Whirlwind Days

What a whirlwind of emotions these past 2 weeks...

 Michael and Amy's wedding brought newness to our family on another level:) we couldn't have asked for a more blessed union for them. The wedding was flawless! A glorious spring day and a gospel centered ceremony to begin their lives as husband and wife...priceless. Our hearts are full of joy for them!

We wept with our sister in law as her father was buried last Friday, the service of a retired fire chief is an emotional ceremony and very fitting to honor Mr. Golden's 35 years of service. A time to remember that souls and the word of God are the only eternal things we experience. Our hearts are heavy for her grief.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:12, 15 ESV)

It's fitting to swing so emotionally these past couple of weeks, reminding us that Christ must be the center and supreme to endure all this world has to offer. We must stay the course. Belize and all the adjusting we are going through is painfully humbling in too many ways to list. But it is all good, very good. God is changing us, teaching us. We had to follow Him to the beauty and foreignness of Belize to walk like children in vulnerable, dependent faith. BUT he never disappoints and He is making us new daily. We ache to be back in Belize, but it is good to feel that and let it really begin to settle that this is not our home...not Alabaster, AL and not Hope Creek, Belize. We are citizens of a heavenly city. May we never feel so comfortable on this planet again, that we forget the urgency of obedience of faith. Easter celebrated with our family at Westwood was a fitting way to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Anything or anyone else will be disappointing.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20 ESV)

Prayer needs ...

-For the school and church Light of the Valley, that we find our place of service in both, that we build relationships and multiply disciples.

-For our house in Alabama-everything must go:) pray for God's favor to sell the house quickly. 

-May 17th a yard/garage/estate sale!

-Steven graduates May 9th, will stay in Alabaster for the summer.

-Michael and Amy start their new life together, we will soon be far away...Please pray for them in this honeymoon phase of marriage:)

Moved In!

     What a whirlwind of moving and ministry since we last posted! I'm not going to make promises we will be more regular, but we will keep trying! We are almost box free in the house, thanks to the guys here at the camp.  There is no way we would be as far along without them! They have been such a blessing and we are grateful to be working alongside them. Please keep Michael, Clifton, Edward and Joshua in your prayers  as they are being discipled in the life of a Christ follower. Also remember Ashby as he leads them. What an encouraging thing to  behold!

  Ministry at Light of the Valley was almost familiar this week as we led large group worship on Tuesday.  It is hard to leave, but I am thankful we will have 4 weeks left in the school year when we return. Maybe they won't forget us over summer:)

     Laura is getting in school work wherever she can.  Please pray for her to finish well. It has been impossible to have a routine since January but she has done well. We have to remind ourselves  the reason we started homeschooling was  so she would have the flexibility!

     Todd is learning that the pace of details here is as slow as any other bureaucracy, but the newness and strangeness of everything is stressful for sure. He is loving time with Ashby and the boys.

This morning I read, "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." (2 Thessalonians 3:5, 13 ESV)   Please pray that for us as we pray for you.   We are motivated by the love of God and following the example of Christ's steadfastness  and we will continue this walk of obedience!

We love you and covet your prayers!

 

 

Blessings,

Shirley