Wednesday, May 30, 2007
disclaimer
It should be noted that when I do my blog entries I do not really proof them. I just type without thinking too much about grammar and punctuation issues. Later, when I do go through a post that I've made I find multiple errors and kick myself. That said, I am just posting to keep in touch, express my thoughts and at times ramble on perhaps about nothing so please bear with me. :-)
Life in Missioin
Everyone slept well our first night here. When I woke up Monday morning I just sat and stared at the mound of boxes piled throughout the house. We ate breakfast, I sipped on some tea and the kids played in their room most of the day. In the morning our friends Nancy and Xen called and then stopped by. It was great to see them. Lia and Xen connected quickly--Lia referred to Xen several times as her Hunan Sister. We traveled with Nancy and her husband Doug to China. Xen and Lia are from the same orphange. It will be nice to be close to them. Nancy helped me sort through the boxes and bore with me as I commented on every little item I pulled out--"oh, this is from Guatemala a friend went there . . . " She said I feel like I'm going on a world tour.
Later in the afternoon our friend Rachel from Columbia was coming through town so she stopped in. I had been looking forward to her coming all day. Ray-Ray as we like to call her is working at a camp just about an hour south of us so she will be visiting us often! Ray helped me, well, practically did it herself, organize our storage closet. It is totally packed full. I'm so glad that we have it because I don't know where we would put all of the stuff that's in it.
Oh, a very important find in Mission is a place called Wild Oats. It's an organic/health food store. I love it. It's the coolest place and only about 5 minutes away. The prices are reasonable and they have all sorts of yummy, good for you foods. I can't wait to go again.
This morning I sit listening to the rain falling down on the beautiful trees outside my window and I'm still surprised that we are here. I'm happy to be here. I'm excited for what God has for our family here but it still feels a bit weird. Last night our friend Rebecca who lives in KC came by. I felt like I was back in Columbia. We sat and chatted for awhile and then moved stuff around . . . if you do stop by I might need some help moving a piece of furniture or unpacking something. Warning!
I should actually do some of that now while the kids are still sleeping. Slowly this is starting to feel like home.
Rest.
Later in the afternoon our friend Rachel from Columbia was coming through town so she stopped in. I had been looking forward to her coming all day. Ray-Ray as we like to call her is working at a camp just about an hour south of us so she will be visiting us often! Ray helped me, well, practically did it herself, organize our storage closet. It is totally packed full. I'm so glad that we have it because I don't know where we would put all of the stuff that's in it.
Oh, a very important find in Mission is a place called Wild Oats. It's an organic/health food store. I love it. It's the coolest place and only about 5 minutes away. The prices are reasonable and they have all sorts of yummy, good for you foods. I can't wait to go again.
This morning I sit listening to the rain falling down on the beautiful trees outside my window and I'm still surprised that we are here. I'm happy to be here. I'm excited for what God has for our family here but it still feels a bit weird. Last night our friend Rebecca who lives in KC came by. I felt like I was back in Columbia. We sat and chatted for awhile and then moved stuff around . . . if you do stop by I might need some help moving a piece of furniture or unpacking something. Warning!
I should actually do some of that now while the kids are still sleeping. Slowly this is starting to feel like home.
Rest.
Monday, May 28, 2007
toto i don't think we're in . . .
Kansas . . . oh, wait we are in Kansas. We arrived yesterday afternoon. Spent some time in the management office because of a few minor issues that were not taken care of before our moving in--things that we were assured would be done. I'm not even going to go into all of that--it will be resolved on Tuesday! We do like our apartment and we are slowly settling in.
After our time in the management office we had lunch at Panera and then made a Wal-Mart and Target Greatland run. Target Greatland!! I like it a lot. We then spent the rest of the day sorting and unpacking all of our stuff. I think I like living on the bare necessities. After not having our stuff for the past three months it was kind of nice not to worry about it. Now that we are sorting through it all and trying to decide what really needs to be out I want to live the simple life again.
I am enjoying seeing my pictures, candles and books again. Every time I pull one of these items out I think of a person, a conversation and have a flood of memories from Columbia . . . that's when I start to cry.
I've cried so much the past several days. Every time I would hug someone I would feel the pressure building in my throat and eyes. Of course I know that I will see all of these people again but we're not there and they are all not here. We've begun a new chapter. It's exciting and also hard. As silly as it sounds I feel like I'm grieving. A dear friend gave me a book the night before we left, "When the boxes are unpacked." As I went to bed last night I decided to read a little. I was completely exhausted from the day and practically melted into the bed but when I started reading a few lines from it I realized that what I was feeling was very real and not silly at all. I'm grateful for the book and for the friend who was so thoughtful to share it with me.
