|| Seek Him in Troubled Times ||

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!! Ours was full of fun and more fundraising! Oh, and of course a little football. I can't help but be so excited about the fall season. There is not much of a season change here in Arizona but the temperature has FINALLY started to drop. It's perfect. Our small but comfortable apartment is filled with beautiful fall decorations that we received as a new married couple! I turned on my candle warmers today and they filled the place with apple, nutmeg, and cinnamon aroma. It was a great day because I also splurged and got some holiday candy! I felt I deserved it after getting 2 vaccines for Haiti. (impulse buy) I dislike shots ... and needles. I turn different shades of pink and purple and panic, just a little bit. I kept telling myself it's for Haiti. That did the trick! 

Time for a moment of truth. I was dreading writing this post about our successful fundraiser this weekend. You are probably asking yourself why that would be if it turned out so well. This weekend my husband and I woke up bright and early (5am, we don't do that well)  and ready to sell, sell, sell for Haiti! We are determined as ever, but more so anxiously excited! We picked up some tables and yummy doughnuts and arrived at our yard sale location. 

We had an unexpected surprise.

I can't disclose the details of the situation but it was not a good one. It went from okay to bad in about 15 minutes. It weighed heavy on my heart all day but I knew I had to push through and give glory to God by continuing the fundraiser we had committed to. It's hard for me to push out the bad part of the day to get to the good. After listening to God's word I was reminded that it's okay that their was heartache and hurt on Saturday. It's okay to be sad but I cannot let it ruin what we are set out to do. I felt I handled the situation in a honorable manner but I could have been more as this verse describes.

1 Peter 3:13-15

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect

You may have this problem- sometimes when attacked by hurtful words you act instantaneously. I acted by what I was feeling. Calm on the outside but hurt and instantly angered inside. I reminded myself that God gets angry and hurt by our actions but he still LOVES. He loves with gentleness and calmness. I don't know about you but I WANT to be more like that. As humans our basic instincts go into defense mode. If you ever feel yourself getting angry or upset and feel you may not be able to control your words refer to 1 Peter 3:13-15. God's word (The Bible) has all the answers and Amen to that! I'd like to give praise to God for making my husband such a calm and gentle man. It's so easy to let emotions get in the way of seeing what Jesus wants you to see. Justin helps to remind me to see the love of Christ in everyone and everywhere. 

We met so many kind people throughout the yard sale. Two ladies shared their mission experience. They praised God and prayed for our mission. It was delightful! They came at just the right time and reminded me that God has His hand in everything. I couldn't lose hope of why we are here on earth. We did not have as much success as our last yard sale but we did raise 170.00 and that is 170.00 closer to Haiti! Closer to hugging children who need to be hugged. Praise God! We plan on doing one last yard sale soon and moving onto the next fundraiser! (I'm hoping a bake sale is in the near future) After this weekend I'm reminded to focus on what is important and let the things that are not go. And let them go quickly. I was also reminded that my husband and I make a great team. I cannot wait to grow with him as we take this journey with God on these Mission Trips. 

Blessings!