Thursday, November 1, 2012

Love November!

I love November 1st.  Sure the multi colored leaves are pretty and my love for hot beverages makes more sense in cold weather.  What makes November 1st such a great day?  364 days until next Halloween.  It's not that this year wasn't fun...it was a blast.  Our new neighborhood goes crazy all out with fire pits, fried desserts and blow up castles.  My kids were delirious with anticipation and enjoyed themselves immensely but this holiday always stresses me out.


The stress started when my daughter was a baby and we had no idea how to handle Halloween.  Each year we oscillated the spectrum from not dressing up but still handing out candy to throwing a Reformation Day party with friends.  If I ever had the realization that I have no clue how to parent my kids it was experiencing the contrast between this year and every year previous.  This year I demanded that my 14 year old go trick or treating.  She was a bit insecure about asking to go with her new friends and I insisted she ask to join them or come with us.  Kick that bird right out of the nest.

I'm sure we will walk the neighborhood again next year and end up with pounds of candy that will either get eaten in one fair swoop or be doled out in mind numbing monotony.  However, until then I won't have to think about costumes or candy or my children running around dodging headlights.

Parenting 101...you have no idea what the heck you're doing. Happy Holidays!!!!!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Community

  One of the greatest aspects of the deep south is a sense of community that is ingrained in the hearts of it's people.  It's impossible to meet a stranger.  The inhabitants living south of the south won't allow it.  I like to run around a little track located at the Baptist church close to our house.  It's short and I have to run around it 8 times to meet my 3 mile goal.  In the past, I didn't like crossing paths with other people on my running route.  It's a tricky business...do you say hello, wave a finger, try to think of something clever to say, act like you are lost in endorphins and you don't have time or energy to waste on another human being?  I don't have to debate with my inner self on this little patch of GA.

The two retired farmers who walk every morning have deemed me "War Eagle".  One always wears his UGA hat and the other dons a crimson A.  You can imagine how I acquired my nickname.  We have developed a rapport that consists of momentary "good mornings" and carefully formulated quips.  They're delightful.  I'm often tempted to slow my pace and walk along side them to hear about their gardens and tractors and all they plan on accomplishing during the hours before sundown.  Yesterday, I came across an older lady walking her very large dog.  It was obvious the pooch wanted to travel a bit faster than her "pet".  She asked if I would mind holding the leash as I ran so the pretty pup could be accommodated.  Derma the dog was sweet and stayed right by my side.  Remarkable!  The owner felt comfortable requesting that I run with Derma because she knew that regardless of my feelings, my response would be kind. Had I not wanted to hold a leash or if I was afraid of dogs I would have found a way to compliment her and her canine and refuse her request all in one happy notion. 

My favorite experience on the track involves a dozen cherub faces.  During the summer months I would run just about the time the preschoolers would come out for a walk.  They would be instructed to step to the side of the track and let me pass.  That didn't stop them from giving me high fives and hellos.  Some would even sneak in a little jog beside me.  It was quite delightful.  Now I run a bit earlier after dropping my kids off at school so I usually miss the preschoolers.  One day last week I was late and finished my run just as they were coming out to walk.  Two or three of them recognized me right away and ran towards me!  All of a sudden the entire preschool class was at my feet wanting a big sweaty hug.  It was truly a magical moment.

The culture of this region makes it difficult to develop and maintain true openness even amongst believers. I have often found this frustrating.  Those who know me best know how I fight for continued honesty as I interact with others...especially those close to me.  However, the sense of community found in these hills on the Tennessee Georgia border is steeped in the tradition of politeness and general respect of others.  Most days, I find it refreshing.  


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Long Awaited Day

We have survived the longest summer known to man.  After dropping all three chicks into their respective new worlds I was filled with pride in each one of them.  Watching God remove most of their familiarity and fill their lives with new systems and relationships has been nothing short of remarkable.  They are all extremely extroverted so we know it would be easier for them than some kids but they have surpassed our expectations.

