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Whose Nation Is It Anyway?

usa

Did you watch the presidential debate? I did. And after a brief episode of disbelief and amusement, I spent some time researching Trump, Clinton and Johnson.  I’m still surprised that these are our only choices for president this term. I’m really disappointed.  I know i’m not alone in that – Many Americans don’t like our potential candidates.  Lets be honest the only reason they are in the running is because they have money.  I promise I will not make this solely a political post! This is, of course the topic of heated arguments and disagreement between most people right now.  And my goal is to be an encouragement not promote discord.

But it’s easy to get spun up about what will happen if the wrong person ends up president (or in this case either person!)  What if they aren’t wise? What if they cause more economic problems? What if they ruin our military or send us into more war? What if they take away our hard won freedoms? Those are legitimate concerns and YOU need to be educated about who you vote for this year. “But all my choices are bad! It’s a tie between the Liar and the Loudmouth!” You argue. Yes… that seems to be the case my friends, but we need not be worried because God is still on the throne.

“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for He has all wisdom and power.  He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.”  Daniel 2:20-21

That’s the TRUTH. Immovable and eternal God controls the course of world events. He is still the potter and we will always be the clay. Clinton and Trump are not exempt from that!  They are clay.  God will do what he wants to do and no one changes that. However… sometimes God allows us to experience the negative consequences of our actions. The actions of world leaders always effect the people they govern.

If you know the Bible you will know that there are many times in history where God set bad leaders in power just so he could use them to display His glory.  Men like King Nebuchadnezzar, King Xerxes, Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Pharaoh is a good example. He was an extremely powerful man, and he controlled the important kingdom of Egypt.  He used the Israelite people as slaves to build his kingdom, but then God called Moses to set them free. Every time God sent a plague Pharaoh initially gave in, saying he would set the Israelite’s free, but then changed his mind (hardening his heart.)  God said to Pharaoh,

“By now I could have lifted my hand and stuck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth.  But I have spared you for a purpose – to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth.” – Exodus 9:15-16

“So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.” – Romans 9:18

Now this gets into some deep theological stuff that’s really interesting (and somewhat controversial.)  I’d encourage you to read all of Romans 9 to get a better understanding of it. But the fact is God used Pharaohs bad to accomplish His good purpose. Every time Pharaoh got prideful and refused to let the Israelite slaves go, God did another miracle – showing the world His awesome power.

I don’t have an answer for why God allows bad things to happen to good people and I cannot say we won’t endue hardship in the future regardless of which person becomes president.  Sadly, “One Nation Under God” may not be a fitting title for the USA anymore as her actions become less and less in line with obeying God – and that is a super scary place to be.

No one knows what God is orchestrating with the nations in the coming days. But we can take heart in this – He is always in control and He is forever good. He never falls off this throne or losses sight of what’s happening in the world (or in your life.) All people, nations and time it’s self belong to Him.  Our good father does not abandon his children, but will go before us and help us through whatever happens in this life.

“For God is King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm. God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.” – Psalm 47:7-8

2 Comments
by on October 1, 2016  •  Permalink
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Posted by Kristi on October 1, 2016

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2016/10/01/whose-nation-is-it-anyway/

On Mission

IMG_0926 bllog

For the last five years I have felt discontented.  For as long as I can remember I have wrestled with this internal message that says – “You have something vital to do with your life. You’ve been given much – what will you do with it?”

This pressure to use my life and gifts is like a strong tide that pulls and pushes me. In the quiet moments as I think about how brief our days really are I can’t help but feel the urgency to make an impact.  I know everything I could give the world would be worthless if not used for Jesus as He is the one who has given me life and every good gift.  This feeling is only enhanced by the miracle God did for my family and I, when He rescued and restored Isaac from death. In our weakness He is strong.

Then that desire was silenced and lay dormant for a time.  I would rise up now and then when we reviewed our life, swelling like a wave but then receding again.  See we’ve been distracted by good things. Isaac and I got married, made some sweet babies, moved around a bit, made dear friends and loved the churches we have been connected with.  Great things! This is the season of life we’ve been in. Ministry has been on the back burner and replaced with the business of meeting basic needs.  Seasons change though…. And while we will always been in the business of “meeting basic needs etc” we can change our life focus to be on something else.  And that is exactly what we intend to do.

