It’s been a whirlwind for #teamAlmond as Preacherman and I prepared for and made some major life changes. One thing that has kept me constant over the past weeks is this:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Over this past weeks, I have found that if I’m worried about something, or if something is making me nervous or apprehensive, I haven’t prayed enough about it and I haven’t truly turned it over to God. Over the past weeks, the faithfulness, provision, and favor of God has been at work in our lives, and at my core, it has been my goal to rest in the providence of God as opposed to be anxious about things that I cannot control.
The hymn is right- “Oh what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.”
“Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.” – Ruth 1:16 (NKJV)
“…Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1 (NKJV)
On November 10, 2012; in the presence of God, my family and friends, I repeated the words above from the book of Ruth as a part of my marriage vows to Preacherman. I knew that I was entering into a non-traditional life of someone called to be a pastor, and I knew that it would take us on a unique journey. And while I knew about that, and was eagerly anticipating where this life would take us, I did not realize that it would take us to a new place so soon.
This past Saturday, Preacherman and I celebrated 9 months of marriage by unpacking our new home- in Jacksonville, Florida.
Yes, you read that right! We have relocated to Jacksonville, Florida; leaving behind our family and friends, our church, and a ton of memories of a life well-spent in North Carolina.
And though we have left those things behind, we are so excited about what God has for us in Jacksonville! The entire process has been a testimony of faith and provision, and we are overwhelmed with the love that God has for us. We know that we have been called to Jacksonville to do a great work for the Lord and to build many disciples of the Lord. We are excited about the people we will serve, and are praying earnestly for this city, its people, and to hear the voice of the Lord clearly so that we may be used as He desires to use us.
I cannot express enough gratitude to my family and friends who helped us with this huge undertaking of a move in such a short time period. My aunts came to help me pack for several days, ensuring all of our earthly possessions were neatly organized into labeled boxes prior to the movers arriving. They even came when we WEREN’T there, packing in our absence. My mother flew in from Phoenix for a whirlwind weekend of helping us unpack and clean our home, so that we wouldn’t return from our new jobs with boxes upon boxes to unpack. Thanks to her help, we are about 80% unpacked and our home is livable! We are also incredibly grateful for our church family who has showered us with their love and prayers, sending us constant messages of encouragement. Because of all of the love and support, we have been able to transition into this new beginning that God has provided for us with little stress.
LIFE IN BLOOM 