How Great Is Our God

I'm listening to Chris Tomlin's song and just rejoicing at His provision. It's funny how some things just "fall into our laps," some things have to be won with prayer and tears, and other things are never granted. Trusting the God of the universe for His best (which becomes our best) can be difficult when we are striving against His plans. I have found that if I will surrender, Father really does know best :) I love this painting called "Rescued" by Darrin Hoover. It is how I feel most days while I have all of the responsibility of getting loose-ends tied up in Texas: Exhausted in the middle of the sea, boat capsized, clinging for dear life to the Cross of Christ!

Here's a picture of JW's "new" car. (actually just a reasonable facsimile, although it is the same color :) Talk about God's provision; this is definitely the "fall into the lap" answer to our prayers. It's even already paid for. GOD IS GOOD!

Only two more weekends!

The boys had a great time with Jim's sister, Christy and her husband, Jon. They took them out on the boat on Saturday. The two extra blonde cuties are their cousins. I've decided to just pack up the house and have a garage/estate sale this weekend and not list the house until we leave. I just can't imagine trying to have it in pristine condition for showings while we are trying to move!

Uncle Jon found a 1997 Mercury Sable for JW! We are picking it up today. I'm so excited that I don't have to spend one more second looking for cars. God is such a faithful Provider.

Somewhere else

Well, it looks like that house we wanted won't be available until September 1st. However, all things work together for good.... the house next door to where Jim is staying will become available August 12th, which just so "happens" to be when our estimated time of arrival in Bellingham will be! Also, the owner is a real stickler about not wanting tenants to sign a year-lease; she only wants a month-to-month obligation. Unbelievably, even that scenario is perfect for us, because we've been prequalified for a house, and when the one we would like to buy becomes available, we'll be too!

I tell you, it's fun to walk in God's plans. Sinners saved by grace. He keeps doing kind things even when we stumble and flit around like broken-winged birds.

Comments?

Jim's Second Career; Photographer :)

Here are some recent pictures that Jim has taken. The first one is his new Mini. I think it looks like it could go in the promo materials!

This one is a picture of the back of the house we want to rent in Bellingham. Doesn't it look like "Walden's Pond?!" Great composition, honey!

Finally, a view from what could be our backyard. Yes, the lake is just a few steps away from the back door!

Pictures from the trip.... FInally!

All my boys in the wee hours before Jim and JW headed off...




My handsome men!
Jim bought a cord to finally download these pictures to the computer. He had left the one we had here accidentally.
I can't wait to make this trip myself when we finally head off.

Already missing

So, this is the room I am going to miss the most. It is our library/music room. We have had Bible studies, Life Group, "home-church," jam sessions, and parties in this room. I can't tell you how many mornings I would go in there with my protein bar, milk, and frou-frou international coffee and have my quiet time. I love the dark wood, the comfy couches, and the modern fixtures we put in to replace the cheap ones. I hope someone enjoys that room as much as we did! It's "supposed to be" the formal dining area, but we don't always do what we are "supposed to" :)

My second favorite area is our big hall. I could walk down it with both arms outstretched and not touch either side! Actually, this was my dream house for this part of my life. 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a master bedroom that was as big as our former living/dining combo, all the boys bedrooms upstairs with a big den for them. A huge pantry big enough to fit our whole family in if there was a tornado, a "secret closet" under the stairs that the boys loved, and a huge kitchen where I cooked many happy meals.

It will be awesome to see where the Lord leads us next. He does make the lines of our habitations fall "in pleasant places!"

Trying to get up there....

Here are a couple of views of the house Jim is staying in. (He is sub-letting a room). Jim LOVES his job! He is going in real early (5 or 5:30 a.m. and getting off at 2:00 or 2:30). He likes to work when no one is on the computers; it makes it much easier to troubleshoot! He went to the Bay a couple of days back and played his flute towards the ocean. A jazz student happened by with his guitar, and after making some music together, they went to an open mic night at a jazz bar. Jim said it was wonderful. It is VERY slow going here, trying to pack and put the house up on the market. We will be selling most of our furniture, so let us know if you are interested in looking, or can refer us on to anyone needing couches, dining table, entertainment centers, coffee tables, lots of office furniture.... etc!!!