We've moved. A lot. In less than an month we will be making our 7th move in 6 1/2 years, and we are not in the military. Though my heart feels a lot of things about this reality, many times sinful, the Lord has used these relocation's to teach us in really unique ways.
The places we have lived vary greatly. In a a duplex that was previously a bachelor pad, a second apartment close by, small brand new ranch, a sprawling rental in a quiet community, large 1940's bungalow seconds from a University, a dark second story apartment, and now in seminary housing where our living space maxes out at about 500 sq feet. It has been an adventure for certain. We have learned to be adaptable. And yes, my kids will sleep anywhere. But one reality continues to knock at my heart. The Lord has used all these places, some we loved (oh, my Greensboro bungalow) and some we...didn't (that DARK 2nd story apt!) to teach us to be content in all circumstances (though not without periods of grumbling from these stubborn sheep). We have learned to live here, with little space and even less storage. With seminary books and dog crates as side tables, and bikes in bathrooms. But God has been gracious, and with this major subtraction in space, came a major addition in community. We live beside and around tons of other families who know where we are in life. They know the sacrifices we are making and what this call on our lives means. We have made friends here, in just 3 months, that we will keep forever. This has been the reality everywhere we lived. Like when we witnessed multiple hit and runs and had a young man arrested (all within the first few months of living there) in our driveway in Greensboro, in the house that served to be a hub for college students to be discipled and eventually become part of our family. Four of those students are now moving with us to serve in the church Clint is pastoring. Or the dark second story apartment where my kids refused to go outside (in the summer!) where we met Nick, a New Yorker who eventually gave his life to Christ and joined our Church. The Lord is full of grace.
I have never been so thankful for the contentment and adaptability He is teaching us until now, when I am weeks away from moving into a house I can't believe I get to live in. A house we have dubbed "Dream House" for over a year now. While the details of how this all happened are for another post, lets put it this way for now, the Lord gives good gifts. In His time, in His way, for His glory. Sometimes its the gift of a little seminary townhouse, other times its our "dream house". So as I look at the stunning exposed brick, and drool at the amazing kitchen, I know that one thing is for sure. This house, as amazing as it is, will not make me happy. An awkwardly shaped room with frustrate me, the lack of a coat closet will tempt me to grumble, the size will tempt me to complain about cleaning. Because it isn't about the house. My heart will be present whether I live in a hut in Africa or an 1800's colonial in a quaint little town. And my heart is the problem. If Christ is my treasure and my hope, if my home is viewed as a gift He has given and not a right I am entitled to, and if I remember that He has given that gift to me so that I might open it to people and show them who Christ is, then indeed it will be my dream house. And if not? My heart will be as discontent in that big, beautiful "dream house" as it would be in a tiny dumpy apartment. The size and extravagance of our homes have much less to do with our contentment than the size and extravagance we experience from our God.
There is grace. And this is a grace. The Lord loves us so deeply that he will not allow material possessions to fulfill us. Our emptiness even with the best gifts, are meant to lead us to Him. The perfect one who gave himself up to offer us the greatest home we could imagine. Perfect glory and perfect communion with the Creator of the cosmos. THAT will make us happy.
Lord Jesus, would you fill me with your presence and joy so that I would turn away from Satan's pitfalls of loving what is temporary too much. May I love you, the giver far more than I ever love your gifts. May my home be a safe haven from the world while simultaneously reminding me that it can not be compared to my true home in Heaven. May it be a place of love, security, and adventure for my family and of grace, hope and love to the visitor. And above all else, may we use it for your glory and namesake. In Jesus name, amen.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Big News
Some big news became public for us today. No, we're not pregnant. :) But it is life altering news. News that will change everything, again. But make no mistake, it is very good news.
This past year we have prayed and dreamed and battled with the Lord over what is next for us. Clint is in an amazing church planting internship and we have dreamed big and bigger over the last 8 months. Twice we have been steps away from making concrete plans to plant a church in Greensboro. We love that city. It is diverse and growing and has tons of college students. Perfect for what God wants us to do...or what we thought God wanted us to do.
