The Journey Has Begun

Well, our family is one (big) step closer to reality.  We moved last weekend to a home that will allow me to commute a reasonable distance to seminary this Spring.  My two girls (ages 5 and 7) started at their new school today and my husband began his commuting schedule this week as well.  Many changes.  But, I believe they are all good since they all support what it is that I believe God has called me to and what I believe He has in mind for my family.

Part of the whole process was saying "so long for now" to co-workers, neighbors, and our church family.  It was wonderful, touching and sad at the same time.  God certainly has blessed us with many wonderful acquaintances and friends.  God is good and greatly to be praised!

Another Prayer Answered

I received official word today that I've been accepted to seminary.  I'm excited, thankful and grateful that I'll be able to journey alongside others who have experienced the call to ministry.  May I remain ever mindful for Whom I'm doing this.





Photo courtesy of
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scuddr/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

An Adventurous Spirit

Well, I'm definitely in transition.  A decision was made to attend seminary onsite rather than online so we're looking to relocate to the St. Louis area (Illinois side) within the next few months.  That means we've had to locate a new home and try to sell our current one.  It means exiting from my current job and looking for another source of supplemental income while I attend school.  It means getting the girls transitioned from their current school to a new one.  And the list goes on.

I'm trying to remind myself that it's not all about the destination but also the journey.  This transition gives me time, and my family time, to celebrate the friendships and memories that have been built so far as well as to anticipate the adventures that exist before us.

Isn't that true of our faith walk, too?  We can express our thanks and gratitude for the many blessings that we have experienced over time, yet our eyes are set toward the future, the hope, and the love that is Jesus.  What a great adventure!

Adoption

One of the blogs that I subscribe to is entitled Going to Seminary.  Recently there was a post by Ryan Burns that sought feedback on both the practical and theological perpsectives on adoption. It caused me to stop and reflect on how adoption has shaped my family and how I can better appreciate God's adoption of each of us into his family as joint heirs with Christ.  The perspectives that I have gained through the adoption journey have been rich and I will share them in future posts.

Why Sheep?

Okay, you might wonder why I selected sheep as the title for this blog.  Sheep, by their nature, are followers and can often get into a lot of trouble if they don't pay attention to who or what they are following.  Yet, when they are tended to by a shepherd, they know they are safe. They innately desire to know their shepherd's voice because they know the shepherd cares for them, loves them and will protect them with his life.  This is no less true of my relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  It is my desire to follow only him and to listen to what it is that he desires of me, particularly as I respond to God's call on my life into the ministry.  As I contemplate the role of an undershepherd, I remain humbled yet excited about how he might impact the world through the gifts and graces that he has extended to me.