320 – God Gives His Girl a Splendid Sign

September 23, 1988

Tim made heart-shaped sugar cookies. I made heart-shaped biscuits for Cheryl’s birthday dinner.

This is Dan’s last day of work at SouthCo.

I kept focusing again, as yesterday: love the Lord Your God with all your mind, strength, heart and soul.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving!

*We are Elim missionaries!!!

*I have not had pollen or cat allergies!

*The rain stopped so I could walk.

*The sofa room in Pletcher’s IS GETTING SORTED!!

*Cheryl was home yesterday in time for me to go for my haircut—by one minute!!

*God has filled my heart with purpose and confidence for this day.

*Larry Nobles can help Dan get seatbelts at the junk yard (so the boys will be belted in at the table in the motor home), and maybe fix the tape recorder.

*I was relaxed about the kids eating sugar last night (God help them and me in this!).

After dinner, exhausted, going out to motor home—looked up—3 long pillars of cloud across the entire sky. BLESS GOD. He is with us, He loves us—and here we go with our God!!!

Pillars of cloud was a sign of God’s love for me and His presence with me for many years

319 – My Strength is in the Lord!

September 14, 1988

The Billy Graham Crusade was held for four nights in Rochester. Timmy, age 9, went once. I’m not sure if Steve or Mark went. Dan went each night and was up front as a counselor. He had gone door-to-door handing out flyers in our village and one of our neighbors on Big Tree Street got saved. Our neighbor Leslie went with me one night and went forward. I went forward with her. Oh HAPPY DAY!

September 19

Dan called Phyllis in New Jersey. She is very excited to know the dates of our visit. When we leave next week, she will be our first stop. She said the East coast has more new Japanese immigrants and the Bay Area would have second and third generation Japanese. We are trusting the Lord for direction as to where He could use us. Our goal is to live somewhere for a year or so to get experience with be-friending Japanese people and to begin learning the language.

Deuteronomy 20:3-4 Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies and to give you victory.

God met me through the Word: the people and the situations that are strained are not going to overwhelm me if I will not be afraid and if I will trust Him. He will do the behind-the-scenes warfare!

September 21

There is a last-minute list of clothes that I felt we needed. It is pretty basic stuff and it seems our finances were such that we had not been able to purchase them.

September 22

The Elim Fellowship board met AND APPROVED US!! We are now part of an organization who will help us get a placement in Japan.

I asked God to speak to me plainly today:

Joshua 1, God to Georgann:

*Do meditate on the Word day and night

*Do what is in it, i.e., make it part of your life

*Results: you will be successful and prosperous

*Caution: Don’t be terrified

*Do be strong and courageous

*Don’t be discouraged

*Promise: The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

318 – What? Lay Down our Plan?

318 – What? Lay Down

Our Plan?

September 12, 1988

My parents sent $100 for the motor home trip. Life Center Church sent $220. Praise God!

What we know so far about our excursion is that we will follow up on the contact we made with Phyllis Rhinehart at the Elim Camp Meeting a few weeks ago. She is in a small church in New Jersey and works with Japanese who are new to the US. She is retiring and asked us to come to see the work she is doing in hopes that we would take her place and live in New Jersey. From there we will go to North and South Carolina to visit my Mom’s relatives. That’s what we know so far.

I have been praying about foods because I felt we were eating a lot of meat and that it was not good for us. In my devotions today:

Deuteronomy 12:15 However, you may slaughter and eat meat within all your gates, whatever your heart desires, according to the blessing of the Lord your God….

I heard, Georgann, don’t worry about eating all of this meat. Bless it and go for it.

Deut 12: 18 and you are to rejoice before the Lord your God in everything you put your hand to.

Always a good reminder,Lord.

Dan’s brother Aug called. Al called him. Al is the man whose family God used to draw Dan to the Lord. He got saved while living with them in Colorado. Al wants to see us, has been thinking about us. Praise the Lord. Perhaps we can stop at his place on the way West.

September 13

After my walk Dan and I prayed our regular prayer list which we haven’t prayed together for weeks. I felt I heard very clearly, as it was my turn to pray for Japan: Lay down your plan.

Our plan for Japan? Our plan for traveling to the east before we head west?

Our plan for getting back to Reno to see Dan’s grandmother? Aug said she wants to see the boys one more time.

We prayed but got nothing definite. It remained a mystery for another year or so.

317 – Hong Kong, Anyone?

317 – Hong Kong, Anyone??

September 7, 1988

Colossians 1:6 All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing.

Faith and Forest Dodge, who lead Elim Fellowship, came to see us at the Pletchers from 7:30- almost 9pm. “Would you consider going to Hong Kong? Kevin Graves, our missionary there, needs someone to help him get Bibles into China!”

Dan ended up telling them we will stick with our plan to go to Japan.

