Coming to a close...

This Sunday will be our last Sunday at St. James. Wow. I cannot believe I'm even typing the words. I've been doing a lot of reminiscing lately about the memories, the laughs, and the relationships that have been formed through the years. When I look back, I realize I really grew up during my time here. St. James truly prepared both of us to go out and do God's work. Thank you for all of those who poured into us, ministered to us, loved on us, prayed for us, fed us, and more!

To the media department- thank you for being the first to welcome me and help me find my place at St. James. April, Lisa, Jacob, Chap, Cyle, Dianne, Shanna, Lamar, Mike, Rachelle, and Randy- I have so many wonderful memories with each of you that I will forever cherish. As you all know, we can probably give Jacob the credit for most of the laughs. I met Chris in that media room and will forever be grateful.

To my sweet friend Rachel that predicted Chris and our marriage. You will always be part of our St. James family to me.

To our first small group at Steve and Lil's house. Thank you for being those extra sets of parents who we could rely on. Lil and Steve- you truly are family. (That includes you Cyle, Joanie, Eleanor, and Nate, Mac, and Milly)

To the people we have said goodbye to in our time at St. James- Jeremy and Christy, Jonathan and Amanda, Jacob, Kristin, Lester and Janeese, Brad and Rachel, Trey and Abbey, Woods~ thank you for teaching us what it means to "go" when the Lord calls you. You set us a great example.

 

To my Esther's Group- thank you for the bond and truly showing me what Christian fellowship looks like. You have changed my impression of what a "small group" really is.

 

To all who took part in our wedding day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for the scriptures, the planning, thank you for the flowers, thank you for the musical talent, thank you for the song, thank you for the act of marrying us, thank you for handing out programs, thank you for the love.

To the worship team that supported both Chris and I through new jobs for me, our engagement, our wedding, my pregnancy, Huttons' birth. You have been there for it all- we love you so much.

To Vaughn, thank you for teaching Chris how to lead. Thank you for being that Godly example and supporting him. Thank you for giving him opportunities to grow. Thank you for the love, prayers, friendship and so much more.

To the Women's Leadership Team I served with. Thank you for the friendships, the fun, the laughter. I loved serving God alongside you and watching women grow closer to the Lord. Janeese- thank you for your example and leadership- it has been such a blessing.

 

To the women who have set such Godly examples of what it means to be a ministry wife- Janeese, Stephanie, Christy, Rachel, Abbey, Cindy- I will always treasure the models you set for me.

 

To our small group for our first two years of marriage- thank you to Bradley and Ann and Steve and Michelle's leadership. Thank you for the openness and the bonds that were formed. Small groups truly are second family.

To the people I have both seen and served alongside of in our youth ministry. Thank you for getting me involved, thank you for trusting me, and thank you for pairing me up some of the most wonderful girls.

 

To the women I spent a beautiful four days on a retreat with back in March of 2011. Those four days will never be forgotten and I love yall and the bonds we formed.

 

To my senior girls small group. Words can't even describe how much I love yall. This is not the end for us and we will keep up through this year and as you go on to college. I'm so proud of yall and will continue to pray for you daily as God rises you up to be strong women who serve HIS kingdom!

To the people who have cooked and served us dinner on Wednesday nights, thank you for giving me that night off, thank you for your smiles, your laughs, your love, and your friendship.

 

To all that loved on us and supported us during my pregnancy and the birth of Hutton. We will always tell him stories about his first church home and the love he received there.

 

Lastly, but not at all least~ to all the people who have been my friends. A girl to chat with, a shoulder to cry on, a lunch buddy, a shopping buddy, someone to vent to. You have shown me what true friendship is. I love all of you and treasure the friendships I have formed.

To everyone else for the smiles, the hugs, the prayers, the laughs, the pictures, the memories, the stories, the bonds, the worship time, the tears, and everything in between. It has been quite a ride and it is bittersweet to jump to the next one God has planned for us. Know we will remember you in our hearts, prayers, and stories forever. You will always be family.

 

I could never list everyone but thank you to those who have made our time at St. James more than we could have ever imagined....

