Anyone out there good at calculating odds??? Please let me know what are the chances of this string of events occurring:
1) We have a garage sale
2) Someone happens to come by and they notice the house is for sale
3) They have a family member in Brazil (as in South America) looking for a vacation home in Florida (as in where we live)
4) This couple also know our realtor.
5) Mary shows them the house, and they think the buyer would be interested.
6) Mary mentions the furniture is also for sale, they think the buyer would also be interested in that.
7) The buyer is comes to Florida two days after the garage sale.
8) We have an offer on the house the following Wednesday.
9) The buyer is paying cash.
10) He is also buying the furniture
11) He also is renting us the house thru mid-July
12) The inspections were yesterday.
13) The closing is next Friday.
You can thinks this was just an amazing string of happy coincidences, or you can agree with Mary and I that God has been involved with this every step of the way.
Looking back at the way He sold the house, how can we doubt that He would not also make certain to put us in touch with those needing to give so that we can go??
As they say at our home church...c'mon Jesus!!!!!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Where do the children play?
Welcome to our first interactive newsletter. No boring two-dimensional text-only message this time around...no way. You are in for a real treat in just a minute or two. Think of it as 3-D for your mind.
In order for this to work you need to be properly prepared. Please turn down any music or any other distractions. Get comfortable, and if you need a drink of water or tea, get it now. We'll wait...
OK, you're back. Thank you. First step read the next two lines and follow the directions exactly as written, any deviation from the instructions will greatly diminish the outcome.
1) Think of yourself dressed as a clown.
2) Close your eyes and get a full mental view of what you'd look like. Take about 30-60 seconds then open your eyes.
Done? Good. So what do you look like as a clown? How big were your shoes? What colour was your hair? Big red nose? Squirting flower?? Happy clown? Sad clown? Were you more Emmett Kelly or Bozo?
Personally I've never dressed up as a clown. But I know someone who has. This person has actually made her own costume, bought the crazy wigs and make up. She has amused children with her antics in Haiti, the Czech Republic, and Nicaragua. Unable to speak the language in any of those nations she has broken down the cultural barriers and reached the hearts of hundreds of children.
But beneath the silly face and hair, intertwined with the games, the balloons and tricks, is a message some of these kids have never, ever heard. It is simple, it is deliver with love, grace, and a deep humility. Over each of the children she has ever hugged or tickled she has let them know that God loves them. She lets them know Jesus dies so that they may live. She lets them know they matter to the Maker of the Universe.
It may seem too simple, almost trivial. But in Europe where the past 4 or 5 generations have lived in nations without the freedom to know of God, this message is now more important than ever. Thankfully there are people like my wife willing to pour her love out on those young lives. Thankfully Next Level International has recognized the importance of adding children's ministry to their responsibilities. Thankfully they also recognize that Mary's heart beats with love for kids and she gets to help shape this new ministry. This is why I called her "Nana to the Nations".
If helping reach the children of Europe for Christ is important to you feel free to become part of the adventure through your financial support, prayers, or personal involvement.
Praise report: The housing market is starting to improve here in Orlando. This past weekend we had two realtors let us know they had clients interested in our property....we've passed the 47% mark towards our financial goal...and we now have the ability to accept donations via PayPal.
Prayer needs: For that one buyer who sees our house as their new home...for new prayer and support partners...for patience, patience, and more patience.
Thank you for your interest, support, prayers, friendship and love.
Paul and Mary.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
In order for this to work you need to be properly prepared. Please turn down any music or any other distractions. Get comfortable, and if you need a drink of water or tea, get it now. We'll wait...
OK, you're back. Thank you. First step read the next two lines and follow the directions exactly as written, any deviation from the instructions will greatly diminish the outcome.
1) Think of yourself dressed as a clown.
2) Close your eyes and get a full mental view of what you'd look like. Take about 30-60 seconds then open your eyes.
Done? Good. So what do you look like as a clown? How big were your shoes? What colour was your hair? Big red nose? Squirting flower?? Happy clown? Sad clown? Were you more Emmett Kelly or Bozo?
Personally I've never dressed up as a clown. But I know someone who has. This person has actually made her own costume, bought the crazy wigs and make up. She has amused children with her antics in Haiti, the Czech Republic, and Nicaragua. Unable to speak the language in any of those nations she has broken down the cultural barriers and reached the hearts of hundreds of children.
But beneath the silly face and hair, intertwined with the games, the balloons and tricks, is a message some of these kids have never, ever heard. It is simple, it is deliver with love, grace, and a deep humility. Over each of the children she has ever hugged or tickled she has let them know that God loves them. She lets them know Jesus dies so that they may live. She lets them know they matter to the Maker of the Universe.
It may seem too simple, almost trivial. But in Europe where the past 4 or 5 generations have lived in nations without the freedom to know of God, this message is now more important than ever. Thankfully there are people like my wife willing to pour her love out on those young lives. Thankfully Next Level International has recognized the importance of adding children's ministry to their responsibilities. Thankfully they also recognize that Mary's heart beats with love for kids and she gets to help shape this new ministry. This is why I called her "Nana to the Nations".
If helping reach the children of Europe for Christ is important to you feel free to become part of the adventure through your financial support, prayers, or personal involvement.
Praise report: The housing market is starting to improve here in Orlando. This past weekend we had two realtors let us know they had clients interested in our property....we've passed the 47% mark towards our financial goal...and we now have the ability to accept donations via PayPal.
Prayer needs: For that one buyer who sees our house as their new home...for new prayer and support partners...for patience, patience, and more patience.
Thank you for your interest, support, prayers, friendship and love.
Paul and Mary.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
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