So Much Joy!

I find myself reflecting on the past 3 years and asking myself, "What do I really feel?"  Some may say a few things like sadness, heartbreak, brokenness, instability....shame.  But that is not at all what I feel.  I am reminded of the verse from Psalm 30:5 

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Taking a break from full time ministry and allowing God's redemptive work to weave its way through our family has brought so much joy, at times my heart may burst from the fullness it feels.  At first the pain seemed too much to carry; but as I have found when I truly allow myself to be completely emptied I am left only to be filled with something so much more. It was either to allow bitterness to fill me up or grace!  I choose grace!  I choose it a million times over...again...and again.


Grace heals, Grace forgives.  Grace loves. Grace sustains. Grace brings wholeness. Grace restores.
Grace is JOY!

As we begin this new season, this new journey there is so much excitement that is almost hard to contain at times.  Each day I am reminded that I get to do ministry.  It is a privilege. It is an honor.  I will never be tempted to take it for granted ever again. 

 There is so much joy in serving Jesus.  Joy in knowing that I am saved by grace.  I have been given this free gift of salvation from a God who truly loves me and my family.  His love is so deep and so wide.  And He has saw fit to use me and our story to be a hand that reaches out to those who are hurting.  So they too can feel that love of God who knows them by name!

Everyday... I get to be a children's pastor!  That is exciting!  It is a joy!  

We are so thankful, in this season of pondering the good things of God, for all the people God has placed into our lives.  Sometimes it seems they have come unexpectedly...but my God is very intentional.  Everyone who has entered into our story has been with such great purpose.  I am thankful for each and every one.  My heart has such deep love for the Church!  It has truly been a shinning light.  In a world that may say different,  the church has been the most beautiful to me more than every before.

 Our new church home is wonderful.  I am amazed once again how God has been involved with each and every step to Saginaw.  I remember the first day I drove into the church parking lot my first day. Tears of gratitude streaming down my face.  Lauren Daigle song streaming through my car to the depths of my heart.....

I am guilty

Ashamed of what I've done, what I've become

These hands are dirty

I dare not lift them up to the Holy one

You plead my cause

You right my wrongs

You break my chains

You overcome

You gave Your life

To give me mine

You say that I am free

How can it be

How can it be

I've been hiding

Afraid I've let you down, inside I doubt

That You could love me

But in Your eyes there's only grace now

Though I fall, You can make me new

From this death I will rise with You

Oh the grace reaching out for me

How can it be

How can it be

You plead my cause

You right my wrongs

You break my chains

You overcome

You gave Your life

To give me mine

You say that I am free

How can it be

How can it be

I am truly blessed.  My family is blessed. Our hearts are full this Thanksgiving Season!

GET JOY!