Be strong and courageous.

I have learned more about myself in the past 4 weeks than I have in the past year.  Being placed in a different environment, stripped of all that is familiar, away from close relationships and friends.  A wise woman told me that I would see what was really in me during this time, the good and the bad.  And she was SO right!  When pressure is applied, things will come out, things you didn't know were there and thought you had overcome.  Turns out they are there, and you just have to remind yourself they are covered in the blood and He is enough. 

His grace is always sufficient.  

He asks that we have courage - not because we can do it on our own, but because He is with us.

What is courage?

Courage is the ability to keep standing on weak knees. The ability to find beauty in your breaking, live vulnerably & intentionally. He loves when we admit we are broken.  He loves it, because in our weakness He is made strong.  

Courage is knowing that when we admit our smallness and weakness - it will help someone else, that thinks Christians are pretty and perfect and have it all together.

Courage is vulnerability and it is bravery. It is showing up no matter what the cost. Pushing through even when we aren't sure we'll be recieved.  Knowing that no matter what - He recieves us and believes in us.  

As small and broken and fragile as we are.

So be reminded...His mercies are new every morning. His grace is enough for you.  Because He died, there is always enough. 

Just look into His eyes, and you will see.  

Love,
Christa :)

Everything's bigger in Texas...

Haven't you heard? Everything is bigger in Texas :)  That's what they say anyway, and I think it may be true.  I am specifically speaking about God.

At least it's my perspective right now.

I have seen the hand of the Lord move in our lives more in the past month than I ever have.  He is always faithful, always moving.  But removing ourselves from our comfortable hometown, and predictable schedules has brought such a clarity to me.  Being vulnerable and away from the norm really makes you see who/what you really trust in.

I can really SEE Him moving.  

His protection, provision, blessing and smile on us has been amazing.  He is such a good daddy.  Not only though what we need, but sometimes He even gives us what we want.  There have been times I have said something I would like to have, and it wasn't even necessary.  Just a want.  And there it came, less than a few hours later.  This has happened several times since our move to Texas.

I believe there are times in our lives that our Daddy God pours out His favor and blessing on us, as a reminder of His goodness and greatness.  We also have times where we feel like He is quiet and far away.  Or we have times of testing and fire and we need to cling to these "good" times and remind ourselves how sweet He really is.  Our faith grows during these times.

We are getting settled in our new home, have found a kitchen table (thank you Jesus!!) and other needed furniture, and are cooking meals in our brand new stove!  The people are beautiful, and have showed us such kindness and love.  We ate VERY well the first week here.  And we are in the process of joining a local gym to remove any signs of these meals :)

We all rode horses this past Saturday!  Kevin had rode when he was a child, but the rest of us were first timers :)  What a great time we had.  Loved our time there and hope to go again soon.

Please keep Kevin in your prayers, as he had to leave his BRAND NEW Christmas gift - a beautiful Harley Davidson, AND his 1995 Harley - in Wytheville, Virginia when the trailer decided it wasn't ready to leave VA yet.  They will be reunited in February :)

We so appreciate your prayers!  The children have all started their new schools and are excited for the future.

Sending much love to all from Amarillo.

<3 Christa