Continually Seek Him!

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a Family Ministry conference in Loveland, CO.  There are many things that I will be processing for some time, but immediately I have taken the reminder to look for "God sightings" (seeing at work around us - through the world, circumstances, and others).   This isn't a new concept, but one that as my days have gotten busier and urgencies seem to increase, has easily slipped away.

As I look back over the last 6 months it is easy to see the hand of our enemy actively pursuing us, God's children, from the flooding of our facility, 5 weeks of moving around, hurting friends and fellow servants, and numerous health issues from a bad flu (and post flu) season to now the loss of both Frank's and Pete's fathers within 3 weeks of each other.  It is easy to get down and feel defeated, and many around me have had moments of struggling with this.  But this is only half the story...

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. Exult in His holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for His strength; continually seek Him. 

(Psa 105:1-4 NLT)

Over the last few months, I have watched as the body of Christ stepped up as Frank and Tricia met the needs of his parents in Florida with almost continual care since his dad's cancer diagnosis in December to the time that he went home on February 21st.  I have seen God working though the worship team not only through the notes they sing and play, but most importantly in the love and support that they display for God, Frank, and the mission of empowering one more as they worked through difficult times without Frank to lead them.  Their commitment to God as their ultimate leader was evident. They led us in worship through their actions and very lives.  God was there!

I watched as people stepped up to help with the coffee bar in service and provisions as Tricia cared for her father-in-law.  Others stepped up and helped with the financial needs that Trish usually oversees.  God is there!

Now as I look over the last week, my heart overflows with God sightings!  

• Monday night our Saturn broke down while I was running around down town.  It was close enough to Manda's dance place that we could leave the car there for the night with no issue.  God.  
• The next morning I made several calls to repair places that we might be able to get the car to... the cheapest place was also the closest - less than a mile away.  They proved to not only offer reasonable prices but also honest, reliable service.  God.  
• Upon finding someone offering reasonable prices, we asked about the van which we have fought an issue with filling the tank all winter (it would take 30-45 minutes to fill the 20 gallon tank!).  This service station fixed the issue at about half what the dealership quoted.  God.  We decided to do the repair after getting the Saturn back. 
• Thursday afternoon, Pete spoke with his mom.  He could hear the strain and anxiety in her voice.  Dad was having good days and bad days.  We had seen him 3 weeks earlier and he was doing better than we had seen in a while but upon hearing his mom, his spirit (God's spirit within him) was unsettled.  Pete decided on the spot to rent a car (we had one in the shop) and go to Cincinnati and see his parents and bring Becca back for spring break.  GOD!
• Thursday night when I was running the evening stuff the service engine light came on in the Saturn.  I was watching for the signs I had earlier in the week and just prayed that I would be able to get Manda and myself home.  We pulled into the driveway.  I thanked God and then turned off the engine.  I decided to try to start it... it wouldn't start.  God is so awesome!
• It gets better... Friday the car started so that I could get it to the service station and pick up the repaired van!  They found the loose connection on the repaired alternator of the Saturn.  Pete hadn't taken the Saturn and gotten stuck and I hadn't gotten stuck! God is way cool!
• I've had 3 people interested in helping in children's ministry.  One of which helped me during the week which allowed us to spend Saturday together at home with Becca and all our kids!  God...
• Sunday when we heard that Dad had been taken to ER we were surrounded by friends who lifted up Mom and Dad... God...
• Sunday Night... God was our comfort as we learned that Dad had gone home.. God.
• This week as we travel to Cincinnati, we have 2 cars prepared to make the trip... Only God!
• The list goes on and on...

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. Exult in His holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for His strength; continually seek Him.

Continually seek Him... we don't see God in the hard times because we don't practice seeking Him on a regular basis and letting the whole world know what He has done.  God is at work in mighty ways all around you and me... seek Him today and let the whole world know!

(Not so long next time... I promise!)