Adjustments

Hey everyone, it's me, the perma-slacker. Obviously it's been a while but I wanted give a little update. Last you heard from me we were gearing up for a major change. Since then, we've moved to Richlands, which is just outside of Jacksonville. Tanner has just started a job as a lineman for the electric company and I was fortunate enough to keep my job with the company that I love. God has really, really blessed us. For a while it was hard to believe that we were going to find jobs and a house, or that the move would even be possible. I was frustrated and just tired of thinking about it. But when God shows off, he really shows off. Within 2 hours of each other I found out we were approved for a house we applied for and I was going to keep my job. 4 weeks later we're settling in and Tanner is starting his new job.

I feel selfish for even saying this, but the move hasn't been easy. I am a very routine person with some very hard habits and if I've learned anything from this transition it's that I don't deal well with change. I like to think that I can adapt to anything, but now I realize that may only apply in certain areas of my life. We've been in Richlands for a little over a month, but up until about 2 weeks ago I was having a really hard time adjusting to the changes. Working from home has been a larger adjustment than I thought it would be. I didn't realize how many distractions there were in an office, but I also didn't realize how quiet it would be at home. Overall, I feel like I'm way more productive and now that I've gotten into a routine, I love it. Since I'm home and Tanner is working elsewhere, I'm able to plan a lot better for meals and actually cook, which if you know me at all, you know that's something I don't do.

A lot of people from home have been asking how the church is going and I'm so proud to say it's going great. I love this group so much and I'm so excited for what is to come in the future. Our official launch is in March, but right now we're doing a small group on Sunday nights, as well as hosting other events throughout the community. Our preacher likes to say that we won't be a "come and see" church, but a "come and do" church and I am here-for-it! For the month of November our staff organized a coat drive with 3 drop off locations in Jacksonville, as well as hosting a clean up day at a local non-profit called CHEW. We're also hosting a set of Q & A nights at the coolest coffee shop called The Milk Road. These nights allow anyone to come in, have refreshments on us and ask  anything they'd like to know about Restore and what we stand for. Our small group has grown large enough that we now have to split into 2 small groups. God is truly, truly working in Jacksonville and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.

Last night our bible study was focused on the word inclusion. In a time of such division in our country, on social media, and the news, it was so refreshing to be reminded that no matter your race, your gender, your orientation or what political party you belong to, you are loved and welcomed by God. I firmly believe it is the church's responsibility to bridge the gaps of discrimination and be as loving and Christ-like as possible.

 

 

 

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."
                                                                                           Galatians 3:26-29

We've Got News!

 

 We are so excited to share with everyone that after a lot of talking and a lot of praying, we're headed to Jacksonville, NC.  

 

Why Jacksonville?
We're teaming up with some awesome people to plant a church. Restore Church will open it's doors March 2017, and while that seems like a long time from now, our team has a lot to do. Jacksonville is about an hour and 30 minutes from where we currently live.

What is Restore Church?
Restore Church is a church plant that is currently being supported by the Eastern North Carolina Christian Men's Fellowship. When Tanner and I first heard about the need for a church in Jacksonville, we both agreed it was something we'd love to be apart of. Little did we know that about 2 months later we'd be officially joining the team. You can check out Restore's website or ENCCMF's website to learn more.

When Do You Leave?
Even though our first Sunday isn't until March of 2017, our plans are to move in the fall, most likely around mid-September. If anyone knows of any good neighborhoods with rental properties, feel free to get in touch with us.

Are You Crazy?
We just might be! We realize it seems like a crazy idea to some, but we're sure that this is where God is leading us. While it would be much easier to stay where we are and continue to have a "good life", we believe that God doesn't call us to just have a good life. He calls us to have great lives, which can mean to take risks, step outside of our comfort zones and do things we normally wouldn't do, all to tell others about Him. We may be crazy to go, but with how much grace and love God has given us and continues to give us, we would definitely be crazy not to. This world needs love more than ever and we want to spread it all over!

What Do You Need?
Lots of prayer and support! While we are so excited for this adventure, we'd (mostly me) be lying if we said we weren't a little nervous. Because we've had such great support from family and friends this far, we know you guys will stick with us no matter what.

 

 

Lastly, we just want to say thank you. To the people we've told so far, thank you for the support. Thank you for being optimistic, for being proud of us and for promising to be at Restore on our opening Sunday. To our parents, thank you for making us feel like we can do anything we set our minds to. To our Rosemary church family, thank you for summer camp, tough love, lifelong memories and a place to always call home.

Changes in September

Time is flying, y'all! I'm not sure I even remember July, or August, for that matter. I am really trying to "stop and smell the roses" but I am just too excited for the best season ever. When it comes to fall, I'm your typical girl. I'm ready for bonfires, crunchy leaves, salted caramel lattes, anything pumpkin flavored or themed, fall décor, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, football and Homecoming at church. Seriously, my favorite time of year.

With all that said, the leaves aren't the only thing changing 'round here. A few months ago I found out my company is moving our offices to Greenville, NC; a town about 20 miles west of Washington. Unfortunately for us, we moved in the opposite direction, about 10 miles east of Washington. So, starting in mid-October my commute will go from 15 to 45 minutes. There is a plus side, though. Greenville is where we do most of our shopping, so on my lunch break I'm hoping to make it TJ Maxx quite a bit. I'm excited but super nervous, as I'll be working with all new people. Scared!

Last Sunday our interim minister spent his last worship service with us. He and his wife have been such a blessing to our church as we continue the search for a new minister. It's been pretty challenging, but I really feel like we're growing spiritually, and Bob and Denise had a huge part in that. I can't say how awesome they were with their words of encouragement and steady perseverance. It was really hard to see them go, but we wish them well in the future and hope we can find a full time minister quickly.

Being that I'll have a longer commute, Tanner and I are in talks about our current vehicle situation. My car is...fine, I think I just might need something a little more dependable. It's definitely not a clunker, but it has definitely seen better days. And since we don't have kids yet I think it would be better to go ahead and bite the bullet so to speak so that hopefully, by the time we do have little ones, at least one of our vehicles will be paid off. That being said, I'm looking for a mid-size SUV. I was sold on something like a Chevrolet Equinox, but then realized they didn't have third row seating. So now I'm considering a Kia Sorento. Do you guys have any suggestions? I'm not exactly looking for something as big as a Tahoe, but something larger than a Ford Escape. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

What changes are going on your world? Do you have any goals or plans for the upcoming months?