Prayer

As I write this, the news is on in the background from our new home, Colorado Springs. There have been thousands of people displaced, many homes lost, and a whole region in emotional distress. I am asking you for prayer for the people who are fighting the fire in Colorado Springs area, those who are displaced and have lost homes and property, and for the churches in the city and area that are ministering now, as they will have a large task in the coming days.

And, staying with the theme of prayer, Amanda and I are asking for 50 people to partner with us in prayer as we step out into church planting. If you are willing to join our prayer partner list, please send an email here.

Dreams…

Growing up, I had big hopes and big dreams for my future. Beginning as a child, I imagined myself as a wife, a mom, even a teacher. After accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, as I grew older, I learned that God has a plan for my life, a perfect plan, “plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future”. More times than not, God’s plan has looked different than my own plan, but He has always given me a certain peace, “a peace that passes understanding”, in His time. He willed for me to marry Eric, willed for my womb to carry children, willed for me to teach in schools, churches, even my own home. I have questioned His plans, moreso His timing, repeatedly along the way. However, obedience has always come with blessing. To God be the glory!
Now, “church planter” and “pastor’s wife” have never really been on my radar until recently. Those are titles I never thought would be associated with my name. A wise mentor of mine told me 5+ years ago that men are typically dreamers and not to be the squelcher of my husband’s dreams. I began to dream with Eric…of our kids’teen years, vacations of the future, impractical purchases. We talked much and dreamed big, allowing reality to squelch some. I found it fun to dream alongside my mate, not hindered in dream by fear, finances, or failure. If I am being honest, the first mentions of Colorado, church planting, and pastoring appeared to be another dream of Eric’s. Originally, though he was sure it was God’s will, I wasn’t. I encouraged the dream, while secretly praying for a reality check to squelch it before I had to. I questioned the call for 12-18 months, with no intention of accepting it as God’s perfect plan. Ultimately, while we were in Denver in Oct 2010, God confirmed in my spirit that this is all Him, not a dream or scheme of man. There is so much more to this story, ultimately an amazing journey with God. I have shed many tears over leaving family and friends, but this next step is undeniably part of God’s perfect plan for our lives. I have learned so much about myself already in these 18 months of peace in this journey. We have been and will continue to be stretched ’til it hurts, but being brought to complete reliance on God our Provider brings with it a sweet, intimate love for Him and for Eric like nothing I’ve ever known. I am praying for an absence of fear, as our God makes Himself known in Colorado, allowing us to be His vessels!