(Written in January; accidentally not published until April)
Here we are, 2019! A new year is already upon us. It’s crazy to think that in just a few weeks, we will have been in Phoenix for a whole year. And what’s crazier than that, is to think that we also will have survived living in our RV for a whole year!
School at home is going well. Matt’s work is going well. In fact, the school district he works for hired another guy to do what he does (their plan was always to hire two), and the guy they hired lives on this side of town, so Matt and he are able to carpool! This gives the kids and I a chance to leave home base once in a while and participate in meet up groups. The kids are connecting with other kids and building friendships with kids from these groups, and in our community, an answer to prayer!
Arise Church continues to meet and build community with those around us. It’s such a sweet group of people. Each person is highly valued and deeply loved by God. Whether you go to a large, medium-sized, or small church, (or no church), it is good to remember that. People are not a number, nor are they a problem to be solved; they are people to be loved, as the Father loves them. Over the past few months, God has put it in my heart to be a hope-carrier—to remind people and tell them of the hope they have in Jesus. Darkness is all around us; hardship and struggles are a reality for so many people; but that is not where the story stops. God is the author and finisher of our faith. His plans are good. He is a restorer and redeemer, and no matter WHAT it is, he’s going to see you through. That’s the message I’ve been carrying with me lately, as I lead, as I meet, and as I share.
Matt and I are very hopeful this season. We are still falling short financially each month, and there are other struggles we have, but through it all, I have peace. I feel like we are right where God wants us to be. We trust in him. We are thankful for what he’s walked us through, we’re thankful right where we are, and we’re thankful for where he’s leading us.
Raising support is part of what we must do in this season, and so, although I’d rather not, I am asking for a few more families/people to partner with us for a little while. Or if you are able to give a one-time gift, we would appreciate that as well.
Checks can be sent to Arise Church with the memo “Walker Support” at the address listed below, or you can give electronically at www.arisechurchaz.org/give. Thank you so much for your help, your prayers, and your encouragement!
May you, too, be find peace from God in whatever season you are walking through. He is our hope!
Love,
The Walkers
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Monday, March 25, 2019
American Living
I watched a video today that caused me to ponder the way we (Americans) live, and the expenses and incomes we have. This led me to create a mock-budget for the average American family, consisting of four people: 2 parents and 2 children.
As you will see below, the first results are for one parent working full-time, and the second totals are an example of one parent working full-time and the second parent working part-time. I’ve created these reports based on averages in my google search results, as well as assumptions about the basic things people live with.
Of course, totals will vary from family to family, and scenario to scenario. So keep in mind that this report was built on estimates and averages for the 2019 year.
See the reports, and then keep reading below to see the questions this data led me to ask.
BOTH SCENARIOS assume $150,00 house debt (or a similar monthly rent),$100,000 combined college debt, $45,000 car debt (for two vehicles), and $5,700 credit card debt, which is the national average.
SCENARIO 1
1 parent working full-time
$1,050.00 insurances (health, life, & car)
$2,550 debts (house, car, education, credit)
$500 utilities (water, electric, gas, trash)
$200 entertainment (internet, cable, Netflix, etc.)
$800 food & grocery
$200 gasoline
$400 savings (retirement, college, vacation, etc.)
$400 miscellaneous (school expenses, gifts, tithe, extras)
——————
$6,100 in monthly expenses
Scenario 1 has a yearly income of $55,000 and yearly expenses of $73,200, with a DEFICIT of $18,200.
SCENARIO 2
1 parent working full-time and the other parent working part-time
$1,050.00 insurances (health, life, & car)
$2,550 debts (house, car, education, credit)
$500 utilities (water, electric, gas, trash)
$200 entertainment (internet, cable, Netflix, etc.)
$800 food & grocery
$200 gasoline
$400 savings (retirement, college, vacation, etc.)
$400 miscellaneous (school expenses, gifts, tithe, extras)
$1,000 childcare services (daycare, before/after school care, etc.)