September 9

Deut 9:3 I am to be assured today that the Lord GOD goes before me like a devouring fire, to destroy my enemies and subdue them!

Our day is packed with school for 3 boys, making dinner for the Pletchers and us (we are taking turns), visiting Bema, and (because Cheryl left the car for us) we will go to Ames for a pj’s sale.

Prayers from Colossians 3:

v 8 Please help me get back into walking, praying in the Spirit more because it helps my attitude and personality so much!

v 15 Please help me to be victorious today with PEACE ruling over my heart. That is what I am called to.

v 16 I want the Word of Christ to dwell in my richly, I want to sing thankfully and gratefully to the Lord!

September 10

I feel the Lord gave me insight through a children’s book I was reading aloud to the boys. I want to explain that when I am cross with them it is because I am out of fellowship with God. In Christ I have no reason to be angry. If I am truly submitted to the Lord Jesus and His will for me, and if I am truly submitted to Dan—I should be rejoicing all the time as the Word says. Lord, for whatever sorrow was in my heart today and caused me to be cross and bitter please forgive me and teach me this. Please don’t let the lesson slip away.

316 – God Keeps Encouraging Us

August 26 – 30, 1988

The Livonia church had a dinner for us. They were especially thankful for the Vacation Bible School that Dan headed up for the children a few weeks ago. The Pletchers came home from vacation and we moved out into the motor home. We went to the Skiff’s house (fellow Elim students) for dinner and they gave us $40 toward our vision for Japan! I called Aunt Flossie and she wants us to come and visit after all. My friends and I kept praying for one another, getting together as much as we could. I will miss my prayer partners: Barb Pray, Sue, Barb Harrington, Cheryl M, Tracey.

Numbers 21:34 Do not be afraid of (the enemy), for I have handed him over to you and his whole army and his land!

God is working with us in all of this planning. And God is working through us. We are to obey and believe and go forward without fear.

September 1

Deuteronomy 1:29 Do not be terrified. The Lord your God is going before you to tell you (where to camp and how long!). TRUST HIM.

September 2

Psalm 101:5-6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land that they may dwell with Me.

NIV note: the faithful are those who maintain moral integrity.

Dan and I worked on the application to be missionaries with Elim Fellowship. I typed it. We now wait and pray. Later in my devotions I got: Deuteronomy 3:2 Do not be afraid…v22 The Lord your God Himself will fight for you!

September 5

Labor Day—we went to Pittsford to see the Erie Canal. The locks are so interesting. There was some activity and we were fascinated. It was a real day off –we had Dan with us the whole day and we got to take a field trip.

315 – He is Lord and I Have Faith in Him

August 24, 1988

Mark 11:22 Jesus said, HAVE FAITH IN GOD.

v 24 Whatever you ask for in prayer—believe you have received it , and it will be yours.

*I believe our possessions (50 boxes) will be shipped by the Lord’s provision to a friend or family’s place and not be a burden.

*I believe God will change Aunt Flossie’s heart and she will allow us to come and visit her (in North Carolina).

*I believe God will provide Markie’s Calvert materials – $245.

*I believe we will get along well with the Pletcher’s when they return from vacation.

August 25

It just occurred to me that we are HOMELESS!

It was a bit of a shock! But it doesn’t hurt, and I am not going to be afraid. I will praise and give thanks and keep my trust in the Lord.

It helps that I just read this about praise:

Destined for the Throne – by Paul F. Billheimer, page 121 –

To be most effective praise must be massive, continuous, a fixed habit, a full-time occupation, a diligently pursued vocation, a total way of life.

Numbers 15:41 I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO BROUGHT YOU OUT OF EGYPT TO BE YOUR GOD: I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD.

Exodus 20:2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

NIV note:

As His subjects, His covenant people are to render complete submission, allegiance, and obedience to Him out of gratitude for His mercies, reverence for His sovereignty, and trust in His continuous care.

You are my Lord! I am so grateful to be out of bondage!!

314 – Determined to be Faith-Filled

August 23, 1988

We went to the library. We did our school work. Friends came over to pray. Pastor George Davis met with Dan.

Numbers 13 There were giants in the land. And those who were afraid and grumbled could not enter the land. Only Joshua and Caleb had the faith. My God does not like or bless unbelief.

Numbers 14 Moses intercedes: “Lord, everyone knows that YOU have been leading and guiding these people—if you let them die—and do not bring them into the land You have promised them, everyone will know. Display Your strength. Display Your mercy and forgiveness.”

I identified with everything I was reading daily:

That we were being obedient in going out. That we were therefore going to be safe and protected and blessed. That we would have provision because God was going to take care of us. That God would display His strength, His mercy, and His forgiveness. That we would not die but live! I needed all of this encouragement.

313 – Identifying God’s Voice Through Numbers

313 – Identifying God’s Voice through Numbers

August 21, 1988

Numbers 9:15-24 The Israelites obeyed the Lord’s orders through Moses—to stay in a certain place or to go—whether it was a few days or many days.

