Staying faithful in the small things.
Seeking God's will each new day.
Trusting in the Father's perfect plan, even when you can't see it.
Knowing that God is always at work and looking for ways to join Him in that work.
These are the lessons I've been learning during this time of waiting. I'm also learning that a 'time of waiting' is not the same thing as a time of inactivity. God is always moving in our lives, His Word is always living and active and effects change in our lives, He always inhabits the praises of His people.
If I can encourage you today, it would be to say, "Don't waste the times of waiting." God is always working, so continue to trust Him and look for His hand at work. Then follow Him in obedience. You will be blessed.
Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
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...
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...
Monday, March 24, 2008
God is Enough
At times I feel like I'm in the wilderness... A period of prolonged difficulty... Discouraged... Perhaps that's what David felt when he wrote the 63rd Psalm.
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
As we continue to seek God's direction, we found out last week that this house has been sold. We need to move out by April 16th. We sincerely praise God for his provision to our landlords - they were so gracious to let us move in here when we needed housing. And as it provides me with moments of anxiety, I will not despair. We've lived here with the knowledge that we might have to move at any time.
Having no income and no firm job possibilities, we are a bit overwhelmed, but not without hope. We know God has the answers. None of this takes HIM by surprise. We are seeking God's direction... knees to the ground... acknowledging His sovereignty and loving faithfulness.
Already his wonderful children, have made offers for us to move in with them if we need to. Our pantry and freezer are both filled with food provided by others. We drove out of town this past Sunday to provide Easter worship music at a church about 40 miles up the road... but not in our car... dear friends insisted we drive their car and use their gas. Blessing upon blessing. And it has opened my eyes to look for ways we can turn around and bless others. This is how The Body should function.
My heart is overwhelmed with what the Lord has done for us. There are many things we don't have right now. But there is so much we DO have in Christ. I ask Him constantly to let me focus on HIM and not on the overwhelming circumstances.
Laughter through tears has always been one of my favorite feelings - a good cry, and then something breaks through and makes you laugh! I love that! The psalm above says, "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." My most recent favorite things is doing just that... In the midst of transition, uncertainty and need, my soul is able to sing in the shadow of His wings. Sometimes it's only a whispered song and sometimes the song swells my whole being... but I'm always sheltered by Him and secure in His presence.
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
As we continue to seek God's direction, we found out last week that this house has been sold. We need to move out by April 16th. We sincerely praise God for his provision to our landlords - they were so gracious to let us move in here when we needed housing. And as it provides me with moments of anxiety, I will not despair. We've lived here with the knowledge that we might have to move at any time.
Having no income and no firm job possibilities, we are a bit overwhelmed, but not without hope. We know God has the answers. None of this takes HIM by surprise. We are seeking God's direction... knees to the ground... acknowledging His sovereignty and loving faithfulness.
Already his wonderful children, have made offers for us to move in with them if we need to. Our pantry and freezer are both filled with food provided by others. We drove out of town this past Sunday to provide Easter worship music at a church about 40 miles up the road... but not in our car... dear friends insisted we drive their car and use their gas. Blessing upon blessing. And it has opened my eyes to look for ways we can turn around and bless others. This is how The Body should function.
My heart is overwhelmed with what the Lord has done for us. There are many things we don't have right now. But there is so much we DO have in Christ. I ask Him constantly to let me focus on HIM and not on the overwhelming circumstances.
Laughter through tears has always been one of my favorite feelings - a good cry, and then something breaks through and makes you laugh! I love that! The psalm above says, "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." My most recent favorite things is doing just that... In the midst of transition, uncertainty and need, my soul is able to sing in the shadow of His wings. Sometimes it's only a whispered song and sometimes the song swells my whole being... but I'm always sheltered by Him and secure in His presence.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
With God nothing is impossible!
That verse from Matthew is this week's BSF memory verse for the boys. How appropriate! We have reached the end of our severence package and the future is still unclear. With God nothing is impossible. "Thanks for the reminder, Lord!"
Last weekend I was invited to go to a prayer conference with a friend. It was practical and worshipful. Just what I needed to remind me of our great God who is worthy of our time and worship just because of Who He is. The fact that He does so much for us is truly a blessing. But even if we have to go without or have to struggle a bit, HE is still worthy of our worship. "Thank you for the time spent in Your presence, Lord!"
I had an interview this week and was their first choice, but after a long conversation, they didn't hire me because of our 'tentative' situation - we may need to move out of state soon. So I didn't get the job - but it's nice to know that I can still interview well and my resume is apparently not so shabby after being out of the secretarial 'work force' for about twelve years. So I was encouraged even though I didn't get the job. "Thanks for the encouragement, Lord!"
A dear friend called today to check up on how we're doing. She's two thousand miles away, but I felt the hug right through the telephone line! "Thanks for Jan's care, Lord!"
She also sent us a check earlier this month as she felt the Lord prompting her. A friend in Holland told Chris that he will help us monthly either to cover our medical insurance payment or to help with bills - which ever we need the most. "Thanks for providing this help, Lord!"
As we talked today at lunch, we had to plan our cash to cover gas or groceries for this upcoming week. I'm getting good at being creative with food... and the boys are patient. The phone rang and Chris was asked to run the sound for a funeral at our old church this week. The funeral home will pay him.... grocery money! "You are faithful to provide for every need, Lord!"
It's the encouragement I needed. God is good and NOTHING is impossible for him!
