Seek Ye First

Matthew 6:28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

These words pierce through me today. See, last night was a bit of a sleepless night. I was consumed by fear. Fear that our whole plan would leave us flat on our face. Fear that God would not provide in my timing or to my standards. Fear is the opposite of faith and yesterday, my faith was smaller than a mustard seed. As I lay awake last night, with a knot in my stomach, the Lord gently spoke to me and reminded me of these verses that seek to seek him first and that everything else will be added unto us. He reminded me to chase eternal riches and not earthly ones. Things I knew before but I needed a stark reminder of yesterday. Today I am committed to making an eternal difference by loving people instead of selfishly seeking my own earthly prosperity with all my being. It's tough to admit to you that my faith falters even on this romanticized journey where we all out trust God. But, it's truth and moreover, it's human. I would prefer just to share our victories with you and never our times of difficulties, but that is not real. If you intend to be sold out for God and take an unconvential journey with Him, be ready to have moments of fear. The important thing is to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to those fears and replace them with faith.

Fingers crossed

See this little beauty? This is an investment property that we have had for sale since Oct 2009. Four bedrooms, completely remodeled! Priced at only $61K!
Last year as we prayed about our trip to Guatemala, we decided that our timing would be determined by this house selling. We didnt want to leave with this thing still hanging out there. As time passed and passed and the house still did not sell, we started wondering if we should wait for it to sell and take that as a sign it was time to go, or sign up to go and then believe for God to get it sold. It's a tricky thing sometimes trying to figure out if you are suppose to wait on God or if you are suppose to leap out of the boat in faith. Well, as you all know, we decided to leap out of the boat when felt God ushering us to go ahead with our plans. We decided that God will still sell this place in his own timing. We were still REALLY hoping His time was some time before we left. Well, I am happy to report, we got an offer on the house yesterday! It is not official yet and anything can still happen, but we are believing this is it! Finally! My knees were weak listening to the voicemail from the agent saying they had sent an offer! I couldnt believe it! We were just minding our business and Bam! here comes an offer. That's the way God works. When you least expect it, he is going to bless your socks off. Its funny when you wait in faith for God to do something and then when He does, you are still surprised. You shouldnt necessarily be surprised because this is what you were waiting for, but somehow you are still impressed by God coming through. I think that's neat. God knows how to keep the spark alive. Has there been a time when God answered your prayer and you could hardly believe it?

Some pics of GT to look forward to

Thank You Ray!

Psalm 3:12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Indeed, God has shown his favor to us! Michael got a call today from Ray's Trash and will be their newest trasher thrower! Woot, woot! Doesnt sound glorious? Who cares? It's a job! And because Michael has his CDL, he will be easily able to move into driving. The hours are great, 6-3 every day, guaranteed 40! What a blessing. Michael is most excited about the free workout and tan he will be working on daily. I'm excited he will be home every evening. God has been very good to us. Praise you Jesus for your constant provision.

Awaiting Provision

Michael is still hoping to find a pre-trip job. We would like to have a little extra income to help pad the bank account while we are away. It's always fun for me to watch how God will provide. As I pen these words, I know God already has a plan for provision. God has a funny way of providing in just the nick of time. Michael's bathroom remodel ends today, so I am expecting a call sometime this afternoon with a job offer!