Everyone has their way to reset and recharge. It's that activity, that place or that healthy habit allowing you to process, pray and recenter. Lately, that "place" for me has been on my runs. I didn't realize what a profound purpose my runs would take when I started training back in February. I initially "hit the road" so that I could join my bff, Toni Egger, on some long runs as she prepares for her first marathon next month. But for me, my time alone, running the miles has helped me realize we'll find the time (literally schedule it in) to do those things that are priority to us. What is challenging (here in the US anyway) is knowing what you/I are supposed to invest time into. It's difficult because very often it is different things-which requires us to keep in our "lane" and not get derailed by really good other things. As we approach our departure date in December I am finding, in this season, that each decision concerning time has 2 questions attached: "Will it get us to the Philippines?" "Does it have eternal value?" I think when you know where you're supposed to be pouring in your time, it becomes easier to say "no" to that over there....and not feel guilty about it.
Everyone of us has 24 hours~that we'll use and spend according to our "calling." I am learning that a portion of each day needs to be spent on reading, researching and implementing those things into our missionary journey. And, although there are many other options and offers out there...that are phenomenal, I might add...yet they are not where my time can be right now. I have to regularly remind myself that it won't be forever that I say no to x,y,z, but for now my no is no and my yes is yes (even at the risk of FOMO...fear of missing out!)
I have found it is so important to know where we are each "called" to because if we don't then we're easily tossed by the whims and waves of great offers~but they may not be the very best offer for me/you. You know what else I've humbly found? That if my heart is surrendered and willing to say yes, even before the Lord gives the invitation...and maybe I incorrectly invest my time into something good (not great) He still blesses it because my heart was right before Him. Have you ever experienced this?
From running a 1/2 marathon, to investigating requirements to a missionary VISA, to hosting our dear friends (Steve and Steven Bragg) from the Philippines~we continue to lay a firm foundation to go-to serve-to love.
We are surely not on this journey alone. Our support teams (prayer and financial) are vital to us getting to the Philippines and serving there well. If you'd like to partner with us you can go to missionarycompanionministries.org. In the top right click "donate", and you can follow the instructions from there. Please fill in our missionary number, 4157, and then continue.
Say yes to the Lord...even before an invitation is given,
The Hounshell Four
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