Everyone is called to different things right? Some people are artists, some are accountants, some are called to manage wealth and some to milk cows. That’s the beauty of life and I think we are all happiest doing the thing God made us to do.  It has taken me a long time to work that out.  But recently, Isaac and I have figured out what we are supposed to be and what we are called to do – for now.  The following letter explains that and details a little about our future plan.

(Oh, and P.S. Some of you may get one of these in the mail. If so, that’s because we weren’t sure you’d read it here and really want to have your support!)

~Kristi~

______________________________________________________________________

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”  Proverbs 19:21

On a warm September day seven years ago Isaac and I met for the first time in the Los Angeles airport.  We knew God had called us to seek and serve him through missions, but we had no idea that this was just the beginning of the adventure he would take us on.  We joined a group of other young Christians and boarded our plane to New Zealand where we would spend the next several months learning and serving with Youth With A Mission.

During our Discipleship Training School God changed us in amazing ways. We saw more of his heart for the lost.  We saw a world full of broken people in need of a Savior. From the suburbs of Melbourne Australia to the jungle villages of Fiji our faith grew as we shared the gospel and saw Jesus change people’s lives forever. As most of you know Isaac and I became the best of friends during this time. God grew our hearts together and planted seeds of future dreams in our minds.

One of those dreams was fulfilled on September 24th 2010 when Isaac and I became husband and wife.  Since then the plans of the Lord continued to unfold before us as we have joyfully welcomed four little Godwin’s to our family.  God is faithful and has sustained us through trials and storms. We have been very blessed with our life, but there is another dream and passion that God has placed within our hearts – and that is for missions.

When we moved to Washington State this year we came with the intention of being closer to family. But God quickly revealed to us that was not why we were in the Northwest.  Isaac and I have felt this stirring in our hearts, a desire to serve the Lord with our lives in fulltime ministry. But what would that look like? Where was God leading us? It all seemed so vague and we would get discouraged from time to time because we feel this calling to ministry but no clear direction about how to walk it out. We kept praying and waiting on the Lord.

The Lord kept bring them to mind some old family friends who are YWAM Directors at a base in Discovery Bay Washington.  So I contacted them and they invited us to come meet and have a tour of the base.  They have been praying for young families to join them as staff.  They shared a specific need for someone to come on board who could manage the base media and website development.  They also told us about a future dream God has given the base – to run worship and music DTS.  As we explored the base and learned about these possibilities we felt the Holy Spirit confirm in us that this is where He wants us to be.  Our hearts felt a burning and excitement at the idea of coming on staff.

God has brought us to YWAM Discovery Bay for such a time as this.

The base has several schools which it runs yearly. The Discipleship Training School, School of Frontier Missions, which focuses on outreach to India, China and Thailand.  And a five week language school (TESOL) which focuses on how to teach English as a tool to fulfilling the Great Commission.  We would help lead teams on outreach trips to the listed locations, disciple students, and serve in the worship/media/sound development of these schools. Our family would fit right in and be used greatly to impact the students coming to the base.

Isaac and I have committed to serve with YWAM Discovery Bay for two years and are now in the process of raising support. Presently we are serving part time by commuting to the base a few times a week to be involved in the ministry and learning our responsibilities. We are blessed and the Lord has sovereignly provided a house for us on the base so our expenses are minimal for a family of six! We will move on base and work full time once we have raised 100% financial support.

Where God leads he will always provide. We fully trust the Lord to meet our needs.

Financially we will need $2,300.00 a month for all expenses. And so we are in need of individuals to join our team and commit to giving a set amount each month. If you have questions regarding our financial need or more details about the ministry we would be happy to answer them for you.

Some ways you can give monthly are:

  • Mail a check Addressed to:

YWAM Discovery Bay

P.O. Box 989

Port Hadlock, WA 98339

(Please put “Godwin” in the memo line)

We want to stay in touch with you because this is a partnership, and you will be a vital part of the ministry.  I will be keeping everyone up to date through a monthly newsletter. You can sign up for that by writing down your email address and returning it in the enclosed envelope, OR follow by our blog isaacgodwin.com.