In all our dreaming there was a nagging in both of our hearts "what about the small town?" We are both small town kids. Almost every single college student either of us discipled were small town kids. And the church planting movement is looking over the small town. There have been so many nights that we have looked at each other and asked "If we won't go, who will?" And then the pursuit started. Both times we decided to move toward Greensboro, phone calls came from the small town within days. Confused and frustrated, I wished it would go away, leave us alone. We had decided what God wanted. And it was not this. But slowly, slowly, God indeed made it clear. There is work to do in the small town. Hard, glorious, gospel work. And there is a church full of amazing people there. And they needed a pastor. (Not to mention the city has shown me in vivid color, I am indeed a small town girl.) So today, in a small town called Lincolnton there was an announcement. A pastor named Clint is being put forward as the selection for Freedom Church. We are excited, relieved, hopeful and prayerful. And yes, this means another move...sooner than later. Three in one year! There are hundreds of details I am leaving out, but the Lord has made it clear, this is the work he has prepared for us.
So as we soak up every ounce of this seminary, these friends and this church for the next few months, we will be praying for that church, those friends, a new life. Would you pray with us? For our home to sell so that we might settle down and breathe the air of stability. For yet another new home. For jobs (6 to be exact) for some faithful friends of ours who are willing to forsake the city to make their lives in the small town with us. For the Lord to prepare us for what He has called us to do. And for our hearts to burn over the hearts that do not know him there. May that small town be ever changed by His goodness and grace because of our years there!
This past year we have prayed and dreamed and battled with the Lord over what is next for us. Clint is in an amazing church planting internship and we have dreamed big and bigger over the last 8 months. Twice we have been steps away from making concrete plans to plant a church in Greensboro. We love that city. It is diverse and growing and has tons of college students. Perfect for what God wants us to do...or what we thought God wanted us to do.
In all our dreaming there was a nagging in both of our hearts "what about the small town?" We are both small town kids. Almost every single college student either of us discipled were small town kids. And the church planting movement is looking over the small town. There have been so many nights that we have looked at each other and asked "If we won't go, who will?" And then the pursuit started. Both times we decided to move toward Greensboro, phone calls came from the small town within days. Confused and frustrated, I wished it would go away, leave us alone. We had decided what God wanted. And it was not this. But slowly, slowly, God indeed made it clear. There is work to do in the small town. Hard, glorious, gospel work. And there is a church full of amazing people there. And they needed a pastor. (Not to mention the city has shown me in vivid color, I am indeed a small town girl.) So today, in a small town called Lincolnton there was an announcement. A pastor named Clint is being put forward as the selection for Freedom Church. We are excited, relieved, hopeful and prayerful. And yes, this means another move...sooner than later. Three in one year! There are hundreds of details I am leaving out, but the Lord has made it clear, this is the work he has prepared for us.
So as we soak up every ounce of this seminary, these friends and this church for the next few months, we will be praying for that church, those friends, a new life. Would you pray with us? For our home to sell so that we might settle down and breathe the air of stability. For yet another new home. For jobs (6 to be exact) for some faithful friends of ours who are willing to forsake the city to make their lives in the small town with us. For the Lord to prepare us for what He has called us to do. And for our hearts to burn over the hearts that do not know him there. May that small town be ever changed by His goodness and grace because of our years there!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Oh, 2012
That is how I feel about it. It has been a whirlwind of a year for us. With low low valleys and Everest type peaks. We have watched two kiddos grow and change and adapt better than we ever imagined.
We have changed jobs, became a seminary family, moved to Raleigh and adjusted to traffic and life after Hobby Lobby (sigh, we miss you Greensboro!). We have been a part of one of the most unique and healthy churches I believe exists. We have met new friends that just within months, have become life-long relationships. I have dealt with a health issue that, although not serious, has changed life as I know it (nice knowing you gluten, potatoes, dairy and nuts). I have seen depth of my sin I didn't know existed as a result. We have dreamed and planned for the future, and in some of those we have heard the Lord give us a very clear "NO". We have (attempted) to balance Clint working 2 jobs, raising support, being a landlord and being a full-time seminary student (all with a 4.0 I might add...looks and brains :)). We moved again into the Pleasantville of seminary housing. We had our first Christmas at home with just us 4. And although one (BIG) present came early, it thoroughly enjoyed taking its spot under the tree...
She's been a joy and a means for the Lord to continue to grow my patience :) The kiddos are crazy about her and so are we, mostly because of what this next picture captures....
Nothing like a girl and her pup.
Although this year has been hard, HARD (did i say hard?), The Lord has once again met us, full of grace and truth. And he has humbled us. He has shown us our humanity again and left us weeping at the Cross again, thankful for Him taking our sin upon himself so that we might have His perfect record of deeds instead of our selfish, prideful, impatient ones. I believe this year has been one of the Lord putting us under His refining fire so that we might be better ministers of the gospel, more gracious friends and more humble servants of His church. May it be so, Lord.
