Faith Makes a Fool of What Makes Sense

We've been listening to the Of Dirt And Grace record from Hillsong United on repeat recently and the following lyrics stood out.

“Faith makes a fool of what makes sense” - Here Now (Madness)

Can the mundane be an enemy to our faith? Personally, when we found out we were pregnant last year it threw us into another test of faith. Although we have an Ebenezer filled with God’s goodness and providence in our lives, this was new. It was almost as though the tough had become our mundane. This new step at times has thrown us through a loop, giving us the opportunity a new to trust beyond our sight in a situation that's beyond our life experience and grasp. The beauty of faith in God comes in these moments.

The moments shrouded in a future fog where we choose to trust with our minds while our hearts are still crying. Because it is then that peace descends and our faith is always rewarded. It might not be in that particular moment or even the next. But in His perfect timing. His providence, His will prevails each and every time. In this, we can have faith. In a God bigger than our problems, yet small enough to live in our hearts.

“Faith makes a fool of what makes sense” - Here Now (Madness)

When on that road filled with fog, it might seem foolish to believe, to trust that God has a plan and will make a way. But faith beyond sight is always solid when it is God that we trust.

How We Feel About Minimalism

Late last year we were given 60 days notice to vacate our rental property. We had been living in this 3 bedroom rental for 3 years and, to be honest, were already thinking we'd have to move to a house with better insulation before the baby came. Having a time limit set us in motion, we began purging our stuff for a move.

This isn't a new thing for us. We've always liked to keep our belongings down to what could fit into a self-drive truck. Minimalism appeals to us. Maybe not minimalism as defined by owning only 100 items, but minimalism as defined by keeping what is essential, used frequently and provides value and joy to our lives. This is a journey we've been on arguably since half way through our first year of marriage. Assisted by the 3 plus years we have lived out of suitcases. There's nothing like living out of a suitcase (and not using everything in it anyway) to showcase what items are truly a priority.

So, back to the topic of moving. We found an ideal little rental to move into. With the added bonus of less space in our new home and with a baby on the way, this immediately forced our hand to recycle or give away items which up to now we had stored and forgot out of pure laziness.

For us, there's something freeing and exciting about the reduction of physical earthly items and clutter. As I sit here, I wonder why? Could it be a connection with what Jesus spoke all those years ago?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Habitual or Unique?

Pulling up in our car, we head inside to meet our hosts, chat a little in introduction, then begin the equipment haul. Each music event differs yet has similarities that threaten habituality. A few weeks ago we had the distinct pleasure of revisiting Morwell Family Church. There's something resoundingly special about meeting up with the same lovely people again and having the opportunity to once again worship together.

Then last week we visited the Haddon Church of Christ for the first time and experienced one of the most spiritually and emotionally uplifting concerts. There are moments of encouragement that happen while we are on the road and we had those at both Morwell and Haddon. It's such a pleasure to see people actively worshipping God as we sing and speak. Our prayer is always that God will be exalted and uplifted above everything else. When we hear a testimony that this has happened, it fills us with joy. These are the moments that force a break from what could become habitual and make each experience unique instead.

To end off we wanted to share the testimony/recommendation that the Pastor from Haddon shared with us: 

"What a night. We hosted Eric & Monique, singer/songwriter “musicianaries” for an hour or so of the most beautiful, spiritually impactful gospel music I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Eric & Monique's music is based squarely on scripture and is so very glorifying to God. It was such a spiritually impactful evening of praise and worship, every song exalting the Lord Jesus Christ. Eric & Monique will bless your church and encourage God’s people with their transparent honesty and genuine praise of our beautiful Saviour. As a pastor of a conservative, evangelical church I unhesitatingly commend them to you."
- Neil Davies, Haddon Church of Christ