The Sting and Then the Salve....

....We must process our hurts through the filter of God's love, not through the tangled places of our hearts. ~Lysa TerKeurst

 

As I sit down with my cup of tea to share, I can't help but be overcome with emotion because we continue to learn key lessons...and they are subtly and graciously taught. They often come as God works through people and relationships.

The first lesson that seemed like perfect timing to share relates to marriage. You see, Doug and I celebrate (and I can honestly say that now) 21 years of marriage...TODAY!  A huge calling on our hearts is to minister and encourage

marriages in the Philippines. We share from a place of not having it all together, but rather from experiencing the Lord do miraculous work in our own personal journey. So, the lesson came in the form of seeing someone who is now divorced from our dear friend. I know the deep, deep pain he's caused. My first, loyal-to-the-core thought was not very Christ-like. In fact, if I didn't have my wits about me, I was close to confronting him. Yet....the sting and conviction in my own heart boldly stopped me in my tracks. Jesus reminded me He'll fight that battle (for my friend and for the soul of her ex-husband) just as He relentlessly fought for Doug and my marriage. He will lay opportunities in our paths to mentor others in their marriages~this was not one of them. For a girl who is all about "let's face our issues and get them out on the table," I am glad He still talks to me and reminds me I'm the vessel~not the Captain. As I shared this with Doug he gently smiled~he tends to be better at thinking before speaking than I am! So, one more reminder of how we will mentor other couples...grace upon grace and remember which battles are ours to fight and which ones are the Lord's alone.

The second lesson hit a heart chord, and I wasn't even looking for connections or answers (kinda rare for me!!)  I think one of the most profound insights we've gained is that others will beautifully join our journey and offer their gifts because they want to, not because they feel obligated to.

So, the scenario unfolds like this....I had met with a friend to discuss some business details and for her to assist  me in computer logistics. As we were ordering some things she said, "Oh, what if you were to include these as gifts to your support teams?" I kinda sat there stunned as I processed first that my friend was thinking BIG picture for our family (WOW) and how her creative juices far exceed mine. She was actively pouring into our family because she is living in her strengths. I exuberantly joined in her vision for us~and sat in awe of how God is working. He had a "community" when He lived out His ministry. He is showing us how He's creating our community as we pursue His ministry for us.

At times the sting of the lesson opens the door for salve to the heart. It's kind of like the sweet and sour sauce of real life!

Never underestimate God's ability to use the gifts you've been given for His glory,



The Hounshell Four

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He Promises with a Purpose

Just when we come to the end of ourselves (which is where we need to be all along), God orchestrates "holy happenings"~right in the middle of the everyday to remind us He does hear us. He does care. He is a living God. As I struggled with things like:

"When, Lord?"

"I feel misunderstood, Lord."

"Where's Your truth in all of these messages, words of "concern" and outside doubts, Lord?"

"I'm battling internally, Lord, trying to navigate blooming right here and preparing to bloom there."

He graciously showed up and proclaimed to my heart, "My peace and grace are sufficient." And this is how....
HE made a last minute dinner with our friend, Steve, happen where we could candidly talk life, church, next steps and alternative housing possibilities.

HE used a recent run where I encountered  very real wind resistance on the way out and then the wind at my back on the way home to show me that we will face push-back as we proceed in His plans. Yet, when we stay the course, and "stay in our lane of life" He'll reward us with the "wind at our backs." We won't forever feel like we're scaling the mountain. HE has multiplied my time that I could finish a powerful book called, Peace Child, where missionaries Don and Carol Richardson literally ran after Jesus' calling on their lives to minister to the treacherous and cannibalistic Sawi tribe in Irian Jaya~all the odds against them and yet the God of the universe for them!!

HE showed me that just because my degree is in Communications, that if people/friends/those who've crossed paths with us don't understand where we're at in the journey, then it's my job to better articulate~NOT their job to just understand!!  A little self-realization and humility  has brought clarity and freedom to some of my inner warring. HE brought about a meeting with a dear and deeply loved friend last night who I intrinsically trust to speak truth to me~and she did. Oh to be blessed with a small handful of seeking and speaking truth friends is a rare treasure. 

There's a trend~my (and Doug's) heart asks the questions and HE answers over and over again. Then about a month ago during a quiet-time with the Lord, the date December 28th was laid on my heart in regards to our move to the Philippines. This quickly made it real, exciting and somewhat terrifying 😄in that it will totally be the Lord providing a place to live and budgeted monthly support. We will travel onward knowing that it's all about what Jesus is and will do...and we're grateful to simply be active participants as He does His work in us and others who are partnering with us. 

He cares for the lilies of the field....

We continue to educate ourselves on Filipino culture, reading true stories of other missionaries, researching things like insurance options for international missionaries~all while living life as a family who knows that opportunities to serve start in our home. 

So, would you pray about partnering with us as we pray, prepare and plan to leave on December 28th for the Philippines? This scripture is a cornerstone for us, "The wise man built his house on the Rock." Matthew 7:24-27. May it encourage you, too.

Always thankful for the lessons because it means we're still growing~



The Hounshell Four