Not my ways

           There is a question that I really hate.  "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"   Not because I am not a planner.  I am a planner and organizer by nature, I love lists and schedules.  But my rub with the question is that, if 5 years ago you would have told me I would have a 2 year old and live in Springfield, MO, I would have laughed in your face.

          You see, about three years ago I was 21, and still newly married with lots of free time and plans.  I had a great job that I loved, and I was enjoying life.  Then I clearly remember going through this period where all the life was just sucked out of me.  All I wanted to do when I went home was lay on the couch and sleep, because I just couldn't keep my eyes open and my limbs felt so heavy.  This was so unlike me.  I never took naps, and liked to stay busy.  Danny wasn't doing anything wrong, but for some reason it seemed like he was particularly and intentionally trying to annoying me.  I was short with him, and he was worried, because he didn't know what was wrong with me either.  I didn't know what was wrong, I thought, maybe I was a little depressed, but I thought if I could just get some more sleep, I would have a brighter outlook.  Then one day I was sitting at a training class at work, and I felt a sudden wave of nausea.  This NEVER happens to me.  I have probably only thrown up a total of 5 times in my entire life.  And that is when reality hit me like a ton of bricks.  I was pregnant.  And then the bargaining started.  "No, I can't be pregnant, we weren't trying to get pregnant.  God, I told you I didn't want to have a kid until I was 25, I am going to be so much wiser and more prepared at 25 (insert reflective chuckle here)."  So as soon as we got a lunch break I went to the closest grocery store which was the ghetto HEB.  I bought some expensive pregnancy tests.  I didn't want to have to try and guess, 'Was that two lines or just one?'.  I wanted the word 'pregnant' literally spelled out for me.  And I couldn't wait to take these tests.  As soon as I checked out I went into their bathroom and peed on a stick.  And this is where I found out the miracle of life was happening, in the HEB bathroom.

          I was not excited to say the least.  I was scared, nervous, and felt super guilty that I was not excited about this baby.  I mean, what kind of mother isn't excited about their baby?  I went to our small group bible study that night, and for the first time ever we started splitting up in small groups with just a few people to pray at the end.  So there was no way I could hide and avoid saying anything.  Through some small tears and sobs, I told a few precious girls I was pregnant, and they got an immediate look of excitement, that they then subdued when they realized this was not a happy announcement for me.  They were great, and such godly prayer warriors.  They knew then what it would take me a while to realize, that God's plans are always greater, and that this was going to be a huge blessing from Him, even if I couldn't see it yet.

And now I am 25 years old with a beautiful, amazing two year old, blue eyed little boy, and our family is about to grow even more, as we are about to complete our foster parent licensing.  I feel no more wiser than I did at 21, now I keep thinking, maybe that happens when I turn 30 (hopefully).  And you would think I would have learned my lesson.  But I still frequently make my own plans and think that God will or should act accordingly. Then God knocks me back where I belong.  Things don't go as I thought, and I don't understand why or what God is doing, and about the time I start to plunge head first into a pity party, my little blue eyed boy toddles over to me and says in the sweetest voice "Hold you momma", and I am reminded, "You didn't plan for this either, and now you wouldn't change it for anything in the world".

           So this is my continued prayer for myself, and for all these precious people I love, that we would be daily reminded that God's ways are not our ways and His plans are not our plans.  But they are infinitely better, even if we can't see it.  Even if we can't ever see it this side of heaven.

"Lord I do believe, please help my unbelief".

Making Room

This morning I got to talk to my sister-in-law about a book she is done reading and I am working on.  We both love the book and are excited about the prospects of it and discussing, what do you do with the information now?  If you don't know my sister-in-law Hannah, I will introduce you, because she is the cat's pajamas.  Seriously, one of the most godly people I know.  So, I will be waiting and praying to see how this looks in her and her families' life.  So, are you dying to know what the book is about???  I know you are.

The book is 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker.  In this book, she takes 7 months, identifies 7 areas of excess, and chooses each month to work against greed, materialism and overindulgence.  The areas were food, clothing, spending, media, possessions, waste and stress.  You should check it out.


I get really excited after reading things and a couple of different possibilities usually play out:

1.  I get so excited that I am overwhelmed with the information and don't know where to start.

2.  I dive into trying this in my own life, without enough prayer and guidance and purge things for purging's sake, missing the forest for the trees.

3.  Or I sit around, think it's great, talk a lot about it, but there is never any change in my life (which is unfortunately what I can do a lot with scripture).

