Well, any prospects of moving out of the area in the next few months are on hold. This is happy news to our boys but a faith stretch for Dave and I. The church we've been in contact with has delayed their hiring for awhile due to financial considerations. We may hear back in a few months if they decide to proceed with their process.
I must admit it's a huge faith free fall here. Yet, we've been here before.
God always gives us a parachute. Always!
It's just that we never know when our parachute will deploy.
One time, when we were living in Dallas TX. I got so sick that I had to stop working for three months (Our only source of income at the time as Dave was going to Seminary) I can still remember lying on the living room couch reading "Hinds Feet on High Places." when the doorbell rang. Someone delivered a large check to us to help us with rent and food for the month. It wasn't long before Dave's home church of Flushing MI also sent us a large monetary gift. Each day, there were people showing up to clean my house or buy us groceries or just sit and pray with me. When I think back on that time I see a parachute that's so huge it flung us high into the hemisphere of praise and faith.
And, I will never forget the parachute God sent us when our son Matthew was ill and in the hospital. So many people from Grace Valley Fellowship came to hospital to pray with us and to support us. I'd start naming you all but I'm afraid I'd forget someone. Returning home with a healthy boy was a miracle! The prayer warriors were like so many brightly colored patches in our parachute. They held us together and held us up to the Lord. Thank you!
So, when I say we've been here before, It is true. I actually think I feel the tug of the strings as the parachute is beginning to billow behind us. This one's going to be huge people! Hold onto your shoulder straps we're going up!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Out of Season
So, I've been amazed at how God has continued to use Tony the Tiger Swallowtail as living reminder of things that are out of season. (see blog below) Here's a list of a few things in my life right now that are out of season (or seem to be at the wrong time)
1. My Dave and I are no longer Pastor and Mrs. Joleen Steel. We're just Dave and Joleen. Something we did not expect to happen at this season of our lives. It feels strange and yet, curiously right for now. One of our boys told us that he realized he was not trusting the Lord as much as he thought he was. he said, "It's much harder to be a Christian now that Dad's not a pastor. Now, I have to do right even though no one is watching me!" Wow! did that blow us away! We're so thankful for this out of season season that has brought such an amazing revelation to our household. Do we serve God and do what's right because of Dave's title or in spite of it? We've had some amazing family devotions to discuss this topic.
2. We put our house on the market and within four days we had a full price offer! Unheard of, I'm told. Definetely something that is out of season with this current market. We'll let you know what happens with the house thing as it's still unfolding.
3. We may have sold our house but we have no idea where we are going! It feels sort of like a free fall of faith of going on. We're not afraid though. (Sometimes I'm a bit anxious and have to have a good cry) However, we are trusting this out of season event is completely within God's season for us.
4. By selling our house it looks like I'll have to give up my beloved baby grand piano. Okay, so maybe I bought it for $200.00 from a church and it's not that beautiful. It is beautiful to me though and I've gotten very attached to it. I recently wrote something in my diary about holding onto things loosely and holding onto Christ tightly. Hmmm... can I? will I? Seems silly to even ask the question. Yet, my statement is being put to the test for real.
5. Over the past four years, God has helped me build an amazing piano business. I have three teachers working for me and between us we have 52 students. We just had an amazing recital that I've gushed unashamedly about on facebook and here in the blog. If God calls us to a new ministry and a new location I will have to walk away from it all. It's not just the money, in fact it's really not about the money. I love teaching piano, training my teammates, building my website (http://www.pianopowerstudios.com/ ) so much, I'd probably do it for free if my family would let me. It's..... what is it? I guess I'd say it's the students and their parents. I just can't see how I'd walk away from them. They have become dear to me. I'm in their homes every week and feel sort of like I have all these extended aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews that I'd never see again. Totally out of season, the wrong time to walk away. (Still don't know if that's going to happen by the way if you're attached in anyway to piano power don't panic yet.)
But, God is using these out of season events to stretch my faith. Do I trust that He has the best plan for me. For us? Will my out of season proove to be His in season? I believe it will. And if it is His in season it will be mine as well. I just don't know it yet.