Emma has had the most difficult time adjusting.  To be fair it has seemed uncanny how few kids we have come across in her age group.  I'm so thankful for her very sweet friends Winston and Caroline for being a constant source of laughter and companionship from afar.  A wonderful reprieve came when we found an affordable tumbling class that could help her prep for cheer leading tryouts.  FINALLY, she was with girls her own age from her high school with similar interests.  After one class the coach suggested she join the Intermediate class rather than stay with the Advanced class.  She had a choice.  She could hang with the girls her own age and pretend to have the same abilities they have or tumble with the younger crowd and develop the skills necessary to tumble in her age group.  Pretend to be good or ignore how you are perceived in order to actually get better.  She has worked very hard and made great strides with the Intermediate class and is still working her way up to her age group.  I don't know that I've ever been prouder.  She has also joined the stunting class where she puts her safety in the hands of girls who all know each other very well to perform stunts she is just learning to perform.  My daughter is such a special young lady. 

Eliot has jumped into Middle School football with both feet.  He is one of the smaller guys on the team but always wants to get there early and pours his being into running fast and not getting pummeled.  He runs in the middle of the pack which isn't bad considering half of them are 8th graders.  It's amazing how he fits football practice and air-soft guns into his eating schedule. 

Daniel is just happy to be involved.  As he continues to stretch beyond our imagination his goal to keep up with big brother is increasingly more and more attainable.   Recently the doctor informed us that one day he will look down at us all from a height of 6 feet 2 inches.  For a family of vertically challenged individuals this is hard to fathom.  This morning we pulled up to his school to find the parking lot filled with parents parking their cars and walking in with their elementary students.  My kid INSISTED that I drop him off.  He assured me that he remembered where his classroom was and could make it just fine on his own.  Burned into my memory is a snapshot of him just before entering the building as he turned around to reassure me with a wave and a blown kiss.

God continues to faithfully bless the Jones family.


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Long awaited baseball post...

Finally right?  I know you guys have been waiting on pins and needles.  The short story is Braves lost 4-1 but Danny Mac and I had a blast.  The long story is as follows...

The little man and I were so excited to head to the Ted.  We tried to leave early enough to catch some BP and maybe get an autograph.  To hear Daniel talk he was going to march down to the fence where J-Hey and Uggla would pop out of the dugout and say, "Hey Danny Mac, let me sign that t-shirt!"  After fighting traffic and bad weather we arrived at Turner Field just in time for the rain delay.  While the grounds crew worked on the field we bought a t-shirt, took a turn in the batting cage, and made a pit stop.  Daniel was mortified that I made him use the ladies restroom but in this crazy world I was not willing to let him enter a public restroom alone.  I was curious which type of "bathroom" we were needing to use so I peeked under the stall door.  I was resisting the urge to try and talk Daniel through lining the toilet seat with toilet paper to avoid sharing a potty with all of Atlanta when I was greeted with a surprise.  Not only was my boy placing his bare cheeks on a public potty but he had promptly removed his shoes before doing so.  Why I ask...WHY!  I stayed silent and pondered just how many public restrooms have been walked in barefooted by Daniel.

As we headed to our seats Homer, Braves mascot, was walking along the fence signing autographs.  Not getting a player's autograph was disappointing but Homer is the next best thing.  We made it to our seats just in time for the rally girls to walk around with the t-shirt gun.  They blasted one a mile above us and it fell right at Daniel's feet.  As you can see he was ecstatic!

Despite the rally cap Braves couldn't pull it off.  Daniel kept telling me, "Mama, it's not about winning. It's about having fun."  Oh how I wish I could believe that.


So sad the Braves lost but we had a magical night regardless.  I absolutely love baseball and I love even more sharing it with my boys.  Wednesday night, it's LT's turn...hoping for a WIN!


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

There's a Mountain Behind the Clouds

Our wonderful summer has continued to roll along.  Andy's family joined us for a 7th Birthday celebration and then my Dad, Stepmom and beautiful Memaw joined us for Independence Day.  It's such fun spending time with family.  Early July found most of us at two different beaches.  Emma joined the Peace Sr. Highers at Laguna Beach for RYM while Grammy hosted the boys and I in Orange Beach.  Fun was had by all!

As soon as we returned to our new home it was time for Emma's Freshman Orientation.  The first day I had papers to drop off so I was able to go inside with her and make sure she found where she was supposed to land.  The second day however, I had to sit in the van and watch as the building swallowed her whole.  My daughter being an independent extrovert who loves adventure made the week exciting and packed with potential.  Emma has a soft heart for awkward outsiders and had two specific circumstances to show how God loves the unlovable.  There is nothing like the privilege of seeing God's goodness seeping through the lives of your children.  We are prayerfully attempting to get Emma enrolled into the Honor's Program at her High School.  If she isn't able to make it this year she can enter next year but we would really like her to be accepted immediately.  God knows His plan for her and we are resting in His sovereignty.

