Sojourner's

Sojourn: to stay for a time in a place; live temporarily

Our apartment flooded Saturday morning. The Living Room got pretty soaked. When you stepped on the carpet, black water went over your toes! Maintenance came in and vacuumed up as much water as they could and we had fans up, moved all our furniture into our bedroom (which was dry) and against the wall that was driest in the living room. However, it started to smell really bad in there. They came and vacuumed it again and are going to shampoo it on Thursday, but I fear that mold is growing on the pad below the carpet.

We went and talked with our landlord and told her we were not going to be staying in our apartment because we didn't think it was safe for our babies, our for a pregnant lady... or for ANYONE for that matter!

So we are officially sojourner's staying at a friends house until... well... we don't know?!? I am learning a lot though...

1. Sojourner's don't bring a lot of stuff with them: Since we know we are only here for a time, we bring only what we need. We anticipate going home one day and having our home filled with all our blessings and belongs again one day. Let's not carry a lot of stress, worry, sin, or excess "religious traditions" with us while we are on this earth. Let's anticipate going home to be with Jesus where our blessings will be great!
2. Sojourner's realize there time at a certain place is temporary: We make plans, but loosly because we don't know how long we are going to be here. Let's not get too carried away with out "5 year" or "10 year" plans or what "the Lord is going to do with us in the long run" but focus on the here and now more! Not that we shouldn't plan ahead, but keep a heavenly perspective that we don't know how much time we have!
3. Sojourner's realize what is really important: Food, Clothing, Family... the essentials. Let's keep in mind that material possessions belong to our Father anyway. If our furniture mold's and our belongings get musty and need to be thrown away, they were the Lord's and He wanted to take them away from us. We may not understand why, but we can trust that He loves us and has our best interest in mind!
4. Sojourner's find their haven (safe place), and their home in Christ Jesus: Let's turn and run into the arms of Jesus BEFORE we run to our own safe haven (friends, food, video games, exercise).

"My soul waits silently for God alone,

for my expectation is from Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation;

He is my defense;

I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory;

The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in God at all time, you people;

pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us."

Psalms 62:5-8