There is a season for everything...even moving...

Tomorrow the movers show up at our home. We have been praying for and preparing for this event for quite some time. The best way to describe how I am feeling right now is surreal. Brian and I are truly experiencing conflicting emotions. We are excited and ready to be in Roseau; and we are grieving leaving Hampton.

When we moved here 7 years ago, we knew this is where God wanted us to be...for a season. God is the God of seasons, and our season in Iowa is coming to a close. Our roots go deep here, we may have only been here 7 years, but they were 7 very special years. This is where our children all became adults...this is where we spent hours and hours cheering on the Bulldogs in various sports...this is where we made lifelong friendships...this is where we grew even closer as a family...this is where we poured ourselves into a church family...this is a special place. To quote a line from a movie "This isn't heaven...it's Iowa!".

The one question we get over and over is why are you moving? Brian and I both have the same answer...God. He put the call in Brian's heart that it was time to move on. He awakened the passion Brian has for preaching, and He allowed me to be in agreement with Brian that it was time to move on. God led us to this church and thankfully they decided they wanted us too!!

Some people have mentioned that Brian is getting a promotion. We don't feel that way. To say becoming a senior pastor is a promotion diminishes the role of the associate pastor. We have always felt as long as we are serving the Lord where He wants us then we are doing what we are supposed to be. There is no corporate ladder in the church. So, Brian is not getting a promotion, but he is getting a relocation and a new assignment. We will still be serving the Lord; just in a different way. We are excited to see the shape this new ministry will take.

So, today I feel like we are on the edge of the unknown. We know where we will live, we know what church we will attend; but there is so much yet to learn and experience. I am so thankful that through all the changes in our lives...there is one constant....God...He never changes. So as we leave one very special season in our lives behind...we excitedly follow God to a new season...I can't wait!!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified
because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:5, 6