Count it All Joy

I've had to really think about counting it all joy. (It seems that I need to be reminded about it every now and then.) We continue to be excited about what God has brought us to New Mexico for! Just around every "corner" there is another reason we're finding of why we think we're really going to love it here.

Yet, even in the midst of good things, I've had my moments of frustration. Mostly, they've had to do with homeschool. I don't have anyone looking over my shoulder here, and I feel like I'm in uncharted territory. A territory called: FREEDOM. We've been homeschooling for 2 years and have just gotten into our 3rd year. Now, for the first time, I feel like I have no crutch. I have no support system here, and no end of the year testing or evaluation to look towards...no fellow homeschoolers who are doing the exact things that I'm doing. It's literally just us and the Lord right now. We answer only to Him. So, after a week or so of feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated, I felt that gentle smack from Him this weekend to just let go and trust Him. He reminded me that the trial I've been dealing with concerning homeschool is for our good...the testing of our faith to develop perseverance to lead to maturity and completetion. Okay. Lesson learned...hopefully. Curriculum changes abound, and I will trust Him that it will all end up good!

In other things, the fair is in town! On Monday, we watched the parade go down Main St. Yesterday, the girls and I got to go watch the sheep show during the morning. One of the boys from our church was showing his sheep, and it was fun to learn about the sheep show while we watched it. Tonight, we're going as a family to enjoy the fun! "A fair is a varitable smorgishboard, smorgishboard, smorgishboard..." (That is from Charlotte's Web.) :-) Libby and Clara particularly like the rabbit exhibit, and I can forsee a 4H pet coming into our lives one day soon.

As I sign off for today, I hope that if you are in a trial, no matter how big or small, that you will be reminded to count it all joy! Rest assured, God loves you more than you can ever imagine!

Temporary Dwellings

I noticed my husband's Facebook status said something about us getting settled into our temporary dwelling place, and there's part of me that just kinda cringed as I thought about having to resettle into another place in the coming weeks. I wondered what that place would be called. We'll more than likely be moving into a rental home and could possibly even buy a home sometime. So, does that mean that we'll be moving into a long-term temporary dwelling place? Cringe. Again. Kinda want to be done with the whole moving thing. Settled seems better, don't you think? Permanent dwelling place, maybe?

As I think about permanent dwelling places, I'm reminded that Christ is our only permanent dwelling place. I think about Abraham and Sarah in Genesis and how they moved around so many times. Yet, they knew their home was in heaven and that God was with them wherever they went. In the midst of life's changes and challenges, I am so thankful to know hope...to know Him. Every place is in this life is temporary. Our home is in Him no matter where we are or how long we will be there. Whatever life's circumstances, He is to be our dwelling place.

In a short while, Brandon will officially begin his new job, and our ministry will begin in our 3rd church. We are miles away from things that are familiar, yet we are completely at home. It is my prayer that our hearts and minds will be focused on true "dwelling" as we fix our eyes on Jesus and run the race of life full throttle, simply and boldly loving people for Him and for His glory alone.

Life can be so hard sometimes, and each of us can become very overwhelmed by temporary things that can seem so permanent. Friend, may your temporary dwellings be just that as you, too, fix your gaze upon Him and live in the only truly permanent dwelling place, Jesus. His peace be with you.

Day 10

We've arrived! There is great peace in our hearts, and we're so thankful for God answering prayers by blessing our trip. We had such a wonderful time visiting folks along the way! We're in awe at how many people have so loved on us...it's just so good to be loved!!!

We are staying at a guest apartment temporarily, and it is very cute and quaint. The girls are having a great time here...jumping on the trampoline, playing fetch with the dogs, and swinging on the tire swing. Libby hopes to do the zip line tomorrow, and we feel safe to let her have at it...it's low and slow. :-) We praise God for the wonderful family who is hosting us.

We will be looking for a more permanent living setup and ask for your prayers for that. We know God has His home for us!

Anticipating many "God things",
Kristen

Day 9

It's been a great day of traveling and talking about children's ministry with Jonathan Cliff and his wife. (google him) He and Starr have an incredible passion for kid's ministry, and their family is precious! We've been blessed to spend time with them.

We will be arriving in our new city tomorrow! I will update for Day 10 of our journey, and that will be my last daily post regarding our trip. If you'd like to keep tabs on us, go ahead and subscribe to or follow the blog. I'll add some buttons in the side bar to try and make that easier for you.

See you tomorrow!