Wednesday, August 3, 2011

the peace of God, which transcends all understanding

My heart is full of gladness and passion in anticipation of the words I am about to share with you here in our blog. We have truly been on a beautiful journey. I've heard many in the faith who have gone before Scott and I look back on their life and say "we've had some turmoil, we have had great distress, but we don't ever regret those days and the way we followed God in that time" Its TRUE! My friends, Scott and I have said many times to you, we have days where we can only take one step and then breathe and thank God we could take just that one step and then have to stop and pray in order to make it to the next. However, despite the grief and anxiety of these times, we bless the Lord. We wouldn't take any of it back. We have no regrets with our choices, because we have chosen Jesus.

This morning I feel like I could weep with sympathy over one of Paul's letters in Philippians. Philippians 4 Paul...oh by the way, if you're reading this and have no idea who Paul is, no worries. He is an awesome follower of Jesus in the bible and I will gladly share his story with you some time if you want:) Anywho, Paul is writing a letter to the body of Christ the "church" in a town called Philippi. He is thanking them for their prayers for him as he travels and extends himself greatly in order that the gospel of Christ the good news will be spread throughout the land so that all can know and fall in love with this awesome son of God who came that we might have life and have it MORE abundantly!

In the 4th chapter of Philippians Paul says these words
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ahhh these words are like poetry to my ears right now. Rejoice in the Lord always! The Lord is near! and he goes on to explain that by living in this rejoicing, spinning your thoughts into prayers and anxieties into petitions you will obtain this great peace its a peace that TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING.

Scott and I know all about transcending all understanding. We are doing things and saying things, that are transcending any formula of life or Christianity that we have ever known. And we are dwelling in peace.

The voice of the Lord is beautiful. I wrote in my journal this morning in my dialogue with God
"we are learning more and more that while your voice may be still and small it is also deep and fulfilling. Your voice brings joy and hope and confidence and when we follow it, there is rest and deep peace beyond all human understanding"


To bring you up to speed on where we are at now in our journey, Scott has received part time work writing! WOW! He is helping someone whom our family considers one of the greatest spiritual leaders in our area to write his first book on finance and business in the Kingdom. This is a big deal. Scott has really felt the Lord calling him to writing for the past year or so, but has never "studied" or worked in this area. Just goes to show, you CAN have your dreams and eat them too:) Although Scott has put in some personal time to studying the art of writing and reading a TON of books. We know the favor of the Lord is what brought him this job and beyond being grateful for the small income we now have, we are grateful to the Lord for hearing the silent cries of Scotts heart and bringing him this part time job.

I was offered an opportunity to "nanny" for our housemates daughter Mary Ella in June in exchange for paying rent. So I've found a little job of my own:) The month that they asked us if it was something I was interested in we had less than $100 in our bank account and just took it as a sign from the Lord that this was how he would be paying our rent from then on! I've so enjoyed being with Selah AND Mary Ella each day, its an awesome gift and its one of those gifts that gets better as the days go by. Being with these two girls everyday is an awesome way I think for us and our housemates to bond, and really become more of a family than just people who live together.

I've also been asked to teach some dance classes at MorningStar's dance school which I will begin doing in the fall.

We are still living month by month. Really day by day. Asking the Lord for what we need each day. And really living in strong confidence that if we NEED something, our God is faithful to provide it. Today I don't have money to buy groceries next week, but when next week comes and we need groceries, the Lord will give us groceries! Its not a way that I desire to live for the rest of my life, but its changing us and deepening our love and understanding of our awesome Father and his love for us.

 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Thanks for following along in our journey. There are always ways you can partner with us through your prayers. If you would like to know specifically what you can pray for us, then just ask God and I KNOW He will reveal it to you if we have need. We love each of you so much, no matter what our relationship status may be, you are a child of the King and therefore we have great love for you. And we are truly grateful that you would read this blog and follow us in your heart. May our awesome God give unto you everything you given to us by way of your love and concern for us.

Peace Peace

3 comments:

  1. Such awesome news, praise God! I love how He is never late (although we have felt that way)!

    Paul has taught us so much too, being content in all circumstances, not complaining, resting in God because He does have plans for us and He will complete them! Woohoo! Love you all, give Selah a kiss from us and say "Hi" to your housemates!

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  2. You guys are an amazing example and testimony of trusting the Lord and obeying what He said in Matthew 6:34. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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