All Things New

Each time God shakes things up or moves in our lives, I take a step back and think, "Wow. He's been at work this whole time". Nearly three years ago, Cody and I made a drastic decision to leave our home church and let God lead us to another opportunity. While we left that church with a lot of hurt and fear for the unknown, we knew God would put us in the right place. It was increasingly difficult for me to leave because I had grown up in this church and was a large part of worship and leadership in the church. It was hard to leave because I loved singing in the contemporary service every Sunday (which I had done for nearly 8 years). Cody and I felt like this was the right decision for us. I have prayed for the nearly three years while we've been attending other churches that God would open another door for me to sing again.

Cody and I had been attending Lifechurch in SW OKC. We absolutely adored the music and the message, but the church is very large and constantly changing. It is too big for us. We felt disconnected with no accountability or fellowship. We had a few friends who attended that church, but all of us went to different services.

A dear friend of ours, Bryan, began to gentle nudge us to try out Journey Church East Campus where he is the campus pastor. We thought, "Why not?" Needless to say, we have not returned to Life and don't intend to. Where Life was lacking, Journey has filled the void. We have met so many people who are desperately and passionately hungry for the Lord. They have a zeal and devotion for the Lord both Cody and I have let taper off in our lives. This has also brought along the open door I have been praying about for three years. I'm getting to sing at the east campus! I am incredibly estatic and overwhelmed! God has taught me a great deal of patience. During my time of not singing, I have been able to focus on my career as a teacher and spend time worshipping next to Cody on Sundays. Although that is something I will miss now, not worshipping next to Cody, but I am blessed by this opportunity.

And of course, Noah continues to make all things new in our house! He is fearless - diving off the couch and beginning to take steps without holding on. He is so loving - giving hugs tightly around your neck and to our dogs. He is moody - cutting teeth (again) and throwing temper tantrums! He is curious - crawling all over the house, in every room inspecting every nook and cranny. He is more talkative - now saying "duck", "dog", the letter "H", "DaDa" and the beginning of "shoe". (It sounds like "si" instead.)

Cody and I are going through a season in our marriage where we are renewing our love and devotion to each other. We have been reminiscing about our dating days, reconnecting as a couple and continuing to harvest our friendship. (Having a child takes a lot out of our time for each other! We're making sure we don't forget how all of this start - with the two of us!)

We are encouraged that God is continually making all things new.