The Baylors are Moving to Scotland!

It's hard to believe that I just wrote the title of that blog.  This news has been coming about for a few months now, but we weren't able to share it publicly. The Lord in His is gracious kindness has led us very clearly in this decision. I think Tim and I would both say that there are few other decisions in our life, that we both have felt so sure about. God has confirmed His leading in this move time and time again.  Tim has the full detailed explanation here on his blog. I figured there was no point in my re-typing the whole thing :) But I thought I would post a few more details and my response to the move.

We plan to move from chicago to PA at the end of the summer. We wil store our things in PA with family. We will then spend 3 weeks there with family and friends before taking the 7+ hour flight to Aberdeen, Scotland. Yes, you can start praying for that flight now :)

It has been a whirlwind of events and emotions. Sometimes I feel a little sad to leave our family and community of friends here in Chicago. We have been so blessed to have family that loves us and cares for us! But in reality with living so far from family now, we only see them in person about 2x a year. So I'm hoping the distance won't feel as bad since we are somewhat adjusted to it. And we hope to make it home to the states once a year if possible to spend a good chunk of time home with family and friends.

And it's hard to believe that 4 years ago we moved to Chicago only knowing one other couple, and thought we would never find a close, loving community of friends like we had in VA Beach. And here we are, struggling to say good bye again to this new wonderful group of friends from church, work, and school. These years in Chicago have been such a wonderful blessing, just as the 4 years in VA Beach were!

Looking back on God's faithfulness to provide for us in each move we made, strengthens my faith that He will pave the way for us yet again in Scotland. He is so very good! Even more than the days of uncertainly and sadness,  I have more days filled with excitement in taking this leap of faith and trusting that the Lord has an exciting adventure in store for our family. Fortunately, it's only for 3 years, so we feel like with modern technology, we will be able to stay in close contact with those we love most!

Please pray for us as we try to tie up all of the loose ends here in Chicago, raise support, finalize our visas, and try to find housing etc. overseas. Thank you so much!

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

A Woman Who Fears the Lord Will be Praised

 One of my all time favorite verses is: Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”  

I found the following points about proverbs 31 on "Redeemer Blog" and I thought it was worth sharing! It was a wonderful reminder to me tonight. 

From a John Piper Sermon (May 10, 1981)
What does a woman who fears the Lord look like?
She is not anxious about the future.
• Proverbs 31:25 “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come”
• Proverbs 14:26 “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have refuge”
She has practical wisdom.
• Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of her kindness is on her tongue.”
She is strong.
• Proverbs 31:17 “She girds her loins with strength and makes her arms strong.
• Moral strength. Proverbs 23:17 “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.”
She will live not for herself alone but for others—especially her husband if she is married.
• Proverbs 31:11-12 “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not harm all the days of her life.
• Proverbs 12:4 “A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is the rottenness of his bones.”
• Proverbs 31:20 “She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”

Entrusted with a Child's Heart

I took this amazing 24  week class at my church this past year called, "Entrusted with a Child's Heart". It was such a blessing and encouragement to me! I got so many great biblical tips on being a Godly Mother. 

It was a video series we watched every Wednesday for an hour and then talked about the concepts with other moms at our table (while our children played in the nursery for FREE for 2 hours!). I have been wanting to buy the series for everyone, but don't have the money ;0)

Well, I'm so EXCITED, because I realized they have a website and blog with great tips! I am planning on putting them into my Google Reader and I hope you will too :)

Check it out here: Entrusted With a Child's Heart

Stop Talking.

I read this little blurb in my "Real Simple" magazine a few months back and just had to quote it. I have totally been a culprit of this one!

"A lot of folks have a habit of imparting endless information during a first encounter. I call it male-pattern lecturing, though it's by no means exclusive to men. The listener smiles, nods politely, and asks questions, and so the male-pattern lecturer keeps...on...talking. The lecturer comes away from the experience thinking that it went really well. He felt so confident and interesting! But for the listener, it was a bust. She didn't feel affirmed or appreciated. It's natural, especially when you're nervous to focus on whether the conversation is going well for you. But make sure you're also thinking of ways to make the other person feel good. Honestly, that can be as simple as asking about her day."
- Ann Demarais, PH.D., is an executive coach and a coauthor of First Impressions

Hahaha - I could seriously take a cue from this quote :)