Our New Adventure

 

This is my family of four. My awesome husband, sweetest baby in the world, and of course our crazy pup ~ Jacks. A part of me cannot believe I am even sitting down typing these words. But, here it goes. 

Some of you know that Chris has felt a call to worship ministry. As we first started exploring that we weren't sure how that would look. Would it be in addition to his current job at Kowa? Would there be a new opportunity at St. James? Would we move? Would we stay? What we now know is that if you release control to God and tell Him you're willing to do what He calls you to, and go where He calls you to be ~ He will follow through. 

So as I write this today Chris and I are gearing in for another big adventure in 2012. I started this year feeling like it would be a year for change. I felt that it would be more than just the addition of Hutton to our family. That feeling was right. Starting November 1st Chris will be employed with Vestavia Hills UMC in Vestavia (Birmingham), AL.

How do you feel about this you may ask? Well let me begin the list

Excited~Overwhelmed~Scared~Joyful~Anxious~Nervous~Happy~Sad

VERY PROUD (of Chris)

I don't think that list even covers it though. I came to Montgomery when I was two months old, Chris was born here. I went away to Auburn for 2 1/2 years, Chris went away to Auburn for 4 years. We know about Montgomery. We don't know about Birmingham. Stepping out in blind faith is exciting but it can be scary. 

So I ask for your prayers...

~Prayers our house rents QUICKLY~ Prayers we find a great place to rent there ~ Prayers about my future employment there ~ Prayers about who may replace my job here ~ Prayers about leaving our family ~ Prayers about the sadness of leaving our church home ~ Prayers for Vestavia UMC and our future ministry there ~ Prayers that our sweet boy transitions with ease ~ Prayers in the packing and moving of our home ~

Thanks friends. I am excited about the journey God is taking our family on! I can't wait to share what God is up to in Birmingham!

 

Worship Wednesday (on a Thursday)

  I know its Thursday. Busy week ok? Tuesday night we went to Hillsong with a huge group from our church and what a night it was. To say it was an awesome incredible night of worship would be an understatement. I loved every song as I knew it was because we sing so many and I have all of their albums so knew every word by heart. Today's song I have heard before but it didn't quite affect me the same as seeing it live on Tuesday. What a beautiful, awe-inspiring, chills, goosebumps moment. I pray that you can experience the same listening to it today. There aren't many words but simple, real and beautiful.

 

You gave me hope

You made me whole

At the cross

 

You took my place

You showed me grace

At the cross where you died for me

 

And His glory appears

Like the light from the sun

And age to age He shines

 

Look to the skies

Hear the angels cry

Singing Holy is the Lord

 

The truth about being busy...

 I'm going to be uber honest for a minute. I get a little frustrated when people tell me how busy they are. I know I know- people have things going on, life is CRAZY! I'm telling you ~ drives me nutso. Then I remember that I'm about to delve into a blogpost about how busy I am. Ooops, forgive me please.

 

This is our life...

~We both work full time~

~We don't pass up on play time with our little buddy~

~We wash 5 bottles a day~

~We cut our own grass, do our own laundry, clean our own house, wash our own cars~

~We rarely turn down an invite to enjoy a meal with friends~

~We both spend about 10-15 hours a week at church~

~We both have hobbies we wish we had more time to explore~

~We try not to pass up the opportunity for weekends with friends, family, and even work commitments~

 

I say all of this not to tell you how busy we are or for you to respond and tell me how impressed you are that we keep it all running. I write this to tell you the truth about our "busyness."

 

~Yes there are days when we just want to stay curled up in bed~

~Yes there are plenty of days I wish I worked part-time~

~Yes there are times I feel like a complete failure that I have this sewing machine and embroidery machine and can't carve out the time to use them~

~Yes I waste too much time trying to measure up to other females and moms with different circumstances~

 

But...

 

 ~We wouldn't trade it for anything~

~Even when we're tired and exhausted, the time with friends and family is worth every minute it takes away from chores or sleep~

~Doing our own chores around the house and yard is fulfilling and we're always pleased with the result~

~Spending those hours at the church listening to sermons, fellowshipping in small group, worshipping, leading small groups is our privilege and honor~

 

And this I know

~It is impossible to stay so busy and stay rested without relying on God to help us through it~