We've also had tons of fun with friends.  The so very special Peterson crew (sans Jared and AK) came to visit!  Such fun to soak them up and share with them our new home.  We ventured down into the very deep caves of Lookout Mountain and saw a beautiful waterfall.  One of us freaked out a little and almost had to claw her way back to the surface PRONTO but the kids did just fine.  Beth and I were able to get away for a quiet dinner and a long walk over the TN river.  How I miss this dear friend.  I felt like I was drawing a deep breath of fresh air after hours in a dark humid cave.


We have had two opportunities to spend quality time with neighbors this week.  We are finding our neighborhood has a sweet sense of community and we're looking forward to digging deeper.  Moving is always a lonely time but especially when you move during the summer.  I was praying during my morning run about our new life and trying to release any sense of discouragement.  As I headed back home I glanced toward Lookout Mountain only to find it hiding behind big puffy clouds.  I realized our new life is like that mountain.  We can barely see it due to all the clouds but it's there.  We see glimpses here and there and we've seen it before.  One day we'll look up and we'll see it all again.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Maintenance

I have moved into a house with beautiful tile floors with sandy brown colored grout.  They hide dirt very well which is great! Right?  Except for the fact that... they hide dirt.  How does one know when to clean such floors?  During our transition all of our belongings were locked up in a stuffy eighteen wheeler.  On moving day I opened our garage fridge that I had painstakingly scrubbed before it was loaded up.  It wreaked of mold and mildew.  Great big patches of green fuzzy disgustingness was splattered throughout. Somewhere in those two examples are sermon illustrations that rival Jean Larroux's chicken truck.

Today I was reminded how maintenance is very important internally as well.  Carolyn James spoke to a group of women in the Chattanooga area gathered for a Scenic City Women's Network breakfast.  She reminded us that "we are studying an infinite subject (in theology) and we shouldn't count on mastery."  Her primary focus was how we are constantly learning theology through suffering.  When we neglect the study of God we are like little children trusting a stranger and how in our own personal struggle we will ultimately turn to our own understanding.  Therefore, we need to be prepared.  Carolyn used the example of Naomi to bring about three main points on emptiness:

1) Emptiness is Part of the Journey- when struggling you are in good company, Ruth 1:13, 21
            Ps. 13:1
2) Emptiness is Purposeful- not a sign of His absence but a sign of His presence
           "Ruth and Naomi weren't forgotten by God.  They were mobilized for His Kingdom."
3)Emptiness is Productive- suffering allows us to see things differently,
           we see things "dried eyes" wouldn't see

One of the main "take aways" for me was when she spoke of her brother in law Kelly James who was lost on Mt. Hood in 2006. She talked of all the people who were praying across the country, how helpful and supportive the media was, how thousands of climbers came together to risk their lives for the sake of three strangers.  Carolyn said every body was helping except God.  Hurricane force winds and terrible avalanches brought the search to a halt.  She said "There is a gap between who Jesus says He is and brokenness.  That's where we find faith."

Monday, June 25, 2012

40 is old!

Imagine 20 cars driving down the road with flashers blinking, children hanging out of sunroofs, and dirge music blasting out of a speaker strapped to the top of the lead car.  Now imagine that line of obnoxiousness turning into your driveway, surrounding your house and spilling out what appears to be hundreds if not thousands of people.  At some point during the madness you realize that these people are your family and friends and you're being handed 40 black balloons one by one.  Last Saturday we accosted my unassuming much older sister with a surprise party a month before her 40th birthday.  The heat was true to Mississippi form but the music was groovy, the water play was filled with laughter and the Little Dooey's was delicious.

There's just something about having people from all stages of your long 40 years come together to celebrate.  God's goodness permeated through memories both recent and those that have been told and retold dozens of times and are still as funny as the day they were born.  His goodness was also very apparent as we were peppered with water balloons by our very own offspring.  It was a wonderful party that even included the proverbial cake fight between the town prankster and an innocent bystander.  It was a special day celebrating a special lady.  

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Circles and Stairs

Happy Lord's day!  We attended Rock Creek Fellowship for the second week in a row and this week we had a surprise.  As we pulled into the parking lot we noticed a car we have seen at the swim club.  Inside said car was Daniel's very sweet swim coach from our very own pool!  Somehow this gave our new existence continuity.  It was like planting a stake in a wide open field.  We have lots of acreage in this new chapter God is writing but it's nice to have some resemblance of a circle forming. 

