The important thing is that we live each day, and each season, to fully please the LORD (and not strive to please people, or worry about what others think about us). It’s definitely not a cut-and-dry solution. It’s constantly keeping IN TUNE with God’s divine balance for each day. There’s also the flip side of the coin; many families care only about the loved ones around their own kitchen table, and don’t care about the lost.

God knows your heart, and He will direct you and Jim, and your precious dozen kids!!!

Ann

Just re-read this post and it so encouraged me that what Jim and I keep having to say and do is from the Lord. As you know, this is Jim’s first year in full-time ministry. We are struggling with the fact that the church has a lot of expectations of the “pastor’s wife”, and not much understanding of my commitment to my 12 children. So sad.

A few months ago I reminded Jim of so many early missionaries and how they sacrificed their families “for the work of the Lord”. I told him that I did not believe that was what we were supposed to do. Jim has had to work very hard to find a balance (and set boundaries) so that the work of the church does not become more important that the work of his family. Not always easy.

Just wanted to stop by and say, “hi”. Hope you all are doing well. Miss your smiling face.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Laurel

I will definitely come to “meet” you and your family on your blog and in your videos), and pray for the Lord’s continued and increased blessings, provision, grace, and JOY . . . for all of you . . . for this new season of ministry in Thailand.

He will be your strength and help, just keep your focus on HIM!!!

So delighted to be your friend!
Ann

I was thrilled to read your response. Thank you for taking the time to do so! It’s very encouraging. We’re on the Thailand countdown and are getting very excited for the work God has called us to do! I covet the prayers, especially those specifically being lifted for our kids!! Here are their names and ages:
Aiden (7 year old, daughter)
Niah (5 year old, daughter)
Adley (3 year old, son)

My husband, Brett, and I have no idea what to pray for at this time, we’re just seeking God and praying! Thank you for the faithful prayers!

Our blog site is http://www.journeywiththeclarks.com. We have posted 2 videos of the work we’ve been doing, stateside-and you can meet our family (I always love putting names with faces so this will give you a chance to meet all of us via computer:-) Each video is on the blog. We’ll have another video coming out sometime this month before our departure and then we’ll be posting video blogs from the “fields”.

I loved what you said about GRACE and will hold on to those words as we prepare for even more of a life change! I will definitely keep in touch and will continue using this site as a tool in our walk! I will also faithfully pray for you, your family and this awesome ministry!

Much love and peace!

Beth Clark

WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!

May the Lord extend an increased level of GRACE upon you and your husband, and upon your three little children as you embark on this new journey and adventure of faith.

Please continue to keep in touch, and if you could send your family names (including the names of your kids), I would love to get some people specifically praying for you.

I definitely can’t promise you that your steps will be easy, or without sacrifice . . . or tears . . . or huge challenges; but I CAN promise you that OUR GOD is faithful. He DOES have GRACE for you (GRACE, as in the supernatural-and-undeserved-and-unearned ABILITY and PROVISION to do whatever He is calling you to do). He WILL be with you. He WILL have new mercies and new grace and help available for you, for each day . . . and for each challenge . . . and each relationship . . . and each need.

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful encouragement; I feel humbled that this site and the MM books had a little part in your sending process. WOW.

ABUNDANT blessings and GRACE to you dear sister,
Ann

I have been following your website for almost a year now and have wanted to tell you how much your ministry is impacting my family! My husband and I answered “the call” to full time missionary work a year ago. We’re currently in training and will be moving to Southeast Asia, along with our 3 young children (7, 5 and 3) in July of this year. We’re being sent by our Church with a team of 16 total. It’s a very exciting and humbling time, but as I”m sure you can understand, a time full of many unknowns. My greatest challenge has been preparing our kids. They’ve had a lot of change in this past year, and my husband and I have made a commitment to help them see that this is OUR FAMILIES calling, not just Mom and Dad’s. We’ve also committed to make them understand that they’re not second b/c we’ve been called into full time ministry. Still, the struggle with this is very challenging. I’ve purchased The Mission Minded Child and have learned SO much. I just can’t thank you enough for offering your experience and wisdom. Your site is used daily, as have many of your other resources, in our household and I just wanted to thank you for obediently walking out the calling God has placed in your life. I’m inspired and encouraged and feel more equipped after spending time learning from you! God has SO much to teach us and prepare us for!! I LOVED this post b/c my husband and I are always searching for the balance. Thank you for all you do and know I pray for you and your ministry often!!
For Christ!
Beth Clark