So I am praying about it.  These basic principles of living more simply, making more space and having less stuff in my life are concepts I have been thinking a lot about for the last year or so.  I'm not just talking about getting rid of things for the sake of getting rid of them and being self righteous, judging those who have much and are wasteful.  If I become that person, please just give me back my stuff, cause I have missed the point entirely.  But instead, less of me and my junk, and more of Jesus and His Kingdom.

I have talked to Danny about this too.  I expected him to give me a look like "Cherry, not again.  I pretty much gave up meat for you, I don't know what else you could torture me with now." But he didn't, because that's how awesome he is.  He puts up with a lot from me, and he loves Jesus too.

I am convicted now more than ever to live more _______(you fill in the blank here with what ever hipster word people are calling it now, simply, sustainable, missionally, all of the above) because of Levi and our future kids.  My life is no longer about me (not that it ever was), but now I am not responsible just for my own life if I screw this up, but for other young, impressionable minds.  I don't want my kids growing up thinking life is all about them and what they can attain.  I don't want them thinking money or possessions, or even people, will make them happy.  I want them to bless others with the abundance that we/they have been given, and I want them to love Jesus. Like a lot.  And the best way kids learn is what their parents model for them.  I am extremely aware that I will not be the perfect parent.  I already fall short daily.  But in spite of my imperfections, I want to decrease so that He may increase.

So you should check out the book for yourself, certainly don't just take my word for it.  Pray that we won't screw Levi up, or our future children.  Pray that we would be effective here in our community, and in doing so would be teaching others and our children to be effective.  Pray for the future kiddos we get, and that we would help them too.

And on a small tangent, pray for our new neighbors.  Our previous ghetto, loud, drunk neighbors moved out and we were excited at the possibility of meeting these new people and hoping they are a bit more pleasant.  Then enter last night, when a lady was standing in the lawn yelling loud and numerous obscenities at the man inside.  Now, I am not judging her for this (who hasn't wanted to stand in the yard and yell obscenities at their significant other from time to time), I am just thinking it might be a rough crowd...

Love and miss you guys.  Thanks for reading, praying with us and supporting us.

Striving to Love

I haven't written in a while.  We have been busy, seeing family and friends this summer and it has been wonderful.  We are settling into our new house.  Trying to start an amazing journey of foster parenting, and still striving to seek and be obedient here in Springfield.  


I have been working a lot at the hospital.  I like my job, most days...   I like a lot of people that I work with.  But my job is hard to say the least.  We are usually very short staffed, leaving me with a larger patient load, and doing the work that should be divided in two.  And the floor I work on is busy, with patients that are a higher acuity.  Another thing that makes my floor interesting/hard, we get a lot of crazy people.  Some diagnosed by doctors, others self diagnosed by me.  Really though, a lot of challenging individuals and families.  Some crazy, some just angry for different reasons.  Some very needy, physically or emotionally.  I can't always blame them.  If I was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, I would probably be a little angry too.  We all grieve and process things in our own ways.


I see some staff take care of some of the most challenging patients, and they can't handle it.  They get angry and frustrated.  They are short with the people at best, at worst, rude in return to their rudeness.  I am not saying that I look forward to caring for these taxing patients.  I hope everyday that I will go in and have a team of lovely people making my shift smooth and quick.  But here recently, I have been getting assigned to these difficult people repeatedly.  My bosses give me these people and then say "You are so good with them."  In my head I smile and think "Little weasel.  You just don't want to deal with them".  I have had a few people mention to me this past month about how calm I remain, and how I never seem to get frustrated or flustered.  Now to me, this is laughable.  Because inside I usually feel like a basket case, and one step away from crazy myself.  I started thinking on this and thinking, it can only be God in me that allows me to do my job and remain level-headed and poised. 


Before you think highly of me at all, know that most of the time, I don't like these people.  I am very good at being nice and respectful, and going out of my way to please people, when inside I am judging and disliking them.  I am not proud of this.  God recently taught me something in the midst of my judgment and pride.  I had to take care of this lady who seemed to be doing everything possible to make everyone's life miserable.  She liked me, because I was nice to her.  I mostly just listened to her, talked a little, and tried to be compassionate.  The whole time though, I never doubted this lady was certifiably nuts.  I would come home with every ounce of energy sucked out of me.  I was short with Danny, because I felt I just couldn't muster up any more kindness.  The fourth day in a row I had this lady, it dawned on me after one of our conversations, "I like her, I really do."  Somewhere along the course of the past 36 hours, I grew to actually enjoy our conversations, and the compassion I was feeling was no longer forced, but was coming naturally.  That got me to thinking back on other people I had been taking care of, and the same was true with them.  Again, totally a God thing, because honestly, I am not that nice of a person.


