It has been a long, long day filled with many, many tears & hugs & prayers, for today was our last day at the church where my husband has been the associate pastor for over 7 years… the church that we have loved since the first time we stepped foot in the building (my husband as an intern) 9 years ago…. the church we call our family & our friends… the church that watched us grieve the loss of our first child… the church that rejoiced in the births of each of our 6 children… the church that has watched these precious children grow… the church that has watched us grow… the church that we have poured hours upon hours of sweat, tears, prayers, & love into… the church that has poured hours & hours of love into us!
And, honestly, I don’t know the words to write, as I am feeling completely heartbroken! I am just so, so sad! My world has felt shaky & uncertain! And I wonder if I will crumble down into a heap of despair. Yet, I also feel blessed… blessed by those who have taken the time to encourage, love & pray for our family during this very difficult time! Blessed that I was not the only one with tears streaming down my face today! Blessed by my sweet children… one of which was in a puddle of tears all morning, another of which did all the dishes & made a vow to really try hard to obey mommy, because “it’s been a sad day”! Blessed by my incredible husband who has sought to honor God every step of the way, & has lead our family strong, even in the midst of pain! And blessed by a God who has not forgotten about us… a God that uses ALL things for our good & His glory… a God that goes before us & will be with us! And for that I am so very grateful!
I know many of you want to know more of what we will do & where we will go from here. Honestly, we are a bit wounded right now & don’t know the answers… BUT we know a God who does!! A God who has not been surprised by all that has happened! A God who has a great plan for us; a God who has a great plan for you!! A God that we trust completely to guide & to direct us to where HE wants us to be!
Would you please keep praying for us!?
18 comments:
Oh Jessica (Lady from Our Family For His Glory) hugs and prayers are being lifted for you my friend! I haven't left a comment in a while but I always seem to find encouragement here. You keep shining for HIM! Hugs to you all!
Speak soon!
Nicole Auld
In some way, I get it. Maybe I will be praying for God to bring you guys here! Now, wouldn't that be nice!
((((Jessica))) WHERE ever or WHAT ever Father has planned for you, He is preparing your hearts for it NOW!
Be excited that His hand is working in your lives. . . the winds of change bring beautiful weather. ♥
Praying for you! I remember our last Sunday at our church 3 months ago. It was such an emotionally draining day! But God has been so faithful to us and I know He will be for you too!
oh sweetie - I wish I could send a hug your way!! It is so hard to leave a family....roots are being ripped and torn...but it is all worth it for His plan!!
Continually praying for you!
What a beautiful portrait of you and Kayla. I thought I had prepared myself until I saw her sweet face covered with tears. Then I kinda lost it myself. Yet, I see how unflustered the twins are and am amazed at their faith. They seem to know that this isn't good-bye, but rather a "God has new work for us and we're on an adventure to find out what's next." I know we'll continue to see each other and to pray and write if there is a long distance. But I am also excited to see what the LORD has planned, and that someday I will be able to say that I was there in the beginning of your family ministry. I'll continue to pray for you all in the coming days as you transition to an interim time of rest, healing and recovery. May He bless you richly, my sweet friend.
My heart broke a bit as I read this. I will keep your family in my prayers and I will wait with excitement to hear the plans that God will reveal to you soon.
Hugs and love,
April
Praising Wife and Mom
I'm sending you lots of prayers and hugs!!! We're going through a difficult season in our church right now too. Thankfully we can lean on a good God who has His purposes. Even if everything seems to be falling apart, we know we can trust Him. I will pray for you tonight!
~Catherine :)
Praying for you and your family!
Continued prayers being sent your way! I can only imaginie how difficult this must be for all of you! But, like you so beautifully stated, God is in control and knows the exact plan and purpose for your lives! Praise God for His wisdom and perfect plan for our life!
I will be praying for you. Whenever I find myself stairing ahead to the darkened path He has set before me, I beg to have Him light the next stepping stone. When I can't see where it is I am going, I remember to look back at where He has led me before and I find comfort in His gracious provision of the past. God will carry you when you are unable to walk ahead yourselves. Isaiah 46.
Oh my precious family! My tears come to as I grieve for you and can honestly say I know the pain you are going thru because we have been there. While I don't have any "pat answers" that will take away the pain, I do know that God IS faithful and that He DOES have a plan (and I am selfishly hoping it is not too far away!!!!). You have all be in our prayers each day and we want to encourage you to take some time to heal. Allow God to heal those deep hurts and He will reveal the next step in His perfect time. Know that we are ALWAYS here for you and will keep you in our prayers each day.
Love & hugs to all,
Dad & Mom Norton
we love you guys SO much! THANK YOU for all the work you have done at our church! and blessings to your future!
God is at work behind the scenes. I can't wait for Him to reveal it to your family!
Your family is in my prayers. Sherry
Praying for you!
I pray you will experience His healing in those painful places.
I also pray you will feel God guiding your steps.
Bless you and your family!
Love,
Beth
Aw, Jessica, keep encouraged. We are praying!!
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