The Journey

Dear friends,

I have some exciting news to share. Last week, a homeschooling magazine found me through twitter (loving technology). They read my blog and asked me to write an article for their publication. As I write this, I am still astounded. (Pausing to find the words...)

My husband is so confident that his work is what God had planned for him to do in this life. He decided to become a doctor when he was only 11 years old. We married while he was still in med school, and his graduation ceremony is still the most emotional moment I have ever experienced. (I bawled - huge, uncontrollable tears as he walked across the stage to receive his degree. I was so happy for him). A few other moments (our wedding, our kids' births, the boys' baptisms, and the moment we first held Ellie in our arms) come close, but there was something so incredible as I watched his dream come true. He still loves being a doctor today - even with the H1N1 virus running rampant (ick!) and medical reform issues swirling around him.

I want that same passion in my life. I want to know, with absolute confidence, that I am doing what God wants me to do in this life. So, two years ago (and a few decades later than Rob), I asked God to set me on the path He has for me. I prayed day after day, faithfully claiming the joy, excitement and passion for whatever was to be.

God moved. He pulled me out of one ministry and into another. He refined me at home - that means He allowed me to face challenge after challenge after challenge, until I finally started to change, discovering patience, joy in the tedious, mercy and grace. I often say I'm not who I was eight years ago (when we moved to N.C. and joined a church that has challenged me to the core). Really, I am not who I was two years ago! I'm a completely different mom, and I love it! I am thrilled to be where I am.

And then came the request - to write. Over the past two years, I have known that I should be writing. I discovered a passion that only comes from God, parenting - Godly parenting. Our experiences as parents has prepared me for this. I keep thinking of Jer. 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to give you hope and a future.'"

I'm stepping out to write - about this journey I'm on. And I thank God, for hearing me, for answering my prayer (and continuing to answer it), and for this opportunity. I pray that my words will bring Him glory and honor and praise. I pray that my life will be the life He planned it to be - and that when the journey comes to an end, I will be able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7 NIV).

Dear God, Thank you so much for the opportunity you have laid before me. Thank you for this passion that now fills me. Please continue to guide me and use my life to make a difference on this earth. Please be with those who are still searching for purpose. Stir their hearts to move. Your way is not our way. It is so much better. In your Son's precious name I pray. Amen