Life Full On!

For all the times I felt somewhat purposeless in the past year, God has upped the pace in a short period of time. It seems since we finished our rallying cry of getting all-around healthy (thanks to Patrick Lencioni's book, The 3 Big Questions), God said, okay, you're ready now to enter life full on!

But, I sense God's grace in such an amazing way!

Some days I literally stop and think in the midst of all that's on my plate, It's got to be God's grace giving me perspective and focus in this season of life. There's no other explanation. Because if you know me well at all, you know that I'm not a multi-task kind of person. Not the type A personality. I'm a self-proclaimed, single-focused gal.

I recently posted a blog sharing a quote on commitment in light of surrendering in obedience to God. The premise of it being that once we make a commitment, God flows all manner of resources our way. His grace during this time of transition is one of the greatest gifts (resources) that is flowing my way.

Here's a rundown on my life right now:

• several months ago I decided to act on a latent seed in my heart to begin the ordination track - my first two Flame courses begin next Monday... so, this week (in light of the last month's travels) I'm cramming to finish pre-course assignments
  

• I have the privilege to preach a week from Sunday in one of our West MI churches

• Clint, Jamie and Evee arrive on May 25th to live with us for the summer while Clint enters into an internship with the West MI district as part of his Princeton Seminary studies - we can't wait to have them with us

• we've got a little over three weeks to sort, sell, store and pack all of our belongings prior to move out date of June 30

• Dennis has a Panama trip June 3 - 10

• We close on the house June 11

• Mike and Joni are due to have our first grandson on June 11 and we have flights booked for the 17th - 24th - we really need this little guy to cooperate with all the surrounding circumstances :)

• and, we need to track down a interim home before the 30th

• not to mention some other ministry opportunities in the middle of all the above mentioned
  

But the moment I definitely commit myself, then God moves also, and a whole stream of events erupt.

You can say that again! We're in a season that is God-dependent, faith driven, and full of anticipation. And, honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way.

SOLD!!!

We sold our house yesterday! Another step in the process as we prepare to move to Europe. We are thanking God for our buyer and his provisions.

Windows of Europe...

As you can see, I found myself intrigued by windows as we traveled
in the various countries of southeast Europe. Windows into Europe’s
past. Windows that have seen many changes over time. I wonder what these windows could tell of the soul of Europe.

I am reminded of a book a close friend gave me years ago for my
birthday, Windows of the Soul, by Ken Gire.

Within our hearts is a longing - a profound cry of the soul for
something our theologies can only point us to, never replace.

Intimacy with God.

Something that has no human or earthly substitute.

Yet, if we pause to listen, we will discover how often God speaks to
us through human and earthly means. He stands at the windows of
the easily overlooked and the unlikely, tapping at the pane. He beckons us to places of encounter where we learn how well he understands the language of our hearts.

At unexpected windows of the soul, we hear the voice of God.

Oh, how I pray that unexpected windows would open to those in Europe giving them a fresh way of seeing, hearing, and enjoying the presence of God!