You can spend your whole life wondering if you could have done it... or you can just trust the Lord and see what He wants to do through you. -Jack Abeelen
I was thinking today about how funny it seems that God is constantly taking us out of our comfort zones. Its like he lets us be comfortable just long enough to get rested up and then BAMM, we are at it again. I mean California God are you serious! But i feel better when my company is found in the scripture. Seriously, Who in the bible sat back and had a nice simple life with no leaps of faith AND ( a very big and) was mightily used by God. Abraham takes his son on a mountain to sacrifice him, Jacob wrestles with God after he thinks everyone who has known him would like to kill him, Moses leads around a stubborn people for 40 years, And don't even get me started on Peter, Paul, john, James, and the list goes on. I'm not saying that everyone needs to sell there house and move to California( although i would enjoy the company) I just think its amazing how much are comforts can get in the way of what God wants to do. God cant fill you, love through you, use you, if you are to full of yourself! Not just vain, more like " i'll do what makes me happy". God doesn't hold back The Gospel of John says " he pours out his spirit without measure' that means no limit, so if hes not working in our lives maybe we should see if comfort has clogged the faucet. That doesn't mean i'm not scared to death sometimes. hahah But i know if he has called, Then he will provide! --- Ryan
Have you ever sat outside during a rain storm? Maybe it's because I grew up outdoors a lot, but I love to sit and watch God's creation. The rain, the thunder, the lightening, they all show God's power. I love moments like these that make me feel tiny.
The other night I was sitting outside with Ryan. Nothing new. We tend to sit under the porch late at night to talk. However, something wonderful happened on this particular night. We heard a drop... Then another drop... And another.... Soon, it was a full on rain storm. What is so amazing about that? I've never heard the first raindrop of a storm...ever. It isn't just that I heard the first raindrop, but what was so amazing through these tiny few splatters of rain was what God taught me.
This may have been a tiny drop of rain among the masses, but one of them had to be first. The first to pave the way for millions to follow.
Dwight Moody once said, “The world has yet to see what could be accomplished by one man, who was totally sold out to God.”
What if you're that first raindrop? What if you're that one man or woman totally sold out to God? What are we waiting on? Get out there and pave the way for millions to hear the Word of God. This life is short compared to eternity--a blink of an eye--then it's over.
As the scriptures say:
2 Peter 3:8-9 "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Praying that God would move mightily in your life as well as mine, -Brooke
What seemed to be like a decision that would produce quick results, we're quickly realizing that we have absolutely NO control over our lives. God is perfecting us more and more, with each day that goes by. He is teaching us to completely lean on Him. Also, He is teaching us how insignificant we truly are.
I was so confident that our home would sell in record time. I remember even saying, "God has called us to CA so our home will sell in days!" I was so arrogant in thinking. While I do believe our home will sell, not so certain on the time frame.
You always hear that buying a home is an investment in your future. We're hoping to break even and not go in the negative. (Because we can't!) Probably a good lesson to learn before we move, as home ownership in California is hard. There is a lesson somewhere in there. Ha. Ha.
I have definitely learned so much from owning a home. Not only about home improvement, but through life lessons that God has walked me through. Through each wall that I've painted, I've learned that you must take your time with people as with each brush stroke. If you rush past and don't invest the proper time and care, then you'll end up with a bunch of half painted walls and half serious Christians. With each piece of flooring laid I've seen how it all comes together. Much like each book in the Bible. With each hole patched in the wall, I've seen how God can restore lives and make it completely unnoticeable where the destruction hit. God is the architect in our lives and I'm blessed to see His hand work mightily in our lives.
So, here is the next chapter in our lives. We are trusting in the Lord to guide us in each decision we make. Regarding the house, our vehicles, our pets, our furniture, job, etc. Ryan and I have both prayed more in these last weeks and we have felt God's presence stronger than ever.
What are we doing in CA, you might ask. We are taking a big leap of faith and going where God has told us to go! We will be staying with some dear friends who have graciously opened up their home to us. It amazing how God will connect you with people from across the country and use them in your lives. We have had a special connection with this couple for almost 3 years. We're so blessed to have them in our lives!
What to pray for???
`Please pray for us at any chance we pop into your heads.
`Pray for a quick sell on the home.
`Pray for Ryan's job.
`Pray for Chris and Sara who have blessed us with a home to stay in. That the Lord would greatly bless them for their hospitality. Pray that their baby would continue to grow strong and healthy, with a safe delivery for mom and baby.
`Pray for the church we will be in fellowship with: Morningstar Christian Chapel.
`Pray for our families. This is a hard time for many and we have had hard conversations. Know that we wouldn't do this if it wasn't God's will. Pray for each tear that has been shed and for God to comfort hearts.
`Pray for our children. Pray that this would be a smooth transition for them.
Blessings to you all. To those of you who have walked us through each trial; you have no idea how much you held our arms up. You will never know how much of a blessing you are to us. We are so thankful for the excitement and prayers that are flowing our way. We need them more than ever! Know that we are there for you as much as you are there for us. We're always praying. Keep us updated in your lives, and please visit once we're established out in sunny California!
Praying Continually,
-Brooke These lyrics say it all. Love you.
