Amber Alert!

 

The above picture was taken at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, it is simply there for attention! Anyway, in my previous post I talked about Amber. Since writing that, I have learned that Amber pulled through! PTL! I eventually spoke with the Ranger who worked with us that day, and she said that that's all she knows about Amber . . . that she lived. Finding purpose in God's plan can be tricky waters to navigate and, at times, completely confusing.

I don't know what's next for us, much less for Amber, but I do know that God will show up at the most opportune time. There have been many instances throughout my life where there was no doubt that there was a distinct purpose to be at a certain place at a certain time. Amber was one of them. We are so thrilled about Amber's good news! However, confusion abounds at times and I am still unaware of the immediate future for us.

At one point in our cross-country journey I stopped looking for work in order to focus on my relationship with God at the behest of a close friend (thanks Bob!). The purpose was to pray and carefully consider, while listening to God in my quiet time, what is next for me in my career. I still don't have the answer but there is something that God has for me in the future. It can be frustrating at times because I want to be working but I want to do what it is that God has for me, and I certainly don't want to miss out on the blessings that come from it.

There is something out there that is a good fit, but it hasn't been made clear yet, so I have to believe that I simply have to wait it out, and that is something that I need to work on. Undoubtedly, like you (the reader) I want answers and I want them quickly! When answers don't come quickly enough for us we can become easily frustrated. And then things like meeting Amber come along and suddenly confusion and frustration become answers. 

But still, so many questions then remain: if I am not working, how am I going to truly retire one day?; what am I supposed to do in the meantime while I am waiting for the right opportunity?; how am I to serve Him in a capacity where I have little human contact outside of Pam?; when will my prayers for work be answered? The questions lead to anxiety, but I have learned to just let happen what will happen, God's plans are much different from my own. I have to trust the process, attempt to look into the future, and know that He has a plan. Jeremiah 20:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" That is what I put my trust in! As a result, my anxiety subsides and I am able to focus on God and Pam (in that order).

Moving on now, we are currently in New Mexico and headed for Arizona tomorrow where we will visit the Grand Canyon (first time for both of us) among other things. Also, exciting news! I am in the process of creating a YouTube channel! It will be different from what I do here. You can visit the page at youtube.com/@campamerica23 or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9PVvZso24pHhGsp_RTZ7qQ There isn't any material there yet, but if you are interested, click the link and subscribe to get a notification when new videos are posted. I would also love it if you would pass the channel along to others who might be interested. I appreciate your help! I will hopefully post the first video (an introduction) next week, but no promises. I am still working on video software and tweaking the site a bit. I am not exactly tech-savvy so I am in need of some help. If anyone has experience with starting a YouTube channel I would welcome the help! Blessings to you all, and thanks for reading and for the support. Happy trails!