We have had some challenges the last few weeks. T and I would appreciate your prayers for the rest of our time at this camp and the duration of our journey in Florida. We are still glad to be here and have met some wonderful people so far. We have spent some wonderful nights conversing with our new friends in front of a campfire or watching movies outside. We have worked hard to help the camp get ready for a women’s retreat and with the clean up afterward. On the weekends we have been exploring the local area, especially the state parks, which Florida has an abundance of and have visited a couple of local farms/businesses for milk and fresh veggies. I say all of this to tell you that its not all bad, just our patience is being tested in regards to circumstances and things that we really have no control over. One thing we have learned through our time on the road thus far, is that ministry requires you to be very flexible. Things can change daily, even hourly and we just have to go with the flow. I normally like to plan and T does better knowing what he is doing from day to day so he can have tools ready. Does that sound like ministry people? lol We are learning and growing through the process. Each camp or organisation that we come alongside has a different personality and we have to figure out the dynamics as well as the people we find ourselves working with pretty quickly. I feel like we are going to come away from this experience on the road better people, but we have definitely been tested the last few weeks. We have had to really keep each other accountable and encourage each other when we see ourselves slipping into old thought patterns and behaviours. I am so glad we have scripture, Gods word to help us along this journey of life. I know we wouldn’t make it as a couple or living in this world without it. Philippians 4: 4-8 says this:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I also go back to the scripture I had written on our little blackboard to display as a reminder from the book of Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
and I read this scripture this morning in a devotional I am doing with a friend from Ecclesiastes 7:8
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
and patience is better than pride.”
I know God sees my heart but often my sinful nature creeps in and I allow my emotions to take over common sense and reason. So I thank you all in advance for praying for us. We already have seen a change this morning and I pray T and I will continue to lean in to Gods wisdom/guidance along this journey of being more patient and completely trusting Him with ALL things.
