God has done some amazing things in our lives throughout this year. Maybe that is partly why we have been missing from the blogger scene.
January, as you may have read, was a sad time for us. God gave much grace and we are trusting in His hand and plan. In February we learned of a church in Millville, PA that was looking for a pastor. We found out about this church through our leaders in the teen ministry. Cindy's dad was on the pulpit committee and requesting to get the information of their youth pastor. I believe it took Cindy some time to actually give him that request, but she eventually did having asked us what our thoughts were on the matter. We were not planning on going anywhere for a while and were rather content at Lighthouse Baptist Church, but who can stand against God's hand?
We began our adventure of visiting, preaching, waiting, and praying concerning this ministry in Millville. At the moment we heard of their desire to have us come, Tim immediantly began renovating our master bathroom. It was during a big snow storm that he began tearing down walls and cutting apart our shower. We continued working on this project and candidtating (though not officially until the third visit). The waiting was so difficult, yet full of growth for each of us. God is so amazing in His continual working in our lives, using every circumstance to make us stronger if faith and love for Him.
May 16th was our official candidating at Emmanuel Baptist Church and we went home to wait for the church's final vote on whether we would be called to be in ministry there. Many questions were made throughout the week that could have hindered the call and been a clear direction of God to stay, but the questions were answered and the following Sunday we heard of the positive vote for us to come. Tim confirmed that he would come to be their senior pastor the following Monday. And then the work began!
We are presently in full force remodeling (we're still unsure of the proper terminology...remodeling or renovating?) our kitchen and dinning room while a sign sits in our yard claiming our property is for sale. We hope to have it up and ready for walk-throughs mid June. Wouldn't that be amazing if it sold in a few weeks! We are praying!
Our kitchen cabinets were delivered today and Tim has been working on leveling the floor for tile as well as figuring out electrical work (he just informed me that he had gotten it!). I have been dreaming about how to pack and yet leave things accessible for apartment living until we find a new home, as well as finding what color of wall paint should be applied to the walls. I love the decorating part...it's just strange to think I won't be here to enjoy it much. Maybe the same colors will find their way into our new home!
What amazing changes! And these are only a few...there are so many stories behind every detail. The amazing thing is that God knows all about them, has planned them, and is using them to help us grow! I love our God! He is so amazing to me!
