"...or Bust."

As much as we thought we were headed to the Deep South, the Lord's providence ushered us into the clear knowledge that this was not where we were called to be. It was a curious affair, to say the least. But it is over and it is good. We continue to hold Chamberlain-Hunt Academy and all of its staff in the highest regard as we pray for their success in ministering to the lost.

One of the most cherished by-products of this "almost-move" has been the outpouring of love and support from so many here in Gainesville. It is overwhelming to feel so loved. We are glad to remain a part of that fellowship until and if the Lord sees fit for us to "definitely-move".

One of the more difficult by-products has been my own glaring perspective of dependence on a Holy God, or a lack thereof. I have reflected on my very real dependence of Him while contemplating a life-altering decision, especially one that involved such a worthy cause as ministry. I had rich times in God's Word and in prayer. My heart was softer towards others and my conversations were generally more Christ-centered about this "epic event" for me. I was convinced that I was about to leave my family, friends, church and home to venture in to many unknowns for the Gospel's sake. I was excited and sad all at the same time, but I had an unwavering trust in God's will for us.

And then, just as suddenly as the opportunity had presented itself to us, it was over. We knew that we weren't going. We just knew that it wasn't right. Disappointment set in along with confusion and questions. How could we have felt so led by the Lord to then realize, very clearly in our spirits, that this was as far as He would lead and no further? And the bigger question for me was why I now felt so independent of His care? Why does it take so much for me to recognize my need of a Savior for all things and why does it take so little for me to forget?

And then I am reminded that I had it all wrong in the first place. He did not discontinue to lead, he simply changed directions. And when I remember this, I remember who I am and who He is and although I do not possess the road map for the future, I can trust that He is good and that He will lead me well. Praise God!

He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

Refrain

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Refrain

-Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862

Big Girl Pants!

Madison is out of Pull-Ups and learning to Potty!

Learning to Grow Up

It is with mixed emotions that we go through the growing times in life. As a parent in the throes of potty training my 2 1/2 year old, I am elated at the thought of less diaper changes, less messes, and spending less at Sam's! However, it is bittersweet as I realize how quickly time passes and how she was just in a newborn diaper not too many days ago. As each new stage comes, it is greeted with anticipation and excitement for what new things she will learn and a sad loss of what she did not know before. I'm afraid this will always be the pattern as I continue to be her doting mother and she, my baby girl.

Sometimes it's hard to grow up. It's hard to take the big leaps of faith that will change who we are and who we are to become. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father is not afraid of our growth and in fact, He greatly encourages it. I have been going through these growing pains myself recently, but it is good. God is good, and He is good to me.

"Simplicity of heart and freedom from anxiety He expects of us, and gives grace to have both." Jim Elliot penned these words years before his infamous encounter with the Auca Indians. While I greatly doubt the intensity of his mission will be like mine, I have been growing and learning that the "mission mind" is what we are called to have as Christians. Whatever we are in life, we are called to be His first and at whatever cost.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4:4-7

"You're Everything"
You're everything
I could want
That I could need
If I could see You want me
Could I believe?
'Cause You're perfectly
All I want, and all I need
If I could just feel Your touch
Could I be free?
Why do You shine so?
Can a blind man see?
Why do You call?
Why Do You beckon me?
Can the deaf hear the voice of love?
Would You have me come?
Can the cripple run?
Are You the one?
To raise me up
From this grave
Touch my tongue
And then I'll sing
Heal my limbs
Then joyfully I'll run to You.
-David Crowder Band

Mississippi or Bust?

Two months ago, I would have never imagined the mere thought of relocating to the Deep South of Mississippi. In fact, if someone would have told me that I would very much be considering such a move, I would have thought them to be certifiable! I may be from the south...but not THAT south! They're still fighting the war over there!! (And I not so secretly hope that the South will in fact, rise again!) ha ha! Still...here we are, a Pennsylvania Yankee and a Florida Cracker seeking God's will and finding Him leading us more and more in that direction.


What gives?


Chamberlain-Hunt Academy. A Reformed, Christian military boarding school for boys has presented Justin with an opportunity to teach Bible to its students. As many, if not most, of these boys are not Christian and have little desire for the Gospel, we would consider such an opportunity a call to the mission field. We have each visited the school and are very impressed with the work done there as well as the people and families who labor. The decision is a big one for us, but one that we find ourselves more and more at a strange peace with as the Lord makes our way clear. We continue to seek Him in the next few days as we make sure of this calling and ask that you would do the same on our behalf. In case you care to check it out more: http://www.chamberlain-hunt.com/ Thank you for those prayers!

Chamberlain-Hunt Academy - Port Gibson, Mississippi

All M & M All The Time!

"Day of Beauty" with lip gloss and pink toes!

Cutie Pie taking in the air show.

Always ready to "show her teeth"!

If that doesn't look like trouble, I don't know what does!

Bear hugs!

Blogging Once More

At the risk of sounding repetitive, I'm going to try this thing once more. Perhaps I'll be more committed to the cause and actually take time to journal our journeys for those who wish to travel along. Let us hope so!





On our way then...





A brief historical update: Justin and Rebecca recently celebrated 5 years of marriage, Praise the Lord! He has deepened our love for one another with each passing year as we pray He will continue to do all of our lives. We hope the hope of many in that we hope to bounce 18 grandchildren on our knees on our front porch rocking chairs as we are very old and gray, if the Lord wills! Speaking of children, the Lord has blessed us with two of the MOST adorable and perfectly behaved children in all of the world. Well, at least the most adorable and almost always well behaved. ; ) (And if we don't have any more, they'll have a lot of work to do! re: hope mentioned above.) Madison Karis is less than three months aways from her 3rd birthday and Michael Kenneth is presently 15 months old. This picture was taken about 2 months ago.