TEN TEN TEN

10-10-10 Wow! It's a good day for an update here. Tomorrow will be the 6-month anniversary of our move to Texas. It doesn't seem possible that we have been here six months already. We like it here and are happy to consider ourselves Texans. Such a welcome change in weather, such friendliness in people, such a good church we attend, such goodness of God to bring us here -- it's all good!!!

Speaking of church . . .
We have decided to become members and will be attending the membership seminar on October 24th. It didn't take us long to get involved and feel right at home. Larry has attended a couple of men's breakfasts, the men's retreat, and a weekly men's Bible study group. Together we are a part of two mixed group Bible studies and are helping to start a new quarterly gathering of adults in mid-life for fun stuff! I am volunteering two days a week at the asssisted living facility next door to our church, owned by our church. Plus, I'm helping with women's ministry stuff, as needed by the Women's Ministry Coordinator.

On the home front . . .
We had a family friend living with us for two months, and then got to know his family after they all moved here. At first we were getting together here every other Sunday after church, for lunch and on through the afternoon. Recently that changed to having their kids here every other Friday afternoon and evening, spending the night with us and staying until Saturday afternoon. The kids are three boys and one girl, ages six through ten, and totally adorable! So, we have become surrogate grandparents to them and really enjoy the whole family!

Larry still loves his job! It has been an excellent change for him, and he feels that he has the best job in his whole career.

All in all we feel that everything here is a good fit for us and are so thankful for this move. It's clear to us that God led us in this new adventure and trust that He will continue what He began in us.

What could appear to be a glitch in the plan is the fact that our house in Beaverton, Oregon still hasn't sold. Yet, we know there are no "glitches" in God's plans for our lives. We would welcome your prayers for us as we try to understand the "why" and the financial burden of this situation. It is stressful both mentally and financially as we continue to pay all of the monthly expenses for two houses, and watch the bank acounts dwindle. It seems that God is allowing us to be tested, and we are having to continually seek encouragement and strength for this difficult and discouraging time of testing. Six months is a long time to keep on keeping on when God seems silent to our prayers for His help in this matter. But, keeping on we must, for it's in the hard times that our faith is tested and proven!

So, currently we are a bit "cast down", but we must believe that God hasn't forsaken us. He has led us here and given us a good life here. We know that He will complete what he began, for He is good to His children. He has a plan for us that is for our good--not for our harm!

We will stay the course and pass the test, in God's strength that He provides. Please pray for us, for continual encouragement and strength, and wisdom. Thanks!