The other night we went on a little McDonald’s Date. She ordered a mocha, and He ordered a McFlurry. We snagged a corner booth and pulled out the laptop to crank out some goals for the New Year. 
We haven’t always been good about writing down goals, but recently we’ve been having to do a lot of writing things down as most of our life has been on hold for 4 months. It was interesting to review what we wrote last January while sitting in the Anderson, Indiana library. That seems so far away! What did we accomplish? How did our imagined timetable for 2009 work out in reality? It was actually surprising to see how little we wrote down.
Looking forward to a brand new start, sharing our thoughts about these past 4 months was one of the sweetest memories we’ve made yet.
We know of 3 other couples who have moved jobless and homeless in order to help a church plant or plant a church themselves. It’s such an encouragement to look at those who have blazed the trail before us, learn from them, and be strengthened by their understanding. One such friend gave me this old hymn by William Cowper that has recently been my meditation. I posted it on our bathroom mirror so I could read it as I start and end my day. Please let the words sink into your heart and encourage you. It will be worth your time!
Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord, who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.It can bring with it nothing but He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people, too;
Beneath the spreading heavens, no creature but is fed;
And He Who feeds the ravens will give His children bread.Though vine nor fig tree neither their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the field should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice,
For while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.
