Update

We have been in this strange "waiting" stage for a while now...knowing since early December we would be leaving Crystal Lake Community Church, and then actually announcing it in February and listing our house and searching for what is next...It's been exhausting to say the least.

Most days I do OK with all the uncertainty, but of course I have bad days, too.

Stephen had a phone interview at one church and an in-person interview at another several weeks ago...and even though both went very well, last week we found out that our first choice is "pursuing other candidates" and the other church is hiring their assistant pastor.

This was very difficult news, and leaves us in this "waiting" stage a little longer...only right now there aren't any other church options in Michigan, or even in nearby states.  We prayed that God would open and close doors, though...so obviously the place He wants us hasn't opened up yet, so we will (try to) wait patiently until that door opens.

We also haven't gotten any more people interested in our house, which at this point is a good thing, because at least when Stephen is done at the church (which is now June 5th instead of May 22nd), we will have a place to live, and obviously I will still have my job.

But at least with our last day at CLCC moving back two weeks, it changes from us leaving "next month" to now being able to say we are finished in "two months", even it the date itself is only 2 weeks different.  It feels like we have a little more time, at least.  I know it sounds silly, but mentally and emotionally it helps :)

Even though it is hard having zero plans for our future right now, I have had so many people pouring truth into my life, reminding us that we do have a hope and a future through Christ by sending me verses, encouraging words, prayers, songs, and articles.

This is an article that one of my friends sent me that really hit home, and I hope it helps some of you that might be going through a difficult time, too!

A Prayer for a Hopeful Vision
Emily P. Freeman

We’ve developed a bad habit of praying for clarity.

We want to know the plan before we agree to it, but we’re beginning to understand that’s not really how You roll.

You never promised clarity.

You told Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household, but you didn’t tell him exactly where he was going.

You told Moses to lead the people out of Egypt, but You didn’t give him a five-week plan.

You told Mary she would have a Son and call His name Jesus, but she wasn’t offered assurance of His safety or guarantees that her life would go smoothly.

You are not a God who offers clear steps.

But you invited Abraham outside and told him to look up at the stars, so shall your offspring be.

You gave Moses a vision of a Promised Land flowing with milk and honey.

You whispered salvation for the whole world in Mary’s ear.

No, You never promised clarity. But You always gave a hopeful vision. And You always promise presence.

I will go with you wherever you go. Do not be afraid.

We ask today for a hopeful vision of the future even while we sit with question marks.

Thank You for never leaving us alone.