Thursday, November 5, 2009

Praise You in the Storm

If I could describe life right now for our family in one word, it would be "overwhelming". There is so much on our plate right now, and we feel like we can't take one more. Hmmm...maybe this is where the Lord wants us - trusting Him, not our own weak power. I have been praying to KNOW GOD more, not just know more Bible verses or head knowledge, but KNOW GOD. I am realizing that God is using these more difficult times for us to know Him more. I can tell you from experience that there is no better way to know Him than to share in His sufferings. (Although, how tiny our suffering is compared to what He has endured for us!) One of my all-time favorite verses:

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. Philippians 3:10

Here are some updates from our family. If you feel led, we could sure use your prayers.

1. We got a contract on our house, but the next morning, a large tree from our house fell on our roof during a storm. We did all the necessary repairs plus more, simply to keep the buyers happy. Needless to say, they are still not happy. We used their recommended repairman...well, he did not complete the job, and they are blaming us. Long story short, we got someone out to complete the job, and they are still not pleased and are asking for more. Everything is up in the air right now, but we are standing our ground and refuse to be taken advantage of any more. We know that God is in control, but we just don't understand why our integrity is being questioned and they are being so difficult to work with.
2. A few days after the tree fell, our hot water heater started leaking in that house...more repairs! We have had no problems on that house whatsoever...until now.
3. About a day later, our washer went out. Booo! The good news...my in-laws gave us our early Christmas gift - a brand new front-loading washer! I L-O-V-E it!
4. Greg's job here in Rockwall has just not panned out like everyone thought it would. They were very busy at first, but business has slowed down immensely. We knew it was coming, but a few weeks ago, it was confirmed that the office just can't support two dentists full-time. So, the hunt began for a job around here. It seems like the only positions available are at chains that have long hours, some weekend jobs, and most are far from Rockwall. We could use prayers for discernment, that God would open and close the right doors, and that it would be clear where we should go from here. We really love Rockwall/Dallas, but are willing to go wherever God might lead us. At this point, we just need to know if Greg should work part-time here and part-time at a different office, find a permanent location to associate/partner, or work somewhere that we know would be temporary, just to save money to potentially buy a practice in a few years. Scary, but pretty fun to know that God already has the story written and we just need to trust Him. Greg's current boss has been incredible through this and is willing to continue to pay him the base salary until he finds something else. What a blessing! We feel that this was where God was telling us to go, so we know it wasn't a mistake for us to be here. But, we just don't understand why at this point. My admiration for Greg has increased so much through this...he really is trusting God and seeking His counsel! I can't wait to see how God blesses him because of his faith!
5. My grandmother (dad's mom) in Sulphur Springs has not been well lately. She currently has pluracy in both lungs, which has weakened her tremendously. She is in the hospital. Doctors are not optimistic about getting much strength back and are encouraging her to go to some sort of nursing facility. This is not what my dad and his sisters want to do, but my grandpa can not take care of her when she gets sick like that. I feel so sad for everyone involved and, again, am praying for discernment for them and recovery for my grandma.
6. I have been having some digestive issues, and had to have a colonoscopy to rule out something serious. The colonoscopy and blood work came back completely normal (praise God!), and I have been better, for the most part. I just have to be very careful about what I eat, which isn't a bad thing.
7. On a happy note, my family will be going to Maui for Thanksgiving week! This will be the third time to go with my parents' timeshare. We are so excited and think this is very timely for our family. I am excited to be with my boys, my parents, my sister and my brothers. And, Andrea and Billy are bringing their boyfriend/girlfriend, so I am looking forward to getting to know them more. We will be going to Orange County for a couple of days first, then fly with my parents to Hawaii. I am grateful for the help on the plane! Yeehaw...can't wait!

That about sums up our life right now. We are so thankful for the positive things happening, too. Our boys are sweet, fun and healthy. Luke is showing some progress with his obedience and temper. (some progress!). Jack's personality is coming out more by the day. He is precious! God is answering "little prayers". I think He is just proving that He will answer our "big ones" in His perfect timing. Greg seems to have healed from his hurtful experience at his last office. Our marriage is going through the refinery with these stresses and trials, but it's better than it ever has been!

I lift my eyes to the hills -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1,2

2 comments:

The McGrew Crew said...

Praying for you guys during this time! Please let us know if we can help out in any way! We'd love to watch the boys if you all just need a quiet evening!

Mechsner Family said...

We are praying for you guys during this trying time. The lord wouldn't give you guys anything he didn't already know you could handle and handle in HIS way. You guys are a great example of trusting in the lord and believing in him! Please let us know if there is anything we can do.