Life Update

Isaiah 55:8-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

This verse is fitting for where we, as a family, are at right now. We are adjusting to a major shift in calling. I italicize this word because it is hard to define, hard to understand and hard to accept.  Being called -

There is a difference between a called individual and someone who fills a hole," says Pastor Chris.  (Click quote for more info)

Jesus called the 12 disciples. They were purposed for very finite reasons to come alongside Christ, be trained by him and then sent out.

Derek and I know without doubt that we were called to this church, this ministry, this city, to come alongside, be in community, be trained and now, we believe, to be sent out.

Over the past year, Derek has felt a change in his heart, brought about by God. This change has renovated his passions in ministry. Where he once felt on fire to serve in worship and youth, that fire has dimmed. We firmly believe that Derek's giftedness in music has been from God and meant to serve his church and his people. That type of gift should always be used to bring glory to God and will not end. God has over the past year built in Derek a desire to teach and preach. Part of his calling to ministry here at our church, I believe, was to train Derek up, expose him to the pulpit, and give him opportunity to learn about leadership in a church. After being giving many opportunities by our Pastor to teach Sunday school and preach Sunday mornings, Derek has felt this stirring in his heart became a thundering beat that can't be tuned out.

For months we have prayed about whether or not we should even entertain this change going on inside of Derek. We asked questions - is this something YOU want or GOD wants, has our calling changed, what does this M.E.A.N? The answers haven't always been very clear so we took time away completely from thinking about this. AND we had a baby - great distraction.

Derek returned to his hometown back in January for a week for a RE:train class. While there he was able to articulate better this calling in his heart.

Derek feels called to minister, teach and preach

to his hometown community of Stanwood, Washington

by way of planting a church.

Sounds crazy, right? That's what I thought, too. But after much prayer - and frankly - questioning both God and my husband, I'm on board. I believe this is what God is calling us to. Is it comfortable? N.O. Is it certain -  not nearly. So, what is it? It IS a huge step in faith to go, to leave our comfortable, loving, community-rich, God-loving church here in Texas, to become members of a church we hope to plant someday. Will God bring about his good and perfect will this way - unknown. Do we believe God wants us to be in Washington? Yes. Is this a hard decision for us? Yes. Why? The reasons are many and I'm sure will be a part of a blog post at some point. We know that for one side of our family, there will be joy and smiles and for another there will be sadness and tears at the growing distance. For some friends, we are moving closer, for some we are moving a country a part. For friends here that have become family, we are leaving unsure how often we will see each other again. The many faces that have been familiar to our son will no longer be seen. But as God promised Moses, He has already gone before us and made a way.

I'm sure a lot of this is confusing for those of you reading it. This is a blog for family and friends to stay connected to what's going on in our life. So, feel free to call us and ask questions.  Here is a final bit of information that might explain where we are a bit better. 

Derek has received the blessing by our Pastor and Elders to seek out opportunities to live out this calling in Standwood. That means they have given Derek permission to look for employment opportunities or ministry openings that would enable us to start the process of assessing whether or not we will plant a church. It also means that Derek is now the interim worship leader at our church and his job has been posted online. In less than a week, more than 10 applicants have applied and one is scheduled to come out and "audition" for Derek's job. This is moving WAY.TOO.FAST for my comfort, but it is moving. We have no idea about the timing of this transition. We ask that you guys pray for us, for discernment, wisdom, unity, peace, provision and thankful hearts!  Also, please pray for our church here, that the new worship leader will be the perfect fit for the congregation and God's desire for their worship.