This afternoon we celebrated the wonderful man we call Papa by hiking to see two beautiful water falls.  Cloudland Canyon State Park was beyond lovely and we will definitely return to climb it's many many many stairs. 


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Settling In

For days we have been unpacking boxes, positioning items, adjusting and readjusting our belongings. Today we started to adjust in a different way. We joined the local swim club! As we were filling out membership forms a lady walked up and asked if she could post flyers advertising a Cheer Camp to be held in July. The teenager's eyes lit up. We claimed our chairs with our towels and jumped in the water. Within 15 minutes I struck up a conversation with a nice lady named Elizabeth (irony). She shared how much her bible study meant to her and how her closest friendships were a result. Then she said, "Do your kids play baseball?"

Now, I may not go to her bible study but it was nice to hear that people in GA do hold such events. Of course the cheer camp will be deeply inquired about and the lady floating in her inter tube just could not stop talking about the local baseball rec leagues. I found it providential that in the span of 15 minutes our most favorite things were mentioned.

Andy is in Atlanta tonight but the rest of us ended the evening at Rock Creek Fellowship for dinner and a time of prayer. During dinner we seemed a bit lonely, the four of us eating our food, watching groups of people converse. A very sweet, pretty lady named Ashley saved the day and approached the unknown loners. Of course she turned out to be the Associate Pastor's wife cause pastor's wives are just plain awesome. It was all down hill from there. The youngest ran wild with the 1000 other kids running wild while E and E played soccer with the youth group. The oldest E was expecting more of a teaching time and seemed a little disappointed. I assured her that her father can have a lecture prepared at any given time.

A good day. I have to keep reminding myself and those around me that we've been here less than a week and settling our things takes way less time than settling new relationships.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Life on the Farm

There's nothing like going home.  I love driving into town and having a flood of memories wash over me.  Last week I surprised my family and hauled the kids to Starkville, MS so they could dig in some dirt and pet smelly animals.  They just love running wild at Granny's house and on Aunt Heather and Uncle Barry's land.  They get their fill of dogs, horses, chickens, ducks, and goats...lots of goats.  They love to help milk the goats.  My youngest slept in one morning and when his little eyes finally opened he said, "Mama, text Auntie Hey Hey and ask her to save me a goat."  He didn't want them all milked before we could drive the few miles to Aunt Heather's goat farm.  After the feeding, milking, laying down hay for their beds we got to experience my favorite part...ice cream. 

My sister invited some great friends of ours to join us for delicious goat milk ice cream and fun fellowship.  It was perfect.  That is, until the kids found a baby rat snake and threatened to enter the house.  I of course followed my wise instincts and very calmly proceeded into the bathroom where I could lock lock the door.  I even allowed my friend Heidi and her two kids to join me in safety.  We were all waiting out the storm quite patiently until my brother in law and Heidi's husband stuck the end of the fishing lure under the door.  Women were screaming and flying onto the bathroom counter which in turn terrified the children.  It was mean, ugly, bad and may never be forgiven. 

I've avoided the gazillion boxes covering the floors of our new home long enough.  In coming days you can expect a "I'm never moving again" blog post followed by the 'ole "I love baseball" post.  GO BRAVES!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Homeless

Let me start by saying how much I love my Cary friends and I already miss them greatly.

I keep waiting for my break down.  I thought for sure as I cleaned my empty house with two of my favorite peeps the tears would flow as freely as the wine.  It was fun!  There was a sense of accomplishment and closure without regret.  Today as we drove from our beloved home town the sky cried on my behalf but my eyes were dry and all I could think about was the foamy deliciousness in my Starbucks cup.  About 12:30 our realtor called to inform us that the closing was uneventful and we were no longer home owners.  I tried to squint into the sun because it just seems like I should have moisture on my cheeks. 

Maybe my break is yet to come. Once I get settled and truly relax I'll feel all the sadness I know in my brain.  Or maybe the overwhelming grace of a very kind Father is sustaining me during my transition.  A dear friend included this verse in a recent email. 

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life." Matt 19:29

It's a comfort to know grace will be administered in abundance whatever the next days, weeks, months hold for me and those I hold dear .  

