Monday, November 17, 2008

God's Church

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper*), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

How many of have ever really thought about what "God's Church" is? I always said the blanket "Fellowship with other believers, discipleship, blah, blah, blah." You know, I never really understood what I talked about.

For the last 6 weeks my husband and I have really seen what "God's Church" is. As you know, my awesome hubby lost his job. Well, 4 days later, I lost mine. Within one week our lives were completely uprooted, turned upside down, and we would finally learn and understand faith, hope, trust and love in God. I was devastated when I found out we were both unemployed. What about bills, health insurance, the kids, food, life? I hyperventilated. I cried. I screamed (um, yeah, crazy woman in her truck at a park screaming). I questioned God "WHY? How could you do this do us?!?!?!" I was angry, depressed, everything. I found emotions I never knew existed. Yet, underneath it all has truly been a peace I could never have found on my own.

This peace I have is not from me. Only God can give it. It is the peace and the joy Paul is always talking about. I still worry, and cry, and stress, and lose patience, get angry, etc. I just can't explain it. We still have no jobs, we are completely broke with no mortgage, electricity, cars, etc paid for, we lose insurance in about 2 weeks, yet, somehow God's love is still in me. The bad of this is not Him, but the peace and joy is. I love God more now than before. I LOVE staying at home with the girls. I love fixing dinner and eating BEFORE 6. I know it will be short lived and soon (hopefully) I will return to work. Until then I praise God I am where I am.

So, back to God's church. You always hear about how "Did you hear about that person that helped that other person?" Well we have received so much in the last month I just can't describe how I feel. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love for everyone who has prayed and helped. You are all awesome.

So far we have gotten gas money, childcare money, costco gift cards, olive garden gift card, a free awesomely comfy leather couch, food, food, and more food. We couldn't have done it with the help and prayers of others. I can't wait till this chapter of trials is over, but for now I thank God for what we do have. So many others out there don't.

I leave you with this little story from sweet Sophia. Tonight I asked her "What are you thinking?" She answered "Gawd." I ask, "What about God?" "How he make aminals (yes that is spelled right) and he make ME!" I love her! She is so in love with Jesus and God. Everytime a worship song comes on she raises her hands and says "Praise Jesus!"

Caleb and Gio playing hockey for the first time! Oh, Nick made the Junior League Hockey Team in Butte! Good job!
George's birthday party! Happy er um 40 something?
He is the best husband ever!
Happy Halloween!
Family pictures at Camp this summer!

4 comments:

Kathyb1960 said...

Hi,

I am Kathy in West Texas, and I have been following your blog, and almost e-mailed you the other day to see if you guys were OK since I hadn't seen anything since your last post.

I just want to share with you that I was without a job for a couple of months. I was doing some Temp work, but I would also fret about how I was going to pay my bills, ESPECIALLY rent! I was on Unemployment for a short time, but that got messed up, so I had no money scheduled to be coming to me for about a month.

I prayed and tried to have a LOT of faith in trusting God for my bills, and my rent. I KNEW He would come through. He always does. But for the rent that was due for Oct 1st, I was really praying! I did start a new job on Sept 29th, but of course, no paycheck till Oct. 10th! And that for only 1 week. My Mother helped me some, as well, but they are retired.

I didn't know how I was going to pay rent, but it finally came down to the Thursday before I would have to pay rent. I had decided on Friday morning I would go to the Baptist organization that helps you pay bills/rent, etc. Early that morning I went to get my mail, AND GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

I had a relative send me a nice-sized check that enabled me to pay rent, get gas, & get groceries! WOO WOO! I was shouting and Praising God! And what is so amazing about that money getting sent to me, is that this was right after the hurricane that hit the Houston area, and my relatives live right in the middle of it. Yet, God remembered me to them, and blessed me! I was so happy not to have to go ask for the money!

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS MERCIES! THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING!

I now have a pretty good job that I thank God for very much. I know that God will take care of you and your family because He always takes care of me. I will keep you in my prayers!

I hope this wasn't too long, but God is good!

Kathy in West Texas

KT said...

Sandra,
So glad to hear you all are hanging in there, and that God is meeting your needs. Its beautiful to watch the church in action!
Thinking of you and praying for you all!!
KT

Leslie said...

I'm so thankful that God has been there with you through this and that He's brought your church along side you. That is very rare, and something to be thankful for. I'm praying for you all. It was so great to meet your family and for the girls to see each other again.

the ewings said...

So blessed to hear how the church is supporting you during this tough time. You are contantly in my prayers. Sophie is sooo cute! - Chris