The ties that bind, the waves that break...

Ever been without a car? Struggled with the mundane chores of life? Faced a paperwork battle with a government entity for a piece of property, a financial mishap, or a legal situation?

These are the circumstances of life which bring us to our knees before God, where we meet some of you in the same place. Our greatest moments we recall as we go to bed at night always bring us back to the people we've met that have brought us reassurance, hope, laughter, or simply understanding as we travel this life. Knowing that some of you pray for us as often as we pray for ourselves gives us a sense of closeness that we need in a place and phase of life where it's easy to feel forgotten and out of touch.

Today is a day where we put final touches on our visa application paperwork for Maicol's hopeful return in April/May for graduation. Some verses we stumbled upon and now cling to in regard to this, are James 1:5-7. We're asking for wisdom with how to present our case to the consulate. We need to think of any paperwork we can show that will prove our return to Brazil after Maicol's trip to the states. Many of these applications get denied. We must ask and believe, because doubting will bring us nothing from God. Such a huge step of faith. So we are not doubting that he will give us the wisdom we need. If that means giving us the visa and strengthening our faith after 10 months of prayer, so be it. And if we do not receive the visa and our wisdom is gained by heavy consequence or possibly a trial of strength and perseverance, great. Either way, we have to trust God has our best in mind and that we will grow in wisdom, regardless of the outcome.

We love the waves of the sea on a breezy, sunny day. However, we don't want to throw oursleves in to be tossed uncontrollably and possibly detrimentally.

because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6