Living in limbo....

While meeting with friends and supporters, we've been asked lately, "What is it like living in limbo, not knowing whether or not your visas will be approved and you will be going back to Brazil?"

Why, yes....it is a little uncomfortable...not knowing...but does anyone ever really know what lies in the road ahead? We're called to live by faith.

My friend Julie sent me the excerpt below from the daily devotional, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.

You will not find My peace by engaging in excessive planning attempting to control what will happen to you in the future. That is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans, peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion.

I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me. Bring Me all your needs, your hopes and fears. Commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path of peace.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:5

Actually, we're all living in "limbo" every day. We don't know when a curve in the road will appear. We just know that HE knows about the curve. HE knows about EVERY curve. HE knows what lies on the other side of that curve and wants us to have complete trust in Him. HE knows what He's doing.

I am finding great comfort in being reminded that I don't need to navigate those curves. I only need to have faith in Him. The curves will come, but our destination will not change!

Growing in Him,

Diane

Feeling Blessed by Godly Wisdom and Counsel!

During these past 18 days since we've been back in the US, God has so beautifully orchestrated time with godly and wise couples. We've been able to spend time in prayer together, share our victories, and our heart's desires as we begin this...unplanned by us, but ordained by God----time back in the states.

The top photo is of Jeff's parents, Stan and Eleanor, who have been a constant stream of encouragement to us all of our 29 years of marriage. They have prayed for us unceasingly, supported and listened at all times. How wonderful it was to be able to spend time with them in Diane's hometown, Minneapolis, and enjoy the fall colors at Lake Minnehaha Park together, soaking up their love and godly wisdom!

The second photo is of George and Donna, our pastors to missionaries. They "just happened" to be taking a trip to Chicago from California, which put them on the interstate just a couple miles from the home in Iowa in which we are staying. They served the Lord for 30 years in Venezuela and had some excellent counsel for us! They were a great encouragement to us as we enjoyed a Mexican meal together. We were blessed to be able to share this special time together and glean from their godly wisdom, as well.

The third photo is of Dave and Becky, who served faithfully on the mission field in Bangladesh. We spent an evening together in their home sharing a meal, battlefield stories and good humor! How precious to nurture this friendship that God orchestrated a few years ago through their implementation of our "Senders" group. Dave and Becky were scheduled to visit us in Rio in October to provide some leadership training, and instead we were able to enjoy some time together here in Iowa!

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

"Honey, I'm Home!"

So much has happened since we left Rio on September 16th! God has his fingerprints clearly on all of it and it is so encouraging in the midst of the unknown, to be reminded that HE alone is in control....as usual! He is meeting all of our needs each step of the way!

Let me begin by sharing where we "landed" on September 17th. God provided us a "home away from home" near our church and Hannah's high school. We've been blessed with the opportunity to live with a wonderful, godly couple in Johnston, Iowa. They are a part of our "Senders" group and have been praying for our ministry during the past five years. They have graciously opened up their home to all four of us! Above is a photo of Dean and Julie.

We have enjoyed our time here immensely and God has knitted our hearts together! We've broken bread together, prayed together, shared our hearts for ministry, and laughed like crazy! We share similar senses of humor and each time one of us comes home and enters the house, we yell out, "Honey.....I'm home!!!"

Ephesians 4:19-20 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.