What a difference a year makes!

Jordyn sent out a Twitter the other day saying that she couldn't have imagined a year ago where she would be today. It got me thinking too. I am such a planner so of course I am usually looking ahead and trying to figure out where we're going and what we'll be doing at any given time. You'de think I would have learned by now that God has a plan for my life, and it's not always the same as mine (thankfully). His plan is always so much better. In addition to that, I have a husband who listens to God and is usually very obedient to what He has to say. Sometimes, I take a little longer to convince, which I am not the least bit proud of. All that to say, because of Pat's obedience, we are in such an unbelievable place in our lives.

God led us to the most AMAZING church, the Journey in Fernandina Beach, FL. We have been going for about 8 months and have had the opportunity to serve with some of the most faithful, humble, God-seeking people I have ever met. God has given our pastor, Darryl, a vision for reaching people in our community, and because of his obedience, God is "adding to the Church daily", just as the scripture says. We have been called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, it's just not about us and our comfort anymore. I was able to see this in action this Easter weekend. We knew that God was going to do something BIG, and in true God fashion, He delivered. Darryl preached an awesome message entitled "Final Destination" and now countless many know where there's is, in heaven. I am so thankful to have been apart of such an awesome move of God this weekend. I can't wait to see what's next!

Another thing I couldn't have seen a year ago, is us living in this beautiful house that God allowed us to build. We (and most of our friends) really thought we had lost our minds trying to sell a house in a really bad housing market. Well, when God is directing it, it's not a problem. He sold our old house, and gave us this new one. He's so good.

Lest you think it's all a bed of roses, it's also been a year of uncertainty for us regarding Pat's business. As a kitchen & bath designer in a bad housing market, it gets a little unnerving at times. But, we know that God is in control of it all, and He will provide. We are careful to give him ALL the glory for every job we get. We know that our faith is being tested, and that it is in these times that we grow in that faith. So, we are thankful for His provision and His leading.

In true mom fashion, I couldn't end without mentioning my children. Kaley is in a much different place than a year ago, she is now in college full-time pursuing a teaching degree, and also serving at church as a teacher for our Journey kids group. She's really awesome with the kids! Jordyn has homeschooled this past year and is about to graduate. She is playing and singing in our praise band at church and for the youth group. God has given her the greatest group of friends there, and I know she is so thankful for them. Probably the biggest change for her is the new guy in her life. God has brought her the most unbelievably awesome, Godly young man, Dave Longobardo. I know it was unexpected for both of them, but not for God, He knew. We are all very thankful for Dave and what he brings to her life. Last, but not least, there's Colton. We hardly even recognize Colton from a year ago, in a good way. To say he has come out of his shell would be an understatement. He is super involved in the youth group leadership at church, and is also on the lighting team for our weekend services. I think he would rather be at church than just about anywhere else, except maybe Haley's house, ha. That would be Haley Hall, his new girlfriend, she is sweet, and adorable, and they are too cute together. We are thankful for Haley as well.

So, as you can see, much has changed for us in a year, and we look forward to seeing what God has for us in the next year, who knows?! For now, we will be content where He has us, and thank Him for His faithfulness and love in an uncertain world.