God's Providence

I received Vision Forum's end of the year newsletter today and thought that I would take a little time to reflect upon it.

It lists three main tasks to do , the first of which is to outline and chronicle the many Providences of God.

1. Where did we travel?
As a family we made several trips to Kansas City, which has changed our family's life because we have decided to follow where God is leading and relocate there.

2. What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2007?
We had new carpet installed through out our house. We replaced all of the linoleum floors ourselves. And we installed new lighting fixtures.

3. What special friendships were made this year?
The Schumacher's. They were very supportive of us as we learned and discerned God's will for our lives. They inspired us to grow as a family and have been a positive role model for us. And they have been an encouragement and comfort during these difficult times.

4. Which children lost teeth and how many?
No children lost teeth, but Joshua got his first two teeth (the bottom front ones) and Jacob got his two year molars.

5. Who grew in physical stature and how much?
Well, Joshua was born and grew from 7 lbs 10 oz to nearly 20 lbs. Jacob grew several inches taller. And mommy's belly grew because she is seven months pregnant, lol.

6. Who learned to read?
No one learned to read, but Jacob learned all of his colors, shapes, how to count and so much more.

7. What diet and exercise regime did I maintain to honor "my temple"?
Unfortunately, none. This is an area where we need to grow.

8. What books did we read? Did we read together? Did my children read?
We did read a few books together, I can't think of them right now, I would have to really look back. I read to the children every day.

9. What Scriptures did my family memorize?
Matthew 6:33 "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you"

10. What were the great personal tragedies of the year?
Wow. Having "Mom" and "Dad"deceive us, steal personal diaries and make copies in a vain attempt to find something bad they could use against us, make false allegations to social services and friends, then sue us for custody of our children when that didn't work, and attempt to destroy our lives.

11. What were the great personal blessings of the year?
Seeing God work in the above situation and turn it into a wonderful blessing for our family.
Being blessed with the birth of Joshua.
Finding out we were expecting baby Joey.
Finding out that we had made some real, true friends.
Finding our new home and having God work out all of the details for us.

12. What were my most significant sins and failures for the year?
Letting anger and frustration take hold during struggles.
Not having patience.

13. What unresolved conflicts/issues am I bringing into 2008?
Well, our custody battle isn't completely resolved (although we know what the outcome will be)
Not having our house here sold.

14. What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
Seeing God triumph over evil when our family was attacked.
Knowing that we stayed on the path God designed for us, despite the difficulties. We were unwilling to compromise or back down to make our lives easier.

15. In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who blessed me and invested in my life?
We have verbally and in writing expressed our gratitude to our dear friends who have shown us love, support and encouragement.

16. What are the top themes of 2007 for the family?
Trust God.
God will provide.
God is truly providential.


The second task is to write a letter to each person who has blessed us and invested in our life. So I intend to work on that this afternoon.

The third task is to make a list of those who have wronged you this year, and then forgive them. This is where my inner toddler screams, "But I don't wanna!" It is so hard to forgive someone who has caused so much pain, but perhaps that is why God requires it.