——————
$7,100.00/month expenses
Scenario 2 has a yearly combined income of $80,000 and yearly expenses of $85,200, with a DEFICIT of $5,200.
*Not included in either budget are renters/home-owners insurance, pet expenses, HOA fees, extra services utilized, uncovered medical expenses, etc.
QUESTIONS:
- Why, in both scenarios, is there a deficit?
- Are worker wages not high enough?
- Do Americans live beyond their means?
- Can we live our lives without these (or any) debts?
- Can you relate to either budget/scenario?
- By living according to a budget with an annual deficit, are we accruing more and more debt annually?
- Are some of the expenses we consider to be “needs” actually “luxuries”?
- Are we willing to change the way we live, either by changing our income or by reducing spending, to stop going into debt and start living within our means?
- If both spouses work full-time, this budget will work out, but as income increases, will expenses also grow?
- What are the biggest expenses and problems Americans face, and what can we, the people, do to help fix the broken systems and/or mindsets that exists?
- What questions or observations do you have pertaining to this?
I’m looking forward to reading your questions, answers, and thoughts on this subject! Thanks for reading and thanks in advance to those who contribute and respond!
Monday, November 19, 2018
partnering with us
For those of you who are just joining our story, I want to say welcome, and thank you for reading! My family and I moved from Michigan to Phoenix, Arizona, in February of 2018. It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 months—nearly a year—already! We moved down here to follow the Lord’s call to help plant a church. We joined together with Pastor Joe Soria (wife Joy, son Ethan), and a small team of hard-working former-midwesterners to launch Arise Church in April 2018. My husband, Matt, does a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including computer-based programs, sound & lighting education & formation, and sets our sound system up each week. He also plays the drums on our worship team. I lead the worship music ministry and meet weekly as a part of the leadership team to pray, plan, and help grow this church to be what God has uniquely called us to be in this community.
It is both a joy and a challenge to help build a church from the start. Anyone who’s helped with a church plant or portable church knows the wear that set-up & tear-down can be each week, as we have been renting space in an elementary school in a Peoria neighborhood. But, many hands make the work light. It’s amazing how strong our little church family (as I like to call it) has become. I am amazed at how God is working in the lives of people here, and it has been a privilege to be a part of that. The people of Arise Church have been a blessing to me as I can only hope and pray I have been and will continue to be to them.
Part of church planting involves raising funds. As missionaries in this city, we have had to raise money both for our church and for our family personally. My husband does work full-time outside of the church to help support us financially, but it’s not quite enough to cover our expenses. We live simply, and are still living out of our RV until we can afford to be in a house. We have a few people who generously give to us each month, and we are so grateful for that! Currently, we are looking for 6 more people who can give $100 a month for the next 6 months or so. We are hoping that in 6 months or so we will be able to be more self-sustaining (after we get on a cheaper insurance plan & redo some of our budgeting). The reality is, right now, we are behind on bills, have put all we can on credit, and are late in paying our rent. So your financial giving will truly make a difference. Just this week, we didn’t know how we would get groceries, and at just the right time, we received a check in the mail, which allowed us to buy groceries (thank you to that family-you know who you are)!
Please consider giving monthly for the next 6 months. It would bless us in a way that both lifts a burden and allows us to serve without restraint, knowing our basic needs are taken care of. By partnering with us, you are, in a way, helping be a missionary to those in this area as well.
Your prayers are important as well! We are so thankful for those who have committed to praying for us regularly. Thank you.
You can mail your check to us to the address below, or you can give online by going to arisechurchaz.org/give. After you put the dollar amount in, you can select “Matt and Tori Walker Support.” Or on a check, be sure to say “Walker Support.”
Thank you! May God bless you as you seek Him.
Tori Walker
Arise Church
In c/o Matt or Tori Walker
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Matt & Tori Walker
2398 W Williams Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027
It is both a joy and a challenge to help build a church from the start. Anyone who’s helped with a church plant or portable church knows the wear that set-up & tear-down can be each week, as we have been renting space in an elementary school in a Peoria neighborhood. But, many hands make the work light. It’s amazing how strong our little church family (as I like to call it) has become. I am amazed at how God is working in the lives of people here, and it has been a privilege to be a part of that. The people of Arise Church have been a blessing to me as I can only hope and pray I have been and will continue to be to them.
