Nearly 6 months ago, my world was shaken to it's core.
News of my huband's pending lay-off took me by surprise and my body reacted by succumbing to a virulent respiratory virus. Within days, the incessant, deep coughing caused me to break two ribs and depression overwhelmed me.
My husband's fifteen year tenure as a pastor came to an abrupt end when he volunteered his position to be cut from our church's multi-person staff. Better to be us, we thought, than one of the younger men with new babies or new mortgages. And GOD did not abandon us through many sad farewells and the sorrow of leaving our home. In fact, HE opened unexpected doors in a new community and former profession.
My husband has returned to engineering in a very demanding position which challenges his middle-aged brain. I have been busy building a nest for us and trying to hear GOD's voice for what is next for me.
I know I am called to labor in the pregnancy care field, ministering to women and teens...just not sure in what position at the moment.
Since most of you know the gist of this journey we've been on, what is the point of this post?
It's just to say that FINALLY...after a full 6 months, I feel we are able to EXHALE and begin to breathe freely again! So many changes, so many decisions, so much uncertainty and GOD has brought us through. Praise HIS Awesome Name!
Yesterday was the first really "free" Saturday we've had to enjoy "letting down."
The following photos are from our stroll along the waterfront (marsh inlets) at St. Marys, GA. not too far from our town. What a lovely area to let go and let GOD!
What challenge has GOD brought you through recently?
Are you at the beginning of a gauntlet or finally "letting down"?
I'd love to hear your heart ~
Praising HIm with you!!
ReplyDeleteI start a new journey tomorrow. I have retired from my school district after 33 years. I will be in training the entire month of June preparing for a new career that God has put before me. I am excited and nervous at the same time.
God is so gracious to take you to such a lovely place (GA is my native state!). I needed to hear your testimony today, as I am in a transition, too.
ReplyDeleteGod is going to used all those skills you have, all the trials you've been through, and He is the one who has given you a heart for young moms! Bless you.
Exhaling is a God-given technique for breathing in our healing. Out with the old. In with the new. I'm so glad you're finding some rhythm again. I think I might be too!
ReplyDeletepeace~elaine
You know, some of us have to drive for hours to get this kind of scenery! I would love to live in a place that averaged more than 67 days of sunshine...!
ReplyDeleteWell, you know I'm not breathing free yet, sort of holding my breath actually. But sure as the sunshine after the rain, it will come and so I wait...
Wonderful to have an encouraging friend in you who has been there/done that so recently...
Glad you are exhaling, finally!!
HOW awesome that your middle name is Cherie! I don't meet many women with that name AND spelled the same! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, they say, "When you're down to nothing, God is up to something." It sounds like God is "up to something" in your life! One thing I've learned about God over the journey of my life thus far: God's ways are not our way and His ways are always best . . . and as a side note-He's full of surprises! I will be praying for you sister . . . I have already lifted you up. The Lord knows what He's doing and He's in control . . . even when life isn't. There's no such thing as Him being "almost" sovereign. ;)
Blessings to you!
Cherie