The Journey - A Gift

Abram's journey has to be one story in the Bible, though I was familiar with, never really sank in.

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ... So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him.

Genesis 12:1, 4

Leaving family, familiar territory.  Yeah, well, at one time I'd have said I know a thing or two about that.  I married a minister. Packing up and moving is nothing, and I repeat nothing, for us.  Not that I enjoy packing or moving, we've just been through it a few times.  Somewhere around seven moves in the last ten years.



However, in late 2010, my husband and I began to feel the Lord impressing upon us a change in ministry.  Our second son had just been born, and  we began praying and asking for clarity and wisdom.  We experienced God doing some amazing things during this time.  Our house that had been on the market for going on 3 years sold.  Many people began to ask Anthony about his goals in ministry and if he had ever considered other roles.  We also experienced a major surprise...baby number 3 was on the way.

In January of 2011, we experienced a heartbreaking loss, my husband's mother went to be with the Lord.  And by April, we knew that the Lord was moving us from our comfortable place of ministry.  In July, we celebrated the birth of our third son, and in August, we left full-time ministry for my husband to pursue full-time his seminary degree.  Waiting, all the while, for the Lord's direction on what was next.

Our family motto became the words of Hebrews 11:6.

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

And that's what we did, trust Him, in full faith that He could and would provide for everything we need.  For nearly six months, we lived with my parents while Anthony worked as he could, not even part-time, and went to school full time, three and a half hours away. We prayed day in and day out for God's guidance.  And guide us He did.  A wonderful church ministered to us during our transition journey.  We are forever grateful for Hillcrest Baptist Church and the ministry they have in their community.  He then opened the door for us to serve New Life Fellowship, another body of believers we are forever grateful for and to.

With three boys ages 4 and under, at the time, this journey of faith was a big eye opener to me.  God can and will use me in whatever circumstances He allows in my life.   No matter how difficult or undesirable the situation.  His goal is for His glory to be made known.  And just as Abram waited and wandered until He was led to the God-promised land, I am thankful for a faith journey that has both mountains and valleys, places I've had the joy of sharing and those that are still awaiting me. Knowing all the while that wherever He leads, I will go.

Something New

Today was a bittersweet day for our family as Anthony announced first to the youth and then to the church family we are leaving First Baptist Church of Birmingham.  I did good. I didn't really cry...I'll save that for a later date.  We've so enjoyed living life with this wonderful fellowship of believers.  We've seen the birth of our second son, Samuel, and soon our third son, Nicolas.  We've watched the growth of this fellowship in faith as well as numbers. And as sweet LM asked this morning, "why do you have to leave?"  How do I explain to this sweet, young girl?  So I simply replied that when God tells you to do something, obedience is the best choice. Now what?  Well, Anthony will be commuting to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary two days a week to work on finishing his master's degree.  We will not initially be serving on staff in a church.  As a matter of fact, Anthony will not have a job or means of income to start out.  What a step of faith with three young boys!  Thankfully, my parents have graciously and generously opened their home for us to move to until God opens the doors for us to serve him among a local congregation.  Watch out Crystal Springs, MS here we come!

We've known for some time now that God is directing Anthony to step out of student ministry and into the role of a senior pastor.  Scary stuff...not just for him but for me as I've never been the pastor's wife.  And honestly, as a youth minister's wife, you aren't quite as in the spotlight as the pastor's wife.  We know that the Lord has a mighty plan that we may not be able to yet see fully.  Thankfully, the Lord - in all His ways - is trustworthy and never taken by surprise.  We, I, ask for your prayers for our family as we make some BIG changes over the next 5 weeks - welcoming our 3rd child into the world, packing our house, moving in with family and Anthony beginning seminary full-time.  Looking forward to what the Lord has in store for our marriage, family and ministry!