good

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28


Our pastor has been teaching about this verse for the last several weeks. Today he talked about the word "good" and how our idea of good and God's might be very different. In our world, good means things work out for our benefit and according to our plans. But Pastor Robert argued that actually, "good" means that God is working in all circumstances in a way that will make us more like Christ.


Which got me thinking about the things that I just don't understand about my own life lately... it has been a sort of stressful season around the Gentry house. We don't know exactly how we're going to provide for this Itsy Bitsy (student loans?), we feel really unprepared to be parents (though I keep hearing that you never quite feel ready... right?), it seems like our to-do lists are never ending, and the unsold flip house has been a burden of worry, sort of hanging over me like a dark cloud that steals my sleep and gives me a constant pit of anxiousness in my tummy.

As I talked to God and to Adam yesterday about the "good" in this jumble of chaos, one thing kept coming to my mind: humility. I can be kind of a jerk when I think that there is one best way... and I really like things to be neat and tidy and planned out (the word "control freak" comes to mind). Pretty much, our life is the opposite of neat and tidy and planned right now... and my "one best way" for the flip house- tons of research and budgeting- just isn't working out as I'd hoped.

Pray for me on this journey to humility and graciousness. I desire to be the type of person who has the mercy to restore people and disperses grace liberally about things ranging from finances (and real estate- haha!) to parenting and beyond.

And I'm sorry I've been less than humble about life in the past. As you can tell from the craziness that has ensued in my life over the last several months (no jobs for next year, still unsold flip house, no idea how in the world to take care of the little one that will be here in a month, financial chaos for next year that no amount of budgeting or planning can solve), I just don't have my stuff together. Sorry I hold you to a standard that I can't meet myself.

Just so you know, the rest of this series at church has been phenomenal. You can hear yesterday's sermon (it says it'll be up by Tuesday), and the others about Romans 8:28 here.

the top five of costa rica- #5 CONVERSATIONS

I’ve saved this one for last because I think it’s probably the most important highlight of our trip (and has the most potential to change our lives in the future, albeit in small ways). Now, I know that talking about doing something and actually doing it are two very different things, but I’m still thankful for the talking part- the beginning stages of actions that get you headed in the right direction. Or even for the talking it out part that allows you to see the big picture of what the Lord has done more clearly.

That’s why our conversations were the best part of this trip… it was so good to have time with Adam to plan and look ahead and to reflect and be thankful for what God has done and is doing in us. We talked a lot about the Itsy Bitsy, about ourselves as parents, about our hopes and the parts of parenting we’re terrified about. We talked some about the struggles we anticipate and about how we both have the tendency to be a little severe. We’ll definitely need to learn how to pick our battles, loosen our oh-so-high-expectations death grip and get some perspective about the really important stuff. We tried to think of the really fantastic parents we know and what they do well. We know that, no matter how well planned we are, that God will orchestrate all sorts of failures and detours… but it’s good to have something to shoot for and “must-do’s” to guide us back when we get lost. We talked about next year- what we think the Lord is asking of us and what an adventure it’ll be. And we talked a lot… a lot… about how thankful we are for the last five years, but I think that might be a whole different post.


Thanks for letting me reminisce all week, y’all… it has made it easier to settle back in and be away from the sun and all things vacation-y to look through pictures and think a little about the trip in order to share with you! :)

trust

While we were in Costa Rica, the guy that made an offer on the flip house rescinded his offer. Such a bummer! I've been praying lately that the Lord would give me a thankful, faith-filled trust when we receive great news AND not-so-great news... and here's my chance to practice!

In my efforts to have a more thankful, eternal perspective, I've been reflecting on the priceless, extravagant blessings of the Lord. Just a few things to praise Him for: the grace of the cross, a too-good-to-be-true, don't deserve him husband, a life full of met needs and luxuries I don't need... the Lord has more than provided for us in all things in the past, and we trust Him with the flip house now.

worship in "the middle"

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away, may the name of the Lord be praised.” JOB 1:21

As Adam and I have been reading through the book of Job this January, I have been so convicted and humbled by his example of unceasing worship in the most dire of circumstances.
I keep coming back to the first chapter and the way Job responded to the news that all of his wealth, and the lives of his ten children, were all taken in ONE DAY... he ripped his robe, shaved his head, and worshipped the Lord!
I, on the other hand, am such a grumbler! I petition the Lord when I’m worn out by long days at school, complain when the flip house doesn’t sell on my schedule, look toward heaven with sadness (or anger!) when our plans for dental school don’t fall into place exactly as I’d hoped. May these verses be deeply imprinted on our hearts, and may Adam and I respond with worship in each circumstance, regardless of how close or far it falls from our hopes or expectations.