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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Jobs and Possibilities

Since we moved I've been working part-time at my old job until I find a job here in Birmingham. I love my job, the thought of leaving it makes me sad. They have been interviewing possible candidates to replace me. Replace me? Wow the thought is a bit disheartening. I love my job for so many reasons. The people I work with, my amazing boss(es), knowing that the work we're doing makes a difference. All of those reasons keep me motivated to go into work. It is more than just a job. What I love the most: our youth leadership board. About 20 Juniors and Seniors in high school that I have the privilege of working with. I love working with teenagers. It's such an important time in life. They're constantly making decisions, learning so much about themselves, all while having the possibility to make a hugh impact in the communities they live in.   

So with my new job, will I keep those opportunities to work with teenagers and young adults?
I hope so, I pray so. I mainly pray that I work with people who are making a difference.
Will you pray with me? Help me be patient while trusting God to open the doors.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Worship Wednesday

I mentioned this song in my post yesterday. Chris Tomlin came out with a new album the other week and this awesome song, Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) stands out as my fave so far. It's such a powerful song that Chris Tomlin wrote with Ed Cash. Listen, hope you enjoy and pray that whatever troubles you face this week you can stand knowing that God is by your side no matter what.

Below the video of the song is a video of Chris Tomlin sharing the background story from the song.

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The God of angel armies
is always by my side








 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Moving Forward

In Montgomery, I led a small group of high schools girls that are now Seniors. For years now I've been talking to them about moving forward. With this group it is a subject that never dies. Moving forward into new situations. Moving forward past old mistakes. Moving forward with youth group changes. I've been talking about it for years. What I haven't done is do it myself.

I've been holding myself back from moving forward in my own life. I desperately want to get involved at our new church. Truth: Sometimes I feel like an insecure middle schooler. Will they like me? Do I dress like them? Do they even want a new friend?

I've been going back and forth about going to this mom's devotional group on Wednesday mornings. I work part-time for now. This may be one of my only opportunities to attend a stay at home mom type devotional group for a while. Fear creeps in: Have they already all bonded? Do they all know eachother already?

I love teenagers. I love investing in high school girls. I find the most fulfillment in it, it brings me the most joy. Fear keeps on creeping: Will my story matter to them? Will they accept me as my past girls did?

Yesterday I sat at church and listened to our Pastor talk about how we have to live and trust God or we may miss out on something BIG He has for us.

I listened to my husband singing about how we have no one to fear for the God of angel armies is on OUR SIDE.

Through these words I heard God whispering in my ear to "Let Go." He's not asking me to forget. He's not asking me to replace friends or my sweet small group girls. He's asking me to move forward. To trust that He brought us to Vestavia for a reason. He brought not just Chris but ME to Vestavia for a reason. He has more for me in this place than to just be Hutton's Mommy and Chris' wife.

Thank you Lord that you want to use a person full of faults to share your love.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Transition

Transition: The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. 

Before September of 2012 I knew a little about transition. Truthfully though, not a lot. The biggest transitions in my life prior to September of this year were having my mom get re-married, going to Auburn, moving out on my own, getting married, and having a baby. Don't get me wrong, all big things. Then September of 2012 came and I have learned about a whole new type of transition. What a whirlwind it has been.

On September 6th, Chris sent in his resume for a job opening at Vestavia Hills UMC. On September 7th, they called him to talk to him about the job. On September 10th, he went up and interviewed for the job. On September 23rd, he went to Vestavia to be their guest worship leader and essentially "try out." On September 24th, they offered him the job. On October 1st, he took the job. On October 8th, we listed our house up for rent. On October 10th, our house rented. On October 21st, we moved in with Chris' parents. On November 1st, Chris began working part-time at VHUMC. Since then, we have been living with Chris' parents, as Chris traveled back and forth spending about half the week in Birmingham, and half the week in Montgomery. Yesterday, Chris started full-time at VHUMC and after some friend's wedding this weekend we will finally make the move to Birmingham on Tuesday (1 week from today!).

Through all of this I have learned a lot about myself. A lot about Chris. A lot about packing. A lot about STUFF. Transition can be difficult. Transition can be a lesson. Our transition is nowhere near over. Now we will begin the transitioning to life in Birmingham with a new church family, a new home, and new roads to travel everyday. Looking back, I didn't handle this transition how I wanted to. Maybe because it was so fast but at the same time it all seemed so long. I haven't been the best friend, because I was consumed with my life. I haven't been the best wife, because I've been stressed and put the majority of that stress on Chris. I haven't been the best mother, because I've been overwhelmed with work, moving, and everything else. I haven't been the best employee because I've been stressed about having to find a new job.

All this to say, I'm so thankful God gives us new mercies every morning. Most people start their resolutions and declarations of how they will do things differently in January. For me, it's going to be December. I have lots of plans to make this month, and the following months different. To let the stress go, to focus on family, and to celebrate Jesus' coming. Keep reading, keep following. A new thing is coming. (Obviously!)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Worship Wednesday

 Today was an obvious choice to share. Lately, our life has been crazy. No routine, days with Chris in Birmingham, too many goodbyes. All of this has been very overwhelming. Even in the looking forward it is easy to become overwhelmed. New people to meet. New jobs. New friends. New school. Enjoy this song today and remember to run to Him and let him steady your heart. He has us all, no need to worry.
 
Just for a little add on... enjoy my picture with Kari Jobe. Yes, I'm that stalker girl who asked to take a picture with her. No really, I was at a women's conference in September with some friends and the band leading worship in the same hotel as us. My friend Ann just kept saying how much she hoped Darlene Zschech was in there and how she wanted to meet her and talk to her. And I was just like yeah, yeah that's all good but I just want to meet Kari Jobe (wasn't leading worship but was at the conference). Well, I'm just saying God must really love me because I walked in the door and there was Kari Jobe.



Steady My Heart ~ Kari Jobe

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that You plan

But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

And I will run to You
And find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are

You steady my heart

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Worship Wednesday

As you all know, this last Sunday was Chris and my last Sunday at Saint James. The last song of the worship set Chris sang. I cried. He sang. I cried. It truly is all about surrendering to God and it was moving for him to sing it as He really is living that out. Enjoy this today...

 
"I Surrender"
Here I am
Down on my knees again
Surrendering all
Surrendering all

Find me here
Lord as You draw me near
Desperate for You
Desperate for You

I surrender

Drench my soul
As mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst
I hunger and thirst

With arms stretched wide
I know You hear my cry
Speak to me now
Speak to me now

I surrender
I surrender
I wanna know You more
I wanna know You more
[x2]

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

I surrender
I surrender
I wanna know You more
I wanna know You more
[x2]
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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....