What are you asking for?

As I (Lindsey) have been continuing in my reading in 1 Samuel, I landed in 1 Samuel 8. Samuel finally gets to step up and make a decision for his people. The Israelites wanted a King to rule over them just like the other nations surrounding them. Besides being like the other nations, their main argument was that "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us such as the other nations (1 Sam. 8:5)". At this point most people would be convinced or shameful that they would give into the argument, but Samuel being righteous and of noble character retreated to the Lord for guidance. There the Lord reminded Samuel of all the ways that Israel has refused, rejected and walked away from God being their main Ruler and King. For Israel it was easier to follow an idol or King that they can see and hear. That is why when Samuel went back to Israel and said that they cannot have a king and continued talking about the power that God has in their life, the things He can give and take away, they wouldn't listen because they wanted a king like the other nations. Again Samuel retreats and asks for guidance from the Lord. This is where it gets interesting, the Lord says to Samuel "Listen to them and give them a king."

I find it interesting that God tried to speak to His chosen people and reminded them of His power and strength. In their ignorance, they decided to have another king rule over them, making the choice to walk away from Him again. I always find myself like the Israel making conscious choices to ignore God's calling to righteousness. I find myself thinking that I am more wise then Him and have falsely believed that I deserve or have earned something. By God's grace, it is never too long that He reminds me of where I am and where He is. Where our relationship was and where it is now, because of the choices I have made! Its hard to swallow knowing that I have turned my back on Him, but also that He never gives up on being my Father, my daddy, my King.

Since last writing, the Lord has led us away from buying the house and into patience for a future home. As great as the story was, we are thankful that God was faithful in helping us test and approve what His will was for us. Thanks for joining us in prayer as we processed what our move or not move was going to be.

One of my (Lindsey) favorite things about spring is New Leader Training (NLT). Although it exhausts us and occupies a lot of our energy until the end of the school year, I love watching the eager men and women process how to center their life around Christ and how to carry that out to the men and women that in their classes. This year we have 37 men and women going through NLT. On top of the normal 8 week sessions on Wednesday, we opened our schedules for a 3 week intense sessions on Sunday afternoons for the men and women who will be on Co-op next quarter. As it is joyous the celebrate the lives that can/will be transformed, I can't hold in the excitement that I am experiencing about the 22 women that are going through it. I pray a lot about the women's ministry and for women of strong faith to come and lead a life for Him. They are here! Their stories for signing up are from I want to know how to share my faith without scaring people away, to I want to know scripture and memorize it, to I have a gift to lead and want to lead others. I cannot help but dream drams for what next fall is going to look like for these women. Their faith is showing where they can be.

On a lighter note, Lily and Moerlein are having fun in the loads of snow we have had. They really have become the best of friends and sisters.

Later days

lindsey and rich