It occurs to me we never talked much about Colorado. I just kind of mentioned it, then left it alone. And though I don't think I have many blog friends anymore that I don't also see in real life, I do have a few. So maybe you're interested in what's going on?
We want to be a part of a church there. Not work for a church, just attend one. Ever heard of Sovereign Grace? They are a reformed (as are we) charismatic (as are we - though typically closeted here in the Bible belt) group. I lean away from the word "denomination" because that implies they are completely separate from other denominations (if you are Methodist, you necessarily aren't Baptist, for example). And they aren't, really - Sovereign Grace conferences and music are widely respected and utilized in Presbyterian circles in general. Still, a reformed charismatic group is a little unusual, and for that reason they are their own entity.
Why Sovereign Grace? And why Colorado?
Am I being overly simplistic if I just tell you God led us there? Probably so.
Sovereign Grace because we like their approach to church leadership. And we are intrigued by the idea of a reformed charismatic church. We hold similar convictions about many (though not all, if you start poking around) of the same things they do. We think it's a church that could be a good place for us to worship and serve for a long time.
We're open to being completely wrong, of course.
Colorado because after a year of researching and praying, this seems to be the right place. I don't mean to be trite or flippant. I understand we're talking about taking our young children twenty two hours down the interstate from every family member they have ever known. But just because something is hard doesn't mean it's wrong. You can imagine that our families are not exactly excited about the idea. There has been much speculation here that Brian is pushing me in a direction I wouldn't choose on my own. I have to tell you guys the truth; if any one is pushing, it's me. If anyone is hesitant, it's him. I think it's going to be good for us in a number of ways. Plus, who doesn't want to live in Colorado?
For our part, we're still working on actually getting out there. Selling houses and applying for jobs, that sort of thing. Brian is a musician; this is his career. Do you know how hard it is for a musician to put his guitar down indefinitely? Also, do you know how hard it is to move across the country only using peripheral marketable skills? And to support five people on an income only using peripheral marketable skills? It starts to feel like a county fair relay after a while - pull five people from point A to point B without using any of your usual strengths to do so. The effort is herculean. Sisyphean. Insert your own Greek mythological comparison here.
But we're doing it. Because it's what God wants and it's what we want, and the fruit is going to be good. In the meantime, if you know anyone in the Denver area who needs a guy to do the thing, I've got just the guy for you.
Happy Sunday, friends.
5 comments:
Hi Stephanie - I don't EVER see you in person, so I appreciate the update on life =).
I personally find your decision admirable. Truly. With little ones, I am tempted to almost always choose what is easiest, simply to make my day more smooth. And staying in what you know, with your stuff NOT in boxes, and family at the ready to help, seems easier.
My He bless you richly for your desire to serve Him above all else.
Oh, and I think I've already shared this with you, but I would LOVE to live in Colorado!!! It'll probably never be, as David hates the snow, but I still hold out hope =). It's so beautiful there and it's sunny like 363 days a year!!
My Dear, Sweet, Stephanie,
I can't imagine anyone who knows you and Brian thinking that Brian is pushing you to do this. Your marriage has always been one made up of the two of you jointly deciding on things.
I do want you and Brian to know that Greg and I support you in whatever you do. You have both always followed God's will and I don't think this is any different. If God takes you to Colorado I expect great things for you guys and for the people of Colorado who will be blessed with your friendship and your love.
As for family ~ our hearts just can't conceive the thought of you, Brian, and our babies not being close to us. Our hearts feel like they have been ripped apart but in time and with God's help they will mend. I don't say this to make you feel bad. I say it because it is truly how we feel but we also know that in God's time he will mend our hearts and he will get us through it. We know that your hearts must be tossed about trying to comprehend a move across the country with three little ones.
I know that you and Brian and the kids will love Colorado. It has all that ya'll truly love.
I love ya'll more than I can say and I am happy for you, it's just hard to show it when my heart hurts for me. I know that is selfish and I'm sorry. I am praying for ya'll to know what God wants you to do and when he wants you to do it.
Wow. That's...wow. Brave. Amazing. Trusting. Something I can't imagine ever doing. But I'm inspired by you. Can't wait to hear more about how it goes.
My sister just moved to Colorado Springs (the older sister). Her hubby is working at the Air Force Academy. It is a really beautiful state.
I'm totally your internet-only friend. Wait, make that "stalker" because I don't think I've commented before. I don't remember how I found your blog but I think I clicked over because of the truly awesome name. I can never get into the blogs of people who aren't my real-life friends, but yours is different. I feel like we could be real-life friends and I really enjoy reading. Also, my husband was raised in a Sovereign Grace church (we would probably be in one but we can't seem to stay put in one country for long enough). What was my point? Oh yeah. Moving can really be fun and a great time to grow in your trust of God and seeing how He provides for us.
Post a Comment