Sovereignty

October has been a whirlwind. The kids got really sick, so we went to the seminary clinic and got some antibiotics and they got better just this past week. We spent the last two weekends driving to weddings. First was Julie's , Josh's sister, wedding in Kansas City. Everyone but Isabel had a role in this wedding. Jack was the bellringer, Josh and I read scripture, and Josh played some worship songs in the ceremony. It was an amazing ceremony and reception. I was so proud to see Jack walk down the aisle and then we had the most fun seeing and meeting family at the reception. Julie planned all this wonderful music- there was dancing and singing and lots of good food. Jack met everyone, I think. Julie and Jonathon are an amazing match. Then this last weekend we went to another wedding in Little Rock for our dear friends- Shannon and Jed. It was so special and emotional to see my Boston friends (Melissa, Clint, Emily and Eric Litman, Janell, Erin and Wes etc.) and then to see in the same room all my friends from growing up and my family. My dad is right- you do get more sentimental the older you get. Shannon was a beautiful bride and Jed was rather handsome and so proud of his wife! I was honored to be a part of it all and to see my friend of 23 years get married. I went through 3 tissues during the ceremony alone! It is a good thing Shannon had the bridesmaids sitting because I was a basket case. God is so good to give us only what we can handle. We had dragged our kids on two road trips that were 9 hours plus and on the way home from Little Rock they were so happy and easy. We were exhausted and thankful everyone was content.
God is certainly reigning over everything. He gave us strength when we needed it most. I recently got an update on Millie, our dog we left in Boston. For those of you who don't know her- she is rather strong willed. I didn't know if there was a person out there who would take her in and give her what she needed because of her stubborness. But God provided just 2 weeks ago. Millie lives in Portsmouth, RI with a family who lives across from the ocean. The owner loves to surf and kayak so Millie will be spending lots of time in the water. I was told it was love at first sight for Millie and the new owners. Miracle- that's all I have to say.
I am excited to be back in Louisville. God has really been working in me about being thankful for all the gifts he has given us here.
The pics: First is Josh with his beautiful sister Julie Alley. Then Jack dancing with his cousin. Then Shannon right before "private time" for Jed to see his soon to be wife. Then the bridal tea with all my girlfriends.

Provision

In the past week and a half we have had lots of sickness and "interuption" from normal life. Isabel had an allergic reaction to something and got red splotches all over. She was fussy and itchy for two days but then it calmed down. Jack got another cold or something. Thankfully I have been well for the most part. Josh went to the Desiring God Conference in Minneapolis last weekend (and met Brent and Jed there) and my parents came to help with the kids. Josh loved his time. Read about his at www.penny-university.blogspot.com
It was a great time with them being here- wonderful to have help and just hear how there life is as they adjust to Texas. When I was coming home from taking Josh to the airport, I stopped to get gas and then craziness. The short story is I bought (thank you Sharla for bringing this to my attention) bad gas- it had some other substance in it and my car wouldn't start. The gas station says they will pay for it. Just nuts! God provided the rides we needed the next few days through my parents and neighbors.
Right now Josh and I are praying to trust in God's hand. God has taken such amazing care of us and I just need to be still and give thanks. We have been in Louisville long enough to have a routine but short enough that it still feels new and weird at times. We are still praying through the right church. More than anything we want to have community and continue hospitality in our home. I finished my class on prayer last week. It opened my eyes to my need of more prayer. I have started reading through Operation World a guide to pray for every country and people group. It has been so great. I am reading and praying for places I didn't know existed. I read about Romania (I did know it existed!) a few days ago and was surprised to read that it is normal for one pastor to lead 5 churches because there aren't enough leaders. I am overwhelmed by God's sovereignty in my life and pray to be used here in Louisville. God has filled my cup and I want to share that. I put together a book of pictures from our time in Boston. It was therapy to remember and trust in God for each moment of our life right now.
Last thought is from my Bible reading today:
Ecclesiastes 5:18,20 "Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot [...] For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart." It calmed me to think of trusting in God and be glad of my work for each day. God has provided me with a husband who loves and serves God and children who bring me such joy.