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Discombobulated

Welcome to the land of limbo. For countless times now I have opened the kitchen cabinet to pull out a box of cereal or coffee cup.  I'm surrounded by towers of boxes filled with all the belongings I keep looking to find in the cupboard.  The moving company had to box us up on Friday since Monday is a holiday but they don't load us until Tuesday.  So here we sit camping at home looking forward to the day we land.


Thursday, May 24, 2012

Proud Daughter!



This week we are experiencing a lot of finality.  Last day of junior high for Emma, last day of elementary for Eliot and last day of kindergarten for Daniel.  Sunday will be our last Lord’s day to worship at Peace until we come back to visit.  With so many lasts it’s refreshing to have a first!  For Christmas my mom wrote a story and gave a copy to each of her grand kids.  This past weekend she attended a writer’s conference for the first time and even entered her story into a competition.  For the first time…she WON said writer’s competition!  We aren’t entirely sure exactly what that means but one of the judges wants her to turn it into a novel and help her get an agent.  So exciting!

I’m proud of my mom’s story and I’m so proud she won but mostly I’m proud that my sweet Mama tried something new at the young age of 60.  

Monday, May 21, 2012

Faith in Transition- Part 5


I dreaded telling our church family.  I trusted they would be sustained by their love for us and their passion for Kingdom work but I dreaded the part I had to play.  We accepted the job offer on Wednesday, met with session on Thursday and the phone message went out to the congregation Friday afternoon at 5:00 followed by an email a few hours later.  I sent an email to the Tuesday night bible study ladies about 4:00 so hopefully they’d hear it from me.  Then Andy and I went for a run.  We didn’t talk.  We just ran and prayed.  Our hearts were hurting for our church family.  When faced with transition this is the moment when all you can do is rest in the Lord.  This precise moment when all has been decided, the ball has been pushed down the hill and you have to watch those you love jump out of the way.  I remember being so thankful that God had been visibly evident throughout our journey so we could simply rest.  We put this body of believers we loved and cherished into our Father’s faithful hands and rested. 

On Sunday morning Andy and I stood before the congregation and he read his resignation letter.  At first, I scanned the faces in the pew.  I saw many we had walked through fire with.  Those whose children we had helped bury or whose marriages we stood beside and helped fight for.  My eye would land on any one of the ladies from Bible Study and it made me want to back up.  Start over.  Reconsider.  Tell everyone, “just kidding…haha.”  I put on my big girl pants and just looked at the paper.  Everyone was pretty shocked but supportive, encouraging, happy for us, and sad.

After two grueling weeks of “house beautiful” our house hit the market.  I didn’t pray for our house to sell.  I prayed that God would orchestrate the logistics of our move in such a way that everyone would see what we’d been experiencing since last October.  We were answering a direct call.  God was pulling us elsewhere and we either obeyed His divine will or fear He’d have to give Peace a reason to kick us out (sounds miserable).  Our house sold in 4 days.  That same day, we made an offer on a beautiful GA hillside home.  Daniel still fears we will topple off but hopefully there won’t be too much psychological damage. 

Words can’t describe how we have been loved or the depth of friendships that have been made.  We plan to carry it all with us.  I can’t wait to see how God continues His work in the Jones family and in the Peace family.  Turns out I kinda dig this whole blogging thing so keep in touch!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Sweet Mama C


Seeing as how this is my blog and I make all the decisions I’m going to take a short break in the Faith in Transition story.  My heart is too heavy.

Tonight a dear family friend lost her battle to lung cancer.  Her name was Carolyn but many of us grew up calling her Mama C.  She was the type of person who poured her life into others.  There was no such thing as too many extra mouths to feed or not enough beds.  We ate what was there and slept where we landed.  Since my own home was 8 miles out of town her house made for a great after school landing/transition spot for my sisters and I.  As soon as I walked in her house and sat at the table she’d pull off her rings and let me wear them.  Sometimes it felt like I spent more time at her house on Wood St. than I spent in my own.  Slumber parties were the norm on the weekends.  We would stay up until the wee hours of the morning playing Gin Rummy.  We’d get tickled about something and laugh until tears rolled down our cheeks in pure delirium.   You never had to wonder what she thought about anything.  She’d tell you exactly how she felt and then she’d say, “And if you don’t like it? Well, tough!” 

