Dependence

Well, God is teaching me a lot about dependence on Him. This past week God has brought 2 challenges into my life. They both have positive spins to them, but also require faith & dependence.

First of all Greg and I have decided that we are going to have a 20 year old guy live with us for 6 months starting in June. He is from one of our sister churches in Colorado and will be in Orlando going throughout the BMW STEP Program. We feel confident in God's leading about this, but also realize that there will be sacrifices. However, one of our goals with moving to Orlando and this last summer purchasing a home is to allow our home to be a home to whoever needs one. A safe haven for people to grow in their walks with God. So, the adventure will begin the middle of June. I am sure once we get to know our new housemate photos will appear on the blog.

Also, yesterday I found out that my boss is going to move on to another job. He has been involved with GCM for 15 years, and has in the past 6 months played a key role in challenging me to face my fears. While I realize God has a plan, there is sadness and many things to process.

Thus again God brings me back to depending on Him. I believe this will be a life long lesson for us all, but I hope as I grow that it will become more natural.

I love Orlando, but I am still looking for my secret get-away "God Spot"
in Orlando - I think this is the first place I have lived that I have not had one - however I know God will reveal this just when I need it most.

P.S. My parents are hopefully coming to visit the 2nd week of April - hopefully all you locals will have a opportunity to meet them:)
-C-line

Blooming

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

As I set out to work on Thursday praying as I drove, I noticed the small green buds & new growth all around me. The things that were dormant and appeared to be dead were "waking up." As I continued to talk with God, I realized he is doing the same thing in me.

It is spring in my heart. There are small buds stemming from my heart. The fears that have held me back for almost 5 years are beginning to be broken.

As many of you know 5 years ago in a 6 months period I lost 2 friends. One a girl in the Bible Study I lead, and the other a guy who was like a brother to me. After experiencing the shock and reality of the frailness of life, I did not realize the lies that Satan began to root in my life.

Well, 5 years later, I still have my struggles, but for the first time I am acknowledging my fears & trusting God to free me. This means taking huge scary steps of faith - but in an odd way I am at peace in doing so.

To some who have never lost someone really close to them, they may not understand the way your view of life changes, and for those who have lost someone close, you may understand my struggles.

So, let the buds flower God, teach me to live a life of dependence on you, and to live a life of freedom and not fear.

Please pray for me as I daily trust God to provide me FREEDOM!!!

Fun Photos

Greg and his Dad (Ken) building shelves in the garage when his parents came to visit. We had a great time & they did a lot of handyman work. Our shelves ROCK!









Love at first sight (Lydia our niece & Buckeye)........ Buckeye continues to grow & love kids! He has become the "church dog" all the kids from church who wish they had a dog come visit & provide Buckeye with lots of fun & exercise.










Carol & I spend a day at Leu Gardens in Orlando - and amazing must see botanical garden. The roses were in full bloom. It was a relaxing time soaking in all of the beauty around us.












While we don't know of any kids on the way for us yet, this is a photo of Greg & Bauer - our friends adorable son. Don't you think he will make a good day some day? I do!

No broken bones

Well, it has been a while since I posted a update - here is the latest

1. I am going to Amsterdam on a mission’s trip - along with this I am choosing to face my fears and follow God. The journey has been good so far, but the spiritual attacks have all ready started. Please pray for me & Jenni as we co-lead the team & for the planning and details.

2. Monday night around 10:15 - I slipped and feel & severely sprained my right ankle. After 12 hours of sitting in the ER waiting room I was finally able to see a Doctor. Nothing is broken, but I am homebound & it has been frustrating for me. God is teaching me about learning to rest & allow others to serve me, however this is very difficult for me.

3. In general I am down today - the ankle thing plays a large part I am sure, however just prayer for my spirits would be good. Greg works the next 3 days so I will be by myself, pray that I will use the time wisely. More to come on all that God has been teaching me in regard to the Amsterdam trip - he has spoken much to me through scripture in the last month.
Until Later,
Caroline