Last Year ... This Year

Last Thanksgiving we were celebrating with family and friends in Montana.
This year we were celebrating with our church family in Little Rock. When we left Montana I thought, "We'll never find a church home like the one we left." I was right. They are different, but we are simply with a different group of family members. God our Father sent us to new people to love. He gave new people to love us.

Last winter I was wading through snow.
This year I haven't yet needed a coat. So different. Not better, just different.

Last year John had a good job. He couldn't complain.
This year John works for FamilyLife. It's a great job. It's an amazing ministry. He's rejoicing!

This time last year I was enjoy our Teen MOPS group. I enjoyed the new leaders and new moms.
This year I'm enjoying an inner city Teen MOPS group. The girls are different, sort of. They are different races and have different backgrounds, but their needs are just the same. I care for them the same, too.

Last year Cory was introducing us to an amazing young woman named Katie.
This year Katie is part of our family, and I couldn't ask for a more amazing daughter-in-law. I've been able to see in her all I prayed for Cory all those years.

For the last fourteen years, we'd been enjoying teaching children's church at our church in Kalispell. We couldn't imagine not being there every Sunday and loving on those kids.
This year John is the new children's pastor at Mosaic church here in Little Rock. He's joining some of our favorite elements of children's worship with some Mosaic is already doing well. We thought, "We're leaving so much when we leave our children's ministry." God nodded and smiled, "Yes, but I have so much more to come ..."

Last year I was enjoying my three older kids, but I was also sad that they were so old--that they'd all be out of the house within years.
This year I'm totally enjoying our new daughter. Alyssa is 8 months and the joy of our lives. She's an unexpected gift that we thank God every day for. I'm loving every moment with her.

Last year I loved God. I really did. I trusted Him. I believed.
This year I am awed by God. He's shown us different parts of Himself as we've had to leave so many, so much behind. I love Him more than I can describe because I've seen His faithfulness and as I've realized that He does not take away unless He has better things planned.

Last year I was thankful.
This year I have even more to be thankful for.
God allowed me to keep loving the people and ministries I already loved.
And now He's opened my heart to more.
So much more.