When I was girl I spent most summers participating at a summer camp in northern Minnesota called Story Book Lodge. First as a camper, then a worker, and later on as a junior counselor (being a little too rebelious I never quite made it to counselor). One of the more vivid memories I have of the many Bible lessons we received is one that was during my summer as a worker. We were all gathered in the counselors lodge. The speaker was talking about the verse in Romans 8 'and we know that all things work together for good....' He was defining what needs would be met in order for all things to 'work together for good.' He stated that needs refers to all our immediate needs: food, water, housing, clothing. "After all," He argued "How many Christians do you know that are starving?" I asked him how many non-Christians he knew that were starving. Good point he said as he quickly moved on to other topics.
So, here we are, broke. Not only did we manage to misplace close to four hundred dollars, unbeknownst to us we also managed to take out a bank loan for two dollars and twenty one cents with nearly two hundred percent interest per day. The morning after this financial crisis we woke up to a surreal peace in our home and hearts. Everything had slowed to a restful pace. Two people that are used to running around in control of ther lives were forced to slow and reevaluate their "grasp" on control. So often my husband feels enormous pressure to provide every need his family has. So often to my shame I reiterate this lie. I help him believe that he needs to take care of everything, but worst of all that he needs to always reassure me that everything is okay, and that he is full of hope, strength, and answers.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and couregous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Proverbs 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms srtong.
Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.
(Emphasis mine.)
God does not promise to provide what I think He should provide. Perhaps being broke is just what I 'need'. But He does promise to take care of me and give me peace that passes all understanding. Because of this covenant I too hope to laugh at the time to come.
It is things like this that make me believe in you. You are amazing, full of grace, hope and undeniable truthfulness. There is beauty in the mundane and ordinary life that makes it seem somehow extraordinary. I love you, I know I say it alot but I could not mean it more, I believe in you and most of all, my best friend in the world, I believe that God will use and has used you in amazing ways. We are always talking about how there must be more than this...this life that we are placed in. But what if, when our creator calls us to the little things we begin to learn to obey and then it is then when we can learn to hear his voice in the midst of big storms and huge change. I pray for you always...give my love to shaun and the kids.
karla
Well, Sember, daughter of mine, this will be interesting to read, week by week. It helps me learn some about the past (as in, I always wondered why you never made it to counsellor) and the present (you're willingness to maintain hope in hard times makes me proud of you).
And I like hearing you laugh.
Karla, you are sunshine in my life. Thank you for your kind words, and your faithful prayers. Come visit us soon, you'll like it here I promise.
Dad, I would be proud to be considered even just a chip off the ol' block. In all seriousness: you are my hero.
Wow, it will be utterly delightful to have this connection - albeit a sort of voyeuristic one - with you, Sem! I've missed you!! Having imagined for weeks, now, that you were somehow "lost in the shuffle", I discover quite the opposite is true. Look out world, babies and bills can't kill the girl! :) See you soon, sweetie.
Sember,
How sweet is God to provide this kind of technology! Wow! We're inspired by this "blog" and may start a Donovan blog soon. I've missed you so, SO much and when reading this it reminds me of sitting in your living room talking and getting encouragement from you. I can't wait to read more and more importantly hear back. We saw pictures of the kids - all are beautiful! We wish we could be there or at least come and visit but with our move I'm not sure if that's possible. (Am I writing too much for a comment? I new to this blog stuff.) We'll send pics of Jaimes and one of our family too -on Shaun's request. Much love, Kristin
Mom2 We are so excited to see you soon. Thanks for coming to check out what I have been playing around with!! We love you greatly and can't wait to get Mason into your arms.
Kristin I miss you much. We would love to see you, but know how crazy life can be. But even so you remain close to our hearts. You are often in our thoughts and prayers and we are VERY excited about all the new developements in your lives. Kiss Jaimes for me.
Very informed and interesting comments! Greetings.
リッツカジノ
Sember, having just recently gotten your web site address, i'm reading through the old as well as the new entries. I must say two things, one you are amazingly good at this having it be your first venture into website making, and two it's amazing how God works. I needed to read this particular entry titled Two dollars twenty one cents negative. One that you wrote in Aug, I needed to read today. I thank God for you Sember.