Part of church planting involves raising funds. As missionaries in this city, we have had to raise money both for our church and for our family personally. My husband does work full-time outside of the church to help support us financially, but it’s not quite enough to cover our expenses. We live simply, and are still living out of our RV until we can afford to be in a house. We have a few people who generously give to us each month, and we are so grateful for that! Currently, we are looking for 6 more people who can give $100 a month for the next 6 months or so. We are hoping that in 6 months or so we will be able to be more self-sustaining (after we get on a cheaper insurance plan & redo some of our budgeting). The reality is, right now, we are behind on bills, have put all we can on credit, and are late in paying our rent. So your financial giving will truly make a difference. Just this week, we didn’t know how we would get groceries, and at just the right time, we received a check in the mail, which allowed us to buy groceries (thank you to that family-you know who you are)!
Please consider giving monthly for the next 6 months. It would bless us in a way that both lifts a burden and allows us to serve without restraint, knowing our basic needs are taken care of. By partnering with us, you are, in a way, helping be a missionary to those in this area as well.
Your prayers are important as well! We are so thankful for those who have committed to praying for us regularly. Thank you.
You can mail your check to us to the address below, or you can give online by going to arisechurchaz.org/give. After you put the dollar amount in, you can select “Matt and Tori Walker Support.” Or on a check, be sure to say “Walker Support.”
Thank you! May God bless you as you seek Him.
Tori Walker
Arise Church
In c/o Matt or Tori Walker
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Matt & Tori Walker
2398 W Williams Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Saturday, November 17, 2018
faithful one
Have you ever had a season of your life where you felt there was a repetitious theme trying to infiltrate it’s way into your head? If you’re like me, there have been many over the span of a few decades. I can think of several words that have encapsulated the subject matter of each of those seasons, and the lessons that accompanied them.
I believe that recurring themes can be one way God reaches us & speaks to our heart. The lessons I have learned and the revelation imparted to me are not just for me, but for those around me as well. So I try to share as transparently as I can with others, in hopes that they will be inspired, encouraged, and ultimately be drawn into something more meaningful with God as well.
Faithfulness.
“Faithful” has been my word for several months now. (One theme, many lessons.)
And I believe it’s a word for those around me as well. Remember God’s promises; remember his goodness; see his faithfulness in all things, through all generations and continuing on. He is at work RIGHT NOW in your situation and mine, and he’s not going to quit. God never leaves us, gives up on us, or leaves us to figure “it” out on our own. That doesn’t mean we sit idly until something “magical” happens. No. We must pursue Him, be in His word, and worship him in all circumstances. We must be willing to allow his spirit to transform our hearts.
God is the same yesterday, today, and always. He is faithful and good. He loves you. He loves me. And greater things are yet to come. If you’re in a place where it’s hard to see that, hard to believe that, then rest in his promises, knowing that our faithful God will see it through just as he always does. He is faithful!
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
“Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”
Psalm 36:5 NIV
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Education at Home
Getting an education at home.
My husband and I have strived to make our daily experiences “teachable moments” for our kids, from the start. Teaching our kids good manners, including them in (some) budgeting and minor financial decisions, character-building, and other life-skills are all a part of everyday, ongoing, learning. Of course, taking on “homeschooling” has brought a much deeper expansion and commitment to educating our kids at home.
It’s not all glam. (Did anyone imagine it to be?)
Staying at & working from home is new to me.
It’s not always as organized as I’d like it to be.
It doesn’t always go how I plan.
Some days I feel like the kids are getting a better complete education at home.
Some days I feel like I am failing them.
Our small living quarters can get very messy, quickly.
I wish they had a similar friend group like they did before.
The balance of mom/teacher/chef/maid is a constant challenge.
