The Beauty in My Messy Transition

My reaction to change/transition (used interchangeably in this post) is generally the same: a little fear of the unknown, a nostalgia in remembering and missing the past, and excitement for whatever lies ahead. It's a jumble of usually healthy, sometimes excessive, emotions. As I reflected on the process of change this morning - and read a very timely article from Revelant Magazine - I realized that, while it still makes me jumpy and emotional and anxious, I've experienced a plethora of change in the last seven years.

Here's the list I compiled off the top of my head: worked for two different ministries, traveled several times a year, my parents got divorced, my brother got married, lived in 3 different states and 7 different houses, and been in 2 serious relationships. That's just the major stuff. But my goodness, what genuine growth happens as we experience change and are continuously trained to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than the chaos around us?! 

The stretching and pulling and prodding is a learning process that teaches us to be more like Jesus and walk more closely with Him. What a blessing!

I am so thankful for you all who have chosen to walk with me through this transition and into the next big adventure that God has in store. It's exciting! But I'm grateful that I don't have to do it alone. This support system we're building is an incredible encouragement, and often it is YOUR voice that reminds me to keep persevering and press in to what God has called me to. THANK YOU for those reminders of truth!

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Quick Update:

• This is my FINAL week of building my team of people to partner with me in ministry by giving financially! Please pray that this week will be fruitful and that God will provide every last penny needed to go to Moscow with my team this year. 
• I am at about 75% of my goal, which means I still need about $2000 to meet my one-time gifts goal and about $1000 in monthly commitments. 
• Please pray for my TEAM -- there have been so many hard things going on and my heart is heavy for each of them. (death in the family, death of a family friend, relational stress, financial stress, etc.) Pray that each one would be comforted by Jesus and that the enemy would not be successful in stealing their JOY or VISION in ministry for this year. 
• Please pray for our VISAS -- we're still awaiting information regarding when our visas will be ready so we know when we can leave. Pray that the details would all fall into place and the process would go smoothly for the missionaries in Moscow who are helping us get what we need.