Dear Friends,
Our Christmas picture this year might look a little odd, but it has great significance for Johnny and me. The picture was taken on the day the demolition company began tearing down our home on Galveston Bay. We thought a picture of us on the equipment might be better than a picture of the debris stacked roof high on the street. Most of you know that our home was destroyed by Hurricane Ike on September 13, of this year. God has been faithful, as He always is, every step of the way in this new chapter of our lives.
The morning we evacuated I received a voice mail from our good friends, Euphanel & Nick Goad, inviting us to come to Round Top Retreat. Johnny thought this was a good idea so we packed up the dog, bird, and one cat (the other one got away) and drove to Round Top for what we thought would be a few days stay. After the storm was over and we found out that we had lost everything, the Goad’s were gracious and insisted that we stay until we were ready to leave. We probably would never have felt ready to leave, but after five weeks it seemed best to make some decisions for the immediate future. Johnny and I both had such peace at Round Top, like being wrapped up in a cocoon of love.
Our next door neighbors, Greg & Melissa Jones, offered their home when we came back to the bay. Amazingly, they had just moved back to Houston three weeks before the storm. We moved into their completely furnished home October 17, and have been there since then. I can truly say that I have not looked for one thing that was not there. Isn’t our God good?
Johnny and I feel that we need to move into Houston for the winter so that I don’t have to make the long drive each day. During this time of year, it is dark when I leave and dark when I return home, so this seems like the best plan for now. Our good friend, Linda Wadsworth is moving from her townhome and has agreed to leave it furnished while she has it for sale. We will be moving in around the middle of December and stay while we seek the Lord on the next step to take.
We so appreciate your prayers for us during the months ahead as we see what God is going to write in this new chapter of our lives. We will celebrate, the Lord willing, our 50th Wedding Anniversary June 26, 2009, and we have so much to be thankful for today. We’re learning a lot, which I will probably share in a book along the way, but one thing we know: God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas,
Carole & Johnny
Our Christmas picture this year might look a little odd, but it has great significance for Johnny and me. The picture was taken on the day the demolition company began tearing down our home on Galveston Bay. We thought a picture of us on the equipment might be better than a picture of the debris stacked roof high on the street. Most of you know that our home was destroyed by Hurricane Ike on September 13, of this year. God has been faithful, as He always is, every step of the way in this new chapter of our lives.
The morning we evacuated I received a voice mail from our good friends, Euphanel & Nick Goad, inviting us to come to Round Top Retreat. Johnny thought this was a good idea so we packed up the dog, bird, and one cat (the other one got away) and drove to Round Top for what we thought would be a few days stay. After the storm was over and we found out that we had lost everything, the Goad’s were gracious and insisted that we stay until we were ready to leave. We probably would never have felt ready to leave, but after five weeks it seemed best to make some decisions for the immediate future. Johnny and I both had such peace at Round Top, like being wrapped up in a cocoon of love.
Our next door neighbors, Greg & Melissa Jones, offered their home when we came back to the bay. Amazingly, they had just moved back to Houston three weeks before the storm. We moved into their completely furnished home October 17, and have been there since then. I can truly say that I have not looked for one thing that was not there. Isn’t our God good?
Johnny and I feel that we need to move into Houston for the winter so that I don’t have to make the long drive each day. During this time of year, it is dark when I leave and dark when I return home, so this seems like the best plan for now. Our good friend, Linda Wadsworth is moving from her townhome and has agreed to leave it furnished while she has it for sale. We will be moving in around the middle of December and stay while we seek the Lord on the next step to take.
We so appreciate your prayers for us during the months ahead as we see what God is going to write in this new chapter of our lives. We will celebrate, the Lord willing, our 50th Wedding Anniversary June 26, 2009, and we have so much to be thankful for today. We’re learning a lot, which I will probably share in a book along the way, but one thing we know: God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas,
Carole & Johnny
I am a brand new "First Placer", and found your blog through the website. I believe God has led me to the "First Place" program, and what makes me most excited is that this program is first concerned with our relationship with Christ. I know that if I put him first, all other areas will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteI watched the videos (older ones...My Church had them in their Library, and I felt as I watched you Carole, and I think it was Kay that God radiated through you both. Sorry to hear about your loss, but I know that our God will take you through whatever is in store for your family.
Blessings...Just wanted you to know that you have one more reader...now you have 6.5 readers :)
Kim
Just found your blog on the website tonight! I'm so happy to hear how the Lord has provided for you! That is just like HIM!
ReplyDeleteOur group here at Spring Valley in Columbia, SC has been praying for you!
About to start our January session this WEdnesday. It will be the 5th session that I have led and the 8th I've been a part of. I am looking forward to MOVING FORWARD, the study we will work on this winter. Thank you all for your leadership and resources! (I am a First Place member who is still working on getting all the weight off!)
Blessings for the new year to you and all the First Place staff.
Kim Sanders
Dear Carole, I was concerned for you when the storm came through, but found nothing on the web at that time. Your faith and positive attitude continues to shine! I remember the cocoon of Round Top and your blog is evidence of the love of friends and God's provision. Praying for you and Johnny. Blessings, Donelle in SC
ReplyDeleteHow great God provided for you!!!
ReplyDelete