As a matter of fact, I feel like I'm on a brand new stretch of road in this journey of mine. As I look around, the landscape looks quite different from what I'm used to seeing as John and I navigate this family down the freeway of life. John and I are pretty steady folk. We've made it one of our goals to raise faithful, steady, God loving children. If we join a group or team, we finish out the season. If we make a commitment, we follow through on that promise. I drink the same coffee every morning. John's worked at the same job for 19 years (Praise the Lord). We've lived in the same house for 15 years. I've cheered for the Mountaineers every year, win or lose.
Don't get me wrong, we're by no means boring people, but we are steady. We stick around to see things finished out and we don't give in or bail out quickly. However, the past couple of months have found us in a new church (we'd been at our former church for over 20 years), using a new piano teacher (we'd been going to the same instructor for 8 years) as well as making some other significant changes in our schedule and routines. Whew, it's been enough to make this girl's head spin. I think I'm ready to sit for spell if you know what I mean?
We've prayed our way through each of these descisions and have waited for direction from the Lord regarding each change that we've implemented. And even though all this change can be a bit unsettling, I'm so thankful that I have a Savior I can turn to when the scenery is unfamiliar. He's been faithful to walk with me (us) through change and new beginnings. Isaiah 58:11 has been a powerful reminder to me during these past couple of months: "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." I can assure you that this promise has been real to me in the midst of all these changes. I pray that the same will be said of your journey...that wherever you find yourself as you make your way through life, that you are well watered and blooming!
22 comments:
you've navigated through the changes like a strong and steady ship. while the waters may be crashing on your frame, your course remains determined by Him. and while others may look at the course and pose questions and throw obstacles, you remain fixed. celebrating you and the example you are.
LOVE your new style!! PERFECT pics!!
love the look of the blog!! looks awesome! =D
Emily
I know you'll steer your family through these changes with a steady hand Lisa. You're a strong lady. :)
God bless you and your family on your new paths. And thank you for sharing that greatly encouraging bible verse -- I needed that!
Love your header too. I'm pants at the header thing -- need all the help I can get ;-).
Angels and Brightest Blessings to you,
G
Love your new banner - and the fresh look of your blog! I have been thinking nonstop about changes around here too. Just like you, greg and i are fun yet very steady folk. same house and job for 11 years and same temple for eight even though it's not working for us. we need a new house and a new temple and i need to get over my fear of the unknown in order to make these changes happen. So glad you have found the strength to make changes that better your family and your life. Once again you have provided me with inspiration and food for thought. Thanks so much for sharing in this space. Big hugs to you and your family!
I, too, love the new blog header--I'll have to check that out. And good for you with your changes--I know everything will work out for you and your family!
Beautiful. We, too have been visiting a new church. Sometimes God gives you the direction you just didn't realize you needed. Blessings my friend.
I like Picasa. : ) Changes can be so hard but good. Thank you for your encouragement.
I think it's important that you're able to adapt to new circumstances and new situations. That's an important lesson to share with your kids. So, whatever the reasons may be, change can be good because it can give you opportunities to grow in ways you didn't anticipate. And, you never know where the road will take you.
Good luck -- and wow, you're blog header is awesome. I love it.
Your blog looks amazing! Love your new banner. So clean and fresh, and your photos are so colorful :)
In a short time your changes will feel like a steady way of life once again. :)
I *love* the new blog header -- just wonderful!
I know it's hard when you're trying to figure out where change will lead you and how things will eventually settle down. In the meantime, you're in my thoughts and prayers as you await direction.
LOVE the new look here, Lisa--is so fresh and pretty. I think it reflects all that's happening now for your--cleaning space, shuffling, but still the same good substance. :o) Your new ventures sound very exciting mixed in with all the steady. I'm a girl that likes steady too--routine, pattern, steadfastness... I like those things. But room to grow is always a good thing too. Thank you for such lovely wishes for us all. May the new challenges you're facing bring you much joy! Happy Days :o) ((HUGS))
Hello, Your knitting is gorgeous. Your dish clothes are like little works of art, I wouldn't even want to use them to clean dishes! lol
Love your redecorating here! Very pretty!
Those are some major changes! I am sure you did not make any of them without praying first, and then carefully deciding to choose what is best for your family.
...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
You are very brave to make big changes. It does take faith and serious thought. Congratulations on your successful outcome.
I love the new header and all the changes in your blog.
I am going through some major changes too and even though I resist them sometimes, I've learned that there's always good things that come with change.
Beautiful pictures! I've been on a blogging break and it's great to check in on you. I understand what you mean by change. I'm slow and steady. Sometimes the Lord wants us to think and move out of the box. I tend to like the comfort of the box. It's exciting to open the box and see something new. It's all good!
Knowing you and John personally, I can attest to the fact that you both are very steady, disciplined, kind-hearted people who don't give up on anyone or anything. I know there is a purpose for you and your family being at another church although I miss you all greatly! Change, or should I say the transition between changes, is definitely so hard and of course you handle it with such grace. Love you Lisa!
Wow, I love the new look!!! So fresh and wonderful for Spring. As someone who has been head on with difficult changes, I know that you will navigate your family though this time with strength and grace. You will be in my thoughts
I love the new header! So fresh and just perfect! =0)
I also love the verse you shared - that has been one of the verses God loves to keep bringing back to me . . . in fact, it was that verse that gave Isaiah his name (my Isaiah, that is). =0)
We've been through so many changes over the past 3 years . . . it really can make your head swim sometimes. I'm so glad that God always remains constant!
Love & miss you guys!
Kelly
Thanks for the blog tip. Changes are challenging - esepecially big ones like that.
such a lovely well written post!
many blessings to you and your family, lisa!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look of the blog!
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