God teaches me a lot in ways that I usually wish were a lot easier.  But here lately he has been teaching me to love people, even when its hard, and especially when I don't want to.  And it is always so cool when somehow, I manage to get out of the way long enough for Him to move.  Don't get me wrong, I have so much further to go, and am constantly taking two steps backwards.  I can be short with people, impatient, and totally miss opportunities to connect with people because of my selfishness.  But what continually surprises me about God's faithfulness is how he blesses me and gives me joy in these hard lessons.  If I am honest everyday, I usually don't want to love people that I feel are hard to love.  I feel like I am doing good to love and spend time with people I like naturally.  But when I start to build a relationship with these challenging people, people I have deemed as unloveable, God gives me joy, and enjoyment in it.  


Knowing that there is joy in loving others doesn't necessarily make this process easier.  Most days when this happens, I still feel like I have to muster up every ounce of energy within me to smile and attempt to be kind.  But aren't all things that are worth it hard?  I know marriage is.  Loving Danny is not always easy, and he would certainly say the same thing about me.  But when we try, when we really work hard at practicing loving each other even when we don't feel like it, it gets easier, and it is definitely worth it. Raising kids is hard, and I can say that already with just having limited experience. But again, so worth it.  All that to say, God is teaching me that loving people is worth it, even though it is incredibly trying.  Tomorrow I might forget this, but I pray that I won't.  I pray that I will strive hard to remember daily.  And I am so thankful that people have loved me and still do, even when I make it wearisome. 

Change is a comin'

There is nothing deep or insightful here, just giving ya'll updates on things.

Levi had his checkup today.  Doctor said he is doing just fine.  He weighs 26.6 lbs and is 31.7 in long.  The doctor said he wasn't concerned about his walking, because he can walk, and when he gets to where he can walk faster than crawling, he will start doing it more.  These days all Levi wants to do is read.  We read many books all day long and make frequent trips to the library.  He is a ham and loves to put on a good show for people :)


We are moving (into a house)!  With the help of our really sweet realtors, we found a house that was built in 1908.  Over the last year some people bought it and have completely redone everything.  They have done really thorough, solid work.  It is 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with a detached garage and a nice back yard.  It has plenty of room for friends and family to come stay, and for more babies!


No, we are not pregnant, but we are going to start the process of getting licensed to be foster parents!  We are very excited about this.  God has laid this on our hearts for the last several years, and we feel blessed to now have the room and opportunity to do it.


Ministry things are going well.  We are still striving to build relationships with people God places around us.  This last week I met one of our neighbors, who is a really sweet lady, and Levi and I got the opportunity to visit with her.  We are meeting some people through a community garden we are involved in, and I along with some women from there are going to start a women's bible study.  Danny is working on getting small group things started.  We are also working on farmers market stuff, where I am excited about meeting people.  We will have a table where I will be selling baked goods. All the profits will go to a feeding program through World Vision where they will feed people in the Horn of Africa, and all over the world where food is most needed.  This week I got all my menus together and priced everything, and is made me that much more excited for it.


Thank you for all your prayers.  Please be praying that our move goes smoothly.  Pray that God would continue to prepare us to be foster parents, and pray for Levi.  I worry that it will be a hard adjustment for him, as he can be a little demanding of your attention :)  And pray that we would build strong relationships in the community though the farmers market, and that things would sell well!  We love ya'll and miss you very much.  We are looking forward to seeing family and friends this summer!

Filling Bellies

Recently I got a catalog from World Vision in the mail. The cover story and

main article was over the famine in the Horn of Africa. They had pictures of children with sunken

eyes and frames of skin and bone. The children's mom was there too, with a frame no different.

Her eyes are filled with such sadness, devastation and despair. In turn, this brings tears to my eyes.

I cannot imagine the grief that comes with not being able to provide your children with food. I

want Levi to be happy and provide him with so many good gifts, and the thought of not being able

to give him enough to keep him alive is unbearable.

So the question I asked myself, and God, is what could I do about it. I pray

for these people, send extra money when we can, and we have 2 beautiful sponsored children, but

it doesn't seem like enough. How can I sit here and worry about eating too much as to avoid gaining

weight, when these people don't have enough food to stay alive.

