So many things have happened to shape and mold our family this year. Some we are now on the other side of and some we are still in the midst of. But one thing remains unchanged ... God’s love has surrounded us.
If there was one passage that came to mind more than any other over the past year it was this:
Psalm 117
“Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!”
We found ourselves settling into another rental at the beginning of 2009, we were much closer to our church family. I can not tell the blessings we have received by only being 5-15 minutes from most of the families in the church. One family is our next door neighbor and a great privilege that has been.
In March, James and I left the children, except for Samuel, and flew to California. It was a wonderful time and we were able to visit with friends, attend a conference, and for me to see a little of where James spent the first many years of his life. I do not think I will ever forget driving down the street and looking out to see Orange trees in the front yards. Orange trees in CA seemed to be as normal as the tall Pines in the Piney Woods of my native East Texas.
Our children were able to stay with one of three families from our church while we were gone. One family with their 6 children came and stayed at our home. Two children went to spend time with a dear family we stayed with when we came house hunting here in NC. And one other went to the neighbors where he kept very busy and had a great time.
On our return home I ended up in bed for a week with strep. I think that was the first time in forever that I had to be taken to the doctor for medical attention. I am so thankful that it is now over.
May brought the most difficult trip I have ever had to make. My Dad called and told me I needed to come home as Mom had been taken to the hospital and was not expected to live. She died a couple of hours after I arrived. We praise the Lord that she is a Christian. The past few months have been hard - but how faithful God has been to my entire family.
We began looking for a house to buy in June. In August God had closed many doors and there was not much left. We looked at one home ... huge ... beautiful setting .... but every wall, ceiling, floor and cabinet would need replaced. A good “project home” for someone. A couple from church came with us to see the house, we still laugh and wonder just who God has in store for such a home.
Our realtor wanted to show us another home. It was just a few minutes from our current home and was “huge” also. So we thought, why not look while we wait to see what God opens up for us. We walked away that day wondering if this might be were God wanted us. We put an offer on the house by the end of the week and waited ... and waited ... and waited ... and waited ... and waited. For 5 months we waited to see what God had planned. I can not begin in this short letter to tell of all the wondrous deeds God did ... all the “impossibilities” of man that He alone ordained and “made happen”. Today we are looking forward to moving in to that very house.
Oh dear friends, I can not tell of all God’s kindness, steadfast love and blessings He has given. How undeserving a sinner I am, and how thankful for such a Savior and Lord I am. I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but God tells me to not fear, for He is my God and He will supply for my every need.
I have learned so much this year. Patience, Love, Joy, and Faithfulness.
Please come ... come and see what the Lord has done. Come share with us how God has been faithful to you. Come and let us worship the Lord together!!
May God be your strength, may you flourish under his rod and staff, and may you stand strong in the day of battle.
- Rebekah
