Our family has been on a journey for the last 2 or so years. Our children have got involved in an activity at a high level, which requires sacrifice from all members of the family. The training is “vocational”, and they started this not long after my husband and I gave them permission to chase after their dreams, to go ahead and shine. This journey was very unexpected and has my husband and I (with help from family and friends) travelling into the city six days a week (a 1 and a half hour round trip just on the road).
The demands of this has put our family in a dilemma. Our children are now 12 (my daughter R) and 9 (my son M). This is a critical age in the children’s Christian walk, yet the thought of the entire family climbing back in the car early each Sunday morning for yet another long car ride (church was a 1 and a half hours round trip for us) left us feeling drained and exhausted …
We recently came to the realisation that we needed a local body, close, that would be community for us and our children in this season of our lives … and so with great sadness, after 21 years of serving in the same church, we started to look for a place that might be our new “home” …
As this transition played out, many beautiful friends, both Christian and non-Christian, loved on us … without knowing what was going on in our own lives … yes God is Good!
To name a few …
“Chicken soup for the soul” one of my most loved Christian buddies said laughing as she stood on my doorstep, unannounced, with fresh chicken soup for my family. I hugged her wanting to share, but knowing it would dishonour our leaders if our pastors were not the first to know of our decision …
Another non-Christian friend texted me … the day my husband spoke to our senior pastor of 21 years … “Hi B – you have been on my mind today…how is everything?? Hope all is well. X”
God was looking out for me and my family … loving us on purpose through what He knew would be hard and painful, and sad …
Over the last 2 or so months I have received kisses from God in much the same way …
The goodness of God is amazing …
The morning we walked into the church that we have now decided to call “home” the pastor, a vibrant amazing beautiful highly prophetic gifted woman said: “you are the answer to my prayers. I was praying yesterday and asking for mature Christians with children the same age of my own, and here you are!”
At the time I thought “no pressure” as I held back the tears … thankfully she was gracious …
Her husband, also a pastor at the church is a gifted musician, worship leader … he has a heart for worship, in all forms … the thought is bringing me alive again!
They are hungry for what we are hungry for … and have a great vision for the area … the area in which we live, our burb … where I have stopped for the one numerous times …
I have just received an email from another friend who has heard the news this morning:
I am thrilled your family has found a new local church that is closer to you and I pray the transition is smooth for you and your husband and kids.
I also pray that your whole person (mind, emotions, will, personality, spiritual giftings etc) are welcomed, understood and blessed in your new spiritual home/family and beyond.
People celebrating us as we move … it brought tears to my eyes.
There is a deep sense of excitement stirring in the deepest part of my being …
God has loved us and will continue to love us through the transition, purely and simply because …
God is Good!
Dearest B.,
Can totally understand and agree that a local church community is the best and is also scriptural. We will miss not seeing you and yours, but we know that you are in the right place at this stage in your lives. We’ll keep receiving your blog and have contact this way. Love heaps, Nel
Hi Nel
As one of the Giants of the Land you have been very important to my walk and I thank you.
The children are thriving … Within weeks! M is excited to go to church every week and R is thoroughly enjoying her youth where they are doing Alpha and is hungry for podcasts of people like Kris Valotton. They can bring friends and we can duck home at night after an activity and they can be in bed at a reasonable time … It’s like the entire family are breathing a collective sigh!
Much love!
Awesome post.
Thank you Minister Gertrude. Blessings!
When I read your stories I always think to myself “who is praying for B?”. Maybe lots of people? I think so.
🙂
Mxx
moira tobin
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Thanks Moira … I think God does put it on people’s hearts to pray … Or just to think about you, which in Christianese is a prompting to pray … Although not many follow it through, so when they do it is extra special!
I have been reading your emails and I am glad that you seem to be thriving?!
Many blessings!
You wou
Change and transition are difficult. However, in childbirth and life they give birth to the marvelous and miraculous. Going through a narrow hard place opens you up to a whole new life celebration. God is Good all the time!
Thank you Pure Glory! Change and transition are difficult … I am trusting for the promised child 😊
Hallelujah! Oh yes, you will so enjoy the promised child, God is Good! 🙂
I agree wholeheartedly. Even Christians fear change, but God’s plan for us is for good and not for evil. The new church family you have will be incredibly blessed to have you there.
Dear Lisa.
Thank you for reading my post and your comment … love the name of your blog :-).
I’m just about to visit … you may like to read a friends blog on child raising and home schooling called raising world changers – its at http://www.raisingworldchangers.com.au
Blessings
God is Good!
God IS Good!!! This is encouraging to me in many ways, my dear heart friend. We left our church of 18 years one year ago. And you know my children are just a bit older than yours. I do remember your telling me about what they were stepping into some time ago….I’m so happy for them!!!! God is good. You are much loved.
Oh hello my dear friend across the seas!
Thank you! Your beautiful kind greeting brought tears to my eyes. X!
That is so strange that you have been on a similar journey …
I think if we exchanged notes and life journeys we may find even more in common. LOL!
I trust you and yours are well?
Are you still blogging.
As I thought about you this morning I thought that maybe, one day, we may actually get to meet … maybe even just skype 🙂
Are you still blogging? I haven’t seen any.
With all this newness there is a joy and a stirring … I’m off to play the violin for the first time in public for over 18 months … a little nervous but excited … dont know what is next … I am so not where I thought I would be three years ago …
There is so much I would like to ask you … I will try to make time to email.
Much love and many many blessings!
You’re a very special unexpected friend and blessing Jessie!
Dearest B, Thank God for what He is doing in your family and how He takes care of every single detail of your lives! I pray that you and your family will flourish in where you are currently planted. May His Light continue to light your way. Love, Mel
Thank you! And blessings! X