2021 #blessed

Romans 15:13

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Wow, 2021 was a tough year. The Lord put many opportunities in front of us to show our trust in Him that’s for sure. The move from Illinois back to Wisconsin has been full of ups and downs. Finding a house – getting our belongings to our new house was so stressful. Leaving friends, students, a church, colleagues, and pastors that you love was much harder than anticipated. Starting over at my age is not an easy undertaking.

Yet, when I look at the big picture we have seen blessing upon blessing. We have witnessed a God that has seen us through and again gave us His peace. Why oh why do I fail to trust Him. He is so good.

The fact that we found a very nice house in Lake Mills is a small miracle. #blessed

My step-brother’s family housed us for 3 months while we waited to close on the before-mentioned house. #blessed

Ollie, a crazy dog with multiple personalities actually grew to like us. Well, not Eric, but definitely the rest of us though. #blessed

Mary and I get to share God’s grace with over 150 students every day. #blessed

We continue to work with great faculties and staff members. God has put so many awesome people in our lives everywhere he sends us. #blessed

We continue to love the grandparent’s life. Leah just cracks us up and we love her so much. Mara has such a beautiful smile. We are so thankful we live much closer to them. #blessed

The list could go on and on. #blessed

Every year will bring ups and downs. Troubles that we may ask “why”? However, even in our weakness, God remains true to His plan for us. His plan of grace, peace, and Salvation is a plan that is far greater than anything I might have had in mind.

We need to be constantly reminded of that fact.

I think that is why Romans 15:13 is my new favorite passage –

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

This is my prayer for you. #blessed