In the season I have been away from writing, I have often missed it.
Seasons come and seasons go. Things change, and time flies by. My children have gone from babies and toddlers to teenagers and pre-teenagers. I just took some time to look back at my old blog (www.vanorder5blogspot.com) and oh, the memories! Can I just say that while I am grieved that time goes by so quickly, I also am loving this stage of life. I adore my kids and where they are at. I get to see them wrestle through things differently, as they learn to trust in God for themselves in many different situations. The joy of seeing my children walk with God is beyond expression, and all glory goes to God. I trust Him to complete what He has begun in each of their hearts.
I am definitely in a new season. Not that long ago, I mentioned to Evan how I had missed writing because I feel it is one method God uses in my life to help me process things and also record things. I thought about going back to my original blog, but felt like a new season meant a new blog. Thankfully, cyberspace doesn't fill up, and all those treasures are still there to read and look back on.
God has taught me so much these past several years. Through things I have walked through, I feel He has given me a closer look at the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, and what He has accomplished through the cross for me. The longer I walk with God, the more glorious the gospel becomes to me. The longer I walk with God, and the more I study His Word, the more I realize how little I know, and how amazing His grace and mercy is. I never want to leave this place of awe and wonder of the gospel.
I have walked with my husband through the physical remodel of a church building, and the planting of a new church body. With that came intense battles, broken relationships, and even at time a questioning of my call and faith. The enemy has fought us at every turn to thwart the plans God has been establishing, but praise God, He is faithful, and we keep pressing on. There are infants in Christ among us, and with that comes "messy", but it truly is a sign of a healthy church. Prayer is and has always been the highest priority. Without it, the church would fail. I thank God for the people He has surrounded us with in this journey.
Our family has started a new business, called Living Root Farm, where we grow lots of vegetables. We enjoy selling them at the local farmer's market as well as to the local school for their lunch program. It keeps us very busy during the growing season, which is quickly creeping up on us!
I continue to run. I see it as a gift from God to keep my mind clear and focused. I often use that time to listen to sermons or simply run and pray. I have some goals this year, but mostly, I'm just really really thankful for the opportunity to get out and stay in shape. While I hold it with open hands, it truly is something I love to do and look forward to as often as I can.
Becoming a foster family is also new to us this season. We eagerly anticipate what the future holds in this arena for our family. I recently finished reading a book by TJ and Jenn Menn called "Faith to Foster". There is so much God spoke to me through this book on so many levels. One quote from Jenn is, "Jesus did not call anyone to lead a comfortable life. His commands go against our instincts and our preferences... the church must continue to love and serve those around us, even if we are hurt in the process."
Hurt. It seems everywhere a person turns, there is hurt. Broken families, torn apart by drugs and alcohol. Broken children, needing love and security. Broken relationships, because of misunderstandings, unmet expectations or numerous other reasons. The enemy is truly behind all of it, but how we respond to hurt and brokenness says so much about us. Having been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ should now dictate my response and outreach of love. I have not always done this well, and I'm so thankful for grace and mercy that are new every morning, and for God's relentless love and commitment to my growth in Him.
More thoughts from Jenn Menn. "When we take our pain to the Lord, we position ourselves to receive His healing because His presence is powerful and brings peace. Receiving the depth of healing God offers, requires trusting Him as a loving Father and faith in His ability to use what was intended for evil to bring about good... peace comes when we remember God is a devoted Father who loves each of us more than we can ever comprehend."
God has been healing me from some hurt by teaching me to fix my eyes on Him and the gospel. A result of healing, is the ability to reach out and serve on a whole new level again. We had 3 precious boys come live with us for 2 months before going back to their birth family. We anticipate a baby next week. A new season of life means a new season to love.
I look forward to this new season, and hope that in this new season, I will have more time to write again!
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