Seasons Change; God Does Not!

Seasons Change, God Does Not 

Coordinating schedules, our newest step in the transition to Kentucky life!   When we first moved here, we pretty much had a big ole fat NOTHING on our calendar.  Having gone from very full calendars, this was a welcome break but soon became a tedious repetition.  Having nothing to do means you end up with a very clean house, lots of "down time" and plenty of chances to catch up on important things like... the latest series on Netflix.  While we did use this time to get to know people here and the surrounding area and to adjust to our new life here and dive more deeply into our walk with Christ and each other, there was something about all that down time that got old fast.

For one thing, all those "things" we had on our schedule before weren't "things" as much as they were people, relationships, service and friendships.  It represented the things that helped make our life, our life.  While our children's lives very quickly filled up here with new friends, lots of outdoor shared activities and school, Luke's schedule and mine took a bit longer to envision.  Getting a job, classes started and meeting new friends have started to fill those gaps and that feels good.

This Sunday for the first time in a long time, we "coordinated" our week.  It felt funny.  For weeks the answer to "What do you have have planned this week?" has been, "Um, I don't know, work, school I guess, we should do something."  But this week we are meeting friends for lunch and dinner, working out and meeting with friends, small groups and dinners, times of worship and times of prayer, times with family and times together.  It feels like... life.  

Now some of you think I'm crazy.  Some people don't like to see a busy schedule.  For some, it it busyness and distraction.  It represents chaos and frustration and detracts from the simple life. And I get that; I truly do.  But, it's not how I'm wired.  I'm a "get up and go" gal!  In fact, our whole family really seems to thrive when we are out doing and serving and being with others.  Caleb even gets super excited when it's time to go to childcare with me.  Not that we don't get tired and not that we don't appreciate our times of rest together, but we are very grateful for the "groove" we are finding.

Last week was the week where we realized that we were fully entrenched.  I had taken on some extra hours at work which meant Luke had the kids for longer times.  He took them to their school for a family movie night on Friday while I went into work (and like the sweetheart he is, he had dinner and a movie waiting for me when I got home at 9).  Then Saturday morning while I worked he cleaned the house with the kids and took Hannah on a daddy date when I got back.  We had company over for dessert and coffee that evening and then when the kids went to bed, we sat and enjoyed each others company.  And that's it - doesn't sound like much, but to us, that's life.  And it's a good life filled with love, God, family and friends.

The kiddos at the orchard

We would ask for your continued prayers for us as we are still praying about what church community God would like us to join.  God has been so good to us in giving us many opportunities to "fill up" spiritually here.  Luke goes to chapel throughout the week and is part of a men's small group, as well as being in a class with Dr. Stamps who I shared about in a previous blog which is pretty much church in a class.  I have a small group that meets on Saturday mornings and pray with some other moms on Thursday mornings. I have also enjoyed the Women's Communion and family activities offered here as well as times of worship with friends in the village.  The girls are participating in a Praise Group that meets here in the village and have great relationships with the kids here.  However, it would be fantastic for us to find a place where we can all participate at the same time in worship and fellowship as would be afforded by a church community.  

View of fall sky from our back porch

It's just starting too cool off down here and we can see a few leaves changing, denoting the change of seasons approaching.  It seems an appropriate picture of our own life as God leads us forward with Him.  Seasons change, God does not.  Our lives change, God's presence does not.  Our surroundings look different, God is the same - yesterday, today and forever.  He is our Solid Rock, our Strong Foundation.  His voice whispers the same words of truth into our hearts and His Spirit fills our souls with the cry of "Abba Father."  No matter the season, the schedule or the silence, our hearts can be in communion with Him and He will forever remain unchanged and unmoved.  "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand".   The fullest schedule or the most empty one, the answer for rest is the same, found only in the one who gives rest to the soul.   

When I was younger, my dad would often say these words of blessing over us.  May these words fill and bless you today, no matter what your day looks like or what is going on.  Find rest in the One.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."