More of my thoughts later. Time to get the kids to bed and sit with Todd awhile before we both fall asleep. His first day at work is Tuesday.
Resting.
After our time in the management office we had lunch at Panera and then made a Wal-Mart and Target Greatland run. Target Greatland!! I like it a lot. We then spent the rest of the day sorting and unpacking all of our stuff. I think I like living on the bare necessities. After not having our stuff for the past three months it was kind of nice not to worry about it. Now that we are sorting through it all and trying to decide what really needs to be out I want to live the simple life again.
I am enjoying seeing my pictures, candles and books again. Every time I pull one of these items out I think of a person, a conversation and have a flood of memories from Columbia . . . that's when I start to cry.
I've cried so much the past several days. Every time I would hug someone I would feel the pressure building in my throat and eyes. Of course I know that I will see all of these people again but we're not there and they are all not here. We've begun a new chapter. It's exciting and also hard. As silly as it sounds I feel like I'm grieving. A dear friend gave me a book the night before we left, "When the boxes are unpacked." As I went to bed last night I decided to read a little. I was completely exhausted from the day and practically melted into the bed but when I started reading a few lines from it I realized that what I was feeling was very real and not silly at all. I'm grateful for the book and for the friend who was so thoughtful to share it with me.
More of my thoughts later. Time to get the kids to bed and sit with Todd awhile before we both fall asleep. His first day at work is Tuesday.
Resting.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Our friend Nikki's Wedding
Today we attended our dear friend Nikki's wedding. It was a beautiful day. Lia-Joy was a flower girl and Zach was the Program attendant. I must say that they were both quite cute and did a great job! Here are a few pics from the day!
Friday, May 25, 2007
the Starbucks Line
This morning I went to Starbucks to grab a tea and coffee for Todd and I. While I waited in line I was doing some people watching. The time was 7:30 am. It was amusing to me to note the state of mind that each person seemed to be in.
The first in line was a lady, she probably already had had some coffee and was now onto her second or maybe third round of caffeine--she was happy, obviously looking forward to her Guatemalan blend.
The second in line was a couple, they were chatting, looked like they just kind of rolled out of bed and stopped in to have something on the go--not fully awake but friendly and happy to be together.
The third in line was a woman who looked like she was in her mid-thirties. She looked like she needed several more hours of sleep. Her face was scowled and serious. This is what she ordered: a regular Carmel maccioto, extra shot, no sugar, no whip, skim milk. She then smiled at me and told me how beautiful Lia is. I think she woke up by just placing her order and knowing that she would soon be satisfied with extra shots of caffeine she was so happy!
I do enjoy Starbucks!
The first in line was a lady, she probably already had had some coffee and was now onto her second or maybe third round of caffeine--she was happy, obviously looking forward to her Guatemalan blend.
The second in line was a couple, they were chatting, looked like they just kind of rolled out of bed and stopped in to have something on the go--not fully awake but friendly and happy to be together.
The third in line was a woman who looked like she was in her mid-thirties. She looked like she needed several more hours of sleep. Her face was scowled and serious. This is what she ordered: a regular Carmel maccioto, extra shot, no sugar, no whip, skim milk. She then smiled at me and told me how beautiful Lia is. I think she woke up by just placing her order and knowing that she would soon be satisfied with extra shots of caffeine she was so happy!
I do enjoy Starbucks!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
my darlin
A friend sent this to me and I really like it! It's my darlin! He is probably thinking about peptides, proteins, collision induced gases using a tandem mass spectrometer. Or maybe not . . . I'm not even really sure what all that really means but I do really like the picture of him.
Monday, May 21, 2007
thoughts this morning
It's Monday morning. It's the start of a new week and our last week in Columbia. It may not be our last week ever in Columbia but it is the last for this season of our lives. Zach wasn't feeling well this morning and is home sleeping. Lia has made herself a little "nest" with her blanket and is sucking on big pink. Todd is at the Chemistry building working on his thesis--it's almost done. I'm sitting in my rocking chair, thinking about the week ahead and God's faithfulness to us in these days.
It's going to be a busy week. There are friends to see, cleaning and packing to do and preparations to be done for our move. It still doesn't seem real that we are moving to KC.
