Here Goes Apples!

OK Friends, this is it!  It's one thing to talk about doing something... it's quite another to actually DO IT!  And we are DOING IT! :)  My husband Doug said it right, I'm on the diving board edge, freaking out about jumping in.  

You know, I STILL remember the first time I jumped off a diving board, I was about seven or eight years old and let's just say that was a REALLY long time ago.  As I stood there shivering at Lake Conner Park where we camped in a borrowed camper that summer, I was terrified and exhilarated all at the same time.  I will never forget shouting "Well, here goes apples!"  To this day I'm not sure what apples had to do with jumping, but it's what I hollered.  

I DID IT!  I JUMPED!  

And here I am to tell about several decades later!  You will never know what God has in store for you if you don't JUMP!  When we are in over our head is when we see God work the mightiest.  I don't know what all He has in store for this trip.  But I have a feeling there is something to simplifying, appreciating what He has made, and building relationships that last.  We are learning all about teamwork, we are learning about letting go of stuff, and we are learning about trusting in Someone with a bigger vision for our life than we could ever have. 

What is God doing in your life?  What area are you having a hard time trusting Him?  Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

⁹ 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts."

So whatever it is, a cross-country trip in an RV with nine children or a trip to China to minister to orphans, in my case, God is worthy of our trust.  He's got this.  

Moving is such sweet sorrow…

We are at the part of the Great Adventure where it doesn’t really feel like an adventure at all; it feels like I am sinking in the mire of a million boxes, bubble wrap, and dust while the violins of sentimentality play 

their melancholy melodies over and over in my head.  What are we doing?  Where are we going?  Are we crazy?  Why are we doing this?  And then the “What Ifs” start.  I won’t bore you with all of them, but trust me, there are plenty.

In the midst of the NOISE of moving, it has been a challenge to see the BEAUTY in the chaos.  But I’m choosing to see it. 

Small things have brought smiles… a pair of Heelys found on Kingwoodyardsales.com in the exact size and colors we wanted; a FOUND ipod after praying about it together (it was lost on the college campus and turned in to Campus police.); a friend who came and helped pack; and making a dinner that everyone liked.

As my Facebook status this week I’ve chosen to make a “Gratefulness Challenge” every morning where I list something for which I’m thankful.  It’s great because it helps me think of many things actually. I mean, I  can’t list the first thing that pops into my head because then everyday would say, “I’m thankful for coffee.”

Life is messy.

Adventures are messy.

And there is beauty, even in the mess.

What are you thankful for in the midst of the mess? 

IT'S PAID FOR!!!

MOVING SALE and FUNDRAISER REPORT

See my really cool fundraising gauge there? >>>>>

I think it needs a big 

at the top!!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  

The entire amount needed for my trip has been graciously provided.  My family and friends have bought books, donated garage sale items, and given funds towards the trip in July.  

A HUGE 

to all who donated.  I am so thankful.

The moving sale is over and raised almost $500! 

Rejoice with me at the provision and grace of our Great God!

LORD, Your Grace is Enough.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

That is the scripture I posted on my Facebook page this morning.  Seven hours ago when I wrote that I wasn't so sure about this day.  I wanted to say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."  But wasn't so sure that would be possible.  Having too much to do with too little sleep and too short on patience, I began recalling scriptures about grace and strength.  Posting them I hoped would be a reminder to me and an encouragement to others to trust in His goodness and grace.  

Praise the Lord, and thank you for your prayers.  His grace truly carried me today.  As I sit and type at this moment I miraculously have a napping baby (who Emily rocked to sleep!  ROCK ON EM!) have two kids at a birthday party, two at play practice, and three littles playing in the backyard with their teen sissy.  

He provides what we need when we lean on and trust in Him.  It seems lately that most of what I have to offer is weakness, tiredness, and chaos that is not so beautiful.  But I'm finding that it is IN the mess, IN the weariness, and IN the moment I call out, that I find the strength I need.  It does not come from me, it comes from Jesus.  He truly is all we need.

Life is beautiful chaos. 

Today is a BIG DAY!

I'm sending my packet off to Show Hope with all my documentation.  

Pray for SAFE TRAVELS for my package!  

I continue to pray for God's will to be done in myself and my family as I prepare for this trip.  His plans are for GOOD! His plans are for HIS glory and I want to glorify and honor Him in it all. 

See my really cool fundraising gauge -->>>>

Would you consider giving? 

* You can paypal me at snaudirsch at gmail.com 

(use the @ sign - duh)

* You can write a check to me and give it to me at Super Friday or by mail. 

* You can write a check to Show Hope 

and I will mail it to them with a donor form 

so you can get tax deduction for it. 

I have raised over half of the funds I need for my trip!

I have $2100.00 left to pay.

thank you for your prayers and gifts!

life is beautiful chaos