I tried. I really did. I tried to come up with something other than tiny-town to blog about...but I just can't. It's weighing so heavily on my heart today...
Ya'll know I love tiny town... I can't explain it, but I do.
After this post, I've been feeling really, really good about what God's gonna do. Even after some set backs, I've still found hope. And then, last night, someone mentioned that maybe FEMA would decide to declare tiny-town, "not a town." And at just the mention of it, my balloon of hope was popped.
And I realized that I was allowing the fear of man to overcome my hope and trust in what God is doing. Note to self: Quit forgetting that FEMA is NOT bigger than my God.
This morning my mom called and shared this article about tiny-town from the newspaper. I read it, and again, that sick feeling overwhelmed me...which brought me to my knees...to the only one who has any control over anything. I want His will. I want to trust Him, even when all the circumstances around me seem to go in another direction. I need His wisdom, comfort, and peace that passes all understanding. I want that unfailing faith, that even when absolutely everything indicates hopelessness, it's the faith that holds steady, unwavering.
I am still believing that He has mighty plans for tiny-town and for our little church...I feel it deep inside my spirit. But doubt so easily wants to creep in...it is a constant battle to replace the doubt with truth.
Today, again, I'm remembering where my help comes from...and praying for the opportunity to share with those in tiny-town who may not have that same hope...I so want them to know that they have a heavenly Father who wants to carry this huge burden for them, that they're not alone...
- Sarah@Life in the Parsonage
- Wife to Ben, who also happens to be the Pastor of a sweet little church in a tiny little town. Mama to three boys and little Lucy. We live in the parsonage, 27 steps from said little church. This is the journey...it involves lots of run-on sentences.
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The Fringe Hours
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ Phil 1:6
ReplyDeleteI know it is hard when you can't see what God's end result is going to be. In the midst of all the circumstances sometimes we can be overwhelmed. Your heart is right on...walking by faith and not by sight. Continue to seek Him first. I'm praying for you, friend!
First of all: (hug)
ReplyDeleteSecond of all, this post remind me os 1 Samuel 30:6(b). David had a whole bunch of bad stuff going on in his world "But David strengthened himself in the Lord God."
Just like you are. And He's not going to let you down.
tears for you.
ReplyDeleteand still I am laughing thru the tears as I see the label for this post "not fun stuff"
you are killin me!
I'm sorry. How far are you from TN? I want to help you. :(
ReplyDelete~Isaiah 26:3-4
ReplyDeleteYou will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Sarah,
Praying hard for you as you seek to share God's peace with others in tiny town. Keep clinging to the hope that is Christ, sweet one.
Blessings,
Tracy
P.S. Thank you so much for your prayers for Millie...I can't express how much I appreciate that, (particularly considering all you have on your mind right now.)
Don't worry, girlie! Put your trust in the Lord. He's got it all under control and none of this was a shock to Him. Just keep seeking Him and you'll get through.
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post I started humming---"He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got you and me sister.....well you know the rest he also has tiny town in His hands and as hard as it is for you to watch others that don't know Him try to deal with this without knowing that, it is just as hard to keep seeking Him and WAITING for Him to show us His way and will for tiny town but to quote my good friend Chris GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am tagging you . . .
ReplyDeletedelete my answers and insert yours.
Favorite person: My husband Randy. We have been married for 25 1/2 years.
Favorite food: Apple Fritters from Jerry's (grocery) on Sanibel Island, FL! YUM!
Quirks about me: I have a hard time saying no to people, but I am getting better at it! It seems my baby sis likes to reel me into her projects! I also have a hard time saying, no our family is busy or no that is when we have family time. I want to put my family first - ahead of all of the projects and activities.
How would the person who loves you the most describe you in ten words or less? Caring, Loving, Giving, Thoughtful, Opinionated, Bull Headed/Contrary, Loving Mother, Great Apple Pie Baker (These were given to me by my Daddy! Dads love you unconditionally - forever - no questions asked! Don't get me wrong My Hubby loves me too!!! I just wanted a different point of view! Leave it to my Dad!) Dads have an entirely different view than a husband does.
Any regrets in life? There were family issues around the time of our wedding and my family did not attend. If we were to do it all over again, I would try harder to come to an amicable solution that we all could agree too. Life was stressful then - my Dad was on a HUGE strike with Caterpillar which added to the issues. All was resolved about a year later and we have been close ever since!
