Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Endings = Beginnings

So for the last 2 years, the goal has been to get to Africa. Good goal. Long, hard road. I'm all about goals. Love them. Love deadlines. The thing that is maybe a little different with this is that we realize that this isn't the end, it's the beginning. We look at it as an accomplishment, which it is, but really, it's just another step. Not like we get to sit back and enjoy what we have accomplished. Nope, right into the new phase of our lives! Not a bad thing, just saying.

So, it's really just a matter of wrapping our minds around the fact that this isn't the end, it's the beginning! Maybe I'll find some new goals!

Monday, January 5, 2009

More Changes...

So of course, changes can hurt, but there are also blessings in the change.

First, we will have the awesome privelge of serving God full-time by working with HIV/AIDS orphans & vulnerable children. To b able to show God's love by holding a child, playing games with them & speak encouragement to teens.

Second, the new family/community we will be in. We already have many friends in the community we will be serving in and are looking forward to meeting the rest. One girl reached out to me on facebook already & I am looking forward to meeting her & having a wonderful friendship.

And,on top of all that, we get to live in a wonderful country with beautiful scenery & animals all around us!

So, change isn't all bad!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Change

The message this morning at church was about change. One of the things Keith said was change can hurt. Well, yeah!

I looked around, and the thought hit me right between the eyes that I only have 3 more Sundays at New Hope. Man. This has been our 1 and only church home. Our family. The place we have learned to follow God. The people who have loved us & helped us walk out this crazy new life as christians. Ok, the crazy people who are supporting us in this wild adventure! But 3 more Sundays?

Yeah,change hurts. But theother point is, if you aren't going through change, your not really following God. So, off we go to follow God!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Farewell 2008...Hello 2009

Every year has it's great days, ordinary days & the rough days. But through it all, it's life as we know it. The rough days make you appreciate the good & all God does & the good days make life a little sweeter. "In all things, give thanks."

So much to be thankful for. The outstretched arms of a granddaughter, the hug of a child, the words of encouragement from a parent. All this and more.

So much to turn over to God. The news of a tumor growing, the death of a grandparent.

And then, just life. Having coffee with your best friend, crying on someones shoulder or having them cry on yours, cuddling with your dog, starting homeschooling with your youngest.

Life is good. Even when it's rough. I wouldn't trade these days for anything.
May you enjoy each of your days this new year!