That's right! We moved again! It seems like we have become "professional home movers," fixing up and decorating home after home! What a journey! This was not "part of our plan," but it was God's plan! When our landlord announced his intent to increase rent two months ago, we realized it was time to downsize. We'd just been praying about how to save money as a family, and God made it crystal clear. We found a smaller home that allows us to save significantly. The doors opened quickly through our property management application and the rest is history! We've signed a one year lease and continue to trust God's hand over our family. We are incredibly grateful for our new home. It has clean water, gas and electricity, a pantry and fridg filled with food and plenty of room to host events and make memories as a family. We know that by these standards, we are richer than 97 % of the world and we are truly blessed beyond measure.
Two years ago I was introduced to the book, "Radical," by David Platt. I have been so deeply impacted by this book that it's become required reading for all of our orphan outreach team members. In his book, Platt chronicles the lives of radical Christians who are living sacrificially in order to serve the poor, the destitute, the forgotten and the lost. On page 136, he says:
"It is a constant battle to resist the temptation to have more luxuries, to acquire more stuff, and to live more comfortably. It requires strong and steady resolve to live out the gospel in the middle of an American dream that identifies success as moving up the ladder, getting the bigger house, purchasing the nicer car, buying better clothes, eating the finer good and acquiring more things.
What would happen if together we stopped giving our scraps to the poor and started giving surpluses? Give. Give generously, abundantly and sacrificially. Give not because your stuff is bad. Give because Christ is in you. Give because your heart has been captured by a Savior who has produced in you overflowing joy, welling up in rich generosity (page 131)."
It is our desire as a family to give more, serve more and offer our lives daily to bless others. We are grateful that this new home allows us the freedom to do that. Years ago, our church missions board sent home-made plaques to all of our missionary partners serving throughout the world. The plaques said, "Home is Where the Lord Sends Me." Our plaque is hanging above my office door and reminds us that we are on a mission, He is our Commander and we have the indescribable privilege of knowing, following and serving Him. We are so grateful for our new home, sweet home, and the amazing journey He has called us to!
Our first missions dessert in our new home
(hosting the Scorziells, who serve in Zimbabwe)
my new office
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