Update #37

“…the sheep follow him. For they know his voice.” John 10:4

Picture: Cannon Beach, Oregon

We had the NW report back last night. In my mind it was a huge success: We had over 40 people crammed into Holly’s townhouse, we overcame major technical issues (thanks Tim, Jeff and Lars), the food was mostly consumed, Loretta’s picture slide show was a hit, and interest for future REP ventures was generated. I feel I am leaving REP NW on a high note!

My pending move to California was news to a lot of the folks in attendance last night. Why? How? Do you know how expensive it is down there? Are you nuts? - Were the common responses. Half the people who hear the tale of my newest adventure are excited for me, smile broadly and wish me the best, while either hugging or slapping me on the shoulder – and then offer to help pack, loan me a car, or find me boxes. The other half shuffle their feet uncomfortably, mumble about how they know eventually it will be ‘ok’ and drift off into the periphery.

The main question I have encountered over and over and over is: “How do you know it is God – and not last nights (pizza, Thai food, garlic, smoothie)?” When I answer ‘I know his voice’, their faces get all wrinkly, they become severely confused, and I am dubbed ‘crazy-weird’.

Most of the people I know think it is abnormal to hear God directly – ‘Yeah, he talks through the Bible, through others, through circumstances…but to actually hear a discernable voice – right, it doesn’t happen.’ I disagree. I hear a whisper of a voice, like a thought passing through my mind. I used to think it was me…I was just extraordinarily perceptive and observant! Ha.

I had to really fight the “God doesn’t talk today” mindset. One verse that turned things around for me is in John where Jesus talks about how sheep hear his voice and respond to it. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, doesn’t he still guide his ‘sheep’ in the same way?

Why don’t more of us hear God’s voice directly? I think the issue is several fold… we don’t take the time to learn what his voice sounds like, we are too distracted to hear a whisper, and we believe the lie that God doesn’t talk. I know…that was me.

So, to the people who murmur a response, feel uncomfortable, and don’t know what to say…I understand. I get the awkward feeling my situation causes, I empathize with the battle going on with what you know to be true and what you are witnessing. I identify with how it makes you feel. My encouragements to you are to keep watching, reading, and ask questions. Your search will be rewarded.

Updates:
Moving – I have narrowed it down to about 5 companies and need to pick one in the next few days
Storage – My uncle and is providing me a list of the nearest places (thanks Tom).
Car – Roger from my church has lent me his truck until I move (thanks Roger!)
Samson – I am hoping to bring him with me…
Financing – Thank you for your generosity…donations are coming in. I have raised about 1/3 of my lowest monthly salary for the next 6 months!

Requests:
Moving – that it will be smooth, nothing will break, they can get their truck into my complex, and that I will be able to bless them in some way
Storage – that I will find something near by, at a good price, and is easy to get into and out of for the movers
Car – due to insurance issues, the best case scenario would be to borrow a car until August 1st and then obtain one for myself…ok…how will this work????
Samson – that he will do well on the trip down – he is being trained to harness – he likes the going outside bit but not the leash – have you seen a cat slither? It is hysterical!
Trip Down – my current roommate is driving down with me and then she and a friend are driving back up a day or so later – pray that the trip is non-eventful, that we have good weather, we don’t get lost, and traffic is not too congested!
Financing - Eventually my position will be salaried but at first I need to raise $2,500 - $5,000 a month cover basic expenses. If you are interested in contributing, please see the bottom of the page for additional info.

Thank you for reading this and for your support!

Blessings to you!

Dena