I will be keeping a list of our support team so please let me know how you plan to be involved. Thank you for your support!
“Thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

Blessings,
The Godwin’s

 

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by on September 19, 2016  •  Permalink
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Posted by Kristi on September 19, 2016

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2016/09/19/on-mission/

My Hope is Built

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I faced a disappointment this week. Nothing as serious as a health issue or a death. But a disappointment none the less. You know how your true heart comes out when you are all alone in the quiet? I found myself crying in that quiet space as the weight of this disappointment lay on me. And all I could do was repeat what the Spirit put on my heart.
“He has not abandoned you. Your God is faithful to the end. He has not abandoned you. Just as a nursing mother can’t forget her new baby God can’t forget you. He is not too weak to save, but sovereign in allowing you to go through heartache.” Certainly a comforting message. But why I wondered do I even feel like this? Disappointment is something that comes with a fallen world of course… but as a child of God where do I go from here? What do I do with this? How can he remedy it?
I realized a big part of the reason I felt such a blow from this specific disappointment was because I had been putting hope in it. As if it were a “savior.” “If only this would work out! Then things will be better for us.” Granted that’s normal right? Like everybody wants good things to happen in their lives, we all want to feel purpose and live comfortably. I don’t condemn people for wanting good and God doesn’t either. But Jesus does say, “If you want to be my disciple you must HATE everything else in comparison, you must be willing to LOSE it all for me.” (Luke 14:25-27) Seeking your own “good” is no longer top priority. Loving Jesus is.
Hope is essential to the human heart. Proverbs 13:12 says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” We must have hope to keep going. I remember being a teenager and young adult filled with hopes and dreams. That’s one of the things that makes that season of life so amazing. Your future is before you! There’s a world of possibilities at your feet and it’s that hope that drives us forward. Having hope in something keeps our souls looking up.
And the world provides us thousands of options about where to put our hope. In a career or achievements, in financial security, in a spouse, in friends, in a home or possessions, in something new, you fill in the blank. We can build our hope on so many things, but every one of those will fail us eventually. We were never meant to have a substitute savior. The truth is that when we put our hope in anything but God we turn our hearts away from Him and become hopeless.

“This is what the Lord says: Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like a stunted shrub in the desert with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness and uninhabited salty land. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. ” Jeremiah 17:5-8
Cursed or Blessed. Stunted shrub or growing tree. Where do you place your hope? I’m still processing this and learning what this means for the Believer as we walk out our faith. I don’t fully understand how God will remedy the brokenness we face in life. But I do know he is a firm foundation – a solid rock to build upon. So I will choose to build my hope on Christ the rock. Today that looks like letting go of my “hopes” and being satisfied in Him. Trusting that He is still good and the future is bright in Him. He is my reason to dream and remain hopeful about tomorrow.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Blessings,

Kristi

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by on August 29, 2016  •  Permalink
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Posted by Kristi on August 29, 2016

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2016/08/29/my-hope-is-built/

