Jun 14, 2007

A Heart Filled With Gratitude

I sit here today and I am amazed by my wonderful God. I know that He is here with me, and I am watching how great and sovereign He truly is. Reflecting over the past six months, and all the changes going on around me, has caused me to fall several times to my knees. Sometimes I am falling because I am completely in need of God’s grace and mercy. And at other times, I am falling to my knees in praise and admiration of the goodness of my heavenly father.

Through the need to sell my home, Skip’s transition to a new job, and my family’s distress over not being settled into our new life, God has caused me to realize more than ever that He is ultimately the only one in control of my life. I know after walking with God for many years that I should clearly have this understanding, but sadly I still need reminders.

My struggle with my home sell has led me to believe without a shadow of a doubt that God is up to something big. He has His best for me, and will allow my house to sell at the best possible time for the right price. I trust him to lead, and to show us exactly what we need to do. I am no longer praying for my specific desires, most likely because I don’t know what He knows, and what will be best. He knows my secret desires, and He will allow it to happen if it is going to bring Him honor and glory. I don’t want to settle for anything less.

Skip is doing absolutely great things at our new church. His creativity is in full gear, and that is a blessing that I prayed for him. He is establishing some great relationships, and growing in the friendships that he has already begun. I love to go by the church and visit with him and see how excited he gets when he shows me a new logo or video segment he has been working on with the guys. Vocally he is improving with each weekend. At our other church, he was rarely singing and playing, but now he is singing and leading every weekend. He has had some problems with damage on his vocal chords, and is taking Nexium to improve that situation. I am so honored each weekend as he leads the congregation in worshiping our Lord. There are some fabulous singers and musicians that give their time and gifts each week.

On a personal note, I just met with some ladies this week about leading a bible study in the fall. I didn’t even know if that was a possibility with me being new to the church. They have welcomed me with open arms, and have given me the privilege to select the study I want to lead. I started praying about it last week, and I feel like God is leading me to do two seven week studies(Angela Thomas’s A Beautiful Offering and Shaunti Feldhahn’s For Women Only). When I showed up to discuss my study ideas at the meeting, I found out the session time for the bible studies was already determined to be 14 weeks, and I had no clue, but God obviously did. I am doing fun studies, and topics I am familiar with since I’m not sure how busy I will be with moving, etc. I am so excited about meeting new ladies, and getting involved with the ministry at this church.

I would love for you in your prayer time to pray for one of our pastor’s. His name is Kim and he recently had surgery for colon cancer, and is now having complications with staph and an abscess in his stomach. I spoke with his wife Kay today, and this godly woman showed no fear or uneasiness for the future. She fully trusts the Lord with her husband’s life, and I stood in awe of her faith. She is one of those women that I am going to try to learn as much as I can from because this is a woman of excellence if I’ve ever met one.

I am coming to a close of my two week stay, and I feel like this house-sitting experience has been one of the biggest blessings I could have ever imagined. My kids are absolutely smitten by the puppies we’ve watched, and have made the best of friends with the neighbors. I have had time to read, entertain, and spend quality time with the hubby. Sounds like a vacation to me! In all these things, I Praise God!

13 comments:

Barb said...

I'm so glad you had this two week break from all the stress, Susie. It's wonderful that you and Skip and the kids already feel so accepted and welcome in your new church.

I suspect He has something wonderful in store for you in the near future. I know you'll be glad when all the worry and stress of the actual relocation are behind you but my, this is an encouraging post.

You sound all refreshed and ready to tackle it all again. This two week break obviously came at the perfect time. :-)

Linda said...

Susie, It is wonderful to witness you growing in grace and wisdom. I have always thought you were very special. I love to hear how your faith has been stretched and has grown. You encourage me as I wait to see when the Lord will answer our prayer for selling our property. As you have said, He is up to something big and in His time we will get to see it.
I am so happy that everything is working out so well for you and your family. I think you will look back on this time and see what God was up to. His plans are to prosper you.
I'm glad you've had this time of rest and refreshment. Now we will just wait to see what God will do.

Susanne said...

Susie, your attitude is a joy to read and your trust in the Lord and His guidance is such a testimony!

Susan said...

So enjoyed reading this post and how uplifted you are about every aspect of what is going on in your lives.

God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us. Sometimes I think in the midst of the situations (testings) we find ourselves we begin to doubt that!!! Oh we wouldn't "say" that but it really is what we begin doing.

You do sound refresh and ready to press on to that high calling to which you have been called.
((hugs))
Susan

Karen said...

Your faith in God through everything you and your family are going through right now is such an encouragement. It sounds like God is doing great things at your new church! That is awesome about the Bible studies and how they "happen" to work out schedule wise. I will keep you in my prayers about the house - praying that God does what is best for you and your family in the matter.

Blessings to you and yours~
Karen

Padre Reeds said...

Good stuff!
Tell your hub 'hi' from us.
kirb

Kelly said...

Susie, so good to check in with you and see how God is working!

Ruth said...

Susie, I can just feel the peace and gratitude flowing from your post. I am so glad that you are at peace. It is wonderful that your husband is flourishing in his new role, and I wish I could be in your upcoming Bible study!! Have a great weekend.

Janice said...

Just thought I would say hello. Glad to hear things are going well for Skip. Your bible study sounds like it is going to be great. I am sure God has his best for you about your house. I have definitely learned about God's timing in the past year.
God Bless,
Janice

Mayhem And Miracles said...

It's amazing how a little rest and time away from confronting all of the decisions makes it that much easier to remember to look to Him in all things. I constantly need that reminder, too! I'm so happy you were reunited with Skip for these two weeks. I bet you would also do well at leading a "strong marriage" Bible study. You and Skip sound very solid. I'm so happy for all of your blessings. And for all of whatever it is that God is up to on your behalf! :)

DA Wagners said...

It is so wonderful to read about your strenght and faith. I've experienced house selling difficulties myself; and I must say, you are handling it w/ way more grace than I ever did! I'm so excited to hear how Skip is doing up there. His creative juices seem to be flowing. It is so cool that you have been able to house-sit. It sounds like it's been such a blessing. We are all praying for you. If you write a devo during this experience, send it my way. I miss seeing you at Marked Writers' meeting, but I know you are going to do wonderfully on the path God has chosen for you!

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

Susie, what a great post, focusing on thankfulness to the Lord for all He is doing in your lives. I'm glad your stay has been relaxing and positive. Blessings, Diane

Susan @ Blessed Assurances said...

Isn't God good? He seems to be teaching you one of the most important lessons, to let God and trust God. I recently encouraged my sister in law to read your blog b/c she too is waiting for thier house to sell. This week God is already doing some wonderful things for her and her family. We praise God! Waiting is never fun but we realize that God uses the waiting time to equip us with the right tools for the next part of our journey. Blessings to you!
Susan