Overflow Tucson

In December 2014 our family took a huge step of faith and moved to Tucson with the intentions of starting a new church sometime in the future. At the time we did not fully know what the church was going to look like or when it would happen, but we knew without a doubt Tucson was where God wanted us to be.

In February 2016 we made the decision to move forward with beginning a church called Overflow Tucson. Over the last 5 months we have had people join us in their own individual steps of faith to be a part of the team that is now the beginning of Overflow Tucson.  On June 14th we had our first official time together as a church. It is not a coincidence that only two weeks later we are faced with a flood.

June 26th, 2016

On June 26th, after nearly 2 inches of rain fell in less than 40 minutes, we found ourselves faced with a partially flooded house. We were in the process of cleaning up and only 5 days later, on July 1st, our house flooded again after another storm dropped more than 2 inches of rain in less than an hour. I will never again doubt the power of a flash flood in the desert!

The theme that has come up in more than one conversation this week is the importance of standing firm in the face of opposition. These verses were sent to me from family and friends and spoke such truth into our situation.

"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." Matthew 25:7 

"Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:10-12

I am reminded that the path of obedience is not an easy road. There will be challenges along the way, but when our faith is challenged we are given the opportunity to truly grow as Christ followers. Being rooted in Christ and believing fully that His plan is better than my own is the only way I can continue on this path.




I know I am ready to stand firm and continue the work that God has called me to. Because of Him I am able to stand firm and weather this storm.

July 1st, 2016

Pray for us as we continue in the recovery and rebuilding from this catastrophe. Pray that we can overcome opposition and stand firm, continuing in the work that God has for us. Most importantly, pray with us for Overflow Tucson, that we would be a part of a movement that overflows Tucson with the love and hope of Jesus Christ!

Called Deeper

Last month we spent a wonderful night worshiping and praying with a few friends. As we sang the last song it felt like God was speaking directly to me through the lyrics. I became more aware of how this last year and the steps of obedience that have been necessary have truly changed who I am and my dependence on who Jesus is. God is continually asking me to trust Him and move forward with what He has called me to. This song speaks to me on so many levels and I wanted to share.

Enjoy.

A Different Kind of Lonely

Lately I have been struggling with a new kind of loneliness.  That is the best description Luke and I can come up with as we have both experienced it.  I have struggled with loneliness previously, but it was much different than what I am experiencing in this season.

It's a different kind of lonely because we aren't "alone."  We have made new friends and are spending time with lots of different people, but the depth to those relationships hasn't had time to develop. I have this underlying feeling that most of the people we are spending time with really don't know us yet.  They don't understand who we are, where we came from, or why we are here.

The other side of this different kind of lonely, is that we don't really know all of our new friends very well either.  We don't fully understand who they are, where they come from or why they are here. We just haven't had time to develop this depth of a friendship.

When I find myself dwelling on this (which honestly has been too often the past few weeks) I have to bring myself back to reality.  The reality is we have only been in Tucson for 5 months. Friendships take time and we have to invest in people's lives for them to know who we are and for us to learn who they are.

I have read (and re-read) "The Church Planting Wife" by Christine Hoover, particularly the chapter on the "Connected Heart" which talks in depth about relationships, particularly....loneliness and "heart friends."  I have moved from a season where I had many "heart friends" to a season where I am starting all over.  In the short time I have had in Tucson, I have only found a few women who are opening up and interested in spending time together to get to know each other in a more connected way.  When I really think about these women, I realize how amazing God is, as God is providing a way out of this lonely season in His time.  He is also reminding me daily that He is what I need above all other relationships.

One of the passages I am memorizing is Philippians 2:3-5
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." (NASB)

I am remembering this verse as I ask God to keep me from focusing on my own loneliness, but rather focus on those around me, who they are, and what they need.  I want to be a blessing to those around me in whatever way God can use that.

So all of this to say, please pray for us!

• Pray that we will see the relationships we do have and not dwell on the depth of relationships we have yet to experience in Tucson. 
•  Pray that we will grieve this life change in our relationships gracefully and not become consumed by the loneliness.  
• Pray that we will be open and willing to devote the time when God does provide those new friends who are ready for deeper relationships.