Praise God in this storm

Storm-Clouds-by-Sarah-Lee

Hi everyone, this blog entry is much later than I originally planned. I broke my leg and wrist on August 3rd and have been recovering. It’s kind of ironic as my last post was about how we don’t really make our own path but go where God determines. Through this injury my plans have been quite interrupted and that truth resonates even more in my heart. I’ve never had a disabling injury before and it’s really made me realize how much I take for granted.
So here’s my little accident story: I have a beautiful baby girl, Eliza. Since she was born I’ve been doing this special photo thing where I take a picture of her every month on the day she was born to see how much she’s grown. Well on August 3rd I found a free moment and was attempting this little photo shoot. I had her laying on the floor next to her monkey toy. I got a chair to stand on since I needed a certain angle to capture the picture I wanted. As I hopped up on the chair the seat broke. Split second decisions. I kicked off the chair with my left leg, pushing it out of the way so it didn’t crush my baby. I landed on my right leg but couldn’t catch myself. My leg hyper-extended backwards as I collapsed to the floor in intense pain. My left wrist caught the floor in another attempt to stop the fall.
As I’m lying on the floor crying in pain my sweet four-year old Josiah ran down stairs to help me. He was a good boy and unlocked the door like I asked. I couldn’t get up and knew I had broken my leg. Stranded on the floor is not a good place to be when you have four little ones running around the house! Fortunately, my phone was near me and I called 911. Eliza was still happily laying on the blanket oblivious to the drama. In the minutes it took for the paramedics to get to my house her big brother Jude (19 months old) had toddled over to loving poke at her.
The paramedics were so kind and gave me a sense of peace. I felt like such a ridiculous sight laying on the floor as they assessed my injuries. They were trying to take my mind off the situation and asked about my kids. “Who are these little ones?” said one of the paramedics as he nodded to my oldest children. “That’s Josiah and Evelyn” I said, “They are a little scared.” “It’s okay guys, we are here to take care of your mom.” He assured them. “Oh and that’s Judah…” I said looking behind me. Then I laughed in embarrassment as I realized he had hand soap rubbed all over his head making it white and foamy! “Ha, so that’s what Judah and Evelyn were doing while I have been stuck here.” I thought to myself. Could have been worse I suppose. At least they didn’t get into markers or knives.
At the ER x-rays revealed that I have several breaks in my tibia plateau (the bones behind the knee cap) and wrist. I was given a nice dose of morphine and sent home in splints. A few days after I got upgraded to a legit cast on my wrist and adjustable leg brace. At first I was on complete bed rest, which was not a good thing for me and I developed a blood clot in my leg. That was the scariest thing so far as blood clots can be life threatening. But my doctor got me on blood thinners right away and the clot has dissolved for the most part. Now I can hop around a little on my crutches and the pain is much better in my leg even though I cannot walk or put pressure on it.
Isaac and my family have been amazing help to me. They have to help me do everything! Literally. My mom and/or sister come over every day to take care of me and my children while Isaac is at work. And the church has been so generous in bringing us meals almost every night since I got hurt. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am for all the support and prayers! It has been a humbling experience to receive so much kindness. I have felt so weak and helpless during this time. And that’s hard for me because I’m used to being strong and accomplished. I’ve realized that I can be pretty strong-willed and stubborn. I don’t like to need help… but that’s pride isn’t it.
I know this is just a bump in the road and that God allows us to go through difficult things. So I want to learn and grow through this experience. I was very sad and depressed for a few days after the accident. But I realized I could go through the situation one of two ways. I could cry and complain, sulk, get depressed and focus on myself and what I’d lost. Or, I could keep praising God and live with a thankful heart. I could choose to fix my eyes on Jesus who is my hope. Maybe that’s really simple… and there are people who are going through much bigger struggles than this. It’s hard to “praise God in the storm” (as the old Casting Crown song says) it’s unnatural. But if we do God is faithful to lift our hearts EVEN if he doesn’t change our situation.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
I want to finish well the race marked out for me. Good, bad and ugly as it may be. I want to stand before God someday and hear, “well done good and faithful servant.” Because I chose to walk through every situation with my eyes fixed on Him rather than on myself. It’s all by God’s grace that we can do this, but it’s also a choice. May we be people who make the choice to praise God in the storm.

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by on August 20, 2016  •  Permalink
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Posted by Kristi on August 20, 2016

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2016/08/20/praise-god-in-this-storm/

Something New

dawn-dusk

Hello everyone,

It’s been a long time since I’ve written on here… about 5 years. This blog space was a wonderful tool to connect with you while Isaac recovered from the accident. We will forever be grateful for your faithful prayers and support. I know I speak for everyone involved when I tell you how blessed we were by you. That was over 6 years ago now!

That part of our journey is over, but it has forever changed us. And the story isn’t over. I stopped writing because life swept us up, but I have recently felt the Lord put it on my heart to write again. So I plan to use this blog space to share the encouraging things the Lord puts on my heart, and maybe sometimes funny life stories. I don’t actually know where this will go, but I hope you will be built up through reading this blog.

May it again be a tool used to glorify the Lord. May it remind us who he is. And may the messages here be used to lift up your heart to sing His praises.

