God is working in Austin
Well, it has not been the journey I was expecting-- and to complete the analogy: I didn't pack right for this trip. But it's been a great trip nonetheless!
The last seven months here in Austin have been a time of real growth for me. Still confident that God's hand was definitely in our coming here, but less sure everyday exactly why and for what purpose. And even less sure of why things have been so difficult for us here-- our house in Illinois still has not sold-- and has cost of several thousands of dollars to make repairs and updates. We had a real difficulty getting our kids accepted into a Christian school (there were very long waiting lists at all of them) and there have been some struggles with the school they did get into. Work has been especially trying-- I had no idea the level of adjustments I was going to have to make in order to have any success in my new job-- difficult doesn't begin to describe my work life. And home life has been challenging as well with the children sharing a bedroom and all of us sharing a bathroom-- the lack of privacy has really taken a toll on all of us.
But through it all, we have felt God's hand and presence. We have learned we can live with less. We have learned to depend on Him. And He has answered our prayers for a deep and rich church family relationship. Our new church here is definitely the bright spot in our new lives in Austin.
Now, I can see one more reason God brought me here-- yesterday our firm closed a significant deal with a Christian ministry to help them reach the youth of America. This will be the first time I have been able to use my advertising and communications skills directly for God's glory. And, it has brought together a very small group of Christians who were previously sort of "hidden" within the firm. Now, we are front and center with this new business win. Yesterday's meeting was my first true business meeting that opened and closed in prayer-- it was awesome!
So, God is working in Austin-- and I'm blessed that He is able to do small things through me!
Thank you Lord for your wisdom and timing... I know and trust that you hold me closely. Thank you for using me for your purposes. Bless this ministry and our work with them. Amen.
The last seven months here in Austin have been a time of real growth for me. Still confident that God's hand was definitely in our coming here, but less sure everyday exactly why and for what purpose. And even less sure of why things have been so difficult for us here-- our house in Illinois still has not sold-- and has cost of several thousands of dollars to make repairs and updates. We had a real difficulty getting our kids accepted into a Christian school (there were very long waiting lists at all of them) and there have been some struggles with the school they did get into. Work has been especially trying-- I had no idea the level of adjustments I was going to have to make in order to have any success in my new job-- difficult doesn't begin to describe my work life. And home life has been challenging as well with the children sharing a bedroom and all of us sharing a bathroom-- the lack of privacy has really taken a toll on all of us.
But through it all, we have felt God's hand and presence. We have learned we can live with less. We have learned to depend on Him. And He has answered our prayers for a deep and rich church family relationship. Our new church here is definitely the bright spot in our new lives in Austin.
Now, I can see one more reason God brought me here-- yesterday our firm closed a significant deal with a Christian ministry to help them reach the youth of America. This will be the first time I have been able to use my advertising and communications skills directly for God's glory. And, it has brought together a very small group of Christians who were previously sort of "hidden" within the firm. Now, we are front and center with this new business win. Yesterday's meeting was my first true business meeting that opened and closed in prayer-- it was awesome!
So, God is working in Austin-- and I'm blessed that He is able to do small things through me!
Thank you Lord for your wisdom and timing... I know and trust that you hold me closely. Thank you for using me for your purposes. Bless this ministry and our work with them. Amen.
8 Comments:
HE'S ALIVE!!! Glad to hear from you bro! And I'm sorry that there have been such struggles for you and yours. I'll definitely be praying for you!
Blugs!!
(...does this mean we're not getting a Christmas card...?) LOL!
Skip - sorry to hear about the rough spots in your journey, but I'm excited to hear about the marriage of your faith & job - how cool! I'll be praying for your house to sell - I wish I could buy it myself, it was a beautiful house!!!
It is so good to hear from you. I have thought of you often as I go down my list of bloggers and think, no he still has not posted.
It is always humbling to realize the reasons we thought God was directing us in a certain way was not the real reason at all. I am glad you are allowing him to use you in Austin!
Merry Christmas (just in case you take another 3 month break!!)
Awesome news!
Glad you can see God working in all areas of your life!
Merry Christmas!
Skip is back! I thought you'd died!!!!!!!!
I'm sorry about all the challenges at work but don't they make us appreciate the good times?!
Don't be a stranger!
Thanks for posting on my blog so that I knew that life does actually exist in Austin. Will be praying--and also praising God for the blessings He has given you and yours.
Merry Christmas Skip!!
It really is great to "hear" from you again Brother. I'm sad to hear that you've been going through so many struggles, but rest assured...
God has plans for you. Everything that is happening to you (and everything that will happen to you) is part of that plan. And you KNOW He loves you, so just keep on keeping on, trusting that He will deliver on His promises. It's awesome to see how He is already working in your life (Prayer? In an advertising firm???) and awesome to think about what He might have in store for you next.
Take care Skip. We miss you here...more than you know.
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