New Year, New...

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

The popular new year comment goes, "New Year, New You." We say this when venturing out to improve ones self; attitude, activity, physical appearance, etc. But what do you say when everything around you changes, and you stay the same? New Year, New___________."

This past weekend  everything changed. Everything. In last weeks blog post, we took a minute to recap some of the highlights from 2024. We also took the opportunity to share a little of what God has been doing in our lives the past couple of months. (If you missed Monday's post, you can read it here, Happy 2025.)

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Last Thursday, we loaded up a 26' U-Haul, and hit the road heading west. Friday morning, a small, yet mighty, army met us at our new cottage apartment, and in 30 minutes, the truck was empty. The apartment, however, was filled with boxes and furnisher and narrow walk way navigating from room to room. The sight was overwhelming. But by Sunday evening, we were unpacked and sitting in our new living room. This sweet little cottage is home, for now.

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Change isn't new to our family. Change comes often. We familiar with change. We're not afraid of change. But change is still change. New address. New jobs. New church. New school. New group of friends. New routines. We've been down this road...a couple of times. And yet, change is still hard.

In some ways, things feel familiar. We have been here before. We've navigated these waters once (or ten times) before. Yet, in many ways, we're starting over. It's a blank slate. And, it's in this 'new' that we find the unknown.

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But over the years, we have continued to see God's faithfulness in our lives and in the circumstances and places He has called us to live and serve. From the very beginning of our marriage, we've said, 'God, we'll go anywhere you send us, just make the way.' And He has sent us. And every time, He has made a way.

Once again we have seen God open doors, provide a way, and show us that He is in control. It's Monday morning. Currently, I am sitting on the love seat in our new living room. It's between 5 & 6 AM. And, as I think about this new chapter and all that might come to be, I can only think about how grateful I am. I am grateful for His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. I am grateful to know that our story isn't over; that there is still ministry left to do. I am grateful that I get to do what I love with the people I love. I am grateful that, as a family, we have chosen to put God first and to obediently go when He says go. 

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Yesterday, (Sunday) a new chapter of our story began. We worshipped with our new faith family. I stood in the entry way, welcoming those who walked through the doors. Breya and I attended the student ministry for the first time. And we met a bunch of students, parents, church members, and staff.

I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow. And I trust Him. He is a good, good Father who wants good for His children.

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