Now a little update on Isaac and our family. We are living in Washington again after spending a few sweet years in Clovis, NM. We moved here in February and have been doing really well although we miss our family and friends in New Mexico dearly. We have 4 children now. Yes, you read that right – 4 Children. What can we say except God has blessed us and filled our home with lots of joy. Lots of messes, craziness, laundry, dishes, and chaos too… but I like to focus on the joy. The crew is my full time job, and I’m learning to find satisfaction in the mundane duties that come with motherhood. Sometimes it’s really beautiful.  In our free time (which is not much at the moment) we still love to work on writing and recording music. We’ve had the opportunity lately to lead worship for a few local churches. That has been an answer to prayer and an outlet for our hearts passion.

Another EXCITING path we’ve come across is the opportunity to become a part of the staff for a YWAM base in Port Townsend WA.  We’re in the process of seeking the Lord for his direction about this. My first thought regarding joining the base was – “YES! YES! YES!” and I felt a fire stir in my heart. To me it feels like where our story should go, a continuation of where we left off.  It feels right, but we want to wait on the Lord before jumping in. So please pray for us – for wisdom and confirmation as we consider this. And pray the base gets LOTS of students.

“I know Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.”

Jeremiah 10:23

We can take heart because of the truth presented in this scripture. It encourages me because it means I don’t go anywhere God doesn’t allow. It’s not totally up to me. And because He is a good father even if we go through darkness and trouble He will take care of us. Since He already gave His heart to us – His son Jesus, what won’t he do for us?

Rest in that truth today. Even if the path isn’t easy God is with you. God is for you. His love never fails.

Thanks for reading! Till next week.

Blessings,

Kristi

2 Comments
by on August 2, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by Kristi on August 2, 2016

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2016/08/02/something-new/

Praise and Prayer Requests!

Hi everyone,

It’s been a long time since we last wrote an update. Isaac and I have decided that we’d like to keep this site and use it to blog and write updates. I’m not sure how often we’ll send them out etc, but we will keep writing. We won’t take any offense if you decide to unsubscribe your self from getting these updates, though we do like keeping in touch with ya’all. Knowing we have brothers and sisters in Christ with us in prayer is extremely encouraging to us. Please feel free to let us know if what we can pray for you about too!
We have exciting praise and prayer requests!

Back in April we made the move from Clovis to Washington State, and then found out we are going to have a baby! So life has been exciting. Our new little friend’s life was unexpected, but a total blessing. Isaac has been doing well physically and mentally. But spiritually, he has been under attack. He has been working events with an audio company – which is awesome! It was a God send job. But it’s only when there are events to be worked. He is looking for work, and has applied for different jobs, but his heart is downcast. Satan is attacking with all kinds of lies… He always tries to water down the miracles of God. I remind Isaac that the Lord is GOOD! He is FULL OF MERCY! He does NOT abandon His children. He did not save Isaac (or any of us) so we can settle for less than His best, and trudge along through life just trying to get by. That would be reason to get depressed! God is purposeful.

I’m just going to be real honest… We are at, what Isaac and I feel like, is a fork in the road. One path is to get practical and settle for any job that pays enough to support our family, play it safe, get a house and live day to day. Not a bad path… but not simple either in our economy. The other path presented is not ordinary, or cut very clearly. It’s uncertain, it’s difficult, and it’s the way our hearts burn to run if fear didn’t trip us up. This is ministry. Ever since Isaac and I met in NZ the dream of serving and ministering through music was something that drew us together and excited us! Writing, “For The Dawn,” was something that flowed out of that dream together. Missionary work has also been a constant call from God’s Spirit on our hearts.

So that leaves us full of passion to serve, but struggling to see how and where? Are we supposed to go be missionaries overseas? Serve with YWAM? Are we supposed to move to Seattle and join a church plant? Are we supposed to start our own Ministry sharing this story of healing and singing songs He gives us? I feel like a hippie writing that last one… but it sounds good to me – Haha.

We are scared to step into the unknown… but isn’t that what we committed ourselves to when we heard Jesus say, “Come, follow me…” and we stepped forward to follow Him? Isaac and I have grown up following Him. And we hear Him calling us into something bigger than ourselves again. Just like going to New Zealand was a step of faith and everyone who went had to trust God to provide somehow – We believe God is calling us into something new… something involving music ministry and missions. So here are our prayer requests friends!

