Dec 31, 2009

Reflections, Lessons, and Purpose

January of 2009 marked one year since God led me to quit a job that I had held for 11 years. I had been asking Him for several years if He would allow me a way to stay home and the the time came when I felt Him impressing on me that it was time. As a matter of fact, He impressed in my heart that it was His perfect time. He had prevented it one month earlier, and then would not allow me to hold off even one more week when it was time. Somehow I felt that if I did not take this step on my own, trusting in Him, that He would bring it about anyway in a manner that would not be as pleasant for me. So without any other income lined up, I stepped out into His unseen hand. I emphasize that I only did this because I was fully confident that He was telling me to.

He has provided a variety of ways for me to earn an income in the last two years and has shown me what He designed me to do, the thing I love the most, Graphic Design. I found that I kept looking for and waiting on the big miracle as Terri Tiffany said in her post "A Special Kind of Miracle", but I have learned that the miracle is in His day to day provision like the Israelites experienced when He provided manna in the wilderness. I have experienced so much more freedom as I have learned to become more dependent on Him. I am learning to trust that He is still holding me in His hand and will not let go. My part is to move forward when He says "Go" and stay put when He says "Stop" in the same way that He led the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt, He has led me and is still leading me to the land that flows with milk and honey.

***
In April of 2009 God led me to form the Arlington Tea Party to protest the taxation and oppression that was forming in this nation. This was not something I had ever done before and I didn't have a clue how to get started. I was amazed when over 2000 people came out to the protest. Even though this was a political event, my heart was to encourage God's People to rise up our of complacency and apathy and begin to take a stand for Christ and His ways in this nation.

***
In July I had the opportunity to create a float with the team members of the Arlington Tea Party for the 4th of July Parade here in Arlington, and we won 1st place in the amature catagory. This was another first for me and something that I found I greatly enjoyed.

***
I have been seeking God's will for the last three years about whether I should look for a different church home and God led me to make a move in November. Everything about this church is perfect for the girls and me and I didn't have to go church hopping to find it. God arranged for me to find this church through their website which provides detailed information about everything including, beliefs, event and class details, and sermon videos. I was able to visit the church during the week and get a tour and the children's ministry director spent two hours with me telling me all about the programs and lessons offered for the kids.

The girls are able to be more involved in church activities now and they are growing more in the knowledge of Christ. It is only ten minutes from my home and located exactly halfway between my house and the girls, and on the route I take to get to their house. This is the first time I have ever felt led to formally place membership at any church which I did after my 4th visit.

***
This has been a year of new experiences, and of gaining knowledge and skill in areas that I have never been involved in before. In the last few months God has given me a stronger desire to encourage Christians to "come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them" as it says in 2 Corinthians 6:17. I can no longer sit idly by while unbelievers turn this nation into a secular nation. I don't know exactly what God has in store for me in 2010 but I have a strong sense that all of the events of this year have been to prepare me for the next step.

Is God calling you to step out into unknown territory for His Kingdom, for His Purpose, for His Glory? I encourage you to step off the cliff into His unseen hand in 2010.

Rich Blessings on you and yours for the new year!



Ask me about a blog design for your Christian Ministry

"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

21 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

Your post is an encouragement to more than just me today I'm sure:) I didn't know about your journey as I came on board late here. What a testimony to God's greatness!
We are taking another step of faith here on Monday. My husband is starting a 16 month college course--he's 55 and never thought he'd have to do this but it is a way to persue his passion. But scarey too!

Tammy said...

Your faith to listen to God when others thought you were crazy shows you can't go wrong with God!

And to answer you question.Yep, He has called me to step out of my comfort zone,again. I'll call you with the details next week.

Living God's way in 2010.

Love ya,
Tammy

Heaven said...

Wow, Your year sounds similar to mine, with different circumstances. Sooooo glad that you persevered through those. You are such a blessing:) Thanks for sharing

Kelly said...

Edie, I am so proud of you. So few people would step out in faith. What a wonderful witness this post is.

I'm so happy you have found a church home you love. I pray you & the girls will be blessed.

Happy new Year!

Love - Kelly

RCUBEs said...

As we start anew and say goodbye to 2009, the Lord was etching it in my heart and mind to post about "seek Me first"...I know it applies to both unbelievers and believers. And I think that's the best goal to have this year...Because as we seek Him first, then all of the other things fall into its places. Grateful to have crossed path with you sister and I'm excited to where the Lord will lead us this year. Happy New Year and may He bless you richly with His spiritual blessings. Take care and love to you.

My ADHD Me said...