This season has several new elements for us, hat are causing us to stretch, learn, and grow. Though it’s many hardships and challenges, we have realized that we have drawn closer together as a family. Our faith has been strengthened. Our relationships are being remolded into something new, stronger, healthier. I am so thankful for this season and for all that God has allowed me to experience. What a blessing it is to be able to be with my kids everyday! What a blessing it is to be able to manage their education! What a blessing (and responsibility) to be able to give them a healthy and solid foundation on which to build heir lives.
It may not be traditional, nor look like what others are doing, but we are “doing our thing,” educating our kids at home, and what a great privilege that has been!
Tori
My husband and I have strived to make our daily experiences “teachable moments” for our kids, from the start. Teaching our kids good manners, including them in (some) budgeting and minor financial decisions, character-building, and other life-skills are all a part of everyday, ongoing, learning. Of course, taking on “homeschooling” has brought a much deeper expansion and commitment to educating our kids at home.
It’s not all glam. (Did anyone imagine it to be?)
Staying at & working from home is new to me.
It’s not always as organized as I’d like it to be.
It doesn’t always go how I plan.
Some days I feel like the kids are getting a better complete education at home.
Some days I feel like I am failing them.
Our small living quarters can get very messy, quickly.
I wish they had a similar friend group like they did before.
The balance of mom/teacher/chef/maid is a constant challenge.
This season has several new elements for us, hat are causing us to stretch, learn, and grow. Though it’s many hardships and challenges, we have realized that we have drawn closer together as a family. Our faith has been strengthened. Our relationships are being remolded into something new, stronger, healthier. I am so thankful for this season and for all that God has allowed me to experience. What a blessing it is to be able to be with my kids everyday! What a blessing it is to be able to manage their education! What a blessing (and responsibility) to be able to give them a healthy and solid foundation on which to build heir lives.
It may not be traditional, nor look like what others are doing, but we are “doing our thing,” educating our kids at home, and what a great privilege that has been!
Tori
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
be still
Today’s YouVersion (Bible app) verse of the day is from Psalm 46, and days, “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s such a good verse to just meditate on, isn’t it? Who is God? He is creator, provider, redeemer, healer, savior, king, friend... it doesn’t stop there, but those are just a few names to describe “who” he is. He is God. And we can rest in Him in good times and bad, easy times and hard. I am taking time today to just be still. I want to rest in his goodness; in his promises. And ask him yet again, “What is it that you want me to do, God?”
A big part of what I hear him (reiterating) telling me to do....
I have decided to pull back to sub-status at Tutor Time and stay home with my kids, since Matt just went back to work full time for the school year. I will be homeschooling my kids, and just found a Christian-based curriculum that I am really excited to implement. It will help me teach/give them solid Biblical knowledge and challenge them acidemically, at their exact level. Now I’m just looking for groups, co-ops, and/or sporting activities to get them involved in. Please pray for us as we search out our social groups and look to get more connected with our community.
We continue to serve at Arise Church in worship ministry, and are making fall plans to engage our community, reach the lost and hurting, and build up the church and our community. Summer has been slow, yet steady. Please pray for our church leadership team and core team as we put forth our efforts each week to reach people for Jesus. We are praying and hoping for growth, both “deeper and wider”, and have begun to see it, praise God!
It has been HOT lately. 110-115 for the past two weeks. That is not ideal in our camper. With the air running constantly, it still stays in the lower to mid 90s (inside)! So we have been trying to escape when possible, and swim to cool down a bit! Thankfully it cools down at night to the upper seventies.
Please consider supporting us financially, if you aren’t already. We have adjusted our budget, yet continue to have more expenses than income, and there have been some events that have set us back a bit. You can give to the “Matt and Tori Walker Support” through arisechurchaz.org/give, or consider choosing something below to cover through check.
NEEDS:
Tori’s ER visit - $800
Car fuel pump went out - $775
Monthly support - $100 from 4-6 people
WANTS:
POGO Pass - $40 per person or $200 total *w/discount code (fun family activities around Phoenix; going to 2 Diamondbacks games pays for itself just there—so you can see how great of a deal it is! Visit pogopass.com code: FRIENDSOFPOGO or find it on Groupon)
In Other News...
