Jumping into 2011

Hummmm....what will this year look like for the Travis Family? Honestly, I can't even begin to guess. We have several major things that we are praying for expectantly, but if there is one thing that we have learned on this adventure, it is that God does things on HIS time and in HIS way. Yes, we are still asking the Father to add children to our home and to totally remove Matt's student loans. Both of those will take a HUGE miracle financially, legally...and so many other details. We are asking Him to bless us in the area of language learning and to continue to move in a big way to help us adapt to culture. We are also continuing to ask that He moves in ways that we cannot even imagine in the areas of relationship building, sharing and vision for where we are. Do we believe HE can do all these things? - YES! How are we moving forward? - IN FAITH! We are simply trusting that His plans are perfect; that He is in control; and that He always keeps His promises. I'm not saying that trusting is an easy task, but it is made do-able with the sweet moment-by-moment strength the Father provides. Now, do I recognize that there are a few things in our power that will help these goals to be reached; i.e. prayer, listening to the Spirit and making productive choices? - YES! So, what are we doing: The Travis Goals for 2011! Well firstly, it has been a few years since Matt and I have purposely set out to read the Bible through in its entirety. We are also challenging ourselves to use this reading not only as a time of studying His word, but in language learning. Secondly, we are both going to begin to put together small teaching lessons in our host language. We regularly have young believing couples in our home for the purpose of fellowship and encouragement. We would like to start developing that time more. The list of personal, family and work goals continues, but I will not bore you with the details. Just like last year, I simply wanted to get you thinking down the road of creating 1) a family purpose statement; 2) overall goals as a family; and 3) how this year in bite-sized pieces you can move successfully down the road that the Father has for you. I quoted this last year, but still think that it is really good: The philosopher Eugene Peterson says that "a successful life is one that has a long obedience in the same direction." I think too many times we get excited about the latest opportunity and forget that God has a special purpose and plan for us. We need to stay the course and work the ground that He has given us. Please pray for us this year as we persevere. We desire to be characterized as people that are faithful and obedient for His glory. We are remembering you as you strive towards your goals as well. Jumping Out For HIM - AT



PS: Last year my New Year's post was on the Sabbath Rest. i.e. tips on helping you set goals; click if interested.