Spring update

Yes, we are still alive. (If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that!)

We have been enjoying the beautiful weather and exploring our new hometown. As we embark on our sixth month (WHAT?!) here, our family is evaluating what is working and what isn’t in regard to extra-curriculars, next year’s homeschool schedule and curriculum, Mom’s work schedule, potential housing options, and what to do about the one-vehicle (with no AC) situation.

And that’s without factoring in church stuff! It’s going to be a busy summer!

Before tackling all of the above, let me tell you about us. We just got back from a church planting retreat in Cannon Beach, Oregon. It was refreshing and encouraging to hear about how God is using so many outsiders to transform the PNW for His glory. It is humbling to know we are a small part of that in our neck of the woods.

In the midst of our travels and traversing, I am back to growing my thrifty houseware and furniture arsenal. Remember when I bought and resold my quirky thrift store finds? Well, I am back at it but for different purposes that I am still trying to research, refine, make time for, and, quite frankly, find room for. I painfully purged my remaining stash of thrift store finds when we prepared for our cross-country move, but the entrepreneurial bug just keeps biting me. I’m at the point of randomly stopping people in conversation to tell them what business they should start…and that’s in the middle of a conversation about Instapot cooking, my new love of Lush Cosmetics, or if I find a dog without a collar it’s finders keepers (so BADLY want a dog).

I know this is going to sound crazy, but when you are replanting a church there seems to be almost as much to do as if we started completely fresh! We have our church’s state and local business licenses and are in the process of opening the new back account and transferring funds from the old one. We are finishing up our church’s info brochure to send out to prayer and financial partners. Also, new members’ class, constitution and by-laws, website, etc. There’s a number of projects to complete and start. (I feel like we have lists for lists!) This summer is going to be a doozy.

Reminds me of where my anchor is…I was reading Isaiah 48 this morning and verses 9-11 hit me. God’s people were worshiping the false Canaanite gods. Glory is God’s alone, so He was rightfully upset but still deferred His anger, restrained Himself, and did not cut off His people because of His mercy and also for His glory to be shown through His people. Now verse 10 mesmerized me a bit:

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.”

Unfortunately, I sometimes give glory to things that benefit me and the fulfillment of my kingdom–my idols. In order to readjust and rightly have glory given to God, am I willing to be refined “in the furnace of affliction”? I’m totally fine being fired and disciplined to come out as beautiful and gleaming as silver. My impurities burned off, and now check.me.out. Totally worth it. BUUUUUTTTT wait–if it comes to putting God rightly on the throne of my heart, can I go through a trying and painful process to come out with the scars and irreversible (on this side of heaven) signs of affliction for His glory? Can you?

Now I’m not currently going through a time of affliction, but no one is exempt. When I have been in the midst of trying times, I would previously ask “Do I have enough faith?” but my go-to question has changed to “Am I utilizing my God as my first and most important source of refuge?” The former question forces me to feel inadequate and run away, but the latter one encourages me to rely on God’s provision, sovereignty, and mercy and draw close.

Thank You, God, that my rescue and redemption does not rely on my feelings and faith, but like a weary and exiled Israel embarking on their return journey to the Promised Land, I can shout for joy and proclaim to the end of the earth the Lord has redeemed me (v. 20).

And with that, here’s how you can pray for us:

For us to rely on Him this summer with all of the crazy and to be realistic about our limitations and to know when to politely say “no” (maybe in a sing-song way with a pirouette).

The house and car situation. Closer proximity to town helps both.

For the Spirit to work in amazing ways as we focus on not leading followers but leading leaders.

Protection for and resilience in our children during this upcoming season.

Our marriage–time for us to reconnect. (Our 14th anniversary is May 8!)

---

Friends, do not hesitate to update us about your life and how we can pray for you and yours.