Our last Sunday at church was yesterday. Friends gathered around to pray for us. I would have loved to have said something, express my thanks for the 20 years that I have been part of this amazing community but my emotions were high and not a word could have been spoken. It will always be home and I hope that we will be an extension of this wonderful place wherever God leads us.
Rest.
It's going to be a busy week. There are friends to see, cleaning and packing to do and preparations to be done for our move. It still doesn't seem real that we are moving to KC.
Our last Sunday at church was yesterday. Friends gathered around to pray for us. I would have loved to have said something, express my thanks for the 20 years that I have been part of this amazing community but my emotions were high and not a word could have been spoken. It will always be home and I hope that we will be an extension of this wonderful place wherever God leads us.
Rest.
Friday, May 18, 2007
alien rescues
In the past few days Lia has said several things that are worth noting.
1. You're not in charge, I'm in charge!
2. I like my brother. I am going to take care of him and save him from aliens.
3. Mom, can I pop you like a balloon?
4. I don't want to. I said, I don't want to.
Please pray for us! ;-) She is a beautiful little pepper!
1. You're not in charge, I'm in charge!
2. I like my brother. I am going to take care of him and save him from aliens.
3. Mom, can I pop you like a balloon?
4. I don't want to. I said, I don't want to.
Please pray for us! ;-) She is a beautiful little pepper!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
new home
Last week I spent about three days on the Internet and telephone trying to find a place for us to live. When I finally thought I had found a place we made plans to travel to KC to check it out. The pictures on-line, information and my conversations with the management at the apartment/townhouse all seemed great but sometimes you just have to see something to be sure. Sunday after church we went to KC to check out our new possible home.
Everything turned out great. We had several criteria and everything seemed to fit really well. There is a work-out facility, children's area, pool, coffee bar and Internet cafe in the clubhouse--what a deal! The apartment itself is very open and will fit our needs until we buy a house. We all felt comfortable with our new abode . . . although it did feel weird to think about living in an apartment complex I haven't done that since about 1987. We also really like the area around it--lots of single family homes, trees and most importantly friends. We found out that two couples that we know both live very close--one 10 minutes north of us and the other maybe 5 minutes south. We also have several other friends that will only be about 25 minutes away.
Todd and some guys are going to move all of our things up to KC next week and then we will move May 27. A good friend is getting married that weekend so we can't leave sooner--Lia is also in the wedding. It will be a pretty crazy weekend but we are excited.
I'm trying to spend as much time as possible with friends. I realize that I will see all of these fabulous people again but knowing that they won't be 5 minutes away makes me want to get as much time as possible with them.
Wow! This is really happening!
Everything turned out great. We had several criteria and everything seemed to fit really well. There is a work-out facility, children's area, pool, coffee bar and Internet cafe in the clubhouse--what a deal! The apartment itself is very open and will fit our needs until we buy a house. We all felt comfortable with our new abode . . . although it did feel weird to think about living in an apartment complex I haven't done that since about 1987. We also really like the area around it--lots of single family homes, trees and most importantly friends. We found out that two couples that we know both live very close--one 10 minutes north of us and the other maybe 5 minutes south. We also have several other friends that will only be about 25 minutes away.
Todd and some guys are going to move all of our things up to KC next week and then we will move May 27. A good friend is getting married that weekend so we can't leave sooner--Lia is also in the wedding. It will be a pretty crazy weekend but we are excited.
I'm trying to spend as much time as possible with friends. I realize that I will see all of these fabulous people again but knowing that they won't be 5 minutes away makes me want to get as much time as possible with them.
Wow! This is really happening!
Monday, May 14, 2007
conversations with lia
In the last couple of days I have very funny and some serious conversations with Lia. Sure, she is only three years old but she is asking questions that aren't easy but necessary to talk about.
The first was on Saturday. We were standing at the sink getting ready to go to a party and she looked up with her sweet little almond eyes and asked, "Did I grow in your tummy?" I said, "No you didn't grow in my tummy." I wasn't sure if that would be sufficient or if she would ask more. "Did Zach grow in your tummy?" "Yep, Zach grew in my tummy." She paused for a second and then asked, "Whose tummy did I grow in?" We have been telling Lia her story from the moment we took her into our arms. Every so often we add a bit more to her story when we think she's ready or when she ask a question. We haven't ever talked about her birth mother. So on Saturday I knew that we would add a new piece to her story and talk about her birth mom. No explanations about the whys just a simple answer. I explained that she was born from a mommy's tummy in China and that that mommy wrapped her safely in a blanket, placed her in a basket and brought her to a safe place until Daddy and I came to bring her home. Lia responded with, "Oh, I was born from a mommy's tummy in China and she made me cozy in a blanket and put me in a safe place." "That's right!" I said, with a few tears in my eyes.
