Sunday, September 2, 2007

Blown Away by God's Love!

Wow! I have been blown away by "God's intervention into the affairs of man". (Unfortunately, I can't think of the reference for this quote--I'm sure my husband could tell you!)

First, as we stated in our latest update and blog entry, God miraculously provided a house and car within our price range. Everyone shakes their head when they see "our" house and hears the price we are paying. There is no logical explanation for these sweet deals!

Second, we had asked for prayer to find an affordable landscaper to replace the existing sprinkler system and lay sod in the front yard of our house. The renters were not very happy when the sprinkler system failed completely! The bids came in at over $5,000! A supporter, Dale Alvarez, contacted us with someone who bid the job at $4800. I explained to him that we were missionaries and there was no way we could afford that. "My 19 year old son and I will do ANYTHING to lower the cost. We'll work right along side you! We can haul the old grass to my parents' ranch and dump it to save money. We'll do anything!" I pleaded. The following day he contacted me and said he would do everything for half the cost! With tears of joy streaming down my face, I told him that I believed he was the answer to the prayers of over 200 people who were praying that God would supply our needs regarding our landscaping. "I will not be making money on this job," he responded, "I am doing it because you are missionaries." Victor attends a local Catholic church. I do not know where he stands with our Lord, but I do know that God chose to use him to meet our needs. Wow!

Last, I received a form email from a high school friend, Julie Sayre, saying she had moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area and had changed her email address. As I read her email, I noticed under her name that it said, "Creative Memories Consultant." Although I knew she was extremely creative, I had no idea she did photo scrapbooking! I was so excited because I had been feeling compelled to make a photo album for Teyler (our first born--19 years old) since he will have VERY little physical contact with us because he will be staying here in the States for college. I immediately emailed Julie and asked her advice about supplies. She not only answered my supply questions, but said she would like to make a digital scrapbook documenting in words and photos our journey from being a "normal" (at least somewhat normal) family to becoming a missionary family! She said if I would send her the words and photos, she would put it together! The end product would be a professionally bound book!

Now, this might not seem like a big deal to you, but IT IS A BIG DEAL! I think it shows God's desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives. Nothing is too little (or too big) for God. The timing on all these examples is not just coincidence. These examples speak of the character and very nature of God. He is a God who wants to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). But, even more amazing, is how when I said "Yes" to missions, I was so fearful of all the "sacrifices" I would have to make. I see now that we can NEVER out give God. Truly, God has provided for all our needs and has thrown in personal touches to boot! What an AWESOME God we serve!

P.S. I went to the passport office in San Francisco last week and was told there would be NO PROBLEM getting a replacement passport within a week of my departure date (or 24 hours if I wanted to pay more.) So, I will continue to look for my passport until two weeks before my departure date--hopefully end of September! Please continue praying that I will find the missing passport!

P.P.S. It is a weird feeling to post a blog and then have NO idea if ANYONE is reading what we write. If you are reading our posts (even if we don't know you!), we'd love it if you click where it says comments and simply say, "Hi, from (your name)." Thanks so much!

17 comments:

Trena Chellino said...

Yes someone is reading your blogs. I love a good missionary biography and this is like getting it chapter by chapter as it's being written!

Unknown said...

I am reading. It's good to see where prayer is needed and the answer when it comes! God is blessing us as He blesses you! Because I have been praying, I feel like part of what you are doing when I read these answers.

Bob (aka Susan Tunison - don't ask!)

Brad Boydston said...

Yes we're reading. And yes you've got a great place to live once you get yourselves out here to Guam. :-)

Eric and Karyn Sorenson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melissa Heck said...

I'm reading too. I am looking forward to meeting you when you get here.

Karen said...

Hi Guys...I'm reading, and enjoying watching your new lives unfold. We too are experiencing some similarities for we are being obedient to God's calling. Talk to you soon. Hey, let Katie know she is missed by my Katie...hopefully they will become email penpals soon. Karen

Unknown said...

Hi from Julie. We are reading it.

cb said...

Hi, from cb

Scott & Brenda said...

We've enjoyed reading! My Stewardship & Finance group which I chair this year prayed for you last month when we first heard Eric was looking for a car and house. God is good! Blessings!

Scott & Brenda (MN cousins)

Unknown said...

I have you on my "Check Often" list of web sites and read everything you write. It's very exciting to read how God has been providing.

Unknown said...

How exciting! Praise God!

Liz said...

Hi! I learned of you through book
postings on HSLDA's website. I've enjoyed reading your blogs this morning. Will pray and follow your ministry!

Debbie Jones said...

I enjoy reading your blog and to see how God is working in your lives. I will keep praying for your entire family and look forward to your next blog.

Unknown said...

Hi It's Joyce and I am reading your blog Can't wait to see you the end of the month. Your Hubby and Son are doing well it seems but I know they are missing you and the girls. See you soon.

Unknown said...

I'm reading your blogs when you refer to it. You have a knack in story telling! It was fun packing some of your stuff up with Loretta and chatting with her. She's easy to talk with. I heard you found your passport! Praise God! It was right were you thought it would be, right? Oh! Praise God, I got a job offer today! I'm SO grateful and it's such good timing. God has grown me much in so many ways in the past year. Now, I'm ready to start working again. I look forward to your next newsletter/blog! :)

Melody and Tim Plaxton: said...

HI Karyn - Lots of us are reading; and I was glad to hear of your safe arrival here! See you soon!
Melody

Freda Morrow said...

Yes, I love to read all of your comments Karen and Eric. We heard you had a 7 point earthquake just as you arrived Karen, any damage?
Hope the girls are enjoying school and doing well with this change. I pray for you and the family.
Freda Morrow