Pray:
• For Isaac’s downcast spirit to lift, and for his joy to be restored. Also, pray for him to get a good job.
• For us to have such wisdom and discernment that we know clearly what this ministry looks like.
• For fellowship – friendships to be built in this new place and season of life.

Thank you all for your prayers! We appreciate your support. We will do our best to write again soon!

God Bless,
Isaac & Kristi Godwin

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by on June 12, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by Isaac on June 12, 2011

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2011/06/12/praise-and-prayer-requests/

Two Become One

Thank the Lord for His unfailing love! Isaac and Kristi are man and wife! “Glorious” is the word used by Isaac’s Grandma Jo in describing the wedding. It truly was glorious! To borrow the expression from John Piper in his book “This Momentary Marriage,” this marriage, as intended for all marriages, “is the doing of God . . . ultimately, for the display of God. It puts the glory of Christ’s convenant-keeping love on display.”

God’s glory was most definitely on display on 24 September! The beautiful mountains, trees, waterways, sunny sky, and colorful flowers made evident His “eternal power and divine nature!” (Romans 1:20) The marriage covenant made between Isaac, Kristi, and God was special to behold. The bride and groom were radiant as they stood together in the immersing grace and light of our Lord!

It was such a joy to spend time with Kristi’s family. What a Family they are! Love abounded! Everyone worked so beautifully together to provide a perfect wedding setting at Scenic Beach and reception at their home. Incredible! We look forward to future gatherings and fellowship with this wonderful family.

I have posted Isaac and Kristi’s vows below. They wrote their vows for one another and shared them with each other the first time, for all time, at the ceremony. Please pray for them as they endeavor to “always keep their marriage vows in such a way as to tell the truth about the unbreakable covenant love of Christ” (John Piper). We are praising God for what He has done, and is continuing to do in and though Isaac and Kristi. Thank you for being a part of their story, for God’s ultimate glory!

Isaac’s Vows

Today, I take you Kristi to be my lovely wife. I promise to be obedient first to the Lord in my life and through Him to love you as Christ loves the church, His bride. By His equipping Spirit, I will always honor you, cherish you, and love you sacrificially. I will lead our life into the faith and hope we have in Christ Jesus. We will serve Him together. In joy or sorrow, our deep friendship will remain. I will faithfully be yours in the best and in the worst. What may come, whether good or bad, I will always be there. I will pray for you continuously. I give you my life and promise to be one with you as the Lord intends, both physically and spiritually. You will always be my true love, my best friend, my favorite.

Kristi’s Vows

Isaac, I love you. You are my best friend, and always will be. I feel like in my heart I’ve already been your wife and committed to you “for better or for worse.” I know that God knit our hearts together, and has kept us together through every trial we’ve faced. He gave you back to me from the grave, and for that I’m so amazed and grateful. So today, it’s with the greatest joy, I take you as my husband, my true love. I promise to be faithful to you, and to respect you as head over our family. I will live first unto God and then unto you, submitting to you out of reverence for Christ. I will love you in the darkness, and in the light. When things are going well and when things are going bad. I love you when you’re silly. And when you’re hurting, I’ll comfort you and sing you songs. I’ll love you when you’re broken and when you’re restored. I will not be parted from you. Whatever is ahead of us, I pledge my life to you as your true love, faithful wife, and dearest friend. [And you’ll always be my favorite, too!]

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by on September 26, 2010  •  Permalink
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Posted by Ivan L. on September 26, 2010

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2010/09/26/two-become-one/

Entrust

Today we’re entering a new season of entrusting and letting go. Suitcases are packed and belongings are boxed up. This morning we take Isaac and Kristi to the airport to fly to Washington State. Isaac will meet new family and friends and they will complete the plans for the wedding. This is a much anticipated flight; one that signifies a son, “leaving father and mother and cleaving to his wife” (Gen 2:24). Well, not “wife” yet, but very soon. Twenty-three days!

We prayed together last night as a family, thanking God for His miracle of life. He is Life! He is The Way, and He is making His way for Isaac and Kristi – one that no one would have conceived 6 1/2 months ago, but sovereign, nonetheless. What Satan meant for bad, God made good. Praise Him! He never leaves us nor forsakes us. HE IS UNFAILING LOVE.

