"plans" vs. Plans

So I am finally settling in to life in Irving.  I have gotten more involved in church, explored our area more, found the best Italian restaurant ever, enrolled Audrey in a Mother's Day Out program for the Fall, booked our vacation to Disneyland in October, and was planning on enrolling Audrey in dance lessons starting this Fall as well.

God smiled at my "plans".  Or should I say "smirked"?  Because then He threw a curve ball.

Is it funny that I love Him for this?  He has been so good to me.  He has provided when things have seemed so bleak.  I am excited that there is this new adventure set before us. 

I believe I wrote about Brent getting a life coach, since he is in an abusive work environment, to help him focus on certain work pursuits.  It looks like we will know what direction we will be going this summer, Lord willing!

One option is with Cadence Ministries.  We would be on a military base in Japan, Germany, Guam, or Korea ministering to youth in military families.  If accepted, we would start training in July.  We have also looked in to re-applying to Asian Access to minister to the people of Japan.  We would rather that, as he has a heart for the Japanese people.  They have changed hands since we last applied pre-tsunami, so it may be an option even though we were turned down before due to lack of employment.  So that's the missionary aspect. 

Our next option that we are kind of most excited about is with Young Life in Colorado Springs.  First of all, I would just LOVE to live there!  It's so beautiful and the weather is lovely.  And I've heard about Young Life for a while now, since it's a Presbyterian-affiliated ministry.  I think the job would be very fulfilling to Brent as well.  I don't know when we would know about that one. 

The third and final option is teaching anywhere in Texas, since that's where he is certified.  There's an application that covers all the regions that he's filling out and he would be interviewing all summer and start in the Fall, if that is His Will.

Ending this blog with a great hymn, Here Am I, words by Daniel L Schutte:

I, the Lord of sea and sky,

I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

Updated end of the year post

I keep on forgetting to write in this blog.  For a while, I was just using it to gain more entries to contests and such.  Oh well.  I will try to be better about writing. 

The school year is over for most people.  My sister, a super senior at TWU, just finished up and we'll be getting our spa on tomorrow morning.  That will be fun.  I got to meet her new boyfriend Grant yesterday.  He is a really nice guy and seems like a genuine man.  He makes her happy, so that's great.  And now collectively we are Nanne and Brant :)

Not much going on with us, so that's why I haven't written much.  Brent's co-worker up and quit, so he's been working his butt off.  He is looking for other work now and we have found some exciting prospects. 

I am working on Audrey's 3rd birthday party. I sent out the invitations extremely early.  I just wanted to make sure I didn't forget to send them.  I did invite quite a few people, knowing that it's summer and a lot of people won't be able to make it. Thought it would be nice.  Her grandparents have already RSVP'd of course.  I've already got these great party favors.  Maybe I will get some for the adults as well. 

Disneyland trip is still on, although I'm a bit nervous if we end up moving abroad.  Oh well, guess I would rather be out $200 and have a great fulfilling job for Brent, then miserable and be able to go.  I do miss traveling though.  So for now, I will look forward to October 22nd!  Woot!