The last couple of months have seen T and I slowing down. I will say this has not always been done with intention. Needing to take care of both of our health, especially T’s has been a priority, but also the weather hasn’t been cooperating! Case in point, we were supposed to be working on a foundation to a new storm shelter and a table with cover near a fire pit this morning. We had it all planned out while our friends are away on a short respite trip. We were also going to be overseeing their land being mowed and more gravel being brought in to extend a parking area for a future tiny home site. Instead, more rain has fallen as storms came rolling in one after another. Don’t get me wrong in a place like Texas rain is always appreciated and needed, but lately it seems to be falling at the most inconvenient times, or is it?
Psalm 46:10 “He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” I discovered the relatability of reading the International Children’s Bible while in a study group in Virginia and I was reminded of that translation today when pausing to read the whole of Psalm 46.
1 God is our protection and our strength.
He always helps in times of trouble.
2 So we will not be afraid if the earth shakes,
or if the mountains fall into the sea.
3 We will not fear even if the oceans roar and foam,
or if the mountains shake at the raging sea. Selah
4 There is a river which brings joy to the city of God.
This is the holy place where God Most High lives.
5 God is in that city, and so it will not be shaken.
God will help her at dawn.
6 Nations tremble, and kingdoms shake.
God shouts, and the earth crumbles.
7 The Lord of heaven’s armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our protection. Selah
8 Come and see what the Lord has done.
He has done amazing things on the earth.
9 He stops wars everywhere on the earth.
He breaks all bows and spears
and burns up the chariots with fire.
10 God says, “Be still and know that I am God.
I will be praised in all the nations.
I will be praised throughout the earth.”
11 The Lord of heaven’s armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our protection. Selah
As I have gotten older I really like to read scripture in its full context. I love the International Children’s Bible translation and should read from it more often as it reads at a child’s level with simpler words and a child like understanding. What I see in the above verses is not just an invitation to be still and take time to know God, but also that He protects us, He is our strength, to not be fearful, the power of God, God is ultimately in control and that we are not alone. If anyone reading this sees something else I would love to hear about it. You know how to contact me. I think I will forever have the comments turned off, because of the trouble I have had with spam in the past. Those bots were brutal and highly annoying!
I meant to mention that T and I had to take our RV to a dealership for some structural repairs. We will be without our home on wheels for at least two to three weeks, possibly longer. The positive to come out of this is that originally our wait for repairs was initially going to be a year, but the dealership had a few cancellations and we became the next people on the waitlist to be offered the opportunity. The idea felt inconvenient at first and then we remembered our friends small rental studio they are trying to sell is still on their property. Its smaller than our RV space, but available and meant we didn’t have to move our things very far. Our friends have been very gracious as we have our things temporarily stored in their fridge, chest freezer and another storage space on their property. God provided in more ways than one.
A week before we dropped off our RV we were able to take a week long trip to Hot Springs AR and Hollister MO to spend some time with old and new friends. We were able to make the trip without the RV by leaving it parked safely on our friends ranch which for me especially was a welcome change. I love our home on wheels, but it was nice to disconnect from it for a few days, experience more space and even soak in a hot bath with epsom salts! We left the holiday resort one time, because we had to make a run to Walmart to buy T more socks. Lets just say the pairs he had were looking a little holy!
T and I are still actively looking for our own space where we can welcome family and friends. It seems like the more we talk about it a little closer we get to understanding what we both are looking for which gives us peace. We thought the desire would go away being parked where we are and the very generous offer of being able to stay here for as long as we want, but we both agree it hasn’t.
In other news both N and C will be together with their spouses this coming week at their Dads family reunion. I am looking forward to receiving pictures of two beautiful daughter in laws together with their bumps on full display…of course with future Dads.
Anyways as always below find some pictures to hopefully fill in the gaps of my narrative of what has been going on with us the last couple of months. Please pray for what community should and could look like for us while we are here. I personally find myself being disengaged, because so many things are unknown.
Thank you family and friends. Love to each of you – Lou
