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.