We entrust this beautiful couple to the strong hands of God. He has a wonderful plan for their life together. Kristi has already been such an incredible “Help Meet” to Isaac – the fruit of the Spirit overflowing (Gal 5:22). Isaac has healed so much, and continues to get better with each new day, the unrelenting touch of God upon him.

Thank you, Lord, for Your plan of restoration. It’s not unlike Your promise in Jeremiah 33 to return Judah and Israel from captivity, to rebuild them. You are moving upon and within Isaac. Thank You for this young couple. They are zealous for You, Lord. You have brought health and healing. In You alone will they find abundant peace and security. May their life and union bring You, “renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of the good things you have done, and will do in it” (Jeremiah 33:6-9).

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by on September 1, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by Ivan L. on September 1, 2010

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2010/09/01/entrust/

Engaged!

Hello Everyone,
Tonight we have a special update and announcement to give you all. Today Isaac took me on a picnic to Ned Houk Park here in Clovis. We sat in a pretty spot near the pond, underneath the trees. He was so sweet, and had packed a basket with some food and a sentimental blanket I gave him in New Zealand. He even packed wine glasses for sparkling cider. It was very romantic, as we got drunk on our cider, (just kidding of course!) After we ate, he stood up and looked around… sorta awkwardly. I got up and hugged him and he picked me up. Holding me like a princess, he said, “I know I was supposed to carry you up a small mountain, but what I’m about to say will be like the biggest mountain I’ll ever have to climb.” I was nervous as he went on with his awesome and intimate proposal, but when he asked the question, “will you be my wife and do life with me?” I veered from my original thought out response and said, “Yes… if you put me down!” He set me down and I continued with, “I would be honored to be your wife Isaac.” He smiled and got the last thing in the basket – a big present. “This is for you…” I think he was excited. I opened the heavy gift and it was a wonderfully huge Bible with the names, “Isaac & Kristi Godwin” engraved at the bottom. It was perfect. “Open it to where the book mark is!” So I did and the pages fell to 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Isaac had underlined the phrases, “Love never ends,” and “the greatest of these is love.” And tied to the center of the book mark was a ring. “God brought us together so I thought this was fitting.” He told me as he slipped the gorgeous ring on my finger.
So I guess we’re engaged! We set the date for this September the 24th at a place called Scenic beach in Washington State because almost all of my family is there, where as Isaac’s family is scattered across the country. This may seem short notice, and maybe even crazy considering all that’s taken place in the last few months with Isaac’s accident and all. He is still recovering, and we don’t have a lot of money, place to live or even full time jobs (well I do but my husband-to-be doesn’t yet.) We’re really being practical and realistic about this, and we’re going ahead by faith. We could wait… but neither of us feel like that is the best thing for us nor do we feel like it’s God’s leading. We’re very grateful for both of our families love and support!
Please do keep us in your prayers though because planning, providing & just marriage in general is a huge thing to go into. We put our hope in the Lord. We’re excited for the plan He has in store!
God bless you all!

~Isaac & Kristi~

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by on July 10, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by Kristi on July 10, 2010

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2010/07/10/engaged/

Moving Forward, Trusting God!

Praising God as He walks Isaac through this next part of recovery/healing. Isaac passed his written driver’s test this week! He’ll take the practical test on 14 Jul. Got all the paperwork signed by the doctor saying he can drive. Praise the Lord! Isaac will start working at Central Baptist Church on 1 July with Youth worship, sound, and more. A huge thanks to Central for providing this opportunity for Isaac. Actually, Kristi Nicole and Hannah are also working there. It is so good to have everyone home and moving forward. May the Lord continue to direct our paths! Exciting times . . . times of healing, growth, and strengthening! Keep praying! Our God is Faithful and Loving!

Doing some outpatient therapy here in Clovis. Seeking God for His timing and guidance for each right next step!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight.” Pr 3:5,6

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by on June 25, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by Ivan L. on June 25, 2010

http://www.isaacgodwin.com/2010/06/25/moving-forward-trusting-god/

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