The Last Minute Details

So, we are down to the wire. A week from today we should be in the van, hopefully with a trailer packed with those Winter clothes, probably more toys than we should be taking, all my misc. electronic gadgets that I am going to have to learn how to let go of over time, our two guitars (yes, I have a bass and I WILL learn how to play it!), a significant number of blankets and coats (did I mention we are going to a place where it is cold?), and several books we have both planned to read for some time and will likely bring back to Fresno in December having not read them.

So this leads me to this post. I/we need some GRACE. One definition online for GRACE is: "the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God". God is gracious, and He is wonderful at coming through in a pinch. I just got off the phone with my friend Mike from church, and recounted to him the many house repairs that have waited until this week to get done. Monday was redashing the house, Tuesday installing the last 2 replacement windows, today some trim and painting, and tomorrow baseboards and more painting. Any one or more of these projects could have been done some time ago, but I did not do that for any number of reasons. Mike mentioned Psalm 118, and in verse 6 it says, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid." Also, in verse 8, it says, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." I like to trust in myself. I just left a job that required me to do that a whole lot, or at least I sure thought that. This move is sure testing that theory. I continue to recount to people the amazing answers to prayer that we have received since we made this decision, and despite my unwillingness to let go and take refuge in an Almighty God, He continues to amaze me with people and situations that truly show me His GRACE.

Your prayers are coveted in these last days in Fresno. We need to find interim health insurance, a renter for our 2-bed condo, wrap up some paperwork, finalize some repairs on the house and clean it, move our stuff to storage and over to Mel's parents for a temporary home prior to leaving, and get a nail out of the van tire! There are many moments of encouragement though, like a trip to the beach with the Ens clan, and friends like Brian, Steve, Rick, Ted, Monica, Melissa B, Carol, and many others who have helped us this past week.

Here is a picture of that beach trip (thanks Andy!) - likely the last one of its kind for many years to come since we will be in 3 different continents next year. Our kids are numbers 1, 5, and 8 from the left.



Take care and continue to seek His GRACE. I know we will be doing that this week.

Lowell