Well, we have driven through and survived two monsoons! The Lord has kept us safe and we praise him for that! So glad our fuel pump didn’t go out during a storm, or during 110+ temps, (because it happened on a busy freeway and wouldn’t even start back up)!!!!
Thankful for God’s love!
Thankful for safety!
Thankful for the new friendships we have here (and the old ones)!
Thankful that God doesn’t give up on us!
Thankful for our RV and the pool at this RV park!
What can you thank God for today?
Tori & Matt Walker
2398 W Williams Drive #517
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Mailing:
The Walker Family
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
A big part of what I hear him (reiterating) telling me to do....
I have decided to pull back to sub-status at Tutor Time and stay home with my kids, since Matt just went back to work full time for the school year. I will be homeschooling my kids, and just found a Christian-based curriculum that I am really excited to implement. It will help me teach/give them solid Biblical knowledge and challenge them acidemically, at their exact level. Now I’m just looking for groups, co-ops, and/or sporting activities to get them involved in. Please pray for us as we search out our social groups and look to get more connected with our community.
We continue to serve at Arise Church in worship ministry, and are making fall plans to engage our community, reach the lost and hurting, and build up the church and our community. Summer has been slow, yet steady. Please pray for our church leadership team and core team as we put forth our efforts each week to reach people for Jesus. We are praying and hoping for growth, both “deeper and wider”, and have begun to see it, praise God!
It has been HOT lately. 110-115 for the past two weeks. That is not ideal in our camper. With the air running constantly, it still stays in the lower to mid 90s (inside)! So we have been trying to escape when possible, and swim to cool down a bit! Thankfully it cools down at night to the upper seventies.
Please consider supporting us financially, if you aren’t already. We have adjusted our budget, yet continue to have more expenses than income, and there have been some events that have set us back a bit. You can give to the “Matt and Tori Walker Support” through arisechurchaz.org/give, or consider choosing something below to cover through check.
NEEDS:
Tori’s ER visit - $800
Car fuel pump went out - $775
Monthly support - $100 from 4-6 people
WANTS:
POGO Pass - $40 per person or $200 total *w/discount code (fun family activities around Phoenix; going to 2 Diamondbacks games pays for itself just there—so you can see how great of a deal it is! Visit pogopass.com code: FRIENDSOFPOGO or find it on Groupon)
In Other News...
Well, we have driven through and survived two monsoons! The Lord has kept us safe and we praise him for that! So glad our fuel pump didn’t go out during a storm, or during 110+ temps, (because it happened on a busy freeway and wouldn’t even start back up)!!!!
Thankful for God’s love!
Thankful for safety!
Thankful for the new friendships we have here (and the old ones)!
Thankful that God doesn’t give up on us!
Thankful for our RV and the pool at this RV park!
What can you thank God for today?
Tori & Matt Walker
2398 W Williams Drive #517
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Mailing:
The Walker Family
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
wait for it...
I am a few days late with this month's update, but nevertheless, here's what's going on...
There are many "little" updates, regarding work, health, etc., so I will post those at the end. First I want to share something that God has been impressing on my heart in the last month or so.
Do you ever feel like you say "yes" to God, and then he abandons you? Maybe you don't feel like he totally leaves, but you feel as though he walked in another room; he gave you a piece of the puzzle, and you have to figure out what to do with it. It's like putting together a new piece of furniture without knowing what it is you are building. So you start to ask, "Should I start with this piece?" "Does this go here?" "Am I using the right tool?" or "Is this what it's supposed to look like?"