We have changed jobs, became a seminary family, moved to Raleigh and adjusted to traffic and life after Hobby Lobby (sigh, we miss you Greensboro!). We have been a part of one of the most unique and healthy churches I believe exists. We have met new friends that just within months, have become life-long relationships. I have dealt with a health issue that, although not serious, has changed life as I know it (nice knowing you gluten, potatoes, dairy and nuts). I have seen depth of my sin I didn't know existed as a result. We have dreamed and planned for the future, and in some of those we have heard the Lord give us a very clear "NO". We have (attempted) to balance Clint working 2 jobs, raising support, being a landlord and being a full-time seminary student (all with a 4.0 I might add...looks and brains :)). We moved again into the Pleasantville of seminary housing. We had our first Christmas at home with just us 4. And although one (BIG) present came early, it thoroughly enjoyed taking its spot under the tree...
Nothing like a girl and her pup.
Although this year has been hard, HARD (did i say hard?), The Lord has once again met us, full of grace and truth. And he has humbled us. He has shown us our humanity again and left us weeping at the Cross again, thankful for Him taking our sin upon himself so that we might have His perfect record of deeds instead of our selfish, prideful, impatient ones. I believe this year has been one of the Lord putting us under His refining fire so that we might be better ministers of the gospel, more gracious friends and more humble servants of His church. May it be so, Lord.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Celebrating Season
That's what fall is in our house. Between the middle of October to the middle of November we had 3 birthdays and an anniversary. Phew. It's been exhausting but so so fun! Here are a few shots of our celebrations!
And then this ^.... Turned into this >
And finally this ^...is somehow now this > Our beautiful, sweet, bright big girl turned 4! 
This little pumpkin is now this big boy! I can hardly believe it! He is such a joy to us. That smile is almost constant and he makes sure the rest of us are always laughing!
And then this handsome fella on the left had a birthday too!
And then this ^.... Turned into this >
6 years!
And finally this ^...is somehow now this > Our beautiful, sweet, bright big girl turned 4! 
posing at her princess party
She wanted him to help her. Love that kid!
Happy celebrating season to you!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
I'm not a photographer...
but these two sweet friends allowed me to capture their sweet wedding day a couple of months ago. It was a super fun and very sweet day! Gray and Gabi were both students at Wingate when Clint and I were on staff there. Clint discipled Gray and I coached Gabi who cheered at WU! One day at practice she told me she had a dream she got married and I was her photographer. We laughed. So, when I got the call from her after they got engaged I was floored! I am so thankful they trusted me with their once in a lifetime moments!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Dear 16 year old self,
Let me first say, you wont be in high school forever. I know it doesn't feel that way, but its true. And you never have to go back. Not even to the reunions, if you so choose (and you will). Now, if you'd like, you can go celebrate with some Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge brownie. It always was your favorite.
These hard years have taught you far more than you know. They have shaped you and hardened you and you are being primed for someone to come in with a big sledge hammer and crush your life as you know it into a thousand tiny pieces. Ill get to that in a minute...
For now, soak up every second of cheerleading. You aren't too bad at it for only starting out last year. And its fun. But it is far less important than you feel like it is. It will however, come in handy one day as a ministry tool (yes, ministry...you can laugh now).
Don't waste your time dreaming about being a zoologist. It would never work out. You hate chemistry. Try writing a little more. Or better still, cook and clean. Your future job will be made up of countless hours of those! The zoologist itch will get scratched with a little girl who loves animals as much as you do.
Your popularity will peak next year. It will go to your head. You will lose friends over it. Its not worth it. Ask to be taken off the homecoming ballot.
That relationship you're in...get out. Hes a good guy, sure. But you are running to men to fill a hole in you that they will never fill. Spend some more time with Bailey. You will be closer to her in 10 years than you are now.
Don't be so insecure. Your quietness airs itself as arrogance. Smile a little more, talk to people.
When Daniel asks you what religion you are, let him explain what he believes. It will be the start of the Lord wooing you to himself. Don't settle for the moralistic judge Jesus you have been sold. There is so much more to Him than you could fathom.
Wear more clothes. You are beautiful, you don't have to prove it to anyone. Soon, someone will give you a bit of a makeover, and you will be more beautiful than you could ever imagine. And it has nothing to do with your waist size or skin color. This kind doesn't fade.