1. My Dave and I are no longer Pastor and Mrs. Joleen Steel. We're just Dave and Joleen. Something we did not expect to happen at this season of our lives. It feels strange and yet, curiously right for now. One of our boys told us that he realized he was not trusting the Lord as much as he thought he was. he said, "It's much harder to be a Christian now that Dad's not a pastor. Now, I have to do right even though no one is watching me!" Wow! did that blow us away! We're so thankful for this out of season season that has brought such an amazing revelation to our household. Do we serve God and do what's right because of Dave's title or in spite of it? We've had some amazing family devotions to discuss this topic.
2. We put our house on the market and within four days we had a full price offer! Unheard of, I'm told. Definetely something that is out of season with this current market. We'll let you know what happens with the house thing as it's still unfolding.
3. We may have sold our house but we have no idea where we are going! It feels sort of like a free fall of faith of going on. We're not afraid though. (Sometimes I'm a bit anxious and have to have a good cry) However, we are trusting this out of season event is completely within God's season for us.
4. By selling our house it looks like I'll have to give up my beloved baby grand piano. Okay, so maybe I bought it for $200.00 from a church and it's not that beautiful. It is beautiful to me though and I've gotten very attached to it. I recently wrote something in my diary about holding onto things loosely and holding onto Christ tightly. Hmmm... can I? will I? Seems silly to even ask the question. Yet, my statement is being put to the test for real.
5. Over the past four years, God has helped me build an amazing piano business. I have three teachers working for me and between us we have 52 students. We just had an amazing recital that I've gushed unashamedly about on facebook and here in the blog. If God calls us to a new ministry and a new location I will have to walk away from it all. It's not just the money, in fact it's really not about the money. I love teaching piano, training my teammates, building my website (http://www.pianopowerstudios.com/ ) so much, I'd probably do it for free if my family would let me. It's..... what is it? I guess I'd say it's the students and their parents. I just can't see how I'd walk away from them. They have become dear to me. I'm in their homes every week and feel sort of like I have all these extended aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews that I'd never see again. Totally out of season, the wrong time to walk away. (Still don't know if that's going to happen by the way if you're attached in anyway to piano power don't panic yet.)
But, God is using these out of season events to stretch my faith. Do I trust that He has the best plan for me. For us? Will my out of season proove to be His in season? I believe it will. And if it is His in season it will be mine as well. I just don't know it yet.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Our new pet
This is Tony the Tiger Swallowtail. He's living in our bay window right now. (See blog below)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Tony the tiger swallowtail AKA the holy spirit
Something has happened that stuns everyone who enters our home.
A tiger swallowtail has hatched from one of the plants I brought in from outside. We've named him Tony the Tiger.
He is the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. (Well, except for the pure white peacock that was strutting around our front yard a few months ago.) Tony is so quiet and peaceful and beautiful. He just sits in the sun fanning his wings. When I look at him I can't help but feel he's a physical representation of the Holy Spirit dwelling in my home. It's like he's saying, "I'm here. Don't be afraid, I'm with you." I know that sounds so wierd to some of you. But, I believe God cares so much about me that he'd do something just like this to comfort me during this difficult phase of my life.
Without going in to detail. My husband is now looking for a new job. For the first time in a long time, I'm not a pastor's wife. The first Sunday we visited a new church, I literally cried through the entire service. After the service my four year old asked me, "Why are you wet?"
It was only a few days later that we noticed Tony in our windowsill. I couldn't help but stop and marvel. It's January for crying out loud! But there he was. Suddenly the uncertainty of my future seemed bearable. If God can cause a butterfly to hatch out of season, surely He can take care of me. Tony has reminded me of God's promises. He has promised to "never leave me or forsake me." He's in control and I can trust Him.
A tiger swallowtail has hatched from one of the plants I brought in from outside. We've named him Tony the Tiger.
