Exit Stage Left

For the past 5 plus years of my life I have worked at NorthWood Church, and as many of you know that as of February I no longer am a member of NorthWood's staff. I decided to step down. The biggest question I got when making this decision was, "Where are you working now?" and my answer simply was, "Nowhere!" I jumped in head first to the world. God called me to move, so I moved. I knew I couldn't hesitate. For the past month and a half the Lord has taken me on a wild ride of ups and downs. While I still am jobless for the time being I have experienced more in the past several weeks than I feel I have in the past several years.

I have seen relationships flourish, including my relationship with Maddie. She has been such an amazing support as I have dealt with an overwhelming series of new emotions and events. I have seen new friendships arise, part of that is me being able to find the time for hanging out with friends, but to also truly realize the value of the people God has surrounded me with for much of my life.

The job hunt has not been easy. I have had my fair share of rejection and heart ache. When I left high school I was blessed with a job gift wrapped to my at NorthWood. I have now had to cope with the fact that things simply don't come that easy no matter how much we all wish they did. However, with ever depressing day or dark cloud there has been beautiful moments of light when I least expected it. I have been given that opportunity to work with Keller ISD in their communications department as an interim. No, it's not the long term fix, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. I never expected a chance to work there, but my brother was kind enough to alert me to the possibility and starting the week after spring break I will be waking up every morning to a job once again. And no matter how short of a time I will be asked to be there it is going to be a great feeling!

One of the coolest things that The Lord has provided during this time is a renewed since of passion for ministry. It was so funny, when I left NorthWood, I thought for sure I would want to separate myself from vocational ministry for quite sometime, but so much of me yearns to work with students again! This time of obedience to God and stepping out in faith has allowed me a time to focus the purpose of my ministry back on God where it belongs. I think there were too many times that I looked at walking into the church as a job or a career rather than a act of glorifying God by fulfilling a fraction of his purpose for me. I am so excited for the opportunity God has given me as he has reignited my passion for ministry and opened my eyes to a new chapter in my life.

I love the phrase "God is good", it is so simple and gives you those warm fuzzies. But ultimately God is greater than good, God is better than life. He's bigger than warm fuzzies or alliterative phrases. He's bigger than a job or friends or girlfriends. God is bigger and better than anything I could dream up or wish for myself. God is bigger and better than me. That may be the understatement of the year, but it is something that we have to remind our sinful minds of daily. When you wake up in the morning always be sure of who you are placing on the throne of your heart.

Thanks for listening, and thank you all for your prayers. I assure you they have been heard.

(For no particular reason other than I like it, here is a picture of Maddie and I)