Our First Church Visit!
Today was a VERY emotional day. We found our first church to visit today. It took all of us pushing each other to get ready and out the door, but we did it! Natalie kept talking about how bad her tummy hurt. I told her mine hurt too. That is called nerves. I told her we would have that feeling every time we tried something new. She said, "Okay, but when will it go away?" I told her I would get back to her on that one because mine has been that way for about three months.
Rusty drove us there which was such a relief because he keeps telling me that he wants me to start driving on the weekends so I will get used to it and not get so nervous every time I get in the driver seat. I REALLY wish I had a dollar or POUND for every time that the kids say....Are we there yet? How long will it take to get there? What does this place look like? How long will we be there? Oh how I understand how they wanted to know the answers, and OH how I wish I could answer just one of them to help them. I told them this time that I was wondering all the same things so when we get back into the car after church, lets see if we can answer them then.
They were so excited to wear their new clothes to church today!
As we pulled up to the church we thought we were in the wrong place because it was so empty. Then when we looked at the clock, we just realized that we were just early. Now that was REALLY a first for us! I'm really good at getting times wrong and showing up late so Rusty was VERY happy to have a chance to look around and see where the kiddos go before church started.
As we walked in I felt like I was walking into my home church in Daingerfield. We were greeted by everyone and the nicest woman sat down beside us. Now I know I mentioned about how Denman holds my hand when he is nervous or needs guiding. This time I had two hands to hold, Natalie in one and Denman in the other, and Rusty kept his hand on my back until we sat down. Now I know that seems so minor, but I have never felt so loved. As I again fought tears, I realized we were all more nervous than we thought.
The nicest woman came and sat down beside Rusty and told us the kids would stay in church until Children's Time and then they would have Children's church which was exactly how we did it when I was little. I just smiled at Rusty and explained that to the kiddos. Natalie was such a big girl. She asked if Denman would be in her class and she said yes. Natalie said, "Don't worry mom, I'll take care of him while we are gone." My precious angel is getting soo big! It was moments later and the kids teacher came to say hi and to learn their names. I sooo appreciated that because Natalie was worried about how they would know their names without name tags. It was like all of our worries were taken away one at a time.
I don't know if this is the church we will spend the next two years, but I do know this is the church that we needed today. The first song they sang during worship was "We are the Light of the World". I can't tell you how that warmed my heart. I feel like Aberdeen has a bit of a dark and private atmosphere so to hear that they are singing to be the lights made my day. I've been told that we were meant to go and be the light and shine so bright that everyone will want to know why. So here we are and ready to SHINE ON!
The entire service felt like it was talking straight to us. The whole sermon was about trying to "move a mountain" while KEEPING THE FAITH! Now I am one who really needs things spelled out to get it so to think that God knows that and used the exact words that I am using to make it through every day just reassured me I am in the right place. I walked the kids to Children's Church and then came back to sit with Rusty. It took ALL I had not to cry through the entire service because as I sat there and listened it was as if God was building me back up one brick at a time. Some things that were points that I will keep close all week were...
1. Lay down all of your fears... and let me tell you I have a TON right now.
2. When in doubt PRAY!
3. Hold on to nothing, and let go of everything! And that is where I was struggling MOST!
Susan Griffin put this on her facebook page this week and it is EXACTLY what I need to do right now. I LOVE IT! Lets be FREE and just LET IT GO!!!
Needless to say, I DIDN'T make it through church without crying! I know as visitors we were being watched, but I just can't stop them anymore! When church was over, I went to grab the kiddos and then we stopped to visit with the preacher. He was so nice. I love what they do after church. They all stay around after church for cookies and coffee. It was so neat to see how much love filled that room! Denman was DONE so we didn't get to stay, but such a great way for the congregation to become a family.
When we got to the car, Natalie said that everyone was sooo nice to her which made my day! Then Denman shouted out... HEY, I ATE A BISCUIT!!! This is so funny coming from him because he is LOVING the new words and accent. Now we ALL know that boy didn't touch a biscuit so we then learn that a biscuit in the UK is a cookie. I bet he ate TEN!
Natalie poses for a picture while we get lunch ready.
Denman finally smiles for me. :)
When we got home, we ate sandwiches for lunch and then Rusty said he would take the kids so I could take a nap. I just can't sleep in this hotel. It is so super busy and nighttime is when ALL of my fears surface and the prayers must begin! During the day being busy I am getting better at, but quiet hotel room with only my thoughts.....NOT SO MUCH!!!
I love this picture of the kiddos! They are watching the kids play outside the hotel before dinner.
So as I get the kiddos in bed tonight and read some of my "MOVING" books which one is called "What happens when you say Yes to God." I found what I am praying for tomorrow. I want to say Yes to God, everyday!
I want Your patience to invade my desire to fly off the handle.
I want Your perspective to keep my emotions in check.
I want Your provision