Where is "Home"

This is something I've been thinking about more lately. 

Today I went on a walk with a girl who was born and raised in Tucson. As we were talking, I was telling her where I grew up and the other places I had lived.  As we talked, I realized that I don't really identify any of those places I have lived as "home." Home for me is in Tucson. A year ago home for me was in Yakima. As a child home was in Buckley. I don't fully understand why God has given me this perspective in life, but I am convinced there is eternal purpose when I fully live out this perspective that home is wherever God has placed me.  

I used to long for home.  Shortly after Luke and I got married and moved away from our childhood homes, I often would cry out of a genuine longing to get back home.....soon.  For at least the first two years of marriage living away from home, I was sure we would move back home as soon as I graduated from college.  I was homesick! About 4 years into marriage, and 1 year into ministry I had a unique God moment during one of these homesick episodes.  I audibly heard God say, "I have you right where you are supposed to be." Ever since that encounter with the living God, I have not dwelled on living anywhere but where I am.  He removed that from me as it was a burden I could no longer bear on my own.  It is the only time I have heard God audibly speak, and I recently realized that He had more planned than us.  He was preparing me way in advance for moving away from Yakima, the place we called home for 12 years.

When I speak with others who identify with a past home, they talk about when they will be able to move back home or when they we be able to visit back home.  I realize not everyone shares my perspective, but when I talk about our upcoming trip to Washington, I find myself not saying I'm going back home but simply saying we are going to visit friends and family. We are blessed to have friends and family in many places that we have called home in the past.

When I allowed God to show me that our home is wherever He has placed us, and truly embraced that, I believe God gave me the ability to live more fully in the present.  And through living in the present, God also gave me a unique perspective of the future.  There is a reason God told Lot's wife not to look back!  We weren't made to live in the past!

I don't know where others call home, or where they long to be, but I know for me God has placed our family in Tucson. This is my home. My home in a desert.  And I hope it will be my home for many years to come.   However, I also find great comfort and encouragement in knowing earth is not my permanent home but my temporary home. For each of us will one day find ourselves no longer in this world, no longer in the place we call home.  I want to remind myself and all of you to always fully engage in your present place. To fully involve ourselves in the cities that we call home. To do everything God has called us to do in our places, because we never know when God will call us to our eternal home.

"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come." Hebrew 13:14 NLT

Life with Legos

My family is all about legos lately.  Our kids are constantly building lego creations and their bedroom floors are covered with legos.  And then we have Luke, who for years has talked about legos and how so many parts of our lives can be related to legos......And I can't forget Bandit, the cat, who is playing with legos a lot these days.  He finds them in the kids rooms and brings them out to play with on the tile floors where they move fast!

Legos have been on my mind this week as I have tried to make sense of where I am at.  Currently, I am thinking of my life in two specific areas, my relationships and my time. Each of these parts of my life are represented by a lego with multiple pegs available for a connection. I spent the last 10 years of my life with very full legos.  My time lego was full of time spent with family, time in ministry, time at work, and time spent on hobbies.  My relationship lego was full with relationships with my family, my friends, my co-workers, the families and kids I worked with, and so many more people!  Life was full, at times overwhelming, but meaningful and purposeful.

Today, the harsh reality is that my legos are far from full.  I have a lot of time and a lot of empty space ready for relationships.  With all this spare time, I have been doing a lot of thinking on how I am going to fill these legos!  It is actually a very difficult place to be, but I know God has a purpose with every phase of our lives.

First, my relationship lego.  Filling my relationship lego is proving harder than I thought.  I know relationships take time, but I think I forgot exactly how long it can take for someone to really "connect" and commit to a friendship.  There have been a few people here in Tucson who have opened up and are giving our family and myself space on their lego and for them I am extremely grateful.  For the rest of the empty pegs, I will wait on God to guide me to more people who are ready for relationships and friendship.

