It's Official!...

I guess since the offer has officially been extended and accepted, I can now inform you all that I am leaving the City of Sevierville. I have been given the opportunity to work full-time at my church. I have prayed for almost a year and a half for the opportunity to walk into full-time ministry, and in God’s timing, March 14, 2010 will be my first day. No words can explain to you how excited I am to be walking the path God has paved for me. Some have questioned my certainty in this transition, many have congratulated me, and several are so excited, you’d think they were making the move. :) I want to put all your minds at ease that I know what I’m doing. God called me, August of 2008, to full-time ministry and I’ve been patiently waiting on the doors to open ever since. Anyone who walks with me knows that this is the desire of my heart. It may be not be a wise decision by earthly standards, but I know, without a doubt, that this is the right decision for me. I walk into this knowing that ministry is not all rosy and perfect. I know that hard days are ahead, but I also know that I am not doing it alone. Every day, I wake up and the first words out of my mouth are “God, this is your day. Do with it what you will. Use me anyway you can.” That prayer will not change. I will need His guidance and His strength more now, than ever before. I covet your prayers as I walk this new road. I leave you, today, with this verse: Philippians 1:20 ~ For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

May you be blessed and encouraged today! God still uses broken people!

Joyful, Joyful...

I awoke this morning with joy in my heart, like I haven’t felt in a LONG time. I am usually a happy person by nature, most call me “bubbly” but today, something is different. What? I do not know. All I can tell you is that I’ve had a song in my heart all morning. I’m sure my co-workers hear me singing “Joyful, joyful Lord we adore Thee. God of glory, Lord of love. Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee. Hail Thee as the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day” as I’m riding the elevator, not that I’m willing to apologize. Have you ever woken up one morning, and not knowing why, just couldn’t quit smiling? Well, that’s me today.
A lot of things are happening in my life. God is opening doors like never before. I’ve always struggled with knowing my purpose for this one life I’ve been given. Since Jan 4, this question is being answered little by little. I have never been one to doubt that when I confess, “Lord, send me” or “Lord, use me.” It’s a scary prayer to send up, but I promise that if you are willing to be used by God, He will use you. He’s pulled the hedge back and allowed me to walk in places and with people I never would have dreamed. He’s given me influence and has trusted me with His people.
Learning discipline and obedience has not been an easy road for me, but God is faithful. Every time I think I can’t go one more step, I feel an encouraging nudge. I’ve been stretched financially, relationally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually over the last 3 years and I’m sure there is more to come. But for once in my life, I’m not afraid of the future. I don’t feel haunted by my past. I feel like a new me… complete surrender feels good.