What can you NOT live without: My morning coffee! Is that bad?
Favorite blog: Oh, I have so many I don't know how I would choose!
Something you can't get enough of: Snuggle and fun time with my children.
Worst job you ever had: McDonald's when I was 16 years old.
What job would you pay not to have? A social worker that must return children to parents that do not care about them.
If you could be a fly on the wall anywhere, where would it be? In each of my children's school classes - just to see how they interact, learn and have fun with the teacher and classmates.
Favorite Bible Verse: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 In fact, my high school youth Pastor put this verse to song. . .
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord. My strength and my redeemer . . . My strength and my REDEEMER. It was beautiful!!!
Guilty pleasure: Starbucks
Got any confessions: None
If you had $1000 to spend on YOURSELF, what would you spend it on? a new Coach purse
Favorite thing about your house: My house suits everyone in our family - I have my pretty things out AND the kids play all over the house - generally where I am. I want my home to be a haven for those who live there and those who visit.
Least favorite thing: Going to the doctor.
One thing you are bad at: Fractions in math.
If you could change one thing about your current circumstances, what would it be? My house addition would be complete.
Who would you like to meet someday? I would like to meet Mary the Mother of Jesus. Being the mom of four boys I am curious what Jesus was like when he was a boy. Was he inquisitive? Was he snuggly? Did he like to play in the dirt?
What makes you feel sexy? No comment here!
Who is your real life hero? My Mom
What is the hardest part of your job? Keeping my desk clutter to a minimum. Between work, the kids and the hubby I get a lot of paperwork, projects and to do stuff.
When are you most relaxed? When listening to Beth Moore on my ipod while relaxing on the porch with my eyes closed.
What stresses you out? Situations beyond my control.
Favorite quote: "People are just about as happy as they make up their mind to be." -Abraham Lincoln
Why do you blog? I blog because everyone tells me that I need to write a book about my life and experiences. I prefer blogging because I am meeting new friends and keeping in touch with my friends all over the world! Blogging helps me connect with other moms AND it really helps me relax.
Who are you tagging? Jana, Gina, Southern Seven, Sarah
Be sure to let me know when you post your answers so I can read them!
Our God owns the Cattle on a Thousand Hills - a tiny town can survive with Our God. He controls the oceans, sea, the rain and the sun - God has everything in control. Even when it all gets over whelming! Prayers are with you and yours Sarah.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts have run along the same vein today. I am trusting God for the outcome, but I am putting in orders for how I would LIKE things to happen.
ReplyDeleteBTW: I like your new header even better than the last one!
Wow Sarah...the scriptures already given are wonderful and I know you know God is in control. So, just know that I am praying for you, personally and as you minister, and for Tiny Town. God will enable you completely, with all you need, to handle whatever He has planned.....
ReplyDeleteSarah:
ReplyDeletePlease know that I am praying for you and so is my Sunday School class of Young Adults.
"He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalms 62:6
Love to you,
Sherry
I remember the darkest time of my life and I could not see how God could make it better it was so bad but I still slept with my bible holding tight to it and remembering whatI had been told by Sharon B that God would by my husband and he was all I needed he would see me thru.And He did
ReplyDeleteGod sees and knows the hearts of your tiny town and even though we can not see the "hows" I know with out a doubt God is going to make good out of this bad that has happened to this tiny town.We may not know how or when but God is faithful hang on my dear daughter and all of the good people in your tiny town. love,mom
Your blog hits right on the spot so many times that I don't even need to write my own. (Even though I lack the computer skills and time :)) Tiny Town is devastated and we can only put our trust in God that He has a much bigger plan than we can even fathom. It's hard to tune out FEMA and that their word is not the end-all for our community. Sarah Adolphs
ReplyDeleteSarah, praying for your tiny, town tonight.
ReplyDeleteRemember the promise God gave you and continue to walk it out in victory.
When life seems to be "unfair" I make myself remember His promise and declare "For your greater Glory, Lord."
Praying for you friend, Stephanie
Oh, Sarah...He DOES have mighty plans for Tiny Town! Believing alongside of you for the best. Keep blogging about Tiny Town...we'll keep reading and praying.
ReplyDeletePlease, please keep blogging about Tiny Town. I just read the article you linked to and my heart sank for you. I will be praying for you and your precious town. Keeping shining your light for Jesus... your town needs you now more than ever!
ReplyDelete