Proverbs 22:9a. " He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed."
I am blessed beyond measure...so many good things going my way. My life harvest is bountiful....my baskets overflowing.
But that's not because life is perfect or that all things in my life feel good or are necessarily of my choosing. It's just that I am trying to live by the Word. I know the dangers of living selfishly so I try to keep my eyes focused on blessing. From that comes my blessing and reward. " Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down and running over." I want my baskets to be full!
This past year has been a different kind of year for us. It's been a year of prayer and reconsecration. Some time ago, we were invited to come on board with a team that had interest and burden for helping hurting girls. At 64 years, we were cautious and yet challenged to be a part of this dream. So we prayed and prayed some more. He gently led us to the awareness that He wanted us to take one step at a time into this Project. That has been so comforting because giant leaps seem a little beyond what we are capable of right now...
This month has brought about a move to a tiny town where we knew no one. A move from my birth state of the rolling hills of Missouri to the red clay, scrub brush, flatlands and open skies of Oklahoma. Their sunsets are beautiful, by the way. Oklahoma does have its own charm, but it is certainly different than the Ozarks!
We are now doing project management for The Pearl of Grace Ranch, the future home of hurting girls, God willing. We are living on site; 11 acres of a lot of hard work. It is the past home of a school that consolidated many years ago. We are charting plans to hopefully house 32 girls in 4 units with mentors who will create a home atmosphere for these young ladies, ages 14-18.
We have been graciously provided with quarters in a renovated cafeteria. We are comfortable and blessed.
I confess that I am a good bit overwhelmed at the job ahead of us. We still maintain a home in Missouri and there are days I just want to go back to familiarity. But, I am challenged when God's voice speaks. He has attended us every day in this mission to proceed with a bountiful spirit and give so that we can receive from Him.
Experiencing all the feelings that accompany this kind of undertaking, I could crumble and cry or decide to look around and absorb the possibilities that are here awaiting.
So with my newly baked pumpkin bread, I set out to acquaint myself with this little town. I researched the history. I learned that the now closed bank had the excitement of 7 robberies in its history. It was a booming oil town at one time. I have walked the halls of the empty school and imagined the stories that live in the hearts of those who climbed off the yellow school bus every morning to learn there. I met Ms. Betty, 80 plus years, living 2 houses down who graced those halls in her high school years. What a special little lady she is! I visited a sewing circle who had graciously donated a beautiful quilt for our recent fund raiser. They warmly invited me to join them every Tuesday for lunch. I met with them today and loved meeting a group of about 10 ladies who took the time to listen and pray about the future of Pearl of Grace Ranch.I met a town clerk who satisfied my inquisitive nature about several things regarding my new home. I visited the Post Office and met the postal clerk, who kindly answered my summons on her lunch hour. The Post Office is only one of about 5 businesses here. A tire shop, a small gas/convenience store, the City Hall, Post Office and a tiny library where I was introduced to Ms. Wanda, who I hear is the town historian. And oh yes, the Fire and Police station. I love the 15 mph speed limit in city streets and warning not to use" jake brakes". It is a quaint little town, populated with 400 or so residents.
Toney was excited to meet an Indian neighbor and to find out they still do gatherings in tepees!! He is soliciting an invitation if possible!! We are living on Reservation land of the Iowa Indians. We look forward to learning about their culture!!
So I am reaching out, letting my eyes and heart embrace the changes. Life is what we choose to make it! It is a daunting picture of how to convert this 11 acres into a dream of Hope and Beauty..... but we are comforted knowing that God blesses the Bountiful Eye! I believe that He will let it happen.... please pray with us and for us as we make this journey with our team!