So I got to thinking practically. As far as talents go, I don't feel to be

overflowing with them. I am not an eloquent speaker, good teacher, and you don't want to hear

me sing. But one thing God has given me a passion for is feeding people. I love to make meals for people. I feel like it is such a privilege when I have the opportunity. I really love to bake, which might have something to do with how much I love to eat sweets, breads, you know, anything ridiculously high in calories. All this to say, "So what God, I can't mail the food to Uganda." But I continued to pray about it, and God is crafting a vision in my heart. What if I could sell some things that I make, and all the proceeds go feeding the hungry around the world?

I talked to a wonderful lady yesterday named Marti. She owns a local bakery called Sisters in Thyme on Commercial Street. This place is seriously amazing, and I gain 5 pounds just walking in there. For all you who come and visit, we will definitely go there. Anyways, I told her a bit of my heart, and she gave me great advice. The very small plan right now is that I am going to start selling some baked goods at our local farmers market. It's on Saturdays and it runs April through October. It will be a good way to start out and see what sells the best and build up a clientele. Later on I may be able to sell some out of Sisters in Thyme and other bakeries, but I just want to take one step at a time.

And it might take a while to raise a substantial amount of money. But I pray and know that whatever amount it is, God can multiply it to do great things. So just keep this in your prayers. God will totally have to lead all of it for many reasons. The main 2 are that, while I feel I am good at baking, so are a lot of people, so I hope that people will buy stuff. Secondly, I know nothing about business. But I am excited to see what He will do. It always surprises and amazes me.

Lessons from Levi

I've seen laughing parents and grandparents say "Your kids always pay you back!" So I am not sure if this stage with Levi is just a good dose of well deserved karma or what. But I do know this, God is teaching me hard, yet much needed lessons through the fits with with 16 month old.

The fits start in the morning with the first meal. Levi loves applesauce and eats it everyday. But no longer does he want me feeding him, he wants to do it himself. I tried to reason with him that his motor skills aren't quite developed enough for applesauce, and for some reason that didn't work. I also know he needs to learn to use a spoon, and I do let him practice with more solid foods, but applesauce is just more of a mess than I can handle at 6 am. So he throws a fit. He grips tightly to the spoon to try and take it out of my hand. If he can't reach the spoon he begins throwing everything else off him highchair, throwing himself on top of his high chair, and screaming at the top of his lungs. Some mornings I just ignore these fits and get up and do the dishes, some days I just get him out of his high chair and sat him on the floor, so as to not encourage this behavior. But on the really weary days, I give him what he wants. I give him the spoon and applesauce, which is what he thinks he wants. He thinks he can do this himself. Of course, as you can imagine, he ends up wearing the applesauce, and/or it's all over the floor, while very little ends up in his mouth.

As exasperating as this is, God speaks loudly to me "This is just a small glimpse of how I feel." He wants to feed me richly through His word and Spirit, He wants the very best for my life. And instead of letting Him lead me, instead of dying to myself daily and following after Him, I act like a petulant child and insist on doing it my way. The result is I end up frustrated, still hungry, and awfully messy.

Yesterday I bought a 99 cent spill proof container of bubbles for Levi. I thought this would work out wonderfully. When Levi first saw the bubbles he loved them. He stared at them as if they were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. But then he wanted to hold the bubbles and blow them. I would let him play with them, but after he got frustrated about not being able to produce the same effect, I would take them and blow him some more bubbles. But he didn't even get to enjoy them this time. He missed them because the whole time this was happening, he was trying to pry the jar out of my hand.

That's when I was convicted again. How many times daily do I miss beautiful things God has orchestrated around me, all because I am trying to do things on my own.

I'm sure I will continue to see these lessons during many more fits. God will humbly show me how my 24 yr old self is so much like a toddler. And even though that's disappointing , I am glad to be learning these lessons, even if for what feels like the millionth time. Because in five years when I am almost 30 (yikes), I don't still want to be acting like a 2 year old.

I am so glad that Levi is independent, and I hope to be able to continue to foster that in him. But I also hope that he is able to see dependence on God in Danny and I, and that is something that is strongly seen in his life one day too.

Jehova Jireh

I like making less money. That's right, it's not a typo. I have enjoyed the times in my life when we have been worse off financially. The main reason is because I get to see how faithfully our God provides. God has amazed me since we have moved here, and has increased my faith.

