DAY 12- JOY

Writing this the day after a difficult day-our last day on the shore. As each room was emptied out, I felt a mixture of accomplishment and sadness. The work was done promptly, but the memories that each room held for our family were sweet. I prayed over each room- both for our family and the one to come. We could not have asked for a smoother day. Seriously, the Lord was so over every detail, and I just felt His presence there with us. I've had some issues with my back, so I've asked Him for strength and endurance along the way. He's come through every step of the way, and I just praise Him for that. I stopped often to reflect, and the resounding theme God spoke to me throughout yesterday was joy.

It would be so easy to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and caught up in the circumstances of a move-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What He showed me is the blessings. The blessings that we've had with Him the past 6 yrs.

FRIENDS
The blessings of so many friends who took the time to come by to tell us and/or our children "goodbye." Both Levi and Baylee have dealt with moving in their own ways, but each have been grieving the loss of close friends. To see friends come to wish them well, give them a hug, or just say "goodbye" was precious to my mama heart. We will walk through this together as a family, but they needed their friends, too. So have we. We had many who just came by to spend time with us or help do whatever was needed. Special prayers, notes and words just brought to mind the fact that relationships are sweet gifts to be treasured. As if that weren't enough, we are already overwhelmed with the kindness of our now church family. God is already giving us the blessing of friendships before we've even begun our first Sunday. We look forward to serving alongside a new family of friends.

FAITH
We've been reminded in so many ways of all the Lord did in the ministry He gave to us here. To look back and see fruit of His work in our own lives as well as other lives made us so grateful to Him for the work He's called us to do. It was here that our youngest among many more came to know Jesus. Isn't that what it's about? The sweet gospel message changing lives. Again, why the Lord would use the weakest of the weak for the most amazing purpose on earth blows my mind. Every. time.

FUTURE
To know God is leading us towards more work in His kingdom is a blessing, even if it means leaving our comfort zone. To leave one ministry to get to serve Him in another is exciting and fresh. To pack up a house is a lot of work, but the Lord has provided (in amazing beyond explanation ways) us with a new home. How could I complain when I am being so blessed? 

With every tear, I thought of a future joy. Yesterday, the joy of the Lord became my strength-not just to go forward but to go forward with excitement and great anticipation.

Whatever your day holds today and in the days ahead, take time to look back and then look up. Whatever the task is before you, if you look at how God is in the midst of that, your perspective changes. When we think of all God's done for us and continues to pour out in our lives, the stresses of the day can be turned into joy, and it is in that joy that we find strength. Even in the midst of a sinful earth, because of Jesus, we can find the strength to overcome the thorns of life.

"No more let sin and sorrows grow!

Nor thorns infest the ground:

He comes to make His blessings known

Far as the curse is found."