Last weekend I was invited to go to a prayer conference with a friend. It was practical and worshipful. Just what I needed to remind me of our great God who is worthy of our time and worship just because of Who He is. The fact that He does so much for us is truly a blessing. But even if we have to go without or have to struggle a bit, HE is still worthy of our worship. "Thank you for the time spent in Your presence, Lord!"
I had an interview this week and was their first choice, but after a long conversation, they didn't hire me because of our 'tentative' situation - we may need to move out of state soon. So I didn't get the job - but it's nice to know that I can still interview well and my resume is apparently not so shabby after being out of the secretarial 'work force' for about twelve years. So I was encouraged even though I didn't get the job. "Thanks for the encouragement, Lord!"
A dear friend called today to check up on how we're doing. She's two thousand miles away, but I felt the hug right through the telephone line! "Thanks for Jan's care, Lord!"
She also sent us a check earlier this month as she felt the Lord prompting her. A friend in Holland told Chris that he will help us monthly either to cover our medical insurance payment or to help with bills - which ever we need the most. "Thanks for providing this help, Lord!"
As we talked today at lunch, we had to plan our cash to cover gas or groceries for this upcoming week. I'm getting good at being creative with food... and the boys are patient. The phone rang and Chris was asked to run the sound for a funeral at our old church this week. The funeral home will pay him.... grocery money! "You are faithful to provide for every need, Lord!"
It's the encouragement I needed. God is good and NOTHING is impossible for him!
Friday, March 7, 2008
In God's Waiting Room
Still waiting.... and still trusting.
While we wait, we continue to lift up others who are also waiting.
Please say a prayer for:
A homeschool mom of four dealing with sickness after sickness in the home;
A grown daughter grieving the death of her father;
A grandmother with a broken arm who cares for two grandchildren daily;
A family seeking a church home;
A man with diabetes recently dealing with an amputation;
A man seeking employment.
Thank you. God is already at work! He loves to answer us!
So be patient in your waiting.
While we wait, we continue to lift up others who are also waiting.
Please say a prayer for:
A homeschool mom of four dealing with sickness after sickness in the home;
A grown daughter grieving the death of her father;
A grandmother with a broken arm who cares for two grandchildren daily;
A family seeking a church home;
A man with diabetes recently dealing with an amputation;
A man seeking employment.
Thank you. God is already at work! He loves to answer us!
So be patient in your waiting.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Happy Birthday Timithi!
Thirteen years ago God blessed us with our second child! Timithi came to us in a miraculous way, just as Jonothon did! When Jonothon turned one year, we decided to open our adoption file once again, knowing that most families wait several months, even years, to adopt a baby in the United States. As Jono turned one, Timithi was actually born that month. His birthmother was a child herself and soon decided that the best, most loving thing she could do for her baby was to place him into a family that could love and care for him as he needed. At her age, Marissa was courageous and loving to make such a huge sacrifice for her baby. And our lives have been changed in marvelous ways, since Timithi arrived! We opened our adoption file during the end of February, 1995 and Timithi came to join our family at the end of March.
I had been in Seattle with Jonothon, caring for my cancer-stricken mother, when the phone in her hospital room rang. It was for me. Our adoption attorney was calling with the news that "a baby boy" was available for adoption, but it needed to take place immediately. Chris was home in CA, so I called him, talked with my mom and step-father and it was decided that we would do it! Jonothon and I flew from Seattle to Ventura, CA while Chris got in the car for the four-hour drive. Chris picked us up at the airport, we went to our attorney's home office, and the three of us went to the home of "the baby' - this was a Saturday.
When the paperwork was complete, we left our attorney's office and drove home with our precious new baby, now named Timithi Owen. The next day was Sunday and we showed up at church with a new baby! It was quite exciting and so joyful as our church body rejoiced with us. Next day, we took Timithi to the doctor for a well-baby visit. The following day, Tuesday, all FOUR of us boarded a plane to return to be with my mother in Seattle. Chris had to return to work, so I stayed in Seattle - my mother home from the hospital, a 13-month old and a 1-month old who was definitely feeling the transition.
God is gracious and has blessed us with such a wonderful son in Timithi! He is creative, inventive, reliable and has a great wit! Today we are celebrating Timithi! He brings joy to our home and we are truly blessed by him!
Happy Birthday, Timi!
I had been in Seattle with Jonothon, caring for my cancer-stricken mother, when the phone in her hospital room rang. It was for me. Our adoption attorney was calling with the news that "a baby boy" was available for adoption, but it needed to take place immediately. Chris was home in CA, so I called him, talked with my mom and step-father and it was decided that we would do it! Jonothon and I flew from Seattle to Ventura, CA while Chris got in the car for the four-hour drive. Chris picked us up at the airport, we went to our attorney's home office, and the three of us went to the home of "the baby' - this was a Saturday.
When the paperwork was complete, we left our attorney's office and drove home with our precious new baby, now named Timithi Owen. The next day was Sunday and we showed up at church with a new baby! It was quite exciting and so joyful as our church body rejoiced with us. Next day, we took Timithi to the doctor for a well-baby visit. The following day, Tuesday, all FOUR of us boarded a plane to return to be with my mother in Seattle. Chris had to return to work, so I stayed in Seattle - my mother home from the hospital, a 13-month old and a 1-month old who was definitely feeling the transition.
God is gracious and has blessed us with such a wonderful son in Timithi! He is creative, inventive, reliable and has a great wit! Today we are celebrating Timithi! He brings joy to our home and we are truly blessed by him!
Happy Birthday, Timi!
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