Made the move!

God has once again provided for our family. The rental house sold and we had the help of wonderful friends (and a u-haul truck) to move into the parsonage of our former church, here in Holland. (THANK YOU to Mike, Mary, Alex, Samantha, Ron, Karen, Dale, Dan, Jan, Earl, Kristi, Kate, and LaVerle!) The deacon board of Maranatha has made it possible for us to live in the unused church parsonage, rent-free, for six months.

God has provided employment options for Chris through Manpower (temp. agency) and Dutch Village Family Park. The boys had a recent opportunity to do some yard work - their first 'hired-out' job - and enjoyed the pay they received for their hard work. They've been asked to come back and mow her lawn, so they're on their way to being working men!

I have been cleaning, painting, and getting us settled in. Now that we've been here a couple weeks, we've started back up with schooling and I am looking for employment as well as getting ready to have a garage sale.

We continue to live in the present, following God's leading as we determine it and trust Him to give us wisdom for the future.

Spring is here and hope is growing!

As our family continues in this time of transition, seeking God feels like walking on a path of stepping stones that are only laid out one at a time. As I take a step onto one, I don't always see the next 'stone' laid down. Daily, I'm walking this path.

Each new day brings another opportunity to seek God and to know Him in a new way. Not that HE changes and becomes new... But my small view of Him is expanded as I discover even more of Him. He truly is awesome. (And yet, as I say that, I'm aware that I have no idea how hugely awesome he is... there are no words to describe Him.)

I was recently encouraged by Louis Giglio about our worship of God. He talks of the greatness of God - the "otherness" of God! When I look at my concept of "worship" - such as Sunday morning - it's clear that I've become a "consumer of worship". Too often, it's all about what I like or don't like, what blesses me or doesn't bless me. My desire is to more and more take my teeny, tiny view off of myself and place my eyes on the Creator of the Universe, God Almighty, my Shepherd, the Lover of my Soul, my Righteousness and my Prince of Peace. May I no longer be a consumer of worship... But let me offer whole self to the Lord and may HE consume me.

There is an endless song - Echoes in my soul - I hear the music ring.
And though the storms may come I am holding on; To the Rock I cling!

How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough... How amazing is Your Love!
How can I keep from shouting Your Name?
I know I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing!

I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives.
And I will walk with You, knowing You'll see me through, and sing the songs You give.

I can sing in the troubled times. Sing when I win.
I can sing when I lose my step, and fall down again.
I can sing 'cause You pick me up; Sing 'cause You're there.
I can sing 'cause You hear me Lord, when I call to You in prayer.
I can sing with my last breath!
Sing, for I know that I'll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne!

Just beginning to learn how to worship...