This. Our life might seem glamorous at times, but it’s hard. We’re looking forward to rest —- rest from packing, rest from setting up a new house, rest from the painful goodbyes. And this verse here — it’s just beautiful. Whether we’re worn out doing many things ourselves, healing from autoimmune issues, almost killed by a terrorist or dying of blood clots (twice), going into labor and naturally delivering an eighth sweet baby, in bed miscarrying at a friend’s home while on a trip, losing a dear mother to breast cancer, getting denied housing due to the number of children we have, or many other trials we face along the way in this journey of life, we cling to Him.

God didn’t say we can do some things or even a hundred things by His grace: He said that we can do all things through Christ. He strengthens us and gives us hope, peace, and love. When people ask us or say, “I don’t know how you do it.” Just like this past Sunday, we were humbled when old friends about to embark on a challenging foreign mission work repeated those words many have said. Immediately, my heart and body bowed low inside, humbled in remembrance of Him, while I pointed upward. We both agreed.

Yes, life for us is full of difficult things. We’re thankful that God promises to be there with us along this journey. Here and there, He sprinkles surprises and pours out abundant grace, hope, and love that floors us! There’s a saying that says, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” By God’s grace, we hope we can make a lemon feast of custards, anpans, cream pies, sherberts, meringue and key lime pies — more than lemonade — when life gives us lemons.

Though we’re worn out, we’re also very excited and encouraged about the next exciting adventure in our journey of life! God knows what’s best. We don’t always fully understand all the reasons why we’re going through what we are — whether joys or trials — but we take comfort knowing that “All things work together for good to them that love God.” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬)

Our whole family, though sad to leave loved ones behind again from our church, Navy, and military families and community, is looking forward to meeting the loving people of El Paso and new service families in the Navy and Army.

Lord, we’re ready. Wherever You send us, we will go. Yes, Lord, we leave all behind and heartily go. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

(‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬) (Philippians 4:13) #PCSseason #usna #Philippians413 #Colossians323 #Pensacola #onemoreday #ElPasoFinaldestination #ChattanoogaStrong #ElPasoStrong (PC: Commander Stockman - Tim’s end of tour award ceremony last Friday) (PC: American Henry Photography - 2018 family photo); (PC: Franicia - August Navy PCS move and packout)