Romans 4:17 We call Abraham “father” not because he got God’s attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn’t that what we’ve always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, “I set you up as father of many peoples”? Abraham was first named “father” and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing.

Something. Out of nothing. That's what I'm wanting. God to speak something out of nothing. As of today the obstacles keeping us from Belgium (that we know of) are:

-Sale of our house

-Significant funding raised

-Language

-Job in Brussels for Rob

Any of these on their own seem BIG to me right now, like impossible big. We try our best to find answers to these problems. We lowered the asking price on the house today. Talk to anyone who will listen about the call to follow God and the partnering we need to get there. Rob is constantly searching for and applying for jobs in Brussels. Still nothing. As I battle that little voice in the back of my mind called discouragement I feel exhausted and frustrated. But today a corner turned. I asked my faithfully praying neighbor if she could spare a minute this week to prayer walk around the house and she of course said yes and asked me to go inside and write down Romans 4:17. She said pay close attention to the end of the verse. There it was, that nugget of truth, "because he dared to trust God to do what only God can do, raise the dead to life,with a word make something our of nothing". I know God answers prayers. I know God keeps His promises and I know that by His word this house will sell, funding will come,language will grow and Rob will have a job. I am boldly claiming that God is in control of our lives and this journey.

Watch and see the things He will do. Pray with us. Rejoice with us as He works in and around us. Join us in worshiping this Creator who saved us and calls us to reach the lost for His glory!

My days of discouragement and self pity are over. I am going to rest in the hope that I have.

Psalm 106:44 Still, when God saw the trouble they were in

and heard their cries for help,

45 He remembered his Covenant with them,
and, immense with love, took them by the hand.

46 He poured out his mercy on them
while their captors looked on, amazed.

47 Save us, God, our God!
Gather us back out of exile
So we can give thanks to your holy name
and join in the glory when you are praised!

48 Blessed be God, Israel’s God!
Bless now, bless always!
Oh! Let everyone say Amen!
Hallelujah!

So tonight we hosted our second "Last Superbowl in the US". It's the second because in my rush to put God's plan on my timeline I forgot who was really in charge. Man I have got to stop doing that! Oh well it was a terrific night of fun and terrific food with our Belgium Family. This year we are one family short as the Goens are in Brussels. But we were up one baby as Cassi and Bryan brought home baby Jackson. What a great thing to celebrate the end of the football season with people we love!

God continues to shine. We strive to let Him shine through us. Learning patience is a long process but I like that it makes me depend on God in my vulnerability. He is always faithful, always hears my prayers. Now that doesn't mean He answers them the way I want, but that's okay because I know He sees everything I can't.

Another year, another SuperBowl. Glad the Packers won and Chico,CA has a hometown hero quarterback to celebrate tonight. Hoping that next year finds us celebrating this great American tradition with our new Belgian neighbors. Here's to the things to come...