As we set out in the Nautilus this appears to be our direction from the Lord also: listen to the Lord, stay or move as He directs us.

Numbers 10:35 Moses would say, as they set out: “Rise up, O Lord! May Your enemies be scattered! May Your foes flee before You.” Whenever the ark came to rest He would say: “Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.”

I am to be that tight with the Lord and that expectant of His nearness and His protection!

August 22

Numbers 11 After three days on the road they began to complain, “If only we had…”

v 4 The rabble (those of little faith) raised trouble.

v 10 Their attitude toward the manna (His provision) the Lord had said was a sign… a test of their trust and obedience. The Lord became exceedingly angry.

TO ME: Georgann, don’t reject the Lord by complaining about His provision, don’t foster any grumbling. Don’t listen to the rabble if they stir up trouble! Don’t be part of that!

v23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm to short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”

He wants me to completely put all of my faith in Him and enjoy the trip.

312 – We Had the Support of Our Friends

August 13, 1988

God, please send helpers! And please have a friend invite the boys to go swimming. IT’S YARD SALE DAY! [We made $956. God sent Larry and Stephanie Craft! PTL!]

The house is EMPTY and the Wilsons are already moving in!

August 14

The message at the Livonia church this morning impacted me: Hebrews 3:1 Consider Jesus. “All He did for me makes all He asks me to do for Him seem small.” Pastor George Davis.

I will fix my eyes on Him.

We went to the Belcastro’s for dinner and the Porters (our home group leaders) came also.

August 15

Numbers 2:34 So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses—so the Lemaires did everything the Lord told Dan Lemaire to do!!

August 16

Dan was offered two more weeks of work at his job at SouthCo. So rather than his last day being on the 2^nd he would finish the 17^th. He prayed about the decision for two days and felt he should take the work. That meant we would be here for the Billy Graham Crusade and also we would be able to give the Livonia School District our ‘intent’ letter to homeschool for the 1988-89 school year. We would then be covered as we head across the country.

All of the boxes are taped for shipping and are on side porch and in the mudroom. WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS!

Each day the boys help us and then swim or play with the neighbor kids. Each night someone has invited us over to dinner. Eddie and Joan Carl gave us a goodbye party! We have made so many fine friends.

August 18

We moved into the Pletcher’s house until the 29^th, maybe longer if they extend their vacation. God, YOU ARE GOOD.

311- We Moved into the Nautilus

311 – We Moved into the Nautilus!

August 11, 1988

Leviticus 19:3 Everyone of you shall revere his mother and his father.

Repented of not honoring my parents in my heart like I think I probably should.

Leviticus 20:23 You must not live according to the customs of the nations.

Felt reinforced about our decision to homeschool. Our nation’s customs have become so divergent from the days when God was more respected and right was right and wrong was wrong.

I sped through the rest of Leviticus and finished it.

I praise God for the grace that met me today. I have a POSITIVE attitude. With the loss of possessions, timidity about our future, people’s questionings about our adventuresome journey—and the fact that we do not know what we are doing—thank God for PEACE and positivity!

August 12

We named our very small motor home the Nautilus.

A nautilus is a mollusk that swims in the ocean with its shell buoyant and upright. We had named our homeschool Nautilus–believing we were propelled and ‘covered’ by the Lord in our lifestyle to educate our sons.

Today we moved in! Yes, it is v-e-r-y cozy!

We stored all of Tim and Steve’s homeschool materials in the shower! (We did not have the money to order Mark’s.) We took a minimum of clothes for the six of us, basic cooking pans and utensils, a few toys. Remember this thing was perched on top of a Toyota pickup truck bed.

When we moved from Reno to NY, we moved most of our worldly goods across the country in pods. But for the return trip, we had not yet received a final destination from the Lord and we had no funds to warrant the luxury of holding onto our possessions. We could afford to keep only the basics. So we sold all of our furniture and appliances and a good amount of our stuff. We stacked our 50 boxes in the shed. Dan had carefully enumerated what was in each box and numbered the boxes.

As it was, about a year later we were unable to send for only a 4 or 5 boxes. Dan’s dad’s train set, my grandmother’s silver, the boys’ bikes and hot wheels, and much much more—we never saw again. We finally wrote a friend in our little Livonia church and gave permission for her to empty the Wilson’s shed, have a yard sale, and give the money to the church. It was sad. But during this season I met a family whose house had burned to the ground and they lost everything. I decided to buck up and be a good sport.

A lady named Nancy saw our newspaper ad and came by and bought our clothes dryer. She shared she had six children and they were a farm family. She started having kids late and had the last two in her 40’s!!!. She shared how important it was to put our values into the children.

I had asked the Lord to give me acquaintances with women who are older, have large families and are family-oriented. Praise the Lord for this answered prayer which encouraged the baby vision.