Yes, it's true... the Earlys will be heading to Iowa on an adventure that only God could orchestrate. Although many of the details are still unclear, we will soon be moving to Des Moines, Iowa to serve at Valley Church. Brandon will continue to serve in his area of greatest passion and calling--youth ministry. I will take some time away from working outside the home to care for our family.
A truly epic adventure is full of twists and turns, ups and downs. We are definitely experiencing heartache as we say good-bye to family and many dear friends. We have been through so much during our 13 years in Rockford and have been blessed with deep and meaningful relationships with so many. As we grieve these losses, we also look forward to the new people, places and ministry that God has waiting for us.
Through all of this, God has been so faithful to lead and to guide, to comfort and encourage. I think God is once again allowing us to really live out the phrase I so often find myself saying, "We don't understand, but we trust."
Please pray that we would continue to listen to God and trust Him with all the details of our move and transition. Right now, we are specifically praying for the sale of our home. He is so good and faithful and we trust Him to take care of us in His perfect timing.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
The Voice
Have you ever been to a youth league soccer game? I have experienced this madness many times. Let me set the scene... Two teams of 12 little boys showing off their cool soccer uniforms and kicking each others shinguards; balls flying every which way; kids waving to their friends playing on the next field; parents shouting advice from the sidelines; kids swatting at bugs; younger siblings being scooped up by their parents as they attempt to run across the field. And this is just the first minute of the game! It is complete chaos most of the time.
After one of these overstimulating games, I hopped in the car with my 7 year old. We drove in silence for a few minutes until I decided to take hold of a teachable moment. "Owen, you have a really great soccer coach. He knows a lot about soccer. I can tell he likes the game. He does a great job of teaching you different skills and then he reminds you to try out those skills in the game. I also can see that he cares about you. He talks to you a lot and gives you special things to work on. He really seems to know the things you are good at and the things that are tricky for you. He tells you good job when you d try a new skill and reminds you when you forget something he has taught you." Owen's response... "uh huh." I decided to plow ahead. "Do you know what I noticed today? Sometimes you don't hear your coach. Sometimes your coach is telling you to do something, but you don't hear him because there is so much noise and other stuff going on. There was even one time when he was trying to tell you good job, but you were too busy being silly with your teammate. Owen, you need to learn to listen for your coach's voice. There will always be noise and other distractions, but if you really listen, you will be able to hear him. You want to know what he is saying. Remember, he knows soccer and he knows you and he wants to help you. Owen's response... "okay."
Although I really do want Owen to listen to his coach, my deepest desire is for him to learn to hear the voice of Jesus. It is the voice that leads us beside quiet waters and guides us in paths of righteousness. It is the voice that calms the storms and the voice that heals. It is the voice of peace and truth. As this world becomes increasingly creative in ways to attract our attention, there is a constant, still small voice that beckons us to come and listen and live.
Matthew 11:15 He who has ears, let him hear.
After one of these overstimulating games, I hopped in the car with my 7 year old. We drove in silence for a few minutes until I decided to take hold of a teachable moment. "Owen, you have a really great soccer coach. He knows a lot about soccer. I can tell he likes the game. He does a great job of teaching you different skills and then he reminds you to try out those skills in the game. I also can see that he cares about you. He talks to you a lot and gives you special things to work on. He really seems to know the things you are good at and the things that are tricky for you. He tells you good job when you d try a new skill and reminds you when you forget something he has taught you." Owen's response... "uh huh." I decided to plow ahead. "Do you know what I noticed today? Sometimes you don't hear your coach. Sometimes your coach is telling you to do something, but you don't hear him because there is so much noise and other stuff going on. There was even one time when he was trying to tell you good job, but you were too busy being silly with your teammate. Owen, you need to learn to listen for your coach's voice. There will always be noise and other distractions, but if you really listen, you will be able to hear him. You want to know what he is saying. Remember, he knows soccer and he knows you and he wants to help you. Owen's response... "okay."
Although I really do want Owen to listen to his coach, my deepest desire is for him to learn to hear the voice of Jesus. It is the voice that leads us beside quiet waters and guides us in paths of righteousness. It is the voice that calms the storms and the voice that heals. It is the voice of peace and truth. As this world becomes increasingly creative in ways to attract our attention, there is a constant, still small voice that beckons us to come and listen and live.
Matthew 11:15 He who has ears, let him hear.
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