With my time lego, I am really seeking God for direction.  At just the right time, I started reading a great book "DeClutter Now" by Lindon & Sherry Gareis.  My life has already been decluttered by my circumstances and the life change with our move to Tucson.  Now it is up to me to be intentional about what activities or ministry I choose to fill my time with and which relationships I pursue and develop.  I am daily seeking wisdom on what I should be doing with my time.

I have a question for anyone that is reading, a question I will be asking myself for years to come.  Do you have space on your legos?  Are you overwhelmed with a time lego that is completely filled or maybe overfilled where you can't add anything else?  Is your relationship lego full?  Or do you have space to give someone time and friendship?  This is something that I am really contemplating during this season of life.  We need to keep open space in our schedule and our relational capacity to reach out to those who need us.  We never know when God is going to send us that new opportunity or relationship.

I ask these questions because in the last few weeks I have reached out to a few people, some neighbors and some others in ministry, who have not had time or the ability to respond and actually begin a relationship.  I am hoping with patience on my part, they will respond to my reaching out, but I understand if they don't.  I think it is so easy for each of us to become completely wrapped up in our busy schedules and current relationships that we don't make room in our lives for new opportunities or new relationships.

"If we leave some empty space, both physically and in our hearts and heads, we allow God room to work within our lives and grow us." - From DeClutter Now





I have a lot more thoughts on legos.  One thing I know is that my kids have a much easier time building something amazing, like this beautiful house, when they follow the written and picture directions.  In life, we have detailed instructions from God's word and we can follow the examples of others that have gone before us.  I am constantly looking for people in my life who have learned to build their lives in a positive, healthy and balanced way in regards to the way they spend their time and the relationships they pursue, so I can follow their lead.

Also it takes practice.  My son builds cars and houses repeatedly, always trying new designs with different pieces.  He spent a long time working on building a picture frame and was finally successful!  Same will work for us as we build our life time and relationship legos, we don't always get the results we want on the first try.  There will be times where we need to evaluate our time and relationships and do some decluttering or rearranging, to make room for the right pieces so we can become all that God created us to be and accomplish all the work he has in store for us!









Tonight, I spent some time building legos with Brock.  It was very educational as he showed me how he can make a fully furnished house for his Lego men.  He was putting pieces together in ways I didn't even know they could be used!



So, if you have never thought about your life and legos, I hope you do now.  It really is a great analogy.  On that note, I will give Luke the credit for giving me this lego analogy long ago.  He has used this many times and I'm sure will use it again.  Maybe he will have a blog someday that better explains life & legos, time & relationships.

Unexpected hesitation

For the last 4 months I have been eagerly telling everyone about our move to Tucson to plant a church.  It flowed out of my mouth without hesitation.  I did not expect what would happen when someone from Tucson asked me why we moved here.

The question came within the first day of our move.  "What brought you to Tucson?"  I found myself at a loss for words....I wanted to tell them all about Jesus, God's provision in bringing us to Tucson and wanted to tell them about our plans to plant a church, but I was hesitant....Why was I hesitant after all this time of being bold and ready to answer to anyone that asked?  My answer to the first person was lengthy about how we came to Tucson 5 years ago on a vacation, fell in love with the area and knew we would come back here someday, and that this year we had decided to move here to start a church.  It was a true answer, but it bothered me that I wasn't more confident and bold in my response.  That I didn't share more about how God lead us to Tucson and how we are here to be used by God in Tucson.  As I have thought about this, I think I had fear of coming off too strong or being seen as a fool as an outsider who is coming to start a church.

After a few days here, I scripted myself an answer so that I wouldn't be so hesitant or long worded.  I started telling people "My husband is a pastor of a new church in Tucson."  Short and simple....probably too short and simple.  After saying this to a few people and talking more with Luke about this unexpected hesitation I was having, I began to hear Jesus loud and clear through Luke, different scriptures I was reading and through the sermon at Second Mile this last Sunday.

