HE Knows

As the time to leave quickly draws closer, I can see the stress on my family and friends. This weekend I have been blessed to be with Tim and Rachel in Oregon. The weather is fantastic and the communication has been memorable. This is a gift from the Lord, for sure. But, underlying it all has been the awareness that Tim is grieving the loss of time with me.

Then I received a text from Ashley, my niece, asking if there was a verse that I turn to when life is overwhelming. I read it out loud and Tim and I both said, "Jeremiah 29:11."

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.

"They are plans for good and not for disaster,

to give you a future and a hope..."

I believe that down to the core of my being. But, it isn't just about me. This adventure of mine will touch family and friends too. And, this verse applies to all of us who are in contact with Him. That is a comfort to me too as I am concerned about Tim and Christy, Karen, Connie and Kelley, etc, etc, etc

Then my devotions in Psalm 66 reminded me:

Our lives are in His hands

and He keeps us from stumbling.

You have tested..

You have purified...

But you brought us to a place of great abundance. vs 9 - 12

Word of God Speak

Word Of God Speak - MercyMe
Source: www.youtube.com
Word Of God Speak by MercyMe

Friday and Saturday we packed up and moved most of my furniture and belongings. My downstairs is empty of furniture and the upstairs is in piles. As Tim left to go back to Oregon, he gave me a huge hug. There was a sigh and I began the next phase of leaving: knowing that I am really going to miss my kids, family, and friends. It is not the material things or this place that has been my home for nine years. It is people - relationships. Tonight I started picturing being all the way across the world, 12 1/2 hours time difference, and not knowing anyone. I was trying to visualize getting off the plane on July 27 and meeting people that I do not know, getting into the van, going into my new home, and trying to go to sleep knowing that I have left everyone at home.

Mother's Day is always a reflective day for me because Mom has been gone from earth for almost twenty years. With packing up and going through old photos it hit me differently this year. Then I got on Facebook and read Ashley's (my niece) thoughts and listened to/watched Luann's (sister-in-law) posting of Mercy Me's song. Everything was back in perspective: the only relationship Who guides me, protects me, and gives me peace will be with me. I will miss my family tremendously, be without my friends who support me and make me laugh, and leave the familiar behind...but I will be drawn deeper to the Lord. HE will speak!

Less Than 90 Days

God is so good! I feel at peace even tho' Bailey's home is now in question, packing is not complete and friends are coming on Friday/Saturday to move items out, and my "To Do" list is getting longer and longer. Nothing in life depends on me and that gives me comfort. He makes the plans, gives me strength, nudges others to help, and directs my decisions.

Do you ever wonder why He is so gracious? It is His nature. We are His children and He loves us more than when we have children. I have been blessed by seeing a new great-great nephew with his parents. They love and adore him. The family loves him and they even debate whose turn it is to hold him. That is how much the Lord loves us - and even much, much more. His love is unconditional. In realtity, He wants us to come to Him to ask for guidance and help. Like Paul says, "...for when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Cor 12:10)

Time is going by quickly. Chennai is warming up. The flat, classroom, and team have been assigned. There are many demands on my time. But, through it all, the Lord is good!