I don't know if it's tacky to talk about salaries, but I'm going to run some numbers for you. We went from making about $6,000 a month to $1500 a month. Now the cost of living is a little cheaper here, but not enough to cover all the expenses. I have had people say before we moved, "I just admire your faith." I was always quick to correct, and very self aware of how small my faith was. Yes, I knew God would provide. He has been faithful to meet all of our needs and has amazed me countless times throughout my life. But how much I am like the Israelites, so quick to forget. Yes, I know God will provide, but when I get emails saying we have 7 cents left in our checking account, I flip out. I incessantly worry. I wonder how many extra shifts I can pick up or what can we sell. What truly amazes me, time and time again is how faithful God is when I am so unfaithful.

I see how he has provided in so many ways. Danny and I both have good jobs. We were provided with affordable daycare. We have cheap, good grocery stores. He has blessed me with a husband that does not complain about not eating meat (which has really cut down our costs). We are surrounded with people who invite us into their home instead of asking us to eat at restaurants, and we do the same. He provided Danny with scholarships for school. And what I can't thank Him enough for are the people. True saints. There are people who sponsor us every month, or whenever they can. Just when I am wondering how we will stretch out the finances to the end of the month, a check comes in the mail. Or we get a call saying, "We prayed about it, and we want to give a little more every month". It's not just the money either. It's the prayers. Let me tell you, we feel your prayers, daily!

God is teaching me (again) not only that He is the Great Provider, but He is encouraging me with the testimonies of these saints, who challenge and encourage me in my faith. When people call or email and say that God has placed you on their heart and then give you a word of encouragement, or tell you "God told me to give you this", you better believe that it brings me to my knees in prayer. Not only prayers of thanksgiving, but intercessing for others. I want to be striving to be that close in walking with the Lord that I am listening for when He lays people on my heart and mind. I don't want to miss in providing for someone and blessing them because I was too busy and wasn't listening. God has blessed us, and no doubt, so we may in turn bless others.

In having less money too, it causes you to pray more. I am sad that I haven't always been reliant on Him. I pray that I will not forget as I have so many times before. God is teaching us, stretching us. It is often painful, and slow going, but so worth it. I pray now more for health, especially at a time when medical care is so expensive. And when emergencies come up , I'm learning to pray first instead of just starting to plan how we can fix it. Because the truth is, God can fix the heater that's broken in our car, instead of paying hundreds of dollars at a mechanics. Some might think that is naive. And I am not saying, don't plan, don't save. God has called us to be good stewards, and we believe that wholeheartedly. As God is in many ways tearing us down and molding us, we have been reminded to be more grateful, and to not take things for granted. We are thankful for health, for big bowls of rice and beans, for playing board games with friends, for being able to afford milk for Levi, and for just being reminded of how nice simplicity in life can be.

I am not saying we by any means have this figured out. We have a long way to go, and God is not through teaching us hard lessons, but I am thankful for His patience and grace. Hopefully this can encourage you, I always need to be reminded and love seeing how God provides. And I thank each one of you for supporting us and for your love and prayers. We have more than enough, and feel so richly blessed.

A Night in Battle

This story has nothing to do with Jesus, this is just a glimpse into our everyday crazy life.

It gets cold in Levi's room, not Texas cold, Missouri cold. So at night we have a space heater in there. I remembered at approximately midnight that I forgot to turn it on when I laid Levi down, so I snuck back in his room to do so. When I got in there, I was spotted from the get-go. He was able to see me because of a small glimpse of light coming from a lamp in the living room. So what did I do? I dove of course, assuming the fetal position across his room and did not move for approximately 10 minutes.

I realized that something was going to have to be done, so I thought I would radio for help. I was next to the baby monitor, so I sent a distress signal to my partner Danny. I whispered "Turn off the lamp!" I quickly realized that in the 10 minutes I had been laying there, he had fallen asleep. So I turned off the monitor to where on his end he hears that loud "SCHZZZZZZ" sound. That woke him right up. Then I ever so quietly whispered my message again, and this time it got results.

Now thinking I was clear, I army crawled right next to the crib, preparing to make a dash for the door. Then Levi's light and sound machine comes on, illuminating the room. This particular machine plays for 15 minutes. That's right. Fifteen. Minutes. So while I am being serenaded I think back to when I bought this machine at the store. I thought the 15 minute feature would be nice, then I wouldn't have to sneak back into his room to turn it on for him. I then began cursing myself for not thinking of all the possible scenarios such as this one. I peaked up from my position and his face was right in front of the machine, which is facing the door, my only way out. If he saw me I knew it would all be over, and my efforts thus far wasted.

