02.03.11 - One Long Month

As I told you in the first post, our family has been in the midst of a big change in our life (new job, new town, new house, etc). The kids and Misty have been sick pretty much the majority of the month. Each time it looks like we might be in the clear, someone else gets sick. I guess that's what happens when you have multiple children; they just pass it back and forth.

Also during this time, we have been trying to close on our house. So far, we have missed two closing dates! I won't go into details, but we are supposed to "tentatively close on Friday".....we shall see. We have really tried to be patient through this, but I have to say that it's wearing thin. I know the current owners are hoping to get this all done as well. We have a fabulous real estate agent who has really taken care of us through this whole process.

It has truly been a test thus far, but one that I HOPE to look back on one day and say, "Sure it was hard, but in the end, it was all worth it."

So far, worship has been pretty exciting at church. Meeting lots of new people and learning them a little bit. I have to say that the people who participate in worship and the church family as a whole have huge hearts. They are responding to some new things we have been throwing at them and are willing to let God work. It's been awesome to be a part of. This month (and part of March) we are doing a 5 week series called "Hope Lives".....dealing with poverty in the world. I am excited yet nervous at the same time. This stuff is so real and unfortunately a lot of times just kind of goes unnoticed. American church tends to mostly throw money at the problem and hope it goes away, when in actuality God calls us to DO something. He asks us to get off our tails and get our hands dirty to make a difference. What better way to show His love then to GO to these places and show them that you care. Sure money helps some, but those in need need more than money......they need to know that people care enough to come to them and work with them to make a change. So I am nervous that the vision/message is not swept under the rug, but that it attacks the hearts of the church and makes them want to do........something!

I pray for my family this month to heal and to start settling in to our new home......FINALLY. I ask for your prayers as well. I hope each of you and yours are well wherever you are and whatever you are doing.