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| Even in the storm, there is a bright shining of hope |
This has been a really rough winter for me. I've always been affected emotionally and physically by the weather but this year has been so much worse. My funk has seemed unending and I've had more migraines than ever before. It's a wonder that I have any friends left! I sincerely thank those of you who have hung on!
Praise God there has been a change in the weather and a change in me!
Bare with me while I establish a little background.
Of all the places I've lived (only 4), Mobile Al has been my favorite. It was also the place that brought on the most change in my life. Having been surrounded by Godly influence, actively involved in ministry and in continuous study of God's word, I just didn't think my life would ever be relocated. Silly me right? Due to circumstances (some out of our control and some just bad decisions) we made the decision to move.
For the past three years, we've been "taking advantage" of the fact that my childhood home was unoccupied and using the time to take care of our debt. By years end we'll have only one previous debt unpaid. We'll then begin the process of moving forward and repaying my parents for their four years of generosity. After all they could have been renting out this house and actually making a profit.
We've been trying to make decisions about our future (can't continue to take advantage of my parents). Do we buy this house or do we build or move something onto property that we have in another location? As we've discussed, prayed, talked with builders, looked at floor plans, renovations ideas and toured mobile home lots we've had no peace about any of what we thought to be our only options.
Peace came when we realized that God doesn't want us to be stationary. We're not meant to have a stationary home. Home is us together in service for God. We have our property as base camp and the only house we'll need will always be ready for travel.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV) 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
God called me into ministry some years ago and He doesn't waste anything!Sadly, over the past three years I've felt like God just dumped me. I know He didn't! But when your life changes so drastically and you're a servant with little place to serve, it's not an easy adjustment.
The years of drama and trauma, of bad decisions and circumstance, added to the years of ministry and study will not be for nothing! Even these three years that I know I have spiritually wasted, will not go without use in the future!
I said when we left Mobile AL that "God has a plan"! At the time I was mostly trying to convince myself that I would be okay.
True confessions...a huge part of the time, I haven't really been okay. Instead of trusting God, I've questioned Him and even been angry with Him for dumping me here.
If it hadn't been for the love of a good husband and the best friends and family in the world, I would have given up. But because of a great support system, the last year and a half have been spent not only on our financial health but also our physical health.
Now begins a time of gaining spiritual and mental health so that when God is ready to roll the wheels, I'll be ready to ride!
God really does have a plan for me! He hasn't dumped me!
He's been giving my body a chance to heal so that I can serve Him in ministry once again! I don't know how and I don't know when only that it will be!
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) (Full Chapter)
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
I'm thinking that I shouldn't post a blog without sharing a favorite recipe.
Here's the link for the recipe Sweet and Savory Crackers with Almond Flour
