God's Provision Is Much More

First off, the tree still has blooms on it. Some have suggested perhaps this is a variety of dogwood that flowers longer than others. Even so, God is still using it as a timing device. When the blooms are gone, we know we are going somewhere to do God's work. We are "sent ones" and that's our calling. It's what we do! Our son, Jake, is at field camp in Montana for six weeks. I'm sure he will be witnessing to others. I know he will have a wonderful time !


It's been a busy week. My husband's business was broken into for the second time. This time they took a lot more merchandise. Two employees have quit over the past few weeks so he is short on help. He has been spending the night at his shop until he can get cameras installed. He's been working day and night, getting very little sleep. Discouragement tried to set in, but we didn't allow it!! We know God's hand is in everything, we know he protects us, cares for us, and provides for our every need. The one thing I am learning is provision isn't JUST money or things. It's so much more. God provides in so many ways. Yes, he provides us with the food we eat and our shelter. But, he provides us with his love, he gives us wisdom and understanding, the words to speak to others, encouragement, courage to stand up against the devil, hope, and an unfailing ability to somehow, someway get us through whatever we happen to be struggling with or going through at the time. My faith is increasing as we go from one battle to another. He has taught us--this ministry--to be warriors, to do spiritual battle. We know there will be many more trials and tribulations. It is our job during these times to stand strong, not to whine or wonder why, but to accept them, get through them, and be stronger in Christ.


God provided us with a new employee last night. Our next door neighbor and friend of 20 years accepted a job at our place of business. He has been in prayer asking God what he should do. God put it on his heart to accept the job! God bless obedient people who not only listen but follow through. We knew God would have to provide another employee before we could be sent out. And that he did! He provided us with a trust worthy employee, a Godly man, one who will minister alongside my husband to those who come in, one who will require very little training as far as the business end is concerned, and one who will encourage and uplift my husband, Bill.


Have a blessed day for we are encouraged in what we see God doing right before our eyes!
Judy

Grandbabies-A Blessing from God

I retired from teaching last May and have spent my "retirement" this year babysitting my beautiful granddaughter, Addison. She is truly a blessing from God. The smile on her face makes me smile and lifts my spirit. It has been a joy being able to bond with her, play with her, feed her, watch her grow and develop.

God Uses Everyone

There is an elderly couple who live across the street from us.  The lady has Alzheimer's and her husband is in poor health.  I see her out frequently walking up and down the street, and have even see her in our backyard occasionally.  She is lonely and looking for someone to visit.   Sometimes, she will ring our doorbell--not one short ring, but 5 or 10 consecutive rings.  I've invited her inside several times and have heard the same story about where she used to live, where her husband worked, etc.  But, as a Christian, it is my responsibility to be kind to Sue (not her real name) and reach out to her.  Everytime she has visited she leaves by saying, "Come see me sometime."  So, today when I went to check the mail, there sat Sue and her husband on the front porch waiting for the mail to be delivered--probably the highlight of their day.  I walked across the street and visited with them for a little while, she offered me a drink, we chatted, and then I walked back across the street to our house.  I felt good because I knew I'd been obedient to God.  And, I knew both of them needed something different in their lives today.  Even if it was a "small thing"  it didn't go unnoticed by God.  We often take for granted the small things, but it's the small things which are so important to others and to God.  One of the things God has told me is small things lead to big things.  

I was almost finished with this entry when the doorbell rang several times.  Sue was at the front door.  I mostly listened while she shared most of the same stories again and asked me the same questions more than once.  God is teaching me patience and showing me how to love everyone.  He's a good God and I thank him for changing me.  The thought came to me as I was rereading this entry that Sue had reached out to me, too.  She probably didn't realize it, but God had placed her at my front door to teach me patience and love.  Thank you God for using everyone!

Oh, and BTW we still have dogwood blooms!

God Bless Each of You,

Judy  

God Is A Busy Man

 We had a wonderful weekend!  God always works things out in such surprising and awesome ways.  After church, we attended a get-together with those who went to Honduras in March, and then we went to see the location where some friends are building a house.  They've built a barn with an apartment in it, so we gathered inside with them--8 of us in all.  We enjoyed visiting and then felt we should pray, so we joined hands and dedicated their new location to the Lord.  The presence of God could be felt, we sang some songs, and then they prayed over our ministry.  We received the following from God about In His Steps Ministry and the next trip:   God has everything planned, provision will be behind every door, we must seek him, and we will find a strength on this trip like never experienced before.  Did we get a word as to where we will travel?  No.  When?  No.  We are waiting for the perfect time to leave knowing that God will reveal it to us when we are ready and everything is in place.  

And the dogwood tree?  Well, there are still quite a few blooms on it.  We had one more event happen this week that we knew we needed to be here for.  My husband's place of business was broken into last night.  Someone threw a brick through the door and took some merchandise.  Are we discouraged?  No.  Have we lost hope?  No.  If anything, it has brought us closer to God. We have been in a spiritual battle and know this is just one repercussion or retaliation for our obedience to God.  Knowing we are doing what God intended and are making headway gives us added determination, added faith in God, and a KNOWING that he will take care of all of our battles.  

Keep us in your prayers,

Judy