In early 2012, with short notice, we moved from our home of over a decade to live on a ranch we did not own. (For more information on the move click here.) We took care of 13 foster children and another teen boy in a span of 15 months. At the end of May 2013 we moved back to our home and soon we were down to three of our five children in the home.
Previous to "the move" we had taken a year of rest from many commitments after coming out of a season of owning and operating a non-profit ministry and large physical Christian library, as well leading many ministries (worship, prayer, teen, mens, womens etc) and homeschooling four of our five children.
Many times there have been activities that we've led or participated in that were great and fulfilling. Also, there were several times that they did not turned out as we had hoped or thought they would.
We have often wrestled with many of the things that many people wrestle with:
Are we parenting our kids well? Are they learning discipline? Are we showing grace? Do they feel loved? Do they love us?
Will homeschooling our kids be successful? Will they excel? What methods or curriculum should we use?
Why does communication in marriage seem so difficult...nay...impossible? Why doesn't he just listen? Why doesn't she trust me?
Will I ever learn to simply stop yelling, or getting irritated, or feeling hurt, or in despair?
Why does it seem that life is SO HARD!
Ugh - this one I hate to even admit that I think... and I always have to check myself because deep down I KNOW that MANY MANY people experience FAR more challenging circumstances.
Then it hits again. Will I ever stop feeling bad for myself? Seriously Jo - SNAP OUT OF IT! (Like that ever really helps.)
Then...Then...Then....
HE speaks to me. HE speaks to my heart. HE reminds me that HE has the peace I need, that HE cares, that HE is strong enough to overcome and....and....and...
that HE is worthy of me praising HIM despite the circumstances.
So now we are beginning a new season. It is FAR from perfect. There are still painful family circumstances we are walking through. We are learning new and deeper levels of trusting HIM all the time. We are learning new ways to communicate as a couple and with others. We are learning new perspectives to so many aspects of walking a life of humility and confidence in Christ. There are new mercies and there is a deeper understanding of clinging to Him. There is still pain and brokenness to be worked out, but there is a renewing of our spirit with Hope.
So now...we lean into Him more than ever.
So now...we seek Him in all things. We hold on to our belief that His promises are true and good and that His ultimate plan for our lives is better than anything we can see or understand.
Now we look forward to a new and brighter future, here and forevermore.
"...He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down for these words are trustworthy and true." - Revelation 21:4-5
And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down for these words are trustworthy and true." - Revelation 21:4-5
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