Feelings......

...they are running the gamut in my life these days.

Excitement

Over our new ministry and home.  Seeing God answer so many prayers and take care of each detail.  Excitement that our new grand baby is a GIRL!!  Excitement in finding lost treasures deep in closets....a long lost bible, my daughter's Ragedy Ann doll I thought I had lost, fun pictures, lost videos!!  So fun!

Exhaustion

As we just finished going through the LAST closet/storage area.  who knew you could collect so much junk?  We were so excited about the storage areas in this house....now I dislike them...because we filled every.single.one.  But we have worked hard to go through them all!!  and we are tired.

Sadness

We have been trying to cut down on our moving expenses, so we have made tough decisions to get rid of things we've had for a long time, some since we first got married.  Most of those things are going to our kids, which makes me happy, but some of them have been sold in a garage sale or gone to goodwill....and that has made me sad.  It's hard to let go of things. However, I was reminded in a quiet time this weekend that these are just "things" and only bring joy for a short time.  What brings joy for a lifetime doesn't take up much room....except in my heart!  :)

It's also been sad as we start the "goodbye" process.  This is never easy and comes with lots of tears. 

Stress

This is a feeling that really has no place in my life....I trust God completely to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.  However, I live in a human, fallible body and stress sneaks in when ever it can.  The item causing the most stress is the sale of our house.  Still waiting on that one.  So each day, and sometimes many times in the day, I have to let go and lay that stress at the feet of Jesus.  We are boldly asking God to sell our house by May 1st....with the knowledge that His plans are best and we want His plan.

Another stress inducer is our schedule. as we get close to the end of our time here, we have so many people that want to meet with us one last time, going away parties to attend, packing to do, a 60th wedding anniversary to attend for my parents, a trip to Indian to make, friends to see and plans to be made.  When I look at my calendar it is overwhelming.  However, God reminds me that He will give me the strength for EACH day and so I take it one at a time!

Encouragement

God always brings encouragement just when we need it most!  through friends, special mail, answered prayer, scripture that speaks to my heart and in so many other ways!  

Blessed

This is by far the feeling I feel the most.  To look back at the year and see how God has taken care of us, how many amazing friends I have praying for us and looking out for us, how I have such a loving family that supports and encourages me and brings me so much joy and a God who promises not only to take care of me but has wonderful plans for me.

I am truly blessed.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11