I have been reading 1 Corinthians.  God is speaking to me that it is very possible I will be seen as a fool, but that it is my calling to plant the message of Jesus' in the hearts of the people that I am meeting here in Tucson.  When I speak to others now, I am praying that God will give me the words to say that will speak to them.  I don't need a scripted answer to seek the approval of men, but I need to allow God to speak through me however he will.  (Read 1 Corinthians chapters 1-3 to be challenged yourself!)

During the gathering at Second Mile this last Sunday, we were challenged to share our faith. This idea that we need to bring Jesus into the beginning of our conversations with people, because we set the pace for our conversations in the beginning of a relationship.  What a challenge for me as I am starting so many new relationships which means I have so many opportunities to start with Jesus!

I am very thankful for the last 2 weeks and facing this unexpected hesitation.  It is helping me to really search for the answers to who I am, what I am called to be or do, and what I am here to say. Right now I am just praying that I will have opportunities and when facing those opportunities I will be bold and trust Jesus for the words I need.  I have a story to tell and I do not need to be afraid to tell it.

It is just like Jesus, to take us out of our comfort zones and put us in new situations that will challenge us and for that I am truly grateful!  

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power."  1 Corinthians 2:2-5 NIV

Living in the Present

Today is the first day of our new "normal" with the kids now back to school.  I'm in a new place in life where I am not working.  I keep hearing God telling me "Be Still."  I have spent so much of my life DOING instead of BEING. God is giving me a chance to be.  I hope to take time to read His word, listen to His voice, and learn what He has in store for us.  I hope to take time to get to know Tucson, our community and lots of new people.  I will stay busy I'm sure!  I'm excited to be available to help Luke with whatever he needs and looking forward to being free to be with the kids after school and of course get some long runs in during daylight hours before the heat of the day!

This last weekend we were able to attend the gathering at Second Mile.  I am excited to get involved with a body of believers as we adjust to Tucson.  I am also blessed to have an invitation to lunch this week from a new friend!  God is good!  I am looking forward to seeing how He puts together the friendships we so desire in Tucson.

This week I am reminded how quick time goes and how we need to be fruitful with the time we are given.  I am hopeful that I will take this time without a "job" to be fruitful in all things.  This may only last a season and I don't want to waste the time God has given me.  If there is anything I am learning thus far in my journey, it is to live for today.  The past is the past and the future is unknown. It is truly freeing to live for today!

"Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mear handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure."  Psalm 39:4-5 NIV



 


  

Peace in Goodbye

Love this song!  "It feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace."  Somehow God continues to provide the peace and understanding that I am on my way to "something heavenly."

Leaving is HARD!  While I have read about how hard it is to "leave" I really didn't understand it until this last week.

I am watching my kids go through difficult goodbyes and missing friends already.  I am watching as Luke and I go through the same difficult goodbyes, but try to stay strong for the kids.  It is really hard to leave such great people in Washington!  I wish we could take many of you with us!   We said goodbye to our Terrace Heights Baptist Church family and soon will have to say goodbye to our families.

If you are praying for our family, please pray for us specifically this week as all of this becomes real. We are excited for what awaits us but are also feeling the loss as we leave.  Please pray for peace for myself, Luke and Ashtyn & Brock.  We are blessed to be on this journey!  Thank you for listening!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NIV

Homeless in December

This last month has brought many changes to our home.  We accepted an offer on our house about 2 weeks ago, and I am finally beginning to see that this is REALLY happening and we really will be living in Tucson by January 2015.

I am amazed by God's timing in everything as we have walked obediently to follow the call to Tucson.  When we first put our house on the market at the beginning of September, I told Luke I didn't want it to sell until closer to Christmas.  I wanted to be able to spend Christmas with family before we moved.  I remember telling him the ideal time to move would be over Christmas break. Careful what you wish for, because God has a way of answering in His perfect way.

The Friday we found out we were "approved" by Launch and could start the training and process of church planting as soon as we were able to be in Tucson, was the same day that the couple who is buying our house came to look.  Within the week we had accepted the offer.  