Believe it or not, you and Chris will be friends again. Even crazier? You will be in his wedding. Seriously.
Girls are not the enemy. I know you don't believe that, and lets be honest, you shouldn't. But they aren't. There are women in your future who will walk beside you in some of your darkest days. They will redeem this season.
Go on a visit to UNCC. I know everyone from HS is going there and that's why you don't want to. But trust me, its worth a look.
You will meet the man of your dreams next year, on the ELHS football field. The story is a little complicated, but when he talks to you, try to gather yourself enough to at least respond. :)
Senior week isn't worth it. Just don't go...mmkay?
About the same time you meet dream guy, Jesus will turn your world upside down. You will lose friends to car accidents. You will get sick of being the good girl and try out (very briefly) the opposite lifestyle. You will realize all your efforts to be good were sinful. You are just as bad as the class slut. You will move to APP and 2 weeks into school, you will re-injure that new back issue you have. You will drive home alone that night on a dark curvy road and open your heart to whatever Jesus wants. It will be more life altering that you can imagine. That's the sledge hammer. Everything hinges on that night.
Sorry to be so serious, I just want you to be ready. I wish you would do a million things differently, but I don't want your story to be different, at all. Not an ounce. Its beautiful, glorious even. I wish I could say these are the hardest day you will see. Unfortunately, I can't. But suffering is the brush that delivers the makeover, and it is so very worth it. And that night in the car? It will give you everything you need to make it through the deepest valley.
Best wishes dear Rachel.
These hard years have taught you far more than you know. They have shaped you and hardened you and you are being primed for someone to come in with a big sledge hammer and crush your life as you know it into a thousand tiny pieces. Ill get to that in a minute...
For now, soak up every second of cheerleading. You aren't too bad at it for only starting out last year. And its fun. But it is far less important than you feel like it is. It will however, come in handy one day as a ministry tool (yes, ministry...you can laugh now).
Don't waste your time dreaming about being a zoologist. It would never work out. You hate chemistry. Try writing a little more. Or better still, cook and clean. Your future job will be made up of countless hours of those! The zoologist itch will get scratched with a little girl who loves animals as much as you do.
Your popularity will peak next year. It will go to your head. You will lose friends over it. Its not worth it. Ask to be taken off the homecoming ballot.
That relationship you're in...get out. Hes a good guy, sure. But you are running to men to fill a hole in you that they will never fill. Spend some more time with Bailey. You will be closer to her in 10 years than you are now.
Don't be so insecure. Your quietness airs itself as arrogance. Smile a little more, talk to people.
When Daniel asks you what religion you are, let him explain what he believes. It will be the start of the Lord wooing you to himself. Don't settle for the moralistic judge Jesus you have been sold. There is so much more to Him than you could fathom.
Wear more clothes. You are beautiful, you don't have to prove it to anyone. Soon, someone will give you a bit of a makeover, and you will be more beautiful than you could ever imagine. And it has nothing to do with your waist size or skin color. This kind doesn't fade.
Believe it or not, you and Chris will be friends again. Even crazier? You will be in his wedding. Seriously.
Girls are not the enemy. I know you don't believe that, and lets be honest, you shouldn't. But they aren't. There are women in your future who will walk beside you in some of your darkest days. They will redeem this season.
Go on a visit to UNCC. I know everyone from HS is going there and that's why you don't want to. But trust me, its worth a look.
You will meet the man of your dreams next year, on the ELHS football field. The story is a little complicated, but when he talks to you, try to gather yourself enough to at least respond. :)
Senior week isn't worth it. Just don't go...mmkay?
About the same time you meet dream guy, Jesus will turn your world upside down. You will lose friends to car accidents. You will get sick of being the good girl and try out (very briefly) the opposite lifestyle. You will realize all your efforts to be good were sinful. You are just as bad as the class slut. You will move to APP and 2 weeks into school, you will re-injure that new back issue you have. You will drive home alone that night on a dark curvy road and open your heart to whatever Jesus wants. It will be more life altering that you can imagine. That's the sledge hammer. Everything hinges on that night.
Sorry to be so serious, I just want you to be ready. I wish you would do a million things differently, but I don't want your story to be different, at all. Not an ounce. Its beautiful, glorious even. I wish I could say these are the hardest day you will see. Unfortunately, I can't. But suffering is the brush that delivers the makeover, and it is so very worth it. And that night in the car? It will give you everything you need to make it through the deepest valley.
Best wishes dear Rachel.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)