Encouraged

Yesterday Mark and I traveled to 2 of our church plant locations to finish giving my testimony. It is really emotionally draining to repeat my story over and over again. I really stepped out of my "normal" when I agreed to do this. God has brought so many wonderful people to encourage me over the last 2 weeks. I am so overwhelmed once again at how many people approached us and encouraged us in sharing our story. I knew God would lead me through this, but what I didn't expect was how many people in my life and those I have never met that would graciously thank me for sharing.

It was only one year ago when I was pregnant with our 5th baby. When my life was so very different, when my heart was not willing to change. Only one year ago when the healing and ultimate story of a changed life was to begin.
I thought I had arrived years ago when I gave my life to Christ. But what I didn't realize is that we never arrive, that is, until we are finished with our journey on this earth. This life is a constant learning experience.

I feel myself once again thankful for a God who delivers. I had no plans to share my story so publicly before this last week, and yet I felt I needed to trust God on this one. I am learning to trust a trust-worthy God.

As I sat down today to re-study my old "Breaking Free" study from Beth Moore, I stumbled upon some great wisdom about trust. Beth says, "A painful loss or a dreadful betrayal can deeply mark our level of trust. A broken heart never mended by the one true Healer handicaps us terribly when we're challenged to trust. Trusting an invisible God is not something that comes naturally to any believer. A trust relationship grows only one way: by stepping out in faith and making the choice to trust. This 'step' can sometimes seem more than we can take, but God is anxious to help us overcome our unbelief. The ability to believe God develops most often through pure experience."

As we continue to move forward, I am praying that I will choose trust each and every day. I have watched God pull me through what seemed impossible to my eyes. He has given me every reason to put my trust in Him alone. Grounding myself in His Word and His promises is all I can do.

Thanks once again for lifting us up and for all the words of encouragement! God is using you in my healing!

Many thanks

I just wanted to say thank you for all the prayers. I made it through 4 services this past weekend.
I have 2 next weekend. The last service on Sunday night was especially nerve racking considering 16 of our close family and friends were there to support us! And that doesn't include all of our dear Lifespring friends! You have no idea how truly loved we both felt. So many women and men approached us after the services sharing their stories of suffering and thanking us for being bold. It is true that being completely removed from your comfort zone is a growing experience!

Here is the link to listen to the sermon. Andy does a very good job addressing a very difficult topic, "How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?" The sermon, including my testimony, is about 35-40 minutes.
http://lifespringchristian.org/sermons.php

Interesting Opportunity

Well I could certainly use some prayers.

Mark and I have been asked to stand before our church congregation, 6 services total, and share our story. We were asked just last week. We slept on it, prayed about it, before responding yes.

I am not one to enjoy getting in front of people and speaking. In fact, I flat out refuse to teach Sunday school for junior high because I do not trust I can speak well in front of 20 junior high boys and girls.

Yet, I said yes to this?

For some reason, I really felt God tell me "you can do this!"
And I really want any silent sufferers to know they are not alone. I guess that is really why I am leaving my comfort zone and going for it.

Our church is in the middle of a series titled "Roadblocks." This weeks message, the one I will speak on, is called "How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?"

So, I have been praying all week, that God would give me the words to speak and the heart to share. I have little confidence in myself in this area. But through this journey God has led me on,
I have felt confident in Him and His truth, so I am holding fast to that!

Thank you for lifting us up!