Much like my real Mama she was a constant in my adolescent world of inconsistencies.  One of the highlights of going home to visit was hauling my family to her house and showing off my kids.  She’d threaten to tell them all my growing up secrets so they could use them against me.  She was proud of me and every time I saw her I felt like a huge success.  I struggle to find words that express all that she meant to those who knew her.  Mama C. will be greatly missed and I am better for having known her.  I can’t wait to see her in glory where she is no longer “old and decrepit”. 
Mama C and Sheriff Leroy

Faith in Transition-Part 4


The only part about Cary, NC that we haven’t enjoyed is the many miles it put us from family.  While this distance has encouraged the deepest friendships we’ve ever known it wasn’t easy.  Over the years we have watched our loved ones drag themselves into our home road weary and worn from hours and hours and hours of travel.  We would pour them into a bed or at least throw water on them to make sure they didn’t slip into some sort of comatose state of relief.  We would experience similar woes as we made countless treks to Mississippi and Alabama hoping no one was murdered along the way. The anticipation was overwhelming.  We couldn’t wait to share our news with our families!  My sisters and I met in FL for my mom’s Birthday.  Andy still had a couple of interviews left and we were in the process of planning a visit to Chattanooga to check things out so nothing was definite but I HAD to tell my mom in person.  She wept.  Big racking sad sobs of joy.  Andy called his dad to gain wisdom and his dad told his mom so I didn’t experience her reaction.  I hear she had a few "Praise Jesus" moments.  In a moment of weakness, during a totally unrelated conversation with my sister in law, I caved.  Could not stand it one more moment.  I had to tell her.  Her excitement was palpable.  I heard her bare feet hitting the hardwood floors as she jumped up and down. I pictured her waving her arms and squeal laughing while I waited for her to put her phone back to her ear.  It was wonderful. 

We were excited.  It shocked me how excited I felt.  Not how excited I knew I needed to feel but how excited I actually was.  We visited the Nooga mid March along with our sweet teenager.  She was so good about finding the positives rather than dwelling on all the friends she’ll be leaving behind.  All Andy’s meetings/interviews went swimmingly.  He dazzled the Brian dude, schmoozed potential investors and we all fell in love with the area.  We just knew it’d all be settled by the time we left town.  But it wasn’t.  More meetings.  Chalmer’s would debrief the Andy Jones Visit on Monday but surely we’d hear something after that meeting.   

***crickets***

We were on edge all of Tuesday when word finally reached us that an offer letter was on the way but the author of said letter had to paint his house on Tuesday since rain was predicted for Wednesday.  Whew. We could blame it on the rain (ba dump bump).  Tuesday night I told Andy that I was going to remember the anticipation and fear of disappointment I’d felt all day.  I knew the difficult days of saying goodbye were on the horizon.  I think God allowed us to suffer through a few days of not knowing so we’d realize how much we wanted to make this transition.  In the moment of tearful goodbyes, surrounded by all we are giving up we could remember the evidence of God's calling deep within our hearts. 

But it’s so hard to say goodbye (I’m on a roll!).

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Faith in Transition- Part 3


I loved my job.  I would walk around that office wearing grown up shoes that clicked when I walked, organizing things all the while telling people with big degrees what to do.  It was awesome.  Not sure how they put up with me but I loved it.  Being the administrative assistant to the CFO I learned a ton about finance from a very nice man who wore three-piece suits with cuff links.  He had the patience of Job and we became fast friends.  As I prayed for God’s will to be done and Andy continued through the interview process with Chalmer’s I held onto my job with an ironclad vise grip.  I wondered what Todd (church member, man who hired me, CEO, friend) would find for me to do for MTI from Chattanooga.  I just couldn’t imagine my life without Mustard Tree Instruments, LLC.  I loved this company that allowed me to prove myself.   I know it sounds dramatic but after spending 12 years out of the work place in order to change diapers and wash sippy cups, that’s exactly how I felt.  I CAN think through and solve a problem.  I have the ability to put words together and form an intelligent sounding sentence. As possibilities started to solidify I finally voiced my concern to Andy, “I don’t know how to let go of MTI.”  Exactly one week later my boss called me into his office.  As he said words like sales cycle, economy, revenue, cost of development etc. all I could think was, “We’re moving to Chattanooga.”  I wasn’t upset or hurt.  It was instantly clear to me that the one thing I wasn’t willing to part with God was taking away. 

