I am a big fan of do-overs. I love wiping the slate clean, going back to the beginning and trying something again. Anyone who ever played softball with me in the church field growing up knows I'm the Queen of the do-over. I feel like I'm in the middle of one big life do-over and I'm finding that it's a great concept when you're on the verge of striking out, but not so much fun when your do-over includes leaving behind people and places that you love. Ten years ago God called us to do something big. He moved our family from Atlanta, GA to Jacksonville, FL. So many wonderful and exciting things happened in the ten years we were there! We saw God working in our lives in amazing ways! Two new children were welcomed into our family, bringing us from "Little, party of 5" to Little, party of 7," new friends were woven into the fabric of our being, God opened our hearts to adoption, ministries were birthed and blossomed for both of us, I became a runner and my husband a triathlete. We played and worked, danced and ran, laughed and cried and raised little ones together. And then one day God called for a do-over. And we did. He moved us across the country from the beaches of Florida to the woods of Missouri. My heart ached for those friends and family members we left behind. Leaving a firstborn at college 15 hours away is not a do-over I ever want to have again. In the short time we have been in Missouri, God has shown us He is in the business of the do-over. He planted us in a church, supplied a home, birthed a ministry, gave us some precious friends and brought us a child, all in a matter of two and a half months. After 10 years of praying over and thinking about adoption, we were able to bring our son, seven-year-old Nathan, home. He has been such a joy to us as God is molding him to his new family. There is a part of my heart that grieves over all we've left behind; but deep in my soul I know God is working, He is moving, He is making all things in this do-over brand new. I'm excited to be able to share this new beginning with my family, friends (both new and old) and with the women of West County Community Church as I work to serve as their Women's Ministry Director. I can't wait to see what God will do over in and through all of us.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Is. 43:19
Take a look at my website as we add new things: Bible studies to download, 28 day challenges meant to inspire, teach and challenge young men and women in the Word. Please feel free to use materials you see here. If you have questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to let me know! I'm learning as I go and am always up for a do-over!
Joy to you!
Stephanie
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