A Weekend to Remember

This past weekend was filled with good-byes and lasts. It was incredible and very precious to us. We will remember the events of the past few days for a long time to come.

We visited some great Tucson hot-spots, hosted an all-day open house at the house, enjoyed a poolside pizza dinner with Polly's family and Phil's mom, preached for the last time at Desert Springs PCA, had a sweet time of fellowship with our brothers and sisters at a sister Hispanic church in South Tucson, and ate lasagna on paper plates at home with Polly's parents.

What amazing things God has done for us here in Tucson. The theme of the weekend for me was that we are being sent out to do what God has called us to do. Sent out by family and friends who love us dearly, who believe in us, who trust God to take care of us, and are excited to see God at work.

Here are some of the details (for those of you who like such things…)

On Friday night we enjoyed one last visit to a Tucson hot-spot called Sabino Canyon. Sabino is a picturesque and picture-perfect hiking and walking experience of the Tucson high-mountain desert.

This was on my “bucket list” of things to do before we left town. I had been on the hike many times before, but this time we splurged and took the tram. Our dear friends Nick and Betsy Dunlap joined us for the ride, some splashing and playing in the water, and a picnic on the rocks.

Then, on Saturday, amidst our many boxes, we hosted an all-day open house. The house was filled even past the stated 4p ending time with people that have blessed us and encouraged us in so many ways. Many brought gifts, but all brought good memories and encouragements about what God is doing in our lives and in our unknown future.

Saturday night was also a wonderful evening. We spend Saturday night with Polly's family (her two aunts, her uncle, and her cousin, as well as her mom and dad) and Phil's mom--poolside with pizza! It was so relaxing after hosting in our home all day to sit outside, under the sunset, with family. We will miss them dearly.

Sunday was definitely a “full day.” It started with a worship service at our church, Desert Springs, where Phil preached his last sermon from Acts 15:9, “No Distinction.”

That dear church family held a potluck afterwards in our honor and said thank you to Phil for his ministry. They have been a blessing to one another: that church to Phil, and Phil to that church.

Then, afterwards, we attended a worship service at a Hispanic sister church where Phil has preached several times over the years.

Towards the end of the service, Phil got up to thank the church for the many ways that they have blessed us and for the privilege of being a part of God's work there.

He explained to them that we are moving to NJ to start a new church community. He said, “We have no building, no people, and no house, but that we have a big God.” After hearing this, this dear congregation burst out with applause to the Lord.

Its amazing to see how quickly people who for a variety of reasons MUST live by faith recognize it when others are doing the same.

These people have experienced God in their church in very powerful ways. In their seemingly financially difficult state, they have planted a church in Nogales, AZ. They have torn down walls in the sanctuary to make room for more people. They are seeing people come out of prison saved and ready to serve God. They have a core group of young men that are on fire for God. All this because of the faith God has given them.

While we visited yesterday, they spoke into our hearts of the hope that we have in Christ to use us in mighty ways, that He loves us, and that He will provide.

I especially was encouraged to keep God's Word close during all the chaos of packing and moving and to keep my eyes on Jesus.

To be honest, this move is scary. There are so many unknowns. But we were reminded, that indeed, God is BIG. Even if we are swirling in the mess and fears of moving, He remains big and in control. I am so grateful that we spent time with our friends at Templo la Uncion yesterday. Over these busy days of preparing to move, our kids have done a great job. But they also have asked some funny questions.

Stasi wants to know if we are going to take our house with us. Noah wants to know about what sort of friends he will have in NJ. Grace only wants to be assured that she will get to go to kindergarten. Maggie is aware that this house is no longer ours. Fitch is wondering how he is going to keep up his biking without Grandpa Mike around. Lydia has been researching which sports she will get to do in the fall and which ones in the spring at her new high school.

We are so thankful for our kids positive attitudes. What they have not seemed to question is God's care for us, and that life will be good!

Isn't it amazing how easily they trust while it is so hard for us? We have lots of questions! Questions that strike fear in our hearts. Questions that cause us to be irritable with one another. Questions that cause us to lay awake at night.

Do you think the kids are loosing any sleep? No way! They are just looking forward to the next adventure! Sometimes, we need only look to our kids to show us what faith looks like!