With the privilege of hindsight I can see I would have had to quit my job the beginning of March in order to sell our house and take care of kids during Andy’s out of town trips.  Due to the lay off I will draw unemployment until mid July.  In the mean time Andy Osterlund is letting me get my feet wet in another industry.  He even calls me his Marketing Director!  Can you believe that?  We aren’t sure exactly how this opportunity will play out but I don’t think it’s a mistake that he is passionate about Urban Revitalization, has a license to practice in TN and the great city of Chattanooga is big on making the old pretty again.  As amazing as all this is I find it stunning how God really does give us the desires of our hearts.  Meaning, he puts desires in our hearts He wishes to fulfill. 

Have you ever not known how much you wanted something until you thought it might not happen?

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Faith in Transition - Part 2


As Fall continued into Winter my heart would constrict with every thought of a possible transition.  I know my husband well enough to know he could do anything, anywhere, in any organization and excel.  It was only a matter of time and logistics before this Brian Fikkert dude from The Chalmer’s Center realized he had found a wealth of talent.  Ironically enough the ladies in my bible study were working our way through The Praying Life by Paul Miller.  As a result, I started leaving my iPod at home on my morning run so I could fill that time with prayer.  I was extremely convicted by the hold I was attempting to have on my life and started praying that God would help me to be able to pray for His will...whatever that looked like, wherever it led us.  God answered that prayer and continued his work of making my heart pliable.  He gave me a hunger for His will and started replacing desires I’d had for decades with new ones.  I've wanted to be a pastor's wife since I was 14.  I felt like I was called to be a pastor's wife my Junior year of High School and in college that calling was verified by a young southern boy named Andy. 

I blame our congregation for much of my hesitancy.  They were too easy to love and served us too faithfully for too long!  As God changed my heart’s desire I realized I would be able to say goodbye.  I wouldn’t like it.  It would hurt. But by God’s grace I could continue.  I started to think about having my husband home on Sunday mornings.  I wondered what it would be like to find a joint calling in a church and minister together in a specified capacity.  Wow!  I’m really handling this well…right?  Wrong.  There was one aspect of my life I was NOT willing to let go of…


Monday, May 14, 2012

Faith in Transition- Part 1

Last October I was asked to give a testimony at our Women's Retreat. The topic for the weekend? Transition. The ladies who were planning the weekend thought I might have something to say regarding my recent transition into the workplace. God on the other hand was allowing me to think objectively about His sovereignty in our lives even when change seems impossible to fathom much less overcome. I came home from that weekend at the beach feeling like God spoke through me to encourage the sweet ladies around me. Almost as soon as I walked in the door Andy said, "I found a job on Twitter I'd like to apply for." Barely having reentered the atmosphere of normal, pearls of wisdom I so boldly proclaimed not 24 hours earlier started rolling around in my brain. Life is one big transition, we are never promised comfort or even happiness in this life, we have all we need in Christ and no transition could take Him away, our life is not our own... "Sounds great!", says the adoring wife who hates to feel convicted.


Funny how often obedience starts on our lips and trickles through our hearts. The miraculous transformation in my soul was driven by a group of ladies who tell you like it is and miles of cold sweat. Stay tuned...
 



Sunday, May 13, 2012

...or at least I hope so.

I have felt a bit left out for years without a blog to call my own. I was afraid I would waste people's time with boring prattle or I'd be posting valuable pearls of wisdom no one cares to read. Recently I have experienced amazing events in my heart that lead to uncertain events in my life. I've had a few opportunities to explain the whole sordid tale but find some in close circles who are greatly affected by these events still haven't heard. So here I am, starting a blog, realizing you are going to spend the next little while on some form of social media which helps greatly in swaying my guilt for wasting your time. Disclaimers: My husband will not be editing my blog posts. I make no bones about being flowery in my descriptions and extremely over the top when exaggerating, which is totally necessary when passionate. When I am in the middle of a Jane Austen novel I begin to speak as if I lived in the 17th century (can't be helped). Finally, any posts with the timestamp correlating an Atlanta Braves game should be completely disregarded. It will not make any sense and could border on heresy. Mostly, I'm headed for a big transition and hope to stay in touch with the wonderful friends who have become family over the last 8 years. Well, now I'm exhausted. My next post will explain our journey the past few months entitled "God is Sovereign and can be trusted amidst uncertainty? Real or not real.". Well, that may be a little long for a title but you get the picture. Now, please comment or I will feel insecure, unloved, under appreciated and extremely vexed!