We will continue to add to the story as Lia leads us. As Lia grows her questions will get a bit harder and I will be open and honest with her. Sometimes I have this pain thinking about what she might feel when she realizes that for some reason her birth mom couldn't care for her when she was born. I pray that she will have such an assurance in her heart that God faithfully kept her and brought her to her family--from the other side of the world--and she will feel safe and secure and most of all that she will know that she is deeply loved.
The first was on Saturday. We were standing at the sink getting ready to go to a party and she looked up with her sweet little almond eyes and asked, "Did I grow in your tummy?" I said, "No you didn't grow in my tummy." I wasn't sure if that would be sufficient or if she would ask more. "Did Zach grow in your tummy?" "Yep, Zach grew in my tummy." She paused for a second and then asked, "Whose tummy did I grow in?" We have been telling Lia her story from the moment we took her into our arms. Every so often we add a bit more to her story when we think she's ready or when she ask a question. We haven't ever talked about her birth mother. So on Saturday I knew that we would add a new piece to her story and talk about her birth mom. No explanations about the whys just a simple answer. I explained that she was born from a mommy's tummy in China and that that mommy wrapped her safely in a blanket, placed her in a basket and brought her to a safe place until Daddy and I came to bring her home. Lia responded with, "Oh, I was born from a mommy's tummy in China and she made me cozy in a blanket and put me in a safe place." "That's right!" I said, with a few tears in my eyes.
We will continue to add to the story as Lia leads us. As Lia grows her questions will get a bit harder and I will be open and honest with her. Sometimes I have this pain thinking about what she might feel when she realizes that for some reason her birth mom couldn't care for her when she was born. I pray that she will have such an assurance in her heart that God faithfully kept her and brought her to her family--from the other side of the world--and she will feel safe and secure and most of all that she will know that she is deeply loved.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
908 24-7
908 24-7 or put another way, 24-7 at 908. or the downtown venue. or . . . well, i could probably go on and on with the various ways we could describe this fantastic place downtown that we have as a church. we are using this "sacred space" for prayer. it's fantastic and i love going down there to have some time alone with Jesus. this week we have been having a week of 24-7 prayer. i have an early morning time slot. it's great. i get up, leave our house and drive downtown. the city is quiet. there are very few people on the roads. i arrive at 908 light some candles, dim the lights and sit with Jesus. it really is wonderful.
there is one problem though. when i get home i struggle to fall asleep. the sun is rising! the birds are chirping! i am awake! when i got home i went straight to bed and just tossed and turned. after about 30 minutes i got up. I've been sitting in the living room searching for apartments in kansas city (which is really unbelievable). i need a plan on how to get myself back to sleep because i will be toast by this afternoon.
go to sleep.
there is one problem though. when i get home i struggle to fall asleep. the sun is rising! the birds are chirping! i am awake! when i got home i went straight to bed and just tossed and turned. after about 30 minutes i got up. I've been sitting in the living room searching for apartments in kansas city (which is really unbelievable). i need a plan on how to get myself back to sleep because i will be toast by this afternoon.
go to sleep.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Job Offer! Moving!
It happened! Todd received a job offer. On Monday Todd interviewed with the USDA and was offered a job on Tuesday. He did a little salary negotiation and they accepted. It is a contract to hire position. He will start in 3 weeks. Wow! So, where are we moving? I can hardly believe it but we are moving to Kansas City! Kansas City! Who would have thought that I/we would ever live in KC. I most certainly didn't but the reality of it has grown on me and I'm excited.
We have a lot of friends in KC so the transition will be pretty easy. Leaving our home in Columbia is bittersweet. Our life here has been beyond wonderful--now I'll start crying. Gosh! I will probably do that a lot in the days ahead. Again, tears of joy, tears of gratefulness, tears that change can sometimes bring.
I know that God is faithful and that He is with us. I trust that all He has before us is good.
We are going to KC Monday to search for a place to live!
We have a lot of friends in KC so the transition will be pretty easy. Leaving our home in Columbia is bittersweet. Our life here has been beyond wonderful--now I'll start crying. Gosh! I will probably do that a lot in the days ahead. Again, tears of joy, tears of gratefulness, tears that change can sometimes bring.