Sometimes it's so clear why God brings us into something. And other times, it's hard to see. Like really hard. And we start to question it. But I know from God's word and from experience, that if we hold on, if we wait upon the Lord, if we remain faithful to him, we will come to see the promise. God is faithful and never breaks a promise. If he led you to it, he'll lead you through it. He anoints and appoints. I've been reminded over & over of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations; that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But he didn't have any children, and he was nearly a hundred years old. However, we all know how the story unfolds. Sarah became pregnant and gave birth to their son, Issac! But it didn't happen immediately. It took years for that to happen. I wonder what they went through in the waiting period. I wonder if they ever doubted. I wonder if they ever grew frustrated. I wonder if they felt like God abandoned them.
First of all, trusting in something God-ordained that doesn't make sense to us at the time, is hard to do. (Having a child at nearly 100 years old.)
Second, waiting and working for that promise to come is hard, and many people lose faith and give up. (They didn't receive that promise immediately & tried to "make" that son through another woman.)
But it's important to remember that if God promised it, he will fulfill it! Remain faithful and true to him, even when you can't "see" him at work. Trust that he is at work in everything and everyone around you. So don't waste the waiting. If you begin to lose hope, remember 'Abraham and Sarah', and know that the same God who brought them great nations through a son at age one-hundred, will fulfill whatever promise he's given you. He will DO IT AGAIN. He continues to work miracles and show up in hopeless situations and pour out his blessings on his people. Look to him. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith.
He is a miracle-working God! His promises are true. Don't give up. Keep pressing on. Keep pressing in to Him. I'm so honored to serve him and to be called his child. It's not always easy to say "yes" to the Lord, but it's always worth it. He is worthy. He is to be praised. He is beautiful. He is glorified!
"All His promises are YES and AMEN!" (Song here: Yes & Amen )
- Tori
Here are some highlights from the last month-and-a-half:
- We are still at the RV park, trying to keep it cool in these HOT summer months!
- Tori was sick with a cough for a couple weeks in May/June. One night had bad chest pains. Was worried about heart trouble. Went to ER. All is well... just pneumonia & bronchitis.
- Arise Church began weekly Bible studies that correspond to Sunday's teachings. We've been going to that as a family. It's helped us to establish friendships and get to know people in our church better, as well as have discussion about God & the Bible.
- We celebrated Ephriam's birthday at the end of May, and Tori's birthday at the end of June.
- Tori got a job at Tutor Time in Paradise Valley/Phoenix.
- Jennifer, Joe, and Tori went to a pastors-gathering about church assessment led by Mark Driscoll.
- Matt's grandma Opal (Brenda's mom) was killed in a car accident the last week of June. Matt was able to go to Ohio to see his family and be there for the funeral & such. Please lift the family up in prayer over this unexpected news.
- We celebrated the 4th of July with our church family at Apache park, handing out glow sticks and SnoCones to anyone who wanted them. It was a hot one! And FYI, Arizona aint got nothin' on Michigan fireworks... of course, it is a desert here and there are many restrictions! lol (We are so used to being on a lake! Missing our lakes, boats, and beaches this time of year!)
- In trying to escape a dust-storm & thunderstorm, we accidentally drove THROUGH a dust-storm. Not gonna lie, that was scary! Very windy. Couldn't see the car directly in front of me at times. Had to stop/pull over a couple times. Felt almost tornado-like. Trees were uprooted, and we saw (and heard) an explosion on a power line that shook me up as the driver of the vehicle. But, we made it to the mall to wait out the rest of the storm. I'm glad we experienced that, because now we know what to expect! No damage. The RV survived!
- Matt will go back to work at the end of July (his job is a 10-month job).
Thanks for reading and keeping in touch. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. If you're able to give, we would so appreciate it! We still need more ongoing monthly support. You can write a check or give online by going to Arise Church Giving and selecting "Matt and Tori Walker Support."
God bless you!
There are many "little" updates, regarding work, health, etc., so I will post those at the end. First I want to share something that God has been impressing on my heart in the last month or so.
Do you ever feel like you say "yes" to God, and then he abandons you? Maybe you don't feel like he totally leaves, but you feel as though he walked in another room; he gave you a piece of the puzzle, and you have to figure out what to do with it. It's like putting together a new piece of furniture without knowing what it is you are building. So you start to ask, "Should I start with this piece?" "Does this go here?" "Am I using the right tool?" or "Is this what it's supposed to look like?"
