Dates

Good morning blog followers....We know you are praying for us and our hearts are thankful.   Here are a few dates regarding our upcoming move.

March 10 - All of our belongings will be moved from the house into the garage.
March 10-11 - Cleaning and preparing house for new owners.   Helpers appreciated!
March 10 - Move in with Grandma and Grandpa Hanstad!
March 12 - Closing of home sale to Jay and Jamy Nelson.  Closing of our home in Frisco, Texas.
March 30 - Loading of belongings onto moving truck.
March 30 or 31 - Depart from Dickinson for Frisco, Texas.

Our emotions continue to be up and down as we go through this process.  We have great peace in knowing that God cares even about the smallest of details of our lives.  We will keep you posted as we move forward.

Blessings!

Robbyn for the Hanstads

Moving Sale.....Check!

Those of you who really know me will understand that today was a very gratifying day for me!   There is definite freedom in downsizing and purging our belongings!  We are on our way to less stuff, and that is one of our goals.  Thank you to all who helped me in this process and for those lucky people who are now owners of more "stuff".....sorry!!!  Anyway, God continues to show up even in these little things, prodding us along through little successes and the accomplishment of another task done.  So we will continue moving forward in our journey step by step....never for one second forgetting to point to God alone for his faithfulness in EVERYTHING.   Thanks to all of you who helped in ways big or small to get this big job done.  You are appreciated.  As I was packing and sorting this week, I came across a card I had received when Ellie Jane was born.  The front of it said this....
            "We can do no great things---only small things with great love."  Mother Theresa
This impacted my heart in a special way as God reminded me that when a heart is set on HIM...even the small things are BIG.

With HEARTS ON HIM....

Robbyn for the Hanstads

Emotions

Today was the last time we will watch Jack play hockey at the ice rink in Dickinson.  This is the beginning of what will be many similar and emotional statements.   "This is the last time....."  It's hard.  Change brings along with it many emotions...fear and excitement, anxiety and adventure, new beginnings and sad goodbyes.   I am not writing this because we have been crying all day or because we want you to cry.  It's simply to say that our emotions are up and down and it's hard.  Pray for us in this.   As we inch closer to our departure date, we will need great resolve for each day and each "last time".   We have started packing.  Downsizing and simplifying our belongings is very gratifying.   To know that our efforts can extend more to others without have so much "stuff" is good for us.  Asking "what do we really need" renews our vision and brings us peace.  Soon we should have our business and home sale finalized and will be able to set our moving day.  We will keep you updated...  We are grateful for your continued prayers for our family.   Our excitement continues amidst the ups and downs as we are fully convinced of the faithfulness of our God on this journey.

Blessings,

Robbyn

Details

Job 42:2  "I know that you can do all things.  No plan of yours can be thwarted." This verse has given us great encouragement in the last few days.  We are resting on the truth of God's word.  Please pray for us...so many details to be taken care of, and many of these are out of our control to make happen.  Business sale to be finalized, house sale to finish (here and in Texas), packing to do, school to complete...etc., etc., etc.  And yet, amidst these temporary difficulties, we have an indescribable peace.  Our tentative plan is to have all things complete by mid to late March.   But of course, God will direct the timing.  Thank you for following this blog and please pray for us to continue with great resolve as we move forward on this call and adventure.  We recognize that each part of this journey is important.   God has many things to teach us.  May we always have open hearts to receive it!

Always trusting.....

Robbyn

One step at a time...

As things move forward in the process of leaving Dickinson, settling in Texas, and planning to return to Brazil, we continue to keep our eyes on the Lord.  Of course, as we know, this is easier said than done.  It is very tempting to get distracted and discouraged by the difficulties and challenges, big and small, that lurk around us.  Maybe it is a voice of discouragement, a question about the future that we do not have an answer to, or simply fear of the unknown that rises up in us.  It is during this time that we remind each other that God will light each step of our path, even if only one at a time.  Our faith must cause us to continually take one more step, even if we cannot see the next one.  We are grateful for the voices of encouragement that have come through so many of you, our friends and family.   We are grateful for the moments when we see the faith of our family growing.  And we are grateful for the promise of God in Isaiah 30:21..."Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it."

GOD IS WITH US!

Robbyn

Why Texas???

This seems to be the big question.  "But can't you do that from here?"  (Spend more time in Brazil).  Yes, we could.   But the call from God is to lay down what we know, i.e., comfortable lifestyle, financial stability, the "roots" of home, and the security of family, to rely totally and completely on HIM.  To step out in faith.    Again, although to some this seems like a sudden and surprising decision, it comes from almost two years of a journey of deepening our understanding and our commitment to what God has called us to as his disciples.  The Great Commission.   And for us, this is to move our family to Frisco, Texas and begin to spend more time in Brazil serving HIM.  We are afraid, but we are trusting in the ONE who called us.   We are afraid of change.   We are afraid of the unknown.   We are afraid of people thinking we are crazy.   We are afraid of the difficulties that will certainly await us as we follow HIM.   But we are more afraid of not trusting our God to accomplish everything he has promised, far beyond what we could ever ask or imagine.  I say to Drew all the time..."You have to obey Mom.   It's best for you."   And so, this family says to our God whom we love..."We will obey you.   It's best for us."

Lots of decisions, big and small, to make this week.   Many details to be worked out.   More questions than answers.   But grateful hearts to a God who gives us everything we need to accomplish the task he has given us.

"EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD.   ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR GOD."

Robbyn for the Hanstads

Psalm 138:8  "I know you will fulfill the purpose you have for me.   Your love, O Lord, endures forever.   Do not abandon the works of your hands."

The word is out.....

February 1, 2012

And so it seems that this is the first day of our adventure but of course WE know that the journey began many years ago (more on that in a later post).  As we sat in our living room last night, together, the seven of us, and listened while Brad aka "Dad" imparted upon us our mission and deemed us "The Team", I couldn't help but marvel at the work that God has done to get us to this place and time.  I added the word "Dream" team, not because we are anything special, or have any spectacular gifts or talents, but that simply we are believing that God has a plan and purpose for us that is bigger than our own.   Bigger than anything we could "dream".

This blog will be the footsteps, mutterings, victories, heartaches and joys of walking out this adventure together.  My prayer is that while it will keep you aware of what is happening in our lives, it will encourage you to believe that it is true...with God, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

Introduction of team members coming soon!!!

ALL FOR HIM.......

Robbyn