I know that God is faithful and that He is with us. I trust that all He has before us is good.
We are going to KC Monday to search for a place to live!
Sunday, May 6, 2007
roley poley
this morning as lia and i were getting ready for our day she discovered a roley poley making it's way across the floor. "oh, mom, there's a bug!" yes, it's a bug. i little roley poly. i scooped it up in a tissue and tossed it in the toilet. "mom, do poly oly's like to swim?" was her reply. i smiled and said, yep, poly oly's like to swim.
later in the day after it had rained pretty hard lia wanted to go outside. we sat on our little step outside our door and watched three worms slither around the ground. lia was so excited to watch these worms and decided that they were a family. "they are happy to be a family!"
later in the day after it had rained pretty hard lia wanted to go outside. we sat on our little step outside our door and watched three worms slither around the ground. lia was so excited to watch these worms and decided that they were a family. "they are happy to be a family!"
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Move # 3
I'm typing from our newest home. This morning, with the help of some incredible friends we moved our belongings from the 15x25 storage unit to the duplex we will be living in for the next 1 or 2 or 3 months. The move went well. Basically, everything is going to stay boxed and stored in the garage. I only unpacked what seemed necessary--4 plates, 4 bowls, silverwear, cups, glasses (because I prefer to drink out of glass), mixing bowls and pots and pans. Our refrigerator isn't quite stocked yet but we do have plenty of yogurt--not sure how or why we have so much yogurt but we do. Our beds are made and our clothes are still in suitcases--where they might stay for awhile.
Moving can always produce a lot of emotions in you. It can be a stressful time. When I woke up this morning I started in my, "we are moving, let's get to work" mode. We had breakfast with the Keithley's and then loaded up the car. That's when the emotions started--I basically cried from that moment on! Emotion #1: I'm stressed. I like things in order and when I move everthing will be out of order for awhile. I need to relax and not go crazy trying to have everything put together by this evening. Emotion #2: Our time at the Keithley's was wonderful, restful and great fun. I will miss seeing them every day, I will miss our chats on the front porch while the kids played and the stillness that surrounds you at the Shire. Emotion #3: I am extremely grateful for God's love and provision to us. I'm grateful for the Keithley's opening their home and lives to us. I'm grateful that good things are ahead for us and that I can rest in God's faithfulness.
Oh, what a day!
What
Moving can always produce a lot of emotions in you. It can be a stressful time. When I woke up this morning I started in my, "we are moving, let's get to work" mode. We had breakfast with the Keithley's and then loaded up the car. That's when the emotions started--I basically cried from that moment on! Emotion #1: I'm stressed. I like things in order and when I move everthing will be out of order for awhile. I need to relax and not go crazy trying to have everything put together by this evening. Emotion #2: Our time at the Keithley's was wonderful, restful and great fun. I will miss seeing them every day, I will miss our chats on the front porch while the kids played and the stillness that surrounds you at the Shire. Emotion #3: I am extremely grateful for God's love and provision to us. I'm grateful for the Keithley's opening their home and lives to us. I'm grateful that good things are ahead for us and that I can rest in God's faithfulness.
Oh, what a day!
What
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Rain, Hummingbirds, New Chapter
Spring Rain! It's beautiful and refreshing. Last night as the rain's watered the land I sat on Bill and Bonnie's front porch enjoying the sound of the rain and the clean, fresh smell it brought to everything around me. For those of you asking who are Bill and Bonnie . . . they are dear friends who have shared their love and home with us for the past 7 weeks. Our house sold in March and we needed a place to stay--we thought for only a short time but Todd didn't receive the job he thought he had. Bill and Bonnie live about 20 minutes from town in a beautiful area they call "The Shire." The kids have loved it here. Daily we see deer, turkey and beautiful birds. Our seven weeks here have been quiet and restful. A gift from God! I will miss it when we move on.
As the rains fell we were also enjoying the 15 plus hummingbirds that were darting to and fro between all the feeders that hang in the trees. Hummingbirds are quite amazing and can be a bit on the wild side! Just a few facts about these birds: they can flap their wings 10-80x per second. They can hover. Fly backwards. Their wings make a hum sound and that is how they get their name.
You should google hummingbirds--they are fascinating. One of the hummers would perch himself on the feeder--not partaking of the nectar just guarding it. If another hummer came close he chased him off. Zach said that it reminded him of "dog fights" on the history channel (jet fighter planes). We called him a bully--plenty of nectar to go around but he chased away anyone who was a beak to close.
