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5th Anniversary of our move to NY

I just had to post to commemorate the 5th anniversary of our move to NY.

In someways, it feels like yesterday. I can quickly conjure my feelings and sensations of pulling into the driveway at dusk on that St. Patrick's Day, a Friday night, and seeing a full parking lot. I wondered in learning that it was full because of the quarterly healing service taking place. The parsonage empty and relatively dark, the kids and I along with the Wolf family (dear friends who moved us) walked around what would become our new home. So fresh and clean, newly painted and waiting.

I could not have known then what I know now, of course. Could I have imagined that the difficult fall the preceded the move (releasing aunt to Jesus after long battle with breast cancer, 3 weeks later my grandmother, Thanksgiving week a great aunt) would turn into a difficult spring (saying goodbye to grandfather, several trips, selling house, etc.)? I wouldn't have imagined that I would struggle with depression again. Emerging from that I welcomed my fourth baby into my womb. We also welcomed many friends and family into our home (sometimes in back to back weeks). All total we had over 7 weeks of company between July and November. SOOOOO many memories in such a short amount of time.

It was a busy first year, and first year blended into second and third and fourth. Now five years have passed. Of all the things anticipated- many have come to fruition, many, of course, have not. Wonderful joy-filled seasons stand side by side with painful challenges and yet another struggle with depression. Of course, our Lord's promises are EVER FAITHFUL and He sees us through hard times and brings us round by grace to joy again. I marvel at the Lord's provision for us- a home the perfect size, close to the church with the great blessing of having our Daddy breeze in and out of our day as he comes and goes- visiting, to meetings, to services. A wonderfully large backyard (beyond the borders of fence!) and a loving community of faithful believers.

Thank you for hanging with me through this journey of sentiment! I'm reveling in this blessing and promise from Ephesians 3:
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

6 comments:

Jessica said...

Beautifully worded Katherine. What a whirlwind of 5 years, didn't realize THAT much had occurred. We're all blessed to have you here in NY- May you enjoy and be blessed with many more years with us.

Robin Grant said...

I'm always amazed at how much has happened when I put life into "chunks" of time like that - isn't it awesome to look back and see all that He has done and is doing?! :) Your family has been such a blessing to ours these last few years. We are SOOO glad that this is where God has placed you :)

Unknown said...

Little did I know then what a tremendous blessing was in store for me and our church family.
God is awesome, knowing just what we need, when we need it.
Love and appreciate the Clark family so much.

Katherine said...

You have all blessed me SO much! Thanks for taking the time to read my reflection and to comment and encourage me! May YOU each be blessed in return,
Katherine

Anonymous said...

Hi Katherine,
From Emily Freeman's blog: "Hope refuses to drown even under the heaviest kind of broken." So good, so true. Thank you Jesus.

Love the new color theme of the blog!
Love,
Janet

Anonymous said...

Beautiful recap, friend. I am grateful that God has called you and will continue to lead you on your adventure in NY. Loving you across the miles, and walking with you through the phone! Heidi Lewerenz :)