Five Things I Will Miss From Rhode Island

Reflections from my Rhode Island Wilderness Adventure....I will miss...

1. Our family-friendly schedule. Unlike what we originially thought, Adam's schedule was very easy. This is Adam's graduation day! Doesn't he look handsome?! Once again, he succeeded with flying colors!!! I was glad that the kids and I could attend his ceremony to honor him and his service for our family and nation.

2. My running buddy. After meeting Abby, I am convinced that everybody needs a good workout buddy. Abby, I have not run since our last run in our dark, windy, 'is-that-a-skunk?' neighborhood. I need a new running buddy...(ahem...you know who you are...)...Abby was also one of my playdate buddies with her two sweet boys. Blessings to you and your family as you make a big transition! (By the way, do you like my shiner??? Luke.)

3. Pastor Barr and Newport Community Church. Pastor Barr's messages were filled with grace and truth, and we were blessed by his faithful ministry. This church is one of the most welcoming, helpful, loving churches we have come across. If you are in the Newport, Rhode Island area...visit this one! I will also miss the Tuesday evening ladies Bible study. The study and the fellowship with those women were wonderful...I forgot to take a picture! sigh.

4. Our little friends and the many playgrounds on our military housing. The kids loved their playground buddies.

5. Call me a dork, but I am going to miss Papa Ginos. Granted, it is not Papa Johns, but it was a happy six month substitute.

I will not miss however, the INSANE COST OF LIVING ... RHODE ISLAND, YOU ARE OUT OF CONTROL. Also, I will not miss the fact that I can only choose between Dunkin Donuts and Dunkin Donuts if I want to eat out....(no, that is not a typo).

Wilderness Wanderings

"You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know...that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him."

Deuteronomy 8:1-6

Providentially, God has placed my family in the military. Normally, a military family moves about every three years. Adam and I have been married for eight years, and this is our eighth move next week. God has made us wander just like the Israelites. Lovingly, He takes us from familiarity and leads us to the unknown. There is always temptation to think that God does not care because He takes us away from our comforts. But, He makes us wander because He loves us and He wants us to long for the Bread of heaven, Christ Himself. He disciplines us and humbles us that we may learn to keep His commandments, walking in His ways, fearing Him. Even though He tests us, which hurts, even so, His mercy and provision are abundant. And, His promise is sure always:

"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8