Between the Rains

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. (James 5:7 NIV84)

The title is taken from a lesson out of the new Beth Moore James Bible Study. James is speaking to the people about patiently waiting on the Lord and providing them an analogy to further his point. This applies not only to waiting on rain for the harvest or waiting for Christ to return, but also to the time between the Lord's outpouring in our lives.

There are seasons this side of heaven when God's presence is so vibrant and real and seasons when we doubt He's even there. Let me tell you- He is still there!! It is during those "dry" times (between the rains) when our faith is being tested the most. We might think God has moved on, when actually He has moved under (Moore).

I can personally tell you that my family has experienced almost an entire year of a "dry" season after our relocation to Virginia away from family, church family, friends, and serving. I see God's hand and blessing all over this past year though!! We've remained faithful, expectant, and patient and are seeing the cloud on the horizon. This new year has brought a new church campus location (tech issues @ the original), serving opportunities, the next step in fulfilling my dreams of becoming a professional organizer, plans for a Mercy Mall location.... the clouds are rolling in... Let me go grab my umbrella ....there's going to be lots of rain in 2012!!

Break Free from Your Stuff

Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. (James 5:3 NIV)

You have lived on earth in luxury and self‑indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. (James 5:5 NIV84)

You will find these verses under "Warning to Rich Oppressors" in the NIV, but it's called "Destroying Your Life from Within" in the Message translation. The Bible is very clear about how material wealth/money can create a wedge between us and God. In the Beth Moore James Study, she shares a phrase that ancient Latin moralists used: "amor sceleratus habendi, which means "the accursed love of getting."

Accursed means under a curse, doomed, or ill-fated which is fitting considering that a "love of getting" leads to addictions including hoarding and shopping. This can lead to unmanageable debt, failed marriages and relationships, and the list goes on.

We can't take our "stuff" with us!
There is no true security in "stuff"!
Too much "stuff" is difficult to manage!
Someone could be using the "stuff" we're hoarding.
"Stuff can quickly become an idol"

Hoarding and Self-Indulgence can begin with a heart of fear, lack of security, and the wrong perspective. Pray for a "giving" heart and let God be your Everything!!

Stand Firm!!!

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV84)

Stand firm!! Don't let this world and all it's philosophies sway you!! Don't let your difficult circumstances cause you to question God! Don't give in to the least bit of temptation! Forgive & move on!

Henry Blackaby gives a great explanation of God's work. He explains that God is working all around you; you must join Him in his work. You know He is working when lives are being changed! Don't sit in your "Christian bubble" and expect to be used by God! Plant and water seeds of faith simply by seeing every conversation, question about God, opportunity to serve, request for prayer, and solicited opinions as a chance to do God's work - He's working all around you! Join Him! It WILL NOT be in vain!!

Love IS (based on 1 Cor 13:5)

"It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV84)"

Changing the definition to what love IS based on this passage...
Love is courteous in behavior & speech, selfless, generous, and devoted to the welfare of others.
Love is self-controlled and calm in all situations, and it is forgiving and willing to move gracefully into the future for God's glory.

Since "God is love" (1John 4:8), when you act out in love, you take on his character & being!!

Face God Or Face the Fire

"Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later. (1 Corinthians 11:32 MSG)"

The Lord disciplines those he loves, so if you feel as though God has you up against a wall, several things could be happening:
1) He's calling you to Him for the first time
2) He's giving you an opportunity to completely surrender your life
3) You are suffering consequences of your own sin
4) God is teaching and growing you so you can ultimately bring more glory to Him.

The Lord confronts because he is a loving Father that knows what's best for you - don't run from Him!! Face Him or face the fire!!

Knowing God is Knowledge Enough

"but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all. (1 Corinthians 8:2, 3 MSG)"

Pride says, "I don't need anyone's help; I've got it all under control."

Humility says, "I need help...I was wrong...I'm no better than anyone else"

God says, "I am all you need and need to know; leave the rest up to me"

Update from Virginia!

Greetings from the "State for Lovers"! (When asked why they call it that, the lady working at the Welcome Center said, "It was a tourist campaign that stuck since there was so much to do here!")   

It's almost been 6 weeks since our arrival in VA and we have had our fair share of challenges and blessings...

In the last 6 weeks, we have:

• Made 4 trips to the doctor
• Began a journey with couponing and shopping grocery store ads
• Visited 3 churches
• Visited our local Children's Museum
• Joined our community Fitness/Aquatic Center (they let all 9 of us join as a family).  The kids have a place to swim for the summer and we are all getting into shape. 
• Gotten lost on foot in our own community - we used Jeff's GPS on his phone to get home.  It was all of us plus 2 big dogs!
• Bought our first car with cash - a 2000 VW Passat (reducing Jeff's weekly feul bill by $60)
• Taken advantage of the social opportunities at the DMV
• Skyped with the Alarids, O'Dells, Faith Boggus, Kayla Coats and Face-timed the Satterwhites 
• Had our first visitors - Nanny and Papa, Jeff's parents
• Visited the State Capitol and sat in the same room as our founding fathers
• Taken our family to Inflation Nation (An indoor play center with inflatables)- we need to open one in Harrison!

The kids are adjusting well.  They miss their friends but they have been so resilient and accepting of our new home town.  Hope does yoga on Wednesday nights.  Tanner, Tristan, and Hope do a kid's conditioning class while Hannah and I hit the treadmills and machines at the gym on Wednesdays.  All of the kids have made at least one friend either at church, the gym, or a co-op that we visited. 

Antoinette landed a job almost immediately at the Woodlake Child Development Center just down the road.  She was hired on the spot and works with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.  She is attended her first "Young Adult" night with a church we are visiting as I type this.  

Crissy found a job at Michael and Son plumbing, electrical, and HVAC company.  They hired her as a receptionist but is doing all office managing duties and phone sales.  She is currently part-time and is starting school on April 4th.  She attends an Experiencing God bible study on Tuesday night and is quickly getting addicted to being tortured at the spin classes (stationary bikes). Ryan just celebrated his 4th birthday with us.  His is becoming more articulate and gaining weight!! 

As for Jeff and I, we are spending many nights up late talking about what God is showing us daily as we journey through this difficult time.  We are seeing God's faithfulness and provision being poured out on us!!  Every person in our home has grow in the short amount of time we've been here.  God (through Joyce Meyer)  told me last night to keep my mind on the Promised Land  and not to keep trying to run back to Egypt.  I need to stop complaining about wanting my old life back in Harrison and instead press in on God's promises for my future. The only way out of the wilderness is to walk through it - easier said than done.  Can you believe it took the Israelites 40 years to make an 11 day journey and only 2 of the original group actually made it - Joshua and Caleb?  I need to offer up and release my fear, doubt, and sadness and give it to God as a seed so that it will be sowed to reap a harvest.  I prayed many years to be used in a great capacity by God.... He has answered my prayers!!