Creature Comforts

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

It's an understatement to say that I am a creature of comfort.  Of course I love adventure, traveling, camping, out-houses, no water or electricity and essentially suffering for the sake of the Kingdom as much as the next brother or sister.  However, there are days (lately many days) where I would prefer to curl up on a cozy couch, sipping hot tea or coffee, reading a book or watching a good show and doing absolutely, positively... dare I say it in this busy American culture...

Nothing.

I think it's partly because our lives have been in constant transition for like six months now.  Or it could be my brain working over time at trying to figure out the best way to counter three new teenager's quick and cutting remarks with some sort of wit and wisdom.  Or it could be that we have been living out of suitcases, unsure of what the next step will be for a while now.

The Comforter has given me a very deep and steady peace in the midst of the chaos so I feel like I can sort of float through this fog.  Each day I sense a new clarity and can breathe a little easier knowing that God is good and works all things out for the good of those who love Him.  

Today was a good day.  I really felt like the Lord was giving us a big hug from Heaven.  I try hard to not allow the circumstances in life affect my feelings toward God.  (Easier said then done.)
In suffering and in glory He is to be praised.  But sometimes you just need a little confirmation that you are headed in the right direction. Today was one of those days.

This past week our family attended a wonderful debriefing seminar in Colorado Springs, CO.  We were reminded of how much God loves us and is guiding us through this thing we call life.  Even when we don't feel like He is near.
Our kids also had a special time of growing, learning, and working through their feelings of leaving one culture and entering another one, among other topics.  During our debrief their Teacher encouraged us to plant our feet so the kids could feel settled.  She encouraged us to not only make sure our marriage relationship was solid but to also be in one home, in one city and more or less settled down.  
This was pure confirmation from the Lord.

Then we learned that a house we were making an offer on was accepted!  We would be closing and moving into a home all of our own before Thanksgiving!
Nothing like meeting the Lord in the mountains.

And then God gave us a great big encouraging and hearty hug.

Today we learned how the seller of the home had a dream that showed a family with kids enjoying the back yard of her home.  She called to tell the agent (our friend) that she felt very good about this sell of her home and wanted to gift us all the appliances, the grill, lawn mower, and many other things.  We had been discussing how we were not going to be able to afford all of these things just a few hours before.

Sigh.

Thank you Lord.  That's exactly what we needed from you today.  

Now if we could only figure out the jobs...

This is not the home we are purchasing!  This is a family photo at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs, CO from this past week.  Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!