Adjusting to Transition

So, I guess it's my turn to say a few words. John is the expert in writing now and I leave most of it to him.

It's amazing how life has changed for us over the last few weeks. It started as an unexpected phone call, then a decision to move to Texas, and as the days have passed we've been so excited about our new adventure because we know God has shown us favor once more and blessed us with an incredible opportunity. However, today has been a glimpse into life without Daddy.

It's been said, "You don't know what you have until it's gone." Well, I do know what I have and now that he's gone, I realize it even more. Reality has started to set in, as I knew it would. Making daily decisions for our family by myself, wondering who's going to change the light bulbs when they go out (I actually find myself praying for them to last longer so I don't have to climb up onto the chair that I've had to stack multiple phone books on just to get on my tip toes, reach with all my might, and still not be able to reach the light bulb : ), and falling asleep alone have all been part of my life now.

Life is full of unknowns for us right now, but still there seems to be a peace in the midst of chaos. I'm not sure what life will look like for us next week, next month, or next year. I am sure, however, that God is in control. That's a big statement for me...I admit I have control issues and it's hard for me to let go sometimes. I am so thankful for an incredible support network! Thank you those who have sent us such inspirational and encouraging e-mails, called to check up on us, offered to mow, and for family who have been there through this transition.

As Breanna mentioned the other day, we are moving because we feel God told us to. I am confident that God has great things in our future and I am excited...even if we are taking steps into the unknown. I know He is in control...not me!

To John...thank you for listening to God and following your calling. You have such strength, wisdom, and faith! I love you!

A Song For Daddy

We Love You Daddy

Life Is Interesting

I (John) arrived in Dallas yesterday and jumped right into the mix by attending a Master's Commission director's retreat in north Dallas. I feel things getting busy already and I haven't even started work yet. I think we might have some time tomorrow to get down to business and work, so that will be good.

Keep praying for our house to sell in Grain Valley so Lynette and the kids can join me in Dallas. We're also in the process of trying to sell the truck, so pray that sells too. Pray for me too, I can't stand being separated from them. I hate missing the funny moments, like Brant crawling into the dryer this morning. Although, every time I talked to Lynette today and heard screaming in the background, it made the separation a little easier on me.

I'm late for a night conference session...gotta go.
John

Breanna Gets Spiritual

I was putting Breanna and Brant to bed tonight and we were going through our normal routine. PJ's, potty, brush teeth, book, pray, count, snack and drink, song, and finally sleep...hopefully. If it sounds like a long process to you, that's because it is.

Anyway, at some point during this process Breanna asked, "Are we moving to a new house because Jesus told us to?" So I explained that the answer was basically yes, since I believe it was God that directed me to the new job, or them to me, however you want to look at it.

This led to an in-depth conversation about how God speaks to us. "But I don't hear God talk to me," Breanna said. I answered that God speaks to us in our hearts instead of our ears and tried to give her some examples. Not sure how successful I was, but I think she got the idea.

I still remember a conversation I had with my Dad about that same subject. I don't remember how old I was, but I remember asking the question, "Dad, how do you know God is speaking to you?" I don't remember the answer (sorry Dad), but whatever he said must have been good enough to satisfy me.

Those are humbling moments for me. Theology is kind of "my thing" and I'm about a month away from teaching this stuff to college students and yet I basically have no idea how to explain it in a way a 4 year old can understand. It brings to mind something one of my seminary professors used to say a lot, "If you can't explain something very simply, you're not educated enough." I guess I'm educated enough to teach adults and college students, just not quite educated enough to teach a 4 year old. Maybe some day when I get a Ph.D I'll know enough to answer her questions in a way she can understand!

I'm always amazed at the things Breanna thinks to ask, and every time she does it makes me feel for my parents who had to endure my endless questions. I can't wait to see what kinds of things Brant will think to ask. My only saving grace is that it'll be a couple more years before I have to field questions from him.

Welcome to Our Blog

Admittedly, we're new to the world of blogging, but because of our impending move, we were encouraged, well...forced, by our family to step into the 21st century in a way that would keep everyone up to date on all the gory details of our lives. It should be an interesting trip. Our stay of 3 years at New Life in Oak Grove, MO has been great, but we're excited about the new opportunity God has given us to be a part of something new and happening at The Oaks Fellowship in Red Oak, TX.

As often happens, God has chosen to move us at an interesting time. The housing market is downright pitiful, which causes me no small amount of anxiety concerning the sale of our house. I'll be moving to Texas before Lynette and the kids, so pray that it sells fast so we can be together ASAP. I realize that this just provides God one more opportunity to show himself faithful by selling our house for top dollar in a bad market. You'll want to watch this blog for updates on that process and see what kind of miracle God has up his sleeve...it should be interesting.

Well, that's all for now. It's just about time to go to the town July 4th celebration with the fam. We'll see if one or both of the kids is freaked out by the fireworks or if they've matured to the point of actually watching them without crying. Until next time...