A couple days before we got the offer, I remember talking with Ashtyn as I was praying with her before she went to bed.  She asked me why I always end my prayers "in Jesus name."  I took out my bible and showed her John 14 where Jesus is speaking and says "Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father will be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."  It was that night that I specifically prayed that God would bring us a buyer, in Jesus name.  

We will be moving out of the house the weekend of December 6th.  God has allowed us a place to stay most of December in Yakima.  Thank God for friends who love to travel and are willing to open up their home to our family while they are away.  The kids are excited to be able to finish 2014 at Moxee Elementary.  It is also fun to see our calendars filling up to spend time with friends and family before we move.  We will get to spend Christmas week in western Washington with our families.  

So, while we are "homeless" in December, God is taking such great care of us and providing whatever we need at just the right time.  I am so excited to continue on this journey with Him as He shows me His ways are much better than my own.  His timing is perfect and we should never doubt.

"11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14 (NIV)

    

God's Perfect Plan

The last 2 days spent at the Phoenix Launch retreat have been hard, but so helpful!  I can't remember the last time we sat down and talked all about ourselves as individuals, as a couple, as a family, and our time in ministry so far.  While I have no answers of what recommendation Launch will give us, I am confident that God continues to teach me something at each step of the process.

As I thought on all that we talked about, I realized this was a much needed time of reflection. Reflection on how Luke and I were created each as individuals and how God brought us together.  We reflected on big details and little details in our lives and our short 14 years together.  I had to laugh when the first question they asked was how long we have been married, because we looked "young."  We got to talk about our years at Terrace Heights Baptist Church and the invaluable ministry experience we have because of their willingness to bring on the "young" pastor. We reflected on the more recent events in 2014 that have confirmed the call that God has placed on our lives to pursue church planting in Tucson. Even thinking about how great it was that Luke loves to bird watch....because if he didn't love birds, I'm not sure we would have ever found Tucson in 2009.  There were many reminders that God has a perfect plan and purpose in each and everything He has created in each of us and each situation He brings us to.

One of the things that was said during a session was about living with purpose and passion all the years God gives us.  It went something like "He died at 35, but was buried at 85."  Sad to think of how many people stop living out their lives with purpose and passion at a young age, spending years just existing and not living.

I am grateful I had the opportunity to stop and think about where we are in life.  I know God has a perfect plan and purpose for our family, for Luke, for me, for our kids, and for everyone He created. I want to remember and remind others not to doubt God's perfect plan, even when it goes against everything we thought would happen in our lives.  As we continue to trust God, He will reveal His plan and bring each of us to the place we are meant to be.

Ephesians 2:10 New International Version (NIV)
    "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Love & The Outcome - He Is With Us (Official Music Video)

As promised, another song.  Wish I could tell you my favorite part of this one, but I love it ALL!  Enjoy!

Trusting God

For the last few months, this song has been my favorite.  I love the meaning it has in my life and all that God is guiding us to!  I'd encourage you to listen and read the lyrics.  Amazing how God continually speaks through songs and His Word straight to our hearts.

I particularly love the part "Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander." I would not have "wandered" to this place without God's leading. If someone told me 6 months ago that we would be moving anywhere I would not have believed them.  Which leads to my favorite part "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders."  That is truly my prayer, that I would continue to trust God without borders.  That I would fully trust His timing and His call on our lives.

These next two weeks bring many unknowns.  Luke and I are headed to Arizona where we will be "assessed" or interviewed.  I'm really not sure what all to expect, but I am trusting God is in this and will be with us as we spend 2 intense days with those that will ultimately make the decision if we are called and prepared for planting a church.  We would appreciate all of your prayers and support during this time!  Specifically pray that we would trust God and have no fear or anxiety over the assessment process we are entering.  Also continue to pray that God would bring a buyer for our home at just the right time.

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

There are a few more songs that have meant more to me than just an everyday song during this time. I hope to share some of these over the next week.  Thanks for reading!

When do you leave?

This is the most common question we are asked.  I find myself answering by saying "sometime between November and March" because this is what I hope to be true.  

The honest answer is, we have no idea.....strange I know, but I am choosing to put this into God's hands and let Him reveal the perfect time.  

