Tuesday April 2, 2019

Isaiah 26:3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.

Jeff and I had a conversation last night about the scripture from March 30, Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19) and in doing so he presented me with a different way to read this scripture. I read this as God providing me with an anticipation of what is to come, that He is preparing the way for me and there is something waiting for me just around the corner. But Jeff gave me a different perspective. God could also be reassuring me that He has this all under control, to stop preoccupying myself with the future and be present in today. I think I actually like the latter better, plus it goes hand in hand with today’s scripture. God has this all under control. He has plans for us, that while we don’t know what they are just yet, He is our rock and as long as we trust in Him and listen for His call, we will be provided with countless blessings in the future.

I was with the girls today while Jeff and David headed to Budila, a small village where Firm Foundations Romania (FFR) runs a Kids Club (aka: preschool) and an after-school program. The boys were home pretty early and the girls had done pretty well with their schoolwork, so all in all it was a successful day. Lucia was so excited to have a texting conversation with one of her best friends from India, Ellie. Ellie has always been so sweet and loving towards Lucia and Lucia was so excited to get a bunch of pictures of her time with Ellie. Even from India, Ellie made her day and Lucia learned a valuable lesson that even if our friends are not right next to us, they are still very close to our heart. Here are a few of the pictures she got today:

David said he enjoyed himself at Budila, but according to Jeff, David never left his side. David has always been so timid when it comes to new situations and I guess today was no different. What I find interesting is how he describes the experience. When he got home and I asked him about the day, his response was “it was awesome”. I wonder if he had another opportunity to go back if he would be more interactive with the children. But either way, I am glad he enjoyed himself.

Jeff and I ended up leaving the kids behind at the house for about an hour and a half so we could help Steffi move about 100 banana boxes filled with adult clothes. Once we got home we made a quick dinner of oatmeal and toast for the kids and grilled cheese sandwiches for us.

As I look back on today’s scripture and conversation that Jeff and I had last night, I am amazed how we can read the same scripture in different ways. I think we read it in the ways we need at the time, but I also think it is important to be open to differing viewpoints and perspectives because then we can really open ourselves up to hearing God’s true word. I don’t think it is about right and wrong, but rather how God is speaking to us at that certain moment. On Saturday I read it one way, but the same scripture on Monday evening had a totally different tone and lesson.

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