The past few weeks have been a blur of emotion. We were filled with excitement and joy as we spent two glorious weeks on vacation. Ben and I spent much needed alone time talking and discussing our future.
We have also been filled with great anxiety and trepidation as we have felt the knocking at our heart for sometime that where we currently reside is not to be our earthly home anymore.
You see, first and foremost, our ministry is our family. After our relationship with Jesus, my relationship with Ben and our relationship with our children tops the list. While we have wonderful friends here, none are family, and it has been difficult raising our girls in a place with no extended family. Each time we have visited both my and Ben's family, we have left overjoyed with the love and unity we felt while there, but sad that it isn't is our lives always.
We have also felt for sometime that our church's vision and our vision have been pulling further and further apart. Our priorities are unaligned with theirs and Ben and I cannot achieve the ministry we feel the Lord has called us to in this type of environment.
Oddly enough, Ben has been approached by three different churches over the past month about positions opening in which they are highly interested in him - all of which are located in the area of family.
Don't ever say my God doesn't know. Don't ever say my God doesn't care for us. Don't ever say that God doesn't know the desires of our hearts. And don't ever say he doesn't wipe each tear from our eye. My God is great, He is powerful, He is gentle, He is compassionate, and He is directing my steps each and every day.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "It is the Lord who goes before you, He will be with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear."
Ben and I are taking a leap of faith as we leave this place of familiarity, comfort, and longstanding friendships, but are trusting that the Lord has gone before us and will never leave us. We are excited about what the future holds - whatever that may be.
Please be in prayer for us as we take flight on this adventure. We don't know where our next paycheck will come from; we don't know if we will be able to sell our house; and we don't know where the Lord will take us. And for a mommy, its a scary ride, but I know we are in the hands of the Father, and there is no other place I would rather be.
In closing, I want to say that I love my husband more than I did yesterday. The faith and strength he has exhibited for his family over the past two weeks has been nothing short of amazing. In all my fears, he has continually pointed me back to Jesus and his promises to me in the Word. He has had to take strong stands for his family this week - stands that weren't easy, and stands that cost him greatly in the world's eyes; but he will be greatly rewarded by the Lord for his obedience. God has great things in store for my man and our family. I can't wait to watch them unfold.
I'll keep you updated on our move, as it begins this week. Be in specific prayer that we can find a renter for our house and that I can find the right birth option for baby #3. Thanks in advance for all of your prayers and support.
Watch out world, this family is coming home!!!
11 comments:
Meredith--your post left me in tears. I am so blessed by reading how God is leading you guys--and having you live on faith and by faith. Praying for you guys so much as you start out on this adventure. Especially praying for a great birth provider for you and baby number 3!! Hugs,
Lesley
Meredith, Ya'll will be greatly missed but this hits close to home as we moved back here to be by family and I so know the joy it brings. I am excited for ya'll and the adventure you have ahead but will keep you in my prayers. Keep us updated!
Oh Meredith - What a wonderful and scary adventure...I will be praying that you find the perfect place to birth baby boy and that your house sells!
This is so well written. You left me in tears too. I am selfishly sad, but know God is in control and has GREAT things in store. You already are such a testimony to people, I can't wait to see how much you are able to help others through their own transition times after going through this. I am so blessed that the Lord allowed our paths to cross! Love you guys!
im proud of you guys!
that really is exciting and im sure scary at the same time!
we will be praying for all of you!
Praying for you and your family. There are so many hard lessons to be learned from being in the ministry that most people will never understand. Keep your heads up, as in way up looking to God for guidance everystep of the way and you cannot fail.
Meredith, you are such an inspiration and role model for so many of us moms, and probably don't even know it. You have such a sweet spirit and you are such a great mom! Like Hannah said, you will be missed so much, but it's a great thing to be around family. I don't know what I would do if we we didn't live close to ours! Praying for you in this transition!
Praying for you guys. I know the situation isn't ideal, but we are really looking forward to having you guys closer. And I guess the timing isn't that great either, but what is timing and planning as long as you feel held tight in God's grip? Let us know how we can help! Love you all!!
Even though we have only known you a short time, the Ramsey clan has made a HUGE impact on our family. I've learned so much from you and had fun along the way.
Just last night during dinner Daniel said "I think Katie just pulled an Ellie Kate." She tried to give Daniel her veggies in exchange for something more scrumptious. It was bittersweet to think of how much we will miss you guys, but how happy we are that you will be closer to family. Keep blogging so we can share in your adventures!!! Love you Ramsey clan!
Love you Mere and praying for you. Hopefully I will get to see you next time I come to OK. Miss you TONS!!!
God is good. All the time! Your lives are showing his trustworthiness.
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