As I've been journaling about our call to Tucson, the TIME theme continues.

Waiting...Timing...When... 

Usually I attempt to control time, or at least want to believe I have control of time, but God is showing me this is far from the truth in every area of my life. 

None of us really know what will happen tomorrow.  We all are waiting patiently on God and His plan to unfold in our lives.  As we wait, we can grow in fruit of the Spirit as we develop patience, self-control, and joy in all circumstances.  Or we can try to control our lives, living in a place where we are unable to fully release our lives to God's purposes.  If we continue to believe we can control the timing of our lives, we are not free to fully experience the growth He wants us to experience.

This is where I am today.  I am waiting.  I want to know when.  I want to know God's perfect timing. But God has not made this known to met yet.

Over the summer, I read through Acts.  The following passage spoke to me the first time I read it and speaks to me every time I come back to it.  It is amazing to think about the meaning of "in Him we live and move and exist."  He knows the WHEN and WHERE He will use me and you.  We are to seek God.  We are His children.  Our time is His, not ours.  

"And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face 

of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries 

of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope 

for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we 

live and move and exist...."  Acts 17:26-28 (NASB)

I pray for myself and any one else who finds themselves in this place of waiting on God that we will step back and patiently wait.  That we can allow God's pace to guide us as He leads the way.  That we will seek the Holy Spirit daily to lead us as we grow in our faith.

Over the last 6 months it has become very clear to Luke and I that God is ready to move us from one desert to another.  

After 12 years in Yakima, we will be moving to Tucson to plant a church.  We don't have a lot of answers (but a lot of questions) on exactly what this means for us or what the exact timeline will be, but we feel peace that God is in this and knows what is best for our family.  

Early on in the process God put Galatians 1:10 on my heart this has stayed with me over the past few months as we prayed and tried to decide if this is really what God would have us do.

"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?  Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."   Galatians 1:10 NASB

I believe that obedience to God and whatever He calls you to do is important.  I teach this to my children and encourage other women in my life to follow wherever He leads, but in May of this year I was faced with this question myself.  Would I obey God and go wherever He leads?  Am I really a servant of Christ ready to please God through an act of obedience and let Him really have control?

As I was searching my own heart and trying to determine what this really meant for our family, God led me to read a lot about calling and I gained a better understanding of what it means to be called.  God called Luke to ministry in 2004.  God called Luke to be a lead pastor in 2008.  Would God really call us to Tucson to plant a church? Is God really calling me to be a part of this?  Is God calling us to do this now or later?  

"A call is a profound impression from God that establishes parameters for your life and can be altered only by a subsequent, superseding impression from God."
Call as defined by Jeff Iorg in "Is God Calling Me"

"A strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence."  Calling as defined by Merriam-Websters dictionary.

These are great definitions that make perfect sense in our situation.  A call is when God provides direction on what you should do with your life and the only decision that will bring peace is obedience.  The decision may not make sense to family and friends, but it is truly the only decision we can see ourselves making.  There is definitely an "impression of God" or a "conviction of divine influence" that is active in our lives with many things over the last 6 months pointing us to Tucson.  I can not explain enough the peace of God that we have in moving forward with our move to Tucson.

Taking this step of obedience is out of my comfort zone.  I like to plan, I like to know the future, I like to be in control.  This is truly a time in my life where I see that daily I am giving up control to God and following wherever He leads.  It is a daily decision to trust in God and His ways not my own. 

"Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;.For I trust in You; Teach me the way I should walk: For to You I lift up my soul."  Psalm 143:8 NASB

As for timing, God clearly has put it on our hearts to do this now.  As I found myself making excuses, God would change my heart. I have grown so much in my faith already in just making the decision that we are not waiting for all the answers before we say yes.  We are saying yes, we will go, wherever God calls.  Our house is for sale and as soon as the house sells or God provides a different way, we are packing up to make the move to Tucson. 

I look forward to sharing and partnering with many of you as we take this step of obedience and our biggest leap of faith yet!