Aug
06
Feeling a bit overcome. With emotion. With fatigue. With a sense of whoa-slow-down-I-wasn’t-ready-for-all-this!
First off–thank you, Jesus. I don’t know why you’re doing this, but I’m trusting you. For all of it. Every detail. Right down to choosing what clothes (I know, I know–jewel tones!) we’ll wear on TV (CBS Early Show Saturday 7:40 am!!). Wow. Zers.
I’m having trouble scraping together the words for this post. I was flipping through our zoo pics tonight and came across this one. I can’t quite explain it, but I feel like this guy can relate to me.
Anyway.
I’m going to let some of my awesome friends share with you tonight (today), because I’m honestly at about 14% of my normal word capacity. (see, that sentence didn’t even make sense!)
Here’s our Pastor Mike and what he had to say about this thing God’s doing. I cannot tell you what our church has meant to us this past year. LOVE those people to bits and little pieces!
Here’s my hubby Gabe and some of his really cool insights. And a quote from his blog–”Praying that nobody will become more famous than God through all of this.” AMEN!
And here are a few more Zoo Party Pics from my friend Jen. Thanks, Jen!
Prayer Request:
We need wisdom. Discernment. When to say yes, when to say no. How to navigate this stuff. How to pay our bills when we don’t have a spare moment to sit down and earn any money. How to handle staying in a $350/night hotel in NYC (compliments of CBS) when you can’t afford to fix the handle on your toilet at home. (Just bein’ real.) Can we afford to gallivant around the world telling our story for free? And if not, can we justify accepting money to share what God has done?
These questions are much too deep for 12:30 a.m.
I know one thing. We needed a specific amount of money tonight, and “out of the blue,” my friend Nadia sent me a facebook message saying she wanted to advertise on our site. Totally God. Takes care of us RIGHT. ON. TIME.
Overflowing with gratefulness tonight. Off to catch up on some sleep (hopefully). Behind-the-scenes Tour at the Columbus Zoo tomorrow!! Then heading to NYC early Friday morning! (Weren’t we just there??)
Love you, friends! We don’t think for a second that we could do ANY of this without you!
I tend to agree with Gloria…there are many of us that cannot pay bills or enjoy simple luxuries, but the difference is that we work for our money and the things we buy/repair/pay. I am not asking for handouts.
deep breaths………He will give you all you need when you need it. Enjoy your time with your family in NYC!!
Praying for you in the middle of all this, Marla! I really like Gabe’s quote. Keep running the race…
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
With love,
Deborah
Love you, praying for you and knowing that God has everything under control, even your clothes.
Congratulations, Congratulations. Enjoy the experience and thank you for sharing this zoo story with us.
Praying for you guys. I completely agree with Joyce – God has and will continue to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” It has been great watching you guys walk this path not knowing what is in store for that week, day or moment. And being real through it all – it just shows that God does amazing things with broken people if we just allow Him to work in and through us. Love you all – Praying for you.
I find it hard not to be irritated by your posts these days. You constantly announce your press, questions about yourself, how you feel, etc. I can’t help but think you are a bit overfocused on MARLA. I know you are trying to give God the glory for all these opportunities and blessings, but I still cannot figure out how God wanted you to venture out on vacations you cannot afford (funded by other people’s hard earned money), visit zoos that probably don’t have much significance on eternity, and promote yourself to the extent of annoyance.
I find your humble pleas for money and donations manipulative and wrong. Please take a minute to step back and search your heart. As a sister in Christ, I urge you to stop focusing on Marla and how Marla feels, what Marla wants, and what Marla can accomplish.
Also, Gabe, I don’t need a rebuttle. I have said what was on my heart.
great!! Now I can’t sleep in a little on Saturday! (no tivo in this joint)
kidding…i’m excited to watch it. I agree—your animal shirts will be perfect–or you in teal/green or yellow, gabe in black or grey, and the girls in a mixture of dark pink, yellow, purple, etc. I love all the zoo pics when you’re all in crazy-bright colors.
Wear the shirts you wore at the party on Sat – they’re too cute and so appropriate!
Marla and Gabe, just remember standing at the flag pole at Scioto Hills just before going in to eat….SAY THE VERSE…DO THE HAND MOTIONS…It will keep you right where Jesus wants you! Have fun and be your wonderful selves!!!
How exciting that you have the opportunity to bring glory to God thru this fun adventure! We’re praying for you guys.
Praying, praying, praying! He will guide you and speak through your mouth!
Praying that God will CONTINUE to use you for HIS Word! The Lord will provide you with a new toilet handle and will also BLESS you by staying in a fabulous hotel that you don’t have to pay for and for letting others bless you by THEIR giving that GOD has provided for THEM so they can give to you and others who are spreading the WORD! Rock on!
I started reasding your blog probably half-way through your Zoo tour and it has been a priviledge to pray for you and a joy to celebrate with you. I am so excited about your opportunity to share the glory of God LIVE on national TV! You can bet I will be glued to the TV (well, as much as I can while chasing around my toddler) on Saturday morning. I will contunue to pray that God will heep His blessings on your family and that you will always be aware of those blessings. Praise be to God!
Be strong and courageous – He goes on before you!
Praying that God’s presence will be felt so strongly in NY and through your words, His name will be glorified! Not to us Lord, but to Your name be the glory! Excited for your family Marla!!! God’s getting ready to do something big!!
I’ll be praying…it’s exciting…as I’ve been reading I keep thinking of the verses in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.’ Your zoo story has this verse written all over it…can’t wait to see what else He’s gonna do!
You asked God to show up, and He will continue to do so, broken toilet handles and all! Hugs to you, friend!
BTW, which zoo do you prefer between Cincinnati and Columbus and why? Just curious–thanks!
Sending all my prayers your way. I absolutely adore you guys. I absolutely adore God for what He is doing. I’m so completely in awe.
Just here.. thinking and praying and knowing that it is a continuation of the journey you’ve already begun. He’ll provide as you go. Just this time He is choosing the route! All the Glory.. All the Glory goes to Him! PTL Tavianos…enjoy the moment.