Friday, November 15, 2013

"How great is thy goodness..."

I was reading Psalm 31 in my Bible last night before I went to bed.  Verse 19 states, "Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!"  The context of the psalm is David's trust in the Lord because of all his enemies.  I don't have many enemies... but the truth of God's goodness is still the same.  And He has been so good to us this week!

This is what we had up until a few days ago:

a very small outhouse

complete with mosquitoes and mice falling from the ceiling!
We had a bathroom, but all it had was a tub:
It wasn't quite finished...

...but at least it we didn't have to tile it!
But thank the Lord, we now have a toilet and functioning septic system!
The lid was broken during installation, so it will need to be replaced.

The tub, shower, and hot water heater were already there.

The refrigerator and electric burners will be moved once the
kitchen is finished.  :)
See what else David has to say in this psalm:

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust. (v.1)
Thou art my rock and my fortress. (v.3)
Thou art my strength. (v.4)
I trust in the LORD. (v.6)
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble. (v.7)
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. (v.14)
Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. (v.21)
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (v.24)

We didn't know if the bathroom would be functional before we got married... but praise the Lord for His mercy in allowing it to be finished!  He truly has done great things for us.

And we'll still keep the outhouse for now.  You never know when an emergency might arise!  :)

Monday, October 28, 2013

Exceeding abundance

One of the verses I mentioned in my last entry was Ephesians 3:20. In the last 36 hours, the Lord has certainly done exceeding abundantly above what I could ask or think.

As with any marriage numerous expenses are incurred. Ours happens to be somewhat compounded by a move across the world, and the reality of what expenses were going to be cropping up in the next few weeks really hit home a couple days ago. I wasn't worried; I knew the Lord would provide. But I began bringing those needs before Him more earnestly.

I knew that some of those needs would be taken care of at the lovely shower my church family threw for me on Saturday. Towels, kitchen utensils, cash, and other wonderful items were all graciously bestowed to help us as we settle in our new home. The Lord was providing. But there were other needs. How would He take care of those?

It was with utter amazement that I opened a card this evening to find a check from a completely unexpected source. I clapped my hand over my mouth when I saw the figure. I was so humbled. Within just a few hours, the Lord had already done exceeding abundantly above what I could ask or even think. I didn't need that check for a few weeks yet... but perhaps the Lord knows I have enough to do over the next month without adding that need to my already full plate.

Thank you, Lord, for Your provision.


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Beginnings

How does one start a blog? I mean, I've already initiated it, as I've gone through the process of choosing a name and setting it up. But what does one write in the first entry? There are so many things I could write about. Which one do I begin with?

When writing a book or a letter, one normally starts with an introduction. Perhaps this blog needs just that: an introduction!

The title for this blog was taken from one of my favorite verses, I Samuel 12:24: "Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." God has done so very many wonderful things for me. And I know that He will continue to do so; His Word promises me that He will not only provide my every need, but He will also do exceeding abundantly above all that I could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). I want to share those things with you.

But since I am going to be living overseas, my means of communication with many of you will be somewhat limited. There will be so many things that I'll want to share with my family and friends, and I think having a place where I can share pictures and stories with you all will be helpful. I hope that you will visit my blog from time to time to see what great things the Lord is doing in my life and ministries!