"Step off the cliff into his unseen hand"

hhmmmm...that's what you've been telling me all along.

What you have accomplished this year, with God leading you, is just incredible!

Happy New Year!

B His Girl said...

I love this post Edie. I am thankful how you wear your faith. Stepping out, not knowing the details. You made God smile! I pray God opens new opportunities to show Himself strong through YOU in 2010!!!!! I also pray we meet : ) B

Kathy Schwanke said...

Edie,
You have been such an encouragement to me. After reading your post, I realize how little I know about you. I have been such a sparse blogger the last 6 months, but I am looking forward to doing more in the coming months.

God has appointed me to lead a new Women's Ministry in our church this year. Thankfully He equips the called! I have no idea....well a little, but gotta walk by faith.

Many rich blessings to you in the New Year!!
Love,
Kathy

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

WOW Edie! I didn't know any of this stuff about you! (Well except for the fact that you do trust God IMPLICITLY, which is evidenced in so many of your posts.

But 2000 people at a tea party that you organized? How COOL is that? If I lived in Texas, I'd have been there.

Oh, and got any pics of that float? We'd love to see them!

What a beautiful witness to God's faithfulness you are. Loads of love coming your way this New Years Eve! Love you, my friend!

Debbie Petras said...

Oh Edie, I loved reading about what God has been doing in your life. I can attest to the talent you have in graphic design. You are one of most talented ever! I love my Heart Choices blog design; thank you.

May this next year continue to be a time of growth for you. God is so good. I'm thankful for you my friend.

Blessings and love,
Debbie

TRUTH SHARER said...

You have been a blessing all year to me and it has been a privilege to pray for you and see God answer those very prayers in your life!

You have a strong desire for the WORD and God is sending you forth to shine HIS LIGHT to all the world as you seek His HEART - with all YOUR heart!

Choosing JOY in JESUS ONLY in 2010!
Stephanie

From the Heart said...

You are truly a great blessing to all who read your blog. I can tell that God has His hands on you and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

May God continue to use you in a mighty way to lead others to know Him.

Thanks for all the help you have given me. I truly enjoy talking with you on the phone and God has made that possible for me to do with family and friends who live a long ways off.

Be blessed, my friend,
From my heart to yours

Deborah said...

I just came over from Terri's blog, and thought I'd say a quick hello. Great post! We too are about to take a similar step of faith that you have taken. Thanks for the encouragement.

Jody said...

God bless as you serve Him in 2010.

Aunt Angie said...

Edie---your post is something I NEEDED to read.

I am crying right now so I can't type well.

Pray.

Love you.

LisaShaw said...

You're a FAITH WALKER sister! That day a few months ago when we talked via phone for quite a while you shared some of these things with me and I was excited for you then and even more now because what's coming for you in 2010 out of your obedience to GOD is going to bless your socks off!

I can relate to what you said about seeking GOD about the church....and then having HIM show you very easily. I'm in the seeking area. The church we've been at since we moved to Florida I have been asking GOD about in specifics and praying about where HE would have us and I know in His timing He will lead us on... until then we pray and worship the LORD in Spirit and in truth.

I love you dearly girlfriend as you ALREADY KNOW (SMILE) and I look forward to chatting more with you this year.

Blessings upon you and your family and much love.

Beth Herring said...

I love the message in this post Edie. What a woman of faith you are and what a shining example you are for all of us!

I am praying for you and I know you will pray for me too as we step off that cliff into "His unseen hand".

Love you - Beth

Stephanie said...

Hello Edie!
It's been a while since I've stopped by here! 2009 has certainly flown by for me. I love your attitude in this post - confidentely facing the future, excited to see what God has planned and will do. Whatever is to come, I am so thankful to be "in His grip". Stop by my blog any time, I'm going to be posting more regularly. :) Love you, God bless!

Pat said...

Edie,
Thank you for sharing your year and for stepping out in faith with God. His goodness and love never ceases and His desire to use us daughters is so very cool!
Happy 2010!

Warren Baldwin said...

Edie,
Linked here from Terri's blog. Nice comment and follow up on what she wrote.

Jackie said...

Hey Edie!

Such an encouraging post! Thank you so much!!

He has spoken two things to me for 2010 -

To seek and KNOW Him as my PRINCE OF PEACE!! In His peace I will find great freedom to do what He's calling me to do. I must always stay close to my Prince of Peace and hold his hand!!

And, Isaiah 4:10 Msg

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Halleluhjah!! His unseen hand is holding us steady and firm!!!

Sweet Blessings!
Jackie