Fall in our Backyard

Here's some pictures of fall for you!

Changing Seasons

It's been so amazing to see the beauty of fall in New England again. I had forgotten how bright the colors are and how crisp the air gets. I love it. The change in seasons is very evident here and hard to miss. I got to thinking of the verse "To everything there is a season and time for every purpose under Heaven." This season of fall is a precursor to a harsh winter- beauty before pain I guess :)
Finding beauty in difficult times can be so hard. I've asked the Lord more than once (I'm pretty sure I've used up my minutes with Him- ha!) what His plan is for us here in Massachusetts. New England is the 2nd least churched region in America. I'm on fire for God. You would think that would be a no brainer in regards to why I'm here... But, I don't always remember that. I've thought, I should be out there standing on a rock like John the Baptist yelling "Repent, for the day is near!" as I've found myself a little distressed and overwhelmed with the apparent lack of Christianity here in MA. We are seeking a church and becoming increasingly discouraged. We want so much to be in ministry again within a church and yet, we seem to be floundering. What was God's purpose in sending us here? Why can't I have what I had before? And then, the Lord reminds me "To everything there is a season..."
We had such a wonderful and abundant season in Colorado. It's dry and barren here. Revival isn't dead though, it's just dormant. It needs the water of prayer and fasting. It's a new season for us. We don't have to have the answers, we just need to be willing to go where we're led. We know it's here, even on the days when I cry for what I had. I knew it was great when I had it, now that knowledge has just been solidified!
Pray for New England. Please. God IS going to move here in a mighty way and I know in my heart He's called us here "For such a time as this." even if we don't know what it all looks like.
Thanks for listening to the ranting of a silly little girl who just wants to do what is most glorifying to God and sometimes forgets it can't always be "my way." :~)

Goodbye Little House

Our house closed today so we are saying an official goodbye to our home in Colorado. Bittersweet. Lots of fun and happy memories there. To everything there is a season.
Thank you all for your prayers- God has been so faithful to us and it is truly a testament that our house sold in such a short time.
You are all a blessing to us and we love ya!

Have you ever been to Boston in the fall?

A fabulous Veggie Tales line!
Seriously, beautiful weather today. 65, sunny, and the leaves just beginning to change ever so slightly. The camp is so quiet these days with the campers and staff all gone! We enjoy our walks after dinner :)
The kids have been in school about a month now and are doing well. Making friends and adjusting. They're so flexible. We're very proud of them.
It's been interesting taking a year off from teaching. I feel like I should keep getting up at 5:30am, and working like a madwoman all day! I've enjoyed the little part time job I have and I'm working on "bringing it down a level" and not going 100 mph all day. It's harder than I thought! I don't think I'll retire- I'll just drop dead in a classroom at the age of 95 or something!
It's been fun reconnecting with some friends through Facebook- yes, I joined the ranks. It really is such an easy way to stay connected, although I have to make sure I don't spend my days hanging out with my cyber friends and not the actual human beings around me :)

Hope you all have a blessed weekend and I look forward to hearing how God is working in your lives. If you are in Colorado- PLEASE tell the 300 Clubhouse kids how much we miss them and worshipping with them!

Blessings~

Gone with the Wind

Hi
It's a beautiful day in Sharon, MA today! Blustery and warm. The lake looks beautiful with a little bit of white caps and the trees blowing in the wind. I was supposed to do alot of housework this morning but said "Nah" and went for a walk! A good choice I think!
In church yesterday, the pastor referenced a passage of scripture from Leviticus that resonated with me. The scripture is about the faithfulness of God and how His faithfulness is new every morning. It's one of those verses and sermons that came at just the right time. Knowing God's will is great, walking through it isn't always "easy breezy" as Matthew would say.
So, although I do have days that I miss my Colorado family so much that my heart hurts, God is doing a new thing. Pray for Mike and the kids too as they are adjusting to this "new thing" that God is doing in them as well!
Thanks for all your prayers. I plan on uploading some pictures next weekend.
Blessings~

Hurricane Hanna

Hannah is thrilled that the hurricane heading to the East coast is named Hurricane Hanna! She said the hurricane is mad because people are spelling Hannah wrong...
So, quite the summer we had. So many new things to get used to and people to get to know. We finally were all moved into our house the beginning of August. Camp is all consuming so it was hard to get anything done! It's "all good" now though :)
The kids started school last week and are doing well. Continue to pray for them as they navigate public school life. We are very blessed though in that it's an excellent school system and they have pretty strict discipline and high standards. Besides the regular courses, Matthew is also taking Chinese! The district requires the students learn Mandarin Chinese beginning in 1st grade. Hannah is thrilled that she has drama, art, band, pe, and a club factored into her schedule! Now she doesn't have to pick one or two things. She's doing really well.
Mike loves his job and loves living in New England again. I'm still not working for now and seeing how God will lead!
We're still seeking a church so please pray with us about that. Also pray for a spiritual breakthrough here in New England. I know it's coming, but I'm hoping sooner rather than later!
Well, I need to get Hannah from school. Please feel free to leave a comment or email! I'll try to update at least once a week.
Blessings to you all. We miss you so very much.

Mountain of God

We are now in Scranton, PA and plan on heading to MA tomorrow morning! We had a great visit with Mike's sister Pat and her family. We went out to Camp Allegheny to "check it out"- it's beautiful :)
I don't know when I'll be able to write again once we hit camp, so I wanted to say thank you for all your prayers. We definitely felt them throughout the whole trip. I heard this song (one of my favorites) by Third Day as I was driving through the mountains of Pennsylvania. With all that has gone on in our lives over the past few months, leaving our fabulous friends, church, school, and neighbors, and with the future a bit unknown, I thought the song was timely. So, I'm leaving you with the words of the song "Mountain of God" and pray that in all YOUR circumstances, you will truly feel the presence of God.
We love you~
Mike, Lisa, Hannah, and Matthew
ps- if you want to leave a message on this site, I think you just have to type in your email. We'd love to hear from you!

"Mountain Of God"

Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me

And I didn't even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me

'Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn't ever make it
Without You

Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God

As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again

Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me