means Multiple Personality Disorder....that works well here too! ;-) )We've not been able to meet with many people and share about our calling to Ireland. This is where you can really help:
- Have we had a chance to share with you?? If yes, great!! Pray for God to lay someone you know on your heart that we can connect with. Remember, you are the only link we have with them!
- Do you not know enough about what we will be doing? Let me know! I'd love to send you a packet of information for you to pray over. We can then meet and see in what areas God would have you partner with us.
- Afraid to ask for more info because you can't give financially?? God already knows who will join with us and in what capacity. We just want to share about what we will be doing in Ireland with you. No pressure :) You really may just be the link to someone else God has planned, or may be one of our most ardent prayer warriors. Let's talk!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Proof and Reality
We've been busy the last three weeks with meetings, Skype calls, and letter writing....but, with little visual result. It's funny, we know God is at work and that we are doing what we are suppose to in sharing with others and seeking partners in this ministry, but we've seen little evidence. I have to admit- it can be pretty frustrating and discouraging.
Yet, the Spirit reminded me this morning of Hebrews 11:1,
"Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen."
My proof that God is working this all out, is my faith.
When logic, doubt, and exhaustion creep in, faith is my proof He is working all these things for our good. Look as this phrase again, "..faith is the reality..." How amazing! Faith is not a vague notion, a rope of desperation, or a form of denial. Faith is proof and reality.
How could we ever be afraid to step out on something as solid as that?
I needed that. And I think you do too. :)
Yet, the Spirit reminded me this morning of Hebrews 11:1,
"Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen."
My proof that God is working this all out, is my faith.
When logic, doubt, and exhaustion creep in, faith is my proof He is working all these things for our good. Look as this phrase again, "..faith is the reality..." How amazing! Faith is not a vague notion, a rope of desperation, or a form of denial. Faith is proof and reality.
How could we ever be afraid to step out on something as solid as that?
I needed that. And I think you do too. :)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Did You Know...?
...We need your support!
Yes, I bet you already knew that. :-)
But, did you also know that we need it now?
I use to think that people only needed the monthly support when they were actually on the mission field. But there is a problem with that. One, we don't really know who is supporting us and at what level so we know how close we are to moving; and two, we need to raise one time gifts as well in order to cover moving and support raising costs.
If , when, you support us now with a monthly donation, it goes straight into our moving expenses account. You'll be helping in so many ways!
Yes, I bet you already knew that. :-)
But, did you also know that we need it now?
I use to think that people only needed the monthly support when they were actually on the mission field. But there is a problem with that. One, we don't really know who is supporting us and at what level so we know how close we are to moving; and two, we need to raise one time gifts as well in order to cover moving and support raising costs.
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