All Systems Go

I don’t know where to begin!  I feel as if I owe you an explanation for my long absence. And I simply don’t have one.  I’m practiced at rationalization, but even that seems to fall short.  So… I guess you’ll just have to accept my apology.  My grand hopes and plans for consistency may be unrealistic.  Instead, I’ll write when I write and that will have to do.  Thank you for extending me grace.  The Lord already has. 

The Best of Intentions

I’ve opened my laptop countless times, but have little to show for it.  This morning though,  three different people asked what was up with my blog.  Because I credit your faithful prayers and support for our progress, that was the kick in the pants that I needed.  

All Systems Go

July 1^st  will be move in day for Ian.  For six months, we project, he’ll be living at Mountain Lodge at Sedona Lago in Arizona.  It feels as if, we’ve been preparing for this missile launch…. for 27 years!  But our ginger missile, even though fearfully and wonderfully made, has had an atypical trajectory.  Sedona Lago promises a unique opportunity to back fill some needed adulting skills while living with other peers with similar challenges.  

Domino Effect

After taking the huge leap of faith and committing to the program, I have marveled at the domino effect the decision has had on all of us.  Because we’ll need the Lord to see this through, I’ve been faithfully praying daily making my time and constant connection with Him more precious than ever.  Anticipating his future, Ian has been treating his art more like a career which has hugely impacted his daily routine.  And Doug and I are pinching ourselves as we anticipate a real empty nest.  We all have a spring in our step.  

Ponder this Question

Susie Larson, one of my favorite podcasters, often asks her guests, what do you know about God now that you didn’t know or fully appreciate five years ago?   How would you answer that question?  My answer would be… the Lord’s goodness and loving kindness.  

Before you surmise “that’s easy for you to say your circumstances seem peachy.”  Trust me when I tell you, you don’t know the half of it.  We’re still knee deep in frustrations, relational struggles and titanic uncertainties.  Instead, what’s different is that I’m noticing the Lord’s hand in the every day.   Curiously when I acknowledge Him with praise, it’s seems as if He’s delighted to pile on more.  Time spent with the Lord is a bit of a misnomer, because He’s my constant companion. 

Psalm 23:6.  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

EGGS

Four years ago I published a study of Psalm 23.  Revisiting it, I’ve been encouraged, you will be too.    Here is a link to a deeper dive of verse 6. Psalm 23:6

In this article I introduced the idea of looking for EGGS….  Examples of God’s Grace.  In my current season, the practice has become such a habit that I’ve been bumping into EGGS…

All—The—Time! 

Just this past week, the parking lot at Sprouts, the pickle-ball court and on the phone with Delta airlines have all been sacred places for God’s grace to take center stage.

Can You Believe It?

To take full advantage of our empty nest, Doug and I will travel abroad this September.  Too old for hostels, I’ve been determined to plan an exceptional vacation to Greece on a modest budget.  I booked a non-refundable plane tickets on a discount site, without any travel insurance.  I know, I KNOW.  Weeks later, I noticed that we had only 41 minutes in Atlanta, to change terminals and catch our second leg to Athens.  The discount agency assured me that it’s a ‘legal’ flight itinerary, never mind that it’s highly unlikely we would make that connection.  I considered all my options.  Changes, cancelling and rebooking.  But every scenario would cost us hundreds or thousands. 

I prayed.  I sensed that somehow things would work out, no matter how stressful a mad dash in Atlanta may be.  Not ideal, perhaps crazy even, I left our inexpensive ticket alone and stopped worrying about it.

A week later, I got an email that our flights had changed.  Apparently, Delta’s flight Atlanta to Athens, would now leave 5 minutes earlier.  This insignificant change triggered our itinerary because our layover was now less than the magic 40 minute minimum.  Delta was forced to re-book us appropriately at no expense to us!   Thank you God!  

Another Opportunity

I have recently learned that Ian’s medicaid benefits won’t travel with him to Arizona, benefits that he/we depend on!  I’m not panicking. But trusting this presents another golden opportunity for God to somehow fill in the gaps.  

My heart is full of gratitude for your continued prayers and support.  

Ian is doing his part to help the cause. Check out his official website. It’s updated often adding his latest paintings, commissioned pieces, videos and what he’s up to.  Don’t be thrown by the missing “E” in his last name.  Ian Douglas Huck. Apparently creatives have the prerogative to change their name.  The way I see it, we’re getting off easy. 

Ian’s Website

Father God,  We praise you for your goodness and mercy!  So often our view of You is clouded by our circumstances.  Even though we’re disinclined to credit You, thank you for being generous anyway. Help us to know Your presence in our every day.  Help us to be mindful of Your extravagant grace.  Amen. 

For His Glory, 

Debbie Hucke