Jonathan & Corinne Long

The Changing Forecast

I don’t know what spring looks like where you live, but the Midwest is famous for its wild weather this time of year. One day the sun is shining, and warmth draws us outdoors. The next day winds and threatening clouds hang overhead. Toss in a temperature dip to below freezing and you never quite know how many layers you’ll need in a day.

This spring, the forecast isn’t the only thing that seems to wildly swing from day to day. Our family has been having its fair share of ups and downs too. Earlier this month, we had the joy of spending a weekend with my parents. Carter drove down to join us and we had a wonderful day filled with family, card games, delicious food, and catching up. My heart was full of joy as we settled in to watch a movie together. Before the movie ended, one of our dogs suddenly and violently began having seizures. We rushed him late that night to the veterinarian’s office, where sadly he passed away. Our children were devastated. How could we start that day with such a high and end on such a terrible low?

And this is not the only day this spring that we’ve had some wide swings in the weather. We’ve cheered on the school team and celebrated wins, but we’ve also had disappointing rejections and unexpected challenges. The prognosis is good, but the appliances break. We’ve seen financial blessings but also unplanned bills. It’s a season of both sunny days and dark stormy nights. Recently in our time of family devotions, we read a familiar passage:

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

It was a good reminder to me, and to our entire family, that in all these ups and downs, we can rely on God's strength to get us through the day. In every high and low, I am thankful for his steadfastness and the hope of his provision and strength. I pray that whatever type of season you are experiencing currently, that your forecast for spring brings the anticipated joy of Easter morning and the ever-present hope of eternity.

With great blessing,
Corinne

​

Spring Highlights

​

On March 5th, Noemi officially became a teenager as we celebrated her

13th birthday. We are so proud of all the ways Noemi has grown and matured

in this year of transition. She is a straight A student, plays trombone in the

middle school band, and has tackled a new sport this season - archery!

We love to hear about her creative writing ideas and enjoy seeing her

digital art. She brings lots of love and laughs to our house on a daily basis. 

​

On one of our recent sunny days, we had the opportunity to take the infamous Lada out for a spin. It feels a bit unusual to be driving him on the rolling hills of Kentucky rather than the busy streets of Budapest, but we are thankful to have this piece of our Hungarian home with us to enjoy. In coming weeks, we might even try joining a car show or two!

Please continue praying with us...

​​​​​​​​

• Thank you for your prayers for Corinne's mom, Sandy. While she is doing

well, she has another surgery on March 27th. Please pray for a quick and easy

recovery.

• Pray for the entire family as we mourn the loss of our beloved dog, Otis.

He joined our family in Budapest over 10 years ago and it is a huge adjustment

to life without him in our home.

• Please continue praying for Corinne's work in finance. March 31st is the end of the fiscal year for OMS, which brings additional tasks and responsibilities. Pray for wisdom as she advises in various financial situations.

Thank you for your faithful support in prayer and financial giving!

~ The Long Family