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!

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.