When Abundance Looks Like Lack

Hello faithful prayer warriors!   Can you believe it's been eight months since we've landed in the great state of Maine?  I know that we sure can't!  Time has been flying as we've been enjoying the beautiful summer and the beauty of the great outdoors - can you say BEACH DAYS?!  

Since our last update, we have had some answered prayers, and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support!  These answers include Paul getting a couple raises at work, and I can hobble without crutches (while still in my walking cast) which is a huge improvement!   We've also had some friends visit from Texas which so encouraged our hearts!  There is nothing like a bit of home to refresh the spirit!  

Before I get to our current prayer points, I thought that I might share a bit about what's been swirling in my head...the difference between abundance and lack and our perspective about each.   As most of you know, when we left Texas to move to Maine, we traded well-paying jobs with benefits and comfort for a whole lot of unknowns and living on our limited savings account.   Overall, we've seen God provide in amazing ways, and we have been well cared for.  We have a nice apartment in one of the most sought after cities in our area, we have plenty of food, electricity, clothing, and have even had a couple little adventures.   We have stayed mostly healthy, we have connected with a couple different churches and have made some great friends, and we have continued growing in our walks with the Lord.  We are rich in so many ways.   

But how many of you know that these blessings are easy to take for granted?  It's easy to get sucked into a pity party, lamenting all the things you wish you had but don't, all the while forgetting all that you do have.  This is where I've found myself in the last few weeks.     Then I stumbled on this verse:

"From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another." - John 1:16 (NLT)

The Passion Translation says it this way:

"And now out of His fullness we are fulfilled!  And from Him we receive grace heaped upon more grace!"

From His fullness we are fulfilled!   I can't count how many times we have heard, "There is no lack in the Kingdom of God!"  This reminds me of another verse found in Psalm 84:11, which says,

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." (NKJV)

All of this to say, we are living abundant and full lives!   Yes, I miss my regular pedicures, hair appointments, and vacations, but the richness of His peace, His joy, His love, His grace and all that He is, far overshadows any perceived "lack".   And as with everything else on our journey, it's a matter of focus.  Will we revel in how big our God is, or how big our need is?    I would encourage you to join us in putting down stakes in the goodness of God and His great love for us.

So, with all of this in mind, we're asking you to agree with us regarding the following prayer points:

Paul:

• As noted above, there has been some movement on the work scene, with the last couple weeks seeing a couple of raises.  However, since 100% of his income is based on commission, raises are only beneficial when business is coming in.   Please pray for a marketing strategy, as well as favor in building relationships with realtors and establishing connections in the field in order to stay busy throughout even the "dry season" of winter.

Christi:

• My ankle is healing!   It's been a slower process than my patience appreciates (maybe that's what God is working on! hahaha), and I have a very busy 6 weeks ahead of me.   Please pray for continued strengthening of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments and complete healing of the bone.
• On Saturday (Aug 23), I fly out to California to visit with my grandmother, and drive her to Washington state to visit some other family.   I will be gone for 17 days, so please pray for strength for journey, quality time with my family, and for Paul while he's home taking care of the pets and working!
• On Friday, Sept 12, I will be leading worship for a new gathering in Augusta, ME (about an hour north of Portland).  Please agree with us for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our state's capitol!

Both:

• Last week we got notice that our apartment complex is increasing our rent 25-50% (depending on term of lease).   We love this complex, and we love this area, but that increase takes us out of our budget.  Paul has made a counter offer, and we are waiting to hear back if they'll accept that.   Either way, we need to hear from the Lord.  Paul's boss would like for us to move about 30 minutes north, as that will be the area where Paul will be focusing his business.   We have to make our decision about renewing our lease here by Friday, Aug 22, so please agree with us for clarity in hearing His voice regarding where we should live.   
• Most of you know that we have been believing for children.   As we approach our eighth anniversary, please continue agree with us for fulfillment of His promises in this area!
• We are continuing to seek the Lord's direction in how we can partner with Him in releasing His Kingdom in Maine.   Please pray for continued opportunities to share His love and release His freedom in this region!

Thank you all so much for your continued partnership.  We are not so naive to believe that we could be doing this without all of you.   Much love from the great northeast!