Posts Tagged ‘new friends’

Fill the Gap

Monday, November 12th, 2018

I had to give my testimony yesterday at church. It was in private with 2 very thoughtful and gentle men, who serve to recommend new members to the committee. It’s important to know who you are joining ranks with, honestly. For them and for me (us). God’s work is and should be the highest calling on our life. I want to be in a church who serves and obeys HIM and I’m glad to know they want a heart like mine to do what my gifts allow in their church too!

Win win.

I cried during my testimony because I am an emotional human. Before and after, throughout my whole life. A bundle of emotions. My story isn’t sweet or easy. It’s complicated and sometimes really ugly. While I didn’t go into every detail just how ugly, both men were very kind to listen and love just the same.

The truth is, I am a miracle. My life is one to point straight to Christ for saving me out of the miry pit and putting me on a path of righteousness. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home. It was never important to love God. So, when I found out just how much God loved me….. I RAN DOWN THAT ALTER!

Fast forward and you see my life has always been strategically patterned by God. Even the toughest times, He offered grace and mercy to push me forward in love. During my testimony, both my hubby and I had to admit…WE DO NOT KNOW WHY God has sent us to Montana. But we know He has a plan and He wants to use us here. Our ministry is alive and well. This church needs us as much as we need them.

While I wonder why I’m so far from family and loved ones….

God has provided some GIANTS to stand in the gap. People that love us in spite of us (which is the case for everyone back home too!). I told my hubby on Saturday that I cannot understand a love like we’ve been shown FROM STRANGERS (who are all now friends, of course!) that care for us, even knowing we have nothing to offer them back!

They are a gift from God. These good people who God sent to stand in the gap for me. I love them and I love Him for loving me that much to use them in my life!

I LOVE MY NEW LIFE IN MONTANA! I will get back to normal, some day.

Lord,
You are all-knowing and all-powerful. There’s NOTHING you cannot do or won’t do to show your love. Thank you for the ones you’ve sent to stand in the gap for Don and me. We are so loved, through your children in Montana.
Amen

Smiling At Strangers

Thursday, August 2nd, 2018

I can’t make this stuff up. GOD JUST KEEPS BOWLING ME OVER WITH LOVE & BLESSINGS!

My lunch date yesterday was fabulous! I’m confident that I have found a sweet friend in Jeanie! She teaches here for Bozeman Schools, she just moved from Westfield and teaching at Pike which is a stones throw from Zionsville!

She and her hubby moved here June & July. Him first, her after their house sold. For them, they are brand new empty nesters (7 children) and they moved here for his dream job in Big Sky!

Of course. I told you Big Sky was amazing!

During our conversation she told me several cool encounters her hubby has had since building dream homes for the rich and famous up in Big Sky. She rattled off a few amazing names and then she said, “My husband is really excited that he met his favorite author, CJ BOX!”.

I stopped her right there! W H A T?

My husband is going to flip! And guess what he did as we were walking the streets downtown last night when I mentioned this about my friend? He slammed on the brakes and said, WHAT? Are you serious?

Haha! So funny.

During our lunch date, we both realized that our guys would certainly get along great (he loves hunting….Yellowstone and more)! So, guys….here are our new friends. Jeanie & Jon!

God wasn’t finished there.

Last night I picked hubby up from work and we went downtown to the same area I was for lunch. The town shuts down Main St for a food festival called Bozeman Eats. It is glorious! Bands playing at every end and food vendors everywhere! We walked, talked and ate some good grub! Then we decided to pop into the Mexican restaurant I had eaten lunch earlier for a bathroom break and a cold drink (it was hot like fire outside)!

There were zero seats….so, I looked over and a table was missing from a section that had a wallbooth spot. I hopped up and sat down and a man was sitting at a table alone right beside us. He said, Hi and started asking us questions. Seriously, so friendly. Then his cute wife showed up and the rest is history!

We spent the rest of the evening talking and getting to know one another.

People are good. They aren’t thrown by newness in this area. We had lots in common and as God would have it…

We made sweet friends right there in the Toro Mexican restaurant!


I can’t believe they weren’t even alarmed at my awkwardness! hehe

All is well. All is going to be well. All is well in the hands of God!

Better People

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

I've spent the morning walking all around one of the most beautiful yards in Indiana.  The gardens are full of every flower and plant known to this area.  I kept finding myself thinking, "Is anyone else taking the time to enjoy all of this?".  Ms. Sandy (my lovely host) is a busy lady.  I was passenger to just a tid-bit of her life yesterday.  Everywhere she goes, she stomps on the gas of her SUV…I can only describe it as being similar to riding on a rollercoaster at Six Flags because this lady flies and the roads around here…..are long and winding!  Weeeeeeeeee!

I've been a guest here since Tuesday and not one minute of my stay has been boring.  I think I've mentioned they live in the middle of nowhere.  It took about 30 minutes to get to "town" yesterday (which was West Lafayette).  The land just goes and goes all around but the beauty and excitement goes even further.  

If you can't find a place to park it and soak up God's goodness around here…then you are not looking very hard.  Everywhere you turn, there's something beautiful.  It is a sight to behold.

I can't imagine living in such a beautiful place and sharing it with the many (like the Hageman's do) friends and family.  I can see they have figured out some very important values in life.  Love people.  Love them for who they are and what God is doing in their lives.  Bring them in, allow them to shine, enjoy the moments you share and send them away BETTER PEOPLE than when they arrived.

For every trail in life…leads to something wonderful.  If you're watching carefully, you might just find the ones God places in your path are there to teach you something.  

God,

Your works are amazing.  You bless me with such tender blessings.  Thank you for new friends and fun times.  My heart is full and I know it all comes from you.

Amen