when our Father speaks

I have had a number of conversations over the years with people who wonder how to know when God is speaking to them; I have asked this question as well; my children now ask this question. Some of the obvious answers are through scripture, through prayer and through other people. However, the obviousness of those answers doesn't lessen the complexity we bring to this arena when trying to sort out the distractions and other input we add to the mix.

In my own walk of faith I have seen a pattern of my father God speaking in both obvious as well as more intimate and private ways. Scott and I are together this week with some colleagues and having the opportunity to sit under some wonderful teaching. One of the themes has been on God speaking. This has caused me to reflect on recent days. On that same theme I want to reflect on some things I am thankful for in how I believe that God, the loving Father, is personally speaking to me, personally loving on me.

This transition over the past 6 weeks is one that should send me and my children into a massive tailspin. It hasn't. Not because we are ultra strong people, but because God has been with us and gone before us.  We have been able to accomplish many things in a short period of time. God provided a beautiful home for us. Wonderful friends have come around us to help and encourage, both those here with us and those abroad. God has provided everything we need and even lavished some extra love on us. An example of how He has gone above and beyond is the park across the street from us. I had hoped to find a house with a courtyard that the boys could ride bikes around in and maybe even have room for a kiddie pool. Our house has a beautiful courtyard big enough for this, PLUS right across our street is a beautiful, green park. One thing I miss about the states when we are here is the green of the trees and grass. Well, now we have a green park with lots of trees in it that is cared for all year long and always kept beautiful. Everywhere else around us is barren and brown. God is so good to us! We have also been blessed to be able to reconnect with old friends as if we never left. We also find ourselves in the midst of exciting times here. There is a sense of anticipation. We can't wait to see what God is going to do here!

All this to say that we believe that we are right where God wants us to be and are SO grateful for His provision. We are also extremely thankful for the many of you that pray for us. It is evident that God is moving through those prayers! To Him be all the glory!

the park across the street from our house