Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Day One - The Journey Begins

I took a little walk through the yard before we left. These white lilies I planted six years ago - the year after my parents died. I had placed them in the church on Easter in their memory and in my husband's parents memory. They come up every year and are more beautiful each year. The swing that overlooks the lake is a wonderful cool place to sit on a summer day and a perfect place for conversations with God.
Usually I have lots of blooming flowers on this deck but this year I knew we wouldn't be there to take care of them so it's a little bare but still the perfect place to sit and watch the boars go by.

It's hard to leave home when you know you won't be back for four months. And it's hard to leave knowing that all your "stuff" is staying there! We women and our stuff - aren't we funny about it. :) I had the hardest time deciding what sewing stuff had to go and what had to stay - I wanted to take it all!
As we pulled out of the driveway I put a CD in and the first song I heard was by Mercy Me - "Here Am I Lord, Send Me". If I needed a confirmation that we were doing what we were supposed to, I certainly got it - don't you just love when He does that?
My husband drove the truck and pulled the camper. We aren't living in it but we want to make a few weekend trips so we're taking it along. I drove the car behind him ... I thought this would be my view all the way to the mission.




But then I realized that God had rolled out the carpet for me - not a red one but a white lace one! it covered both sides of the highway all the way through Arkansas!


I got a fortune cookie at lunch and it said this...You first have to make an exit in order to make an entrance to something better. I love that.



12 comments:

Jacquie said...

Be safe, Marlene. I can't wait to hear how God uses y'all!!

Grammy Staffy said...

Best of luck dear Marlene. May God bless you both as you start on this mission. I know that it must be hard to leave your beautiful home by the lake. I think that your home by the lake must be a little piece of heaven...especially with the love that is there. I am sure that God will keep it safe while you are gone. Our dear friends just got back from serving a mission in Australia for a year and a half. It was hard but they said it was so worth it. You two and they are such good examples for us. It makes me think that maybe John and I should follow in your footsteps.

Good luck dear as you start of this journey of love and service.
Hugs, Lura

Marie Rayner said...

God bless you Marlene. I wish that Todd and I could do what you and your husband are doing. Praying that your home will be safe while you are away and that you and your husband have a safe and successful mission. xxoo

Angie said...

God speed and God bless
xxx

Becky said...

Safe travels, Marlene! And God bless you and your husband as you go to be the hands and feet of Christ. Thank you!!

Amelia said...

May this trip doing the Lord's will be among the most wonderful months of your life. God will send many blessings to you - some you may not realize until later.

Arkansas Patti said...

I can see why you hate to leave such a lovely setting but it "tis a wonderful thing you do."
Have a full and rewarding 4 months.
Hope you will be able to continue updateding.

Julie in the Barn said...

Have a safe trip, Marlene. My wish for you is a happy summer that brings you as much joy as you give others.

molly said...

Best of luck on your journey!

Marge said...

Many blessings are being sent to you as you begin this journey. I do hope you'll be able to keep posting.

Marge

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Jody Blue said...

It is sweet you noticed the lace carpet, not many would have saw it that way. Oh do I know what you mean by us women and our stuff.