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A New Season

Figuring out how to walk in this new chapter of ministry has been ... fun, we'll say.  Actually, I quite enjoy the planning and creating and feel that this new season God has me walking in is completely ordained by Him, so I do feel at peace about it.  I had considered doing a brand new blog or website, but after chatting with my husband about it, we realized there were many good, God-given things in my old blog that really could help more people still.  So we decided just to give this one a makeover, and continue to let God us it however He sees fit.  I'll be sharing some of my favorites from the past on my social media, but feel free to go through here and comment on your faves as well before I share them these coming weeks. 

As part of a life update, this new season is one that I've honestly dreamed about for sometime, but never felt it would really come to pass.  And, like most God-ordained seasons, it does look a little different than I originally thought it would.  


I've wanted to be an author for most of my life - just the fact that I've gone in and out of blogging for so many years is testament to that.  Then the last few years, through some really hard times, the desire to really get LOST in the word of God has grown in my spirit.  (Hope I didn't lose you there - I'll explain what I mean soon, I'm sure.)

I've learned more about God and faith and doubt and devotion and study these last two years than I think I learned in Bible College, y'all! 

I've been feeling God nudge me into a different way of serving in ministry, too.  I've always been "ready" to serve, but for years, that service was defined as helping my husband in his ministry.  Now, that hasn't changed, just so you know.  But God is showing me that it's ok - even necessary - for me to have my own ministry, as long as it's God-ordained.  And my husband is my biggest supporter in following God's lead!

Part of that means teaching and preaching more in the pulpit.  Speaking in front of people and teaching has brought such a driving pulse of LIFE to my service to God these last few months.  Not that I'm completely at home in front of people - I certainly don't feel qualified for that most times.  But leaning into God and depending on HIM to give me what I need to bring to His people, as I study and submit to HIM, has been a whole new experience for me.   

But I still had (and have) a desire for writing!  What has surprised me most is that the first book He would have me write isn't my life story, or even my Granny's life story (which I've always felt SOMEONE needs to do, lol!).  Instead, sitting on my couch one night playing with some designs, I started working on planning a study journal.  I knew I wanted it on the shorter side so that it wouldn't be intimidating for someone who had never studied the word of God before. But I wanted it meaty enough so that the "student" felt like they were actually walking away with something instead of reading and forgetting it in ten minutes.  

Literally in about 2 hours, the first study journal design was complete.  And within just a day or two, the concept of an entire series was birthed.   The time I spent researching and culling which scriptures to include for each subject seemed to fly by and less than three weeks later, I had the first three Study Journals published live on Amazon!  
The first theHabit Study Journal! I'll continue saying it - It's TOTALLY a God-thing!!

Then, of course, came the doubts.  Don't you HATE that about us women?? We can be confident as all get out, then it comes time for the big thing to happen and all of a sudden, you start wondering "who do you think you are, doing something like this?" ... "They're going to see right though you!"... "You're not that kind of pastor's wife..."  

Well, maybe that's just me, but let me tell you, I had some stern conversations with myself the day my husband announced to our church that the first Study Journal was live.  

I'm sharing all this to let you know - I'm not sure WHY God chose me to do something like this, but I can tell you my biggest prayer is that these little study journals will help new Christians and more "experienced" Christians be able to develop the habit of just spending a few minutes in God's word each day.  It's not nearly as hard or intimidating or confusing we have made it out to be - I've learned that myself just these last couple years! And that's why I felt impressed to make it a step-by-step, easily applied to everyday life, kind of journal.  

Pray for this endeavor, y'all.  I've never felt as solid in my calling as now - and while I have NO IDEA what will come of all this, I'm excited to find out!!
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