I had suspected during all this after my faithful partner turned off the lamp, he went back to bed. But after 20 minutes he noticed I still wasn't back, and he came to my aid valiantly. He cracked the door open ever so slightly and stealthily assessed the situation. He saw me on the floor and he knew the only way out would be to create a diversion. He spotted sock monkey in the doorway, grabbed him, and threw him to the opposite end of the crib, moving Levi away from the sound machine. There was my only opportunity and I seized it. I crawled, reached my hand up, turned off the machine for good, and then, being under the cover of darkness, I crawled out the door.

I will sadly admit to you that this is not the first time this has happened. No events have ever been this bad or taken this long, but nonetheless, you would think at this point, I would make sure all my bases are covered before I left the room when I put him down the first time.

New Changes and Old Constants

Sorry it’s been so long since our last post. This Christmas season has been so busy!!!

There are many things God is teaching me right now: intentionality and patience come to mind. The main lesson though is trust in Him; His plan, His power, His truth. It would amaze you (or maybe depress you) if you could glimpse into my mind and see all the things I worry about on a daily basis. I'm pretty sure I have an ulcer. So, obviously, at the top of my New Year’s Resolutions you will find, “Worry less and pray more.”

I know we are a week late (our resolutions weren’t to be on time by the way), but Danny and I sat down and made some goals for 2012. Now, I don't normally do Resolutions because, like the majority of Americans, I fail to keep them. I’m one of the ones who has every intention of eating healthy and exercising but find myself in the McDonald’s drive-thru come February. This year’s resolutions, however, are goals that we have already been working toward and would like to continue this year.

Mine include exercising, reading more, worrying less, breaking the habit of biting my nails, and sending people encouraging notes or cards. I’ve also decided that I will learn some hobbies. At this point I’m horrible at all things crafty so I think I’ll attempt to reverse this by taking up sewing or something.

Danny thought he would benefit from praying more, reading more useful books, being more intentional about discipleship, and (I’m totally behind this) brushing his teeth twice a day instead of just once. Based on my suggestion, he will also begin calling his family more often(you're welcome Hill clan).

We also decided to think about family goals. We want to eat our meals together (Levi makes this somewhat difficult at times), spend less time watching TV and using the computer, be intelligent with where we purchase things, and spend less so that we can give more.

The main changes that we haven't started making yet, but that we think are important for this next year, are scheduling 2 date nights a month and going away for a simple weekend together twice a year.

So there are a lot of changes that will be coming to the Hill house (err...apartment), that is of course, if we keep these resolutions. There are also plenty of changes that have already been occurring.

I must confess that I was in a bit of a funk this last month. I guess you could chalk it up to just really missing family and friends, and dealing with this transition.

Don’t misunderstand me here, I am so excited to be in Missouri, and feel privileged to be a part of what God is doing here. And I wasn't naive enough to think that it wouldn't be hard. But I guess its been so long since I’ve had to move to a new place and make all new relationships, that I forgot how difficult that can be. The change in jobs, the job searching for that matter, the change in location, the moving, learning new streets and directions, the uncertainty, the spiritual battles that occur with stepping out in faith (and you wonder why I worry so much?)

With all this change and chaos its really good to remember that there are plenty of constants and order in the universe too. Constants such as: hardships are guaranteed but God is sovereign, He is omniscient. On top of this we remember that there is joy in being in the middle of God’s will for your life, there is fulfillment in intentionally investing in the lives of those around you (and in the process you get to know some pretty amazing people).

The biggest one for us now though is realizing there is peace in knowing that no matter how crazy life is, no matter the fires that are raging, no matter the lack of faith: God is in control. Nothing happens that He hasn’t ordained and nothing comes about that isn’t for His glory. When we remember this there really shouldn’t be any need for worry and there isn’t a situation that is too much for us because God is there, watching. We just have to learn to trust.

Father, hear the prayer we offer:

Nor for ease that prayer shall be,

But for strength, that we may ever

Live our lives courageously.

Not forever in green pastures

Do we ask our way to be,

But the steep and rugged pathway

May we tread rejoicingly.

Not forever by still waters

Would we idly, quiet stay;

But would smite the living fountains

From the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,

In our wanderings be our Guide;

Through endeavor, failure, danger,

Father, be Thou at our side.

You came before, beside us you'll be

You'll never leave, beside us you'll be

Let our path be bright or dreary.

Storm or sunshine be our share;

May our souls in hope unweary

Make Thy work our ceaseless prayer.

P.S. - Today at church Danny was licensed at as minister. It has been added to my list of moments that make me so proud of him. I am thankful that he sought the Lord and was obedient in leading our family here, and I'm excited about how God is using him.