Counting it all joy!

2 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that  the testing of your faith  produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4

It's been ten days in our new house and we are counting it all joy:

New home ownership

Ants and ants and ants and ants and ants and ants..........................................................

Pest control visit

More ants

An overflowing washer

Roto Rooter visit

More ants

A plugged up toilet

A visit to Home Depot for snake rental

Sewage back up

Have I mentioned ants?

A LEAKING PIPE

Wet carpet and padding

A sewage pipe break

Ants................................................

Waiting for Pest Control to make another visit

Seriously, God has been very gracious to us and He is the best provider. He has given us peace even in the craziness. I will admit when I got the analysis from the plumber today I almost cried, but I remembered that God is sovereign. He is totally in control and that even this seemingly abysmal situation is nothing for us to fret about. Psalm 37:8

Thankfully, my Bible Study this morning was on Joseph and God's sovereignty. Joseph was wronged by his brothers to put it lightly (Genesis 37) and in the end was able to see that although his brothers misdeeds were meant for evil, God is sovereign and He meant it for good! I LOVE that.

Having "situations" with our house is certainly nothing like being sold into slavery or being imprisoned, but the principle remains the same. Our great God is sovereign and there is nothing that touches us that doesn't pass through His hands first. Today we are considering this little trial as a chance to exercise our faith and count it as pure joy, because we know that we are developing a steadfastness that only comes with the fire.

Thank you Lord for your tender mercies that are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness to us O Lord.

Please help us to continue to rejoice in You. You are sovereign and Your understanding no one can fathom.

Until next time,

Missy

Thankful

It's a new day in our new house; our first Tuesday to live here. Spring has sprung in our back yard and I am so thankful to gaze through our dining room windows at our beautiful trees scattered through out. Tim said he spotted a cardinal a few mornings ago, I hope it will come back to visit soon.

I am ever so thankful to the Lord for blessing us with our home. The closing of our house took several months-very long months, but I wouldn't trade the waiting. We learned so much about God's provision, sufficiency, grace, and joy in the midst of waiting. Our kids learned the lessons right along with us and we know that our home belongs to the Lord.

We have visions of hospitality, (ever notice the word "hospital" in that?), laughter, tears, growing children, many visits from family, and lots of late night talks around the table. We are thankful.

At the moment I am aware that a crazy amount of boxes await me in the garage for unpacking, so off I go.

Thank you Lord for your bountiful provision and your sustaining grace. You are good and your love endures forever.

Until next time,

Missy