God is good.....

How many of you are aware that God really does have a sense of humor? Well, those of you who know 'how I tick' will have a good chuckle at this one. I have explained, in general terms, a little bit about how the cultural norms of the east coast differ from those of the west coast. Let me explain one of these cultural norms to you that has been a but difficult to get used to.

WHen I first met John's folks a week before we were to wed I found it odd that when they greeted me it was with a full on hug and a slight kiss in the cheek. I found it a little uncomfortable, but because we were about to be family, I thought that maybe they were just really excited for their son and were embracing me into the family????? After all, his brother did not embrace me with this same enthusiasm. After living on this coastline for over half a year now, I have learned that this kind of greeting is a cultural norm. It really doesn't matter if you are meeting someone for the first time or not either, the initial greeting is the same. Big hug and slight kiss on the cheek. Am I crazy or is this weird? Many of you know how much of a 'touchy~feely' person I am so, I guess you could say this was an area of uncomfort that God wants me to 'grow into'? For the most part I really just try not to tense up and show my discomfort with this quite intimate level of "hi how are ya doing". In my initail attempts to cope with people wanting to touch and kiss me as a greeting I would instead try to 'cut them off at the pass' by extending out my hand as if to shake hands. However, some very sweet 'touchy~feely folks' just used that guesture not as a "respect the imaginary space bubble", but now have used my hand shake to 'pull me in' and hug me even closer. In my effort to compensate for my lack of wanting to be touched I have learned that not accepting this greeting can be insulting as well. This means I have no other choice BUT to 'get over it'.

Seriously though..................At many times along this, so far, pretty short season here to where we are, I'll be the first person to admit that I have questioned the title of this blog (God is good). While in my head I know undoubtably, that is so true, the 'rubber meets the road' when that head knowledge has been put to the test. I can now see where, in my many times of doubt I have failed to show the truth in this statement. As I admit this, I can sincerely say that I sit back and am AWE of the audacity of this kind of doubt. A realization of a lack of growth in this area is undoubtably disappointing....... I am in AWE that my God still loves me despite how futile my faith can be when circumstances are trying. In every step of the journey, God has truely been faithful. It is not what I know to be true that has changed however it is more of what my expectations were as a result of this move has not been as monumental as I had hoped. In reflecting upon this fact........ I have determined in this journey, to no longer get caught up or 'lost' in the mundane schedule of everyday life. Since there has been no distractions here in Florida, all we have been doing is finding a sence of normalcy in our routine. A rather mundane routine that consists of school & church and an occasional outing to explore the area. Without the common bonds of having kids around my children's ages and other couples around our general age it is rather lonely. So it is easier to get caught up in normalcy than to admit how hard this new 'normal', is.

I remember the end of last February, when we first knew the prompting of the Lord and how we were make some sort of sence out of this upcoming journey. Being that it is coming up on this time of year again it brings me to a level of reflection of what God had in store for us. During this short time we all spent a lot of time praying for answers & clear direction. God was ever so faithful to answer these prayers as we earnestly set forth to lay aside our worries and remember that His plan was so much better than any that we could accomplish on our own. I suppose after arriving here I figured my "role" in this journey would automatically become clear. I was praying about how to serve at church but wasn't reaching too far outside my comfort zone. I guess I figured His will for reaching the folks in the area that we were suppose to meet, would just fall conveniently into our laps. I hadn't spent much time praying for it to 'fall', just waiting. Well, God spanked me! He reminded me of that, once held devotion of last February. An undivided effort to seeking Him, asking for answers/confirmation and direction for His unfolding plan. Needless to say, even in the spankings God is good and He is faithful to not let me get too content with my mundane life. If you could be praying, I am looking into investing some time getting plugged into our community by volunteering on John's days off. This would mean that John would school the kids while I am out which he had agreed to do! The Lord has been tugging at my heart in one specific area, but because it would be rather stressful place to get involved, John is very reluctant. Please pray I will hear where God wants me to go and that we will both have peace about it. Love and miss you all!

Some funny T~shirts

Just thought I would share some funny shirts that John's work likes to print out! They are rather funny to police officers but not all could appreciate this demented sort of humor as we do! BTW on each of these shirts it says pretty clearly LEE COUNTY GUN RANGE which is why most of them have targets on them.

Once John gets his own gun, not department issue, I can practice at the range and wear one of these shirts! He He!

John has one shirt from Benton county that is now mine because he ordered it too small. Last time I wore it to church one of the older gentleman there told me "I have never seen a family so bold to ADVERTISE the establishment of a jail". Of course I have never really thought twice about it...... I am glad John's other shirts from the other facilities he has worked are either too small or too worn out to wear.

Anywho, if there is anyone who wants one of these John gets a discount so let me know if you want us to send you one. These ones are being sent home to my father, brother and Sharon (John's former boss). Anyone else? HUGS!