The extremist Sunni militants that now control Iraq's second city of Mosul gave its Christian residents an ultimatum this weekend: pay a protection tax, convert to Islam, or be killed. The few hundred families still remaining in the area fled.
April Alignment
April is a month for alignment as ventures on various fronts begin to come together. Tomorrow is another 4th of the month for us and it's a double one this year.
Ever since that day, I am always in motion, which is a key piece in my journey to wholeness. To me, motion refers to terms of hope, purpose, and a future, not busyness and chaos with no meaning. Since coming here and digging my heels in to do this, it seems a whole new world is opening up to me......
In the past, I was busy but in many ways, going in circles and didn't seem to get any further. Those times were not a waste but developed this wanting inside of me...... I knew something better lie ahead. I just didn't expect the path to include the parts I've come through.
Just like those who are mentioned in Hebrews 11 of the Bible, countless men and women picked up and answered some kind of call and compelling force to go big or go home. A mission.
On the eve of the 4.4, Logan plays the song, "Where We Belong," the one so perfect and meaningful, and the one we chose for the memorial service. Switchfoot had just released a new album and the lyrics were perfect; the sentiments heartfelt and our own. It seemed to be written just for us.......
For the first two years I couldn't listen to the song..... I now choose to because it reminds me of hope... the hope we resonated that evening. We want to see a "generation waking up inside...." and still do. This will happen if we have anything to say about it.
Even though I have setbacks and did so today, I'm not giving up.
From coast to coast..... goodnight.
Exponentially
2014 is proving quite revealing thus far, as authenticity stands out from the arrogance saturating a culture. Humility is empowering.......
I am blessed to have a few in my life who support us when needed and and connect with my vision unfolding. I think I am becoming more comfortable (or desperate) in accepting help I am offered when needed. To be here and do this, support and endorsements are necessary.
It was never a matter of my pride preventing my acceptance of "help" offered, but more the motives behind the "offers." A gift is not free when given with strings attached, obligations and expectations... .... and too high of a price to pay. I will not sell my soul.
There will always be some sort of sacrifice, in every aspect of life, as it was since the beginning of time. My late husband's sacrifice in life is helping to provide for our future existence, one we thought he would be part of. I really wish he'd still be here..... but I know he's watching.
My search for new health insurance coverage is pressuring me and comes at the worst possible time ever, but coverage will drop soon because of our relocation process. I also plan to attempt my driver's license asap, to obtain residency. Another "test" to pass.....
Getting a new auto insurance policy in order to cover the two boys and renter's insurance in place, sooner than I had hoped. I could never do this without the kindness of others. Every time I have spoken to a friendly rep from Cali companies, I'm told "welcome to California" and each wishes me well.
Good news coming from Chynna's court as she's got a full time job lined up for the near future, close by, and in her field of study:) Several small openings have also come her way as a chance to earn an income which we are very thankful for:)
The thing we search for after loss is stability. When everything you've ever known is taken away suddenly, it takes a while to find your footing. For some, it takes longer than others, and some never, ever find it again.
I chose to create as stable of a situation I could, in spite of being scared stiff for financial reasons.
Either my faith is growing exponentially or I'm becoming even more naive as I mature:) It's a time to remain in motion because "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."