He is the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. (Well, except for the pure white peacock that was strutting around our front yard a few months ago.) Tony is so quiet and peaceful and beautiful. He just sits in the sun fanning his wings. When I look at him I can't help but feel he's a physical representation of the Holy Spirit dwelling in my home. It's like he's saying, "I'm here. Don't be afraid, I'm with you." I know that sounds so wierd to some of you. But, I believe God cares so much about me that he'd do something just like this to comfort me during this difficult phase of my life.
Without going in to detail. My husband is now looking for a new job. For the first time in a long time, I'm not a pastor's wife. The first Sunday we visited a new church, I literally cried through the entire service. After the service my four year old asked me, "Why are you wet?"
It was only a few days later that we noticed Tony in our windowsill. I couldn't help but stop and marvel. It's January for crying out loud! But there he was. Suddenly the uncertainty of my future seemed bearable. If God can cause a butterfly to hatch out of season, surely He can take care of me. Tony has reminded me of God's promises. He has promised to "never leave me or forsake me." He's in control and I can trust Him.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Recital today
So, tonight is the Piano Power Recital. www.pianopowerstudios.com
I have been up since five a.m. Not because of the things, I have to do, but because I am more excited than Christmas morning. This years recital is going to be filled with activity and excitement. I'd go into all the details but, stay tuned for a you tube video of the evening.
As, I've been preparing for this event. There have been moments where I've said, "never again!This is to much work!" I've had nightmares of students falling off the stage and breaking their legs, I've had a nagging fear that I"ll forget to put someone's name in the program. I've thought, I might have a heart attack over how much money this whole thing is costing. But despite all the emotional what not that comes with planning such a huge event, I wouldn't trade it.
Tonight there will be smiles and giggles and applause and laughter. Tonight families will sit together and root for their child or brother, or sister. Tonight, I will have the opportunity to show love and appreciation to my team of teachers, my students and their parents.
I find it strange that the on a day when I am anticipating applause-the Lord would lead me to a verse in the bible that says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but consider others better than yourself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interest but also to the interests of others." Phil 2:3,4 It's really helped remind me of my purpose in this whole thing. I'm not just a business woman trying to make money and promote myself. If that's all it is then it's empty. I think the reason I thrive on these kinds of events is because of the opportunity to look out for the interests of others. The students and parents tonight are not merely my clients. They represent Christ's will for me today. Their faces and smiles and laughter will motivate me to love. Even their demands or dissapointments in the evening will motivate me to self-less service. At least if I allow the Lord to move in me to those ends. Oh Lord, Move! Make this evening so full of your presence that those present will not wonder if you were there. They will know!
I have been up since five a.m. Not because of the things, I have to do, but because I am more excited than Christmas morning. This years recital is going to be filled with activity and excitement. I'd go into all the details but, stay tuned for a you tube video of the evening.
As, I've been preparing for this event. There have been moments where I've said, "never again!This is to much work!" I've had nightmares of students falling off the stage and breaking their legs, I've had a nagging fear that I"ll forget to put someone's name in the program. I've thought, I might have a heart attack over how much money this whole thing is costing. But despite all the emotional what not that comes with planning such a huge event, I wouldn't trade it.
Tonight there will be smiles and giggles and applause and laughter. Tonight families will sit together and root for their child or brother, or sister. Tonight, I will have the opportunity to show love and appreciation to my team of teachers, my students and their parents.
I find it strange that the on a day when I am anticipating applause-the Lord would lead me to a verse in the bible that says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but consider others better than yourself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interest but also to the interests of others." Phil 2:3,4 It's really helped remind me of my purpose in this whole thing. I'm not just a business woman trying to make money and promote myself. If that's all it is then it's empty. I think the reason I thrive on these kinds of events is because of the opportunity to look out for the interests of others. The students and parents tonight are not merely my clients. They represent Christ's will for me today. Their faces and smiles and laughter will motivate me to love. Even their demands or dissapointments in the evening will motivate me to self-less service. At least if I allow the Lord to move in me to those ends. Oh Lord, Move! Make this evening so full of your presence that those present will not wonder if you were there. They will know!
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