Prepare Him Room

God is doing a deep work.

Our house is still for sale and on the surface it seemed like nothing was happening.  But I felt the Lord prompting me to start getting ready for our family to move to Ethiopia. So, I began by going through the cupboards and closets and taking things out that we don't use.  I took photos of them and posted them out on a local classified site.  I began getting responses and we started selling things.

Then I proceeded to look around the house, in all the rooms, at all the pretty things, the decorations, the heirlooms, things on shelves that make up the history of my life with my first family and the life my husband and I have made together over the past 18 years.  I took pictures and began selling them.  It was painful.  Like parting with a old friend, a chunk of my heart, visible proof of a memory, and when they sold there was a sadness that came, knowing that the person who bought them would never know the significance, and the money raised would never be enough.

A few things I just can not part with ... yet.  We will see if they can be packed and taken along with us, otherwise be sent to a family member for them to continue carrying the torch .. my Trinidadian grandmother's 100+ year old violin, my dad's handmade battleship, some items from my New York artist grandma's world travels and other priceless items.  But for the most part things are leaving our house at a rapid pace.  And as I look around I am starting to see empty nails where these comforting items once hung.

Lord, why are you requiring this of me?

But for you?  I would give it all.  Just to be in the center of your will.

At church last week, my friend Julie, the pastor's wife and worship leader, shared  how the words of the song, Joy to the World, seemed to jump off the page to her.

"Let every heart prepare Him room."  

She explained how that when she has company coming to her house, she cleans up the house and gets ready, clears out the clutter to make room for them to come.  And then it hit me .... that is what I have been doing.  I have been getting rid of things I hold dear.  Cleaning out the clutter. Things that comfort me and make me feel safe and at home as I sit in my living room by the woodstove.  God is allowing all the STUFF to be removed and now there is this gaping whole where they once were.  He wants to fill that place.  He wants to be EVERYTHING.

So the selling continues and it is starting to feel like freedom.  But it is bittersweet.

I was at church this Sunday and Julie came up to me and asked if I would be willing to sing a special song at our Christmas Eve service.  I asked her what it was called?  She said it was in my range (I have a low voice) and I should listen to it and let her know.  I asked her again, what was the name of it?

"Prepare Him Room."

I bent over and collapsed on the chair in front of me.

"Yes, I will do it," I mumbled, bent over. "It's God ... it's totally God."

She had no idea what I had been going through, and she had no idea that what she said the week before had any affect on me. As I told her the story, she cried.

God is amazing.  Just when you think you might be invisible, He does something that is so personalized, so unique, just to let you know, "I see you."

I woke up with this song in my mind and heart this morning.

I Am
Holding on to you.
I Am
Holding on to you.
In the middle of the storm
I Am holding on.
I Am.

Thank you Jesus.

Big 55 Wish

The big day is approaching for me ... a little too fast, I might say. It’s the day I turn 55. That’s right ... the Big 55. (gulp) I know, you thought I was still in my 40’s right?  

While most people at this time in their lives are thinking about their retirement, senior discounts, maybe getting a red sports car, or a vacation home ....

I’m thinking about Ethiopia, Africa. Because while most people my age were talking about grandkids, we were adopting 5 new children from Ethiopia, over the past 4 years. And in the process, we also started a non-profit called Rivers of Living Water ~ Helping Orphans and Widows in Need, because we realized the need was so great for the ones who were left behind. We were compelled by Love to do more.

So, as 2013 draws to a close, and my 55th birthday will soon be here, we find ourselves, with a family of 10, and our house up for sale, raising funds so we can follow the Lord and His Great Commission to “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all nations ...”

We’ve been invited to Ethiopia as full time missionaries.

We watched this year while our dryer broke down, the rototiller stopped working, the crockpot cracked, the microwave burned out and the car door handle broke off, and we sensed the Lord talking to us about our treasures.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven ... For wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21

We’ve decided to accept the Lord’s invitation and continue storing up our treasure in heaven by serving the poor, giving our lives away, and showing them the love of Jesus.

So ... now here comes my Big 55 Birthday Wish. I’m asking (and praying) that all my friends would give something, anything to make my Big Birthday Wish come true. Cause, really it’s not about me, it’s about Jesus, it’s about loving Him, serving Him, and making Him known on the earth. Will you help us?

Would you be willing to give $1 or maybe the change in your wallet to help send us to Ethiopia as a family to share the love of Jesus?

How about $10 for the 10 people in our family who will be serving the poor along side of us?

How about $55 in honor of my 55th birthday .... or perhaps more? By doing so, you can partner with us as we store up treasure in heaven. After all, who can put a price on loving the poor, the orphan and the widow, sharing the gospel, providing clean water for the thirsty, or hope and salvation for even one person?

If you’d like to read more about what we’re doing, please go to www.rivers-of-living-water.org/family.htm where we go into all the details. If you’d like to write a check, please make it out to Church of God World Missions - Project #102-9325 Schilling Family and mail it to Schilling Family, PO Box 3264, Butte, MT 59702 or go online to www.cogwm.org/projects/charlie-and-bonnie-schilling/ and that way your donation will be tax-deductible, which helps out with treasures here on earth. 

We can’t thank you enough for your support. More than anything we desire your prayers and continued friendship. Please pray for us as, we take this huge step of faith out of the boat and into the arms of Jesus. Thank you.

Blessings,