France Saturday, 2-23-12

    Have you ever had a day in which nothing went as planned (like planning to write a "France Friday" post)?  Yesterday was like that for us and I'm sure you can relate.  But yesterday was also a picture of what this whole journey has been like for us.  When we first accepted our call to church planting in France over 7 years ago, we never could have imagined the paths God had in store for us.  I can look back at my "plans" on how we'd get back to France and laugh now, but it's been a long road. Yet, we have a lot to be thankful for. Michelle just finished a book called 1,000 Gifts that was recommended to her and though I haven't had the chance to read it yet, the message has still hit home with me.  We have much to be grateful for, even when things don't go as planned.  And true joy comes from living a life of gratitude.  "Father, thank You for Your perfect plans that are so much higher than my own.  May we rejoice always, pray without ceasing; and in everything give thanks!" 

• Please pray for us as we simultaneously seek to follow up with previous contacts while trying to increase our network and build new relationships.  

•  Pray that God will provide the funds we need to attend our pre-field training course in July and make it to France in the fall and just in time for Karis to start school.  

And finally, just for fun, time to get happy....