Sometimes it's so clear why God brings us into something. And other times, it's hard to see. Like really hard. And we start to question it. But I know from God's word and from experience, that if we hold on, if we wait upon the Lord, if we remain faithful to him, we will come to see the promise. God is faithful and never breaks a promise. If he led you to it, he'll lead you through it. He anoints and appoints. I've been reminded over & over of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations; that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But he didn't have any children, and he was nearly a hundred years old. However, we all know how the story unfolds. Sarah became pregnant and gave birth to their son, Issac! But it didn't happen immediately. It took years for that to happen. I wonder what they went through in the waiting period. I wonder if they ever doubted. I wonder if they ever grew frustrated. I wonder if they felt like God abandoned them.
First of all, trusting in something God-ordained that doesn't make sense to us at the time, is hard to do. (Having a child at nearly 100 years old.)
Second, waiting and working for that promise to come is hard, and many people lose faith and give up. (They didn't receive that promise immediately & tried to "make" that son through another woman.)
But it's important to remember that if God promised it, he will fulfill it! Remain faithful and true to him, even when you can't "see" him at work. Trust that he is at work in everything and everyone around you. So don't waste the waiting. If you begin to lose hope, remember 'Abraham and Sarah', and know that the same God who brought them great nations through a son at age one-hundred, will fulfill whatever promise he's given you. He will DO IT AGAIN. He continues to work miracles and show up in hopeless situations and pour out his blessings on his people. Look to him. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith.
He is a miracle-working God! His promises are true. Don't give up. Keep pressing on. Keep pressing in to Him. I'm so honored to serve him and to be called his child. It's not always easy to say "yes" to the Lord, but it's always worth it. He is worthy. He is to be praised. He is beautiful. He is glorified!
"All His promises are YES and AMEN!" (Song here: Yes & Amen )
- Tori
Here are some highlights from the last month-and-a-half:
- We are still at the RV park, trying to keep it cool in these HOT summer months!
- Tori was sick with a cough for a couple weeks in May/June. One night had bad chest pains. Was worried about heart trouble. Went to ER. All is well... just pneumonia & bronchitis.
- Arise Church began weekly Bible studies that correspond to Sunday's teachings. We've been going to that as a family. It's helped us to establish friendships and get to know people in our church better, as well as have discussion about God & the Bible.
- We celebrated Ephriam's birthday at the end of May, and Tori's birthday at the end of June.
- Tori got a job at Tutor Time in Paradise Valley/Phoenix.
- Jennifer, Joe, and Tori went to a pastors-gathering about church assessment led by Mark Driscoll.
- Matt's grandma Opal (Brenda's mom) was killed in a car accident the last week of June. Matt was able to go to Ohio to see his family and be there for the funeral & such. Please lift the family up in prayer over this unexpected news.
- We celebrated the 4th of July with our church family at Apache park, handing out glow sticks and SnoCones to anyone who wanted them. It was a hot one! And FYI, Arizona aint got nothin' on Michigan fireworks... of course, it is a desert here and there are many restrictions! lol (We are so used to being on a lake! Missing our lakes, boats, and beaches this time of year!)
- In trying to escape a dust-storm & thunderstorm, we accidentally drove THROUGH a dust-storm. Not gonna lie, that was scary! Very windy. Couldn't see the car directly in front of me at times. Had to stop/pull over a couple times. Felt almost tornado-like. Trees were uprooted, and we saw (and heard) an explosion on a power line that shook me up as the driver of the vehicle. But, we made it to the mall to wait out the rest of the storm. I'm glad we experienced that, because now we know what to expect! No damage. The RV survived!
- Matt will go back to work at the end of July (his job is a 10-month job).
Thanks for reading and keeping in touch. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. If you're able to give, we would so appreciate it! We still need more ongoing monthly support. You can write a check or give online by going to Arise Church Giving and selecting "Matt and Tori Walker Support."
God bless you!
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