We serve a Holy and Righteous God! He is also our Loving & Gracious Father. There are times in our journey that we don’t understand the path He has us on and then there are times when we jump in with both feet!
For the past year and a half, our family has served in Georgia. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were called here. Through God’s leading and grace, Gary has been able to do some amazing things at this church. The debt was paid down and restructured, taking it to almost 1/3 of what it was previously. The restructure allowed for the hiring of part-time staff. The fellowship hall was completely remodeled, expanding the kitchen, and knocking out walls. Rooms with 6+ years full of ‘stuff’ were cleaned out, painted, and formed into welcoming Bible Study rooms. The stage was modernized with all new updated sound equipment. A mother’s room was added so that mammas with sweet babies who needed to nurse or play could still see and enjoy the service. TVs were put into every children’s ministry room so that the little ones could enjoy worship on their level during class time. A new playground was purchased for the children. The church grew in numbers and in diversity. Most importantly, twenty-nine people were baptized! What a huge blessing! We serve an amazing God and I am married to an amazing man who isn’t afraid to compromise truth to fulfill the desire of itching ears nor is he afraid to jump in and get dirty cleaning and working. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
This past year and a half has also brought great heartache for our family. We know that when God is at work, Satan is not happy. In June of 2015, I became pregnant. At 17 weeks, we learned that our precious baby had gone straight from the comfort of the womb to our Father’s arms. I carried his lifeless body for another two weeks, when I delivered and held him. Longest two weeks ever. Let me assure you that God is good. I saw something that very few people, who truly understand it, get to see. I saw God’s creation in the very middle of the process. In complete awe, I held our precious baby boy and cringed at how anyone would think it is okay to abort a baby at that stage or any other. ”For you have formed my inward parts: you have covered me in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 He was perfect. 10 tiny toes, the tiniest little hands.. it was all there. The end of the year had brought great loss. great heartache, and one of any woman’s greatest fears. The beginning of the year was to be no different. My mother lost her battle with primary biliary cirrhosis of the Liver. Living much longer than they ever anticipated, her time had come. She was ready and that helped us to be ready. Then, came spring and another pregnancy. This sweet baby only made it seven weeks. We grieved, yet again. As we grieved the loss of our second baby in less than a year, the Lord was beginning to show us that our time here in Georgia was coming to an end. Gary’s work was done. ”.. weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
If you do not know how absolutely incredible God is, let me just share something with you. In March, we went to the rv store to look at pop up trailers. In April, we bought a 32 foot motorhome. Sigh, yes.. yes.. we did. Around that time, I told our Sunday School class that I knew the Lord’s return was imminent and that I was conflicted inside because I wanted so badly to pour into my children. I wanted to travel with them and show them God’s creation throughout the United States. Yet, I knew that God had us in GA. I knew my husband had a ministry and I knew we were to be there. Let me assure you that just as I KNEW all of that, I have a Heavenly Father that KNOWS the desires of my heart.He had already started, years before, preparing us for this journey. He had already provided an unimaginable income from Young Living. HE built that business through me and my UH MAZING team. He provided the motorhome, when I initially just wanted a pop up trailer. He prepared our hearts for the resignation of ministry that would follow. He had it all planned out and prepared, truly before I even had the desire in my heart!
YALLLLLL!!! GOD IS SO GOOD! Can I get an AMEN?!?!?! SERIOUSLY!! AMEN!!! “Delight yourself also in the LORD; and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Today, we prepare to move our family of SEVEN with a big dog, into a 32 ft motorhome and travel the United States!! What?!? Yes! Let me show you a bit of what that process looks like. umm.. for those of you that don’t know, I have slight OCD tendencies regarding a clean house.. Not the time for that.. just NOT. THE. TIME!
IT’S INSANE! I. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!! I am going to share with you this crazy journey that the Lord is blessing us with! I hope you are ready! Because I AM SOOOOO READY! Niagra Falls? The beach? Young Living Farms? Washington State? National Parks? Caverns? We have 3.. count them.. one, two, three!! Three short weeks before our journey begins. God has blessed me with women who are forcing errr umm.. helping.. yes.. helping me to pack. He is has also blessed my by sending me on a mommy retreat, completely paid for by Young Living, the week before we leave. SERIOUSLY?!? I told you He had this ALL planned out before I coud even imagine it! '"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares theLord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”' Jeremiah 29:11-13
Oh my gosh!!! I serve an AWESOME AND HOLY GOD!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment