Snow in September...

Hi everyone! What a trip...snow in September & ice in October! Boy, it's been a while since we last blogged! We have had quite the crazy last 2 months or so. Lily started preschool the first week in August and that has continued to go well. She loves her teachers and seems to be thriving w/the students in her class. It's been nice for me as I've gotten a chance to know a few of the parents. There sure are some wonderful families in our neighborhood!

We've also recently left our church home of 7 1/2 years. A serious situation came to the Elders' attention back in the beginning of August that had us on our knees. After a TON of prayer, wise counsel and scouring the scriptures, we came to a definite belief on how things needed to be handled. Once it was determined that things would not be handled in a way that honored God, we felt it imperative to leave. While we continue to pray for our old church body and for God's will there, we are also trying to move forward and heal. We've tried 2 churches so far and hope to try 1 more before we make any final decisions.

We FINALLY have some resolution on our new house! We are due to close on October 21st and are very excited to be able to finally call this house our home. Thank you, God, for your PERFECT timing and your provision. This home and this neighborhood have been such a HUGE source of blessing and healing to us. We are truly thankful!

We continue to wait on our China adoption but know that God is in the tiniest of details in this as well. He has perfect timing for our precious Jasmine to come home and we are trusting Him for that.

I will update again very soon but wanted to share a passage that really hit home tonight. Psalm 91 has been something we have lived through w/this trial w/our church and God has been so incredibly faithful. We hope it encourages you in whatever you may be dealing with. We love you all!

Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”