Our life as sojourners will carry on this week. We will be moving to a temporary duplex that friends own. They have kindly agreed to rent to us on a month to month basis until August 1. We keep saying surely Todd will have a job offer by then and we will be moving to a more permanent location but we will see. Obviously, things have gone a bit different than we had planned.
One final piece of news. Todd submitted his two week notice at work Monday. His last day is May 11. He has been attempting to work full time and finish his thesis--which is like a full time job. He is exhausted and said he couldn't keep going at this pace. He will now give himself full time to just his thesis. I'm relieved and he feels like a weight has been lifted off of him. This will be like the final leg of a marathon--tough but the finish line is just ahead!
As the rains fell we were also enjoying the 15 plus hummingbirds that were darting to and fro between all the feeders that hang in the trees. Hummingbirds are quite amazing and can be a bit on the wild side! Just a few facts about these birds: they can flap their wings 10-80x per second. They can hover. Fly backwards. Their wings make a hum sound and that is how they get their name.
You should google hummingbirds--they are fascinating. One of the hummers would perch himself on the feeder--not partaking of the nectar just guarding it. If another hummer came close he chased him off. Zach said that it reminded him of "dog fights" on the history channel (jet fighter planes). We called him a bully--plenty of nectar to go around but he chased away anyone who was a beak to close.
Our life as sojourners will carry on this week. We will be moving to a temporary duplex that friends own. They have kindly agreed to rent to us on a month to month basis until August 1. We keep saying surely Todd will have a job offer by then and we will be moving to a more permanent location but we will see. Obviously, things have gone a bit different than we had planned.
One final piece of news. Todd submitted his two week notice at work Monday. His last day is May 11. He has been attempting to work full time and finish his thesis--which is like a full time job. He is exhausted and said he couldn't keep going at this pace. He will now give himself full time to just his thesis. I'm relieved and he feels like a weight has been lifted off of him. This will be like the final leg of a marathon--tough but the finish line is just ahead!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Worry or Trust
Every Sunday night I start thinking about the day that follows . . . Monday. What will Monday bring? An interview for Todd? A job offer? Clarity? Thesis completed. For the past 2 months I have done this every week.
Jesus said those words. He knew that the cares of this life would cause us to worry. Jesus goes on to say that He provides for the birds of the air and that we are of more value than they. Jesus knows that we need food, shelter, clothes to wear and assurance that we aren't alone. He says, don't worry! Don't worry . . .
worry: be or make anxious: to feel anxious about something unpleasant that may have happened or may happen, or make somebody do this
How do you not worry? Is it possible not to worry? Does Jesus offer an antidote to worry? He does.
He says to seek Him first, to rejoice, to give thanks and probably of greatest importance, TRUST HIM!
In the past two months I could list out the multiple ways our family has experienced being clothed, sheltered, encouraged and that we have received assurance that we are not alone.
I seek Him by looking for what and where He is moving in my life each day. I seek Him by leaning upon Him. I rejoice in all things. In my confusion, in my weakness, in my short comings. I rejoice because He is with me and He for me. I rejoice because He poured out His life on the cross on my behalf. I give Him thanks for His love. His friendship. His kindness. The wonderful friends He has filled my life with. I thank Him for today. The breath He gives me at this moment. I trust Him. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. He never fails. He is good.
Rest.
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not your life more than food and the body more than clothing.
Jesus said those words. He knew that the cares of this life would cause us to worry. Jesus goes on to say that He provides for the birds of the air and that we are of more value than they. Jesus knows that we need food, shelter, clothes to wear and assurance that we aren't alone. He says, don't worry! Don't worry . . .
worry: be or make anxious: to feel anxious about something unpleasant that may have happened or may happen, or make somebody do this
How do you not worry? Is it possible not to worry? Does Jesus offer an antidote to worry? He does.
He says to seek Him first, to rejoice, to give thanks and probably of greatest importance, TRUST HIM!
In the past two months I could list out the multiple ways our family has experienced being clothed, sheltered, encouraged and that we have received assurance that we are not alone.
I seek Him by looking for what and where He is moving in my life each day. I seek Him by leaning upon Him. I rejoice in all things. In my confusion, in my weakness, in my short comings. I rejoice because He is with me and He for me. I rejoice because He poured out His life on the cross on my behalf. I give Him thanks for His love. His friendship. His kindness. The wonderful friends He has filled my life with. I thank Him for today. The breath He gives me at this moment. I trust Him. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. He never fails. He is good.
Rest.
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