I knew it was going to be a process, but....

Who could have known things would be so tough along this journey?  I have been feeling sorry for myself lately and singing "Oh, Woe Is Me".  Have you ever sung that song of self-pity?  I have sung it in the past but not this many verses.

Conversations and prayer with some family, friends (Mark and Tom) and our Board have helped me regain perspective...God's over mine.

Mine = problem is too big, resources are too small, life is too short, and the hindrances are too strong

God's = He is bigger than any challenge, His resources are unlimited, eternity is timeless and this life is simply preparation for eternity, and no hindrance can stand against His will and power.

Can you imagine that when my perspective is the place where my thoughts live, I get down (I mean discouraged not "get down" as in dancing..remember I am an older guy)?
But when my Father's perspective rules my thoughts, I get His peace, understand His love, and enjoy great hope in Him (and feel like dancing and sometimes I actually do)!

So, by faith, I say today that my God "shall supply all your (my) needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus", not because I think it is true but because He said it.  That settles it.  Philippians 4:6,7, 19 are some of my 2011 verses to pray for my own spiritual health.

When we started this venture, I did the best I knew to communicate it to my family, but I realize I didn't do a very good job.  I have put Carol, especially, in a very difficult place by possibly moving ahead without her buy in, at least to the degree I should have.  However, here we are, and we are more on the same page, singing the same song, and trusting God for His will to be done "on earth (in our lives) as it is in heaven" as ever.

Our Couple #1 and now perhaps Couples #2 and #3 will receive the best care and love we can give them as we, by God's grace, watch the Holy Spirit move to heal marriages, and then use them mightily to influence 1000's of other couples to exhibit the love of Jesus powerfully at home, in churches, and communities around the world.

• The Problem:  not too big for God to solve and in Christ it is solved already, we await the revelation of His solution
• The Resources: are around us in abundance, "God's work done God's way will not lack God's supplies" - not my original thought but borrowed from Hudson Taylor
• The Life:  though not void of challenges is abundant nonetheless; an eye on eternity keeps this life in true focus
• The Hindrances:  though real, are only temporary and will not stop the will of God from being done!

I look forward to reporting how God does what only He can "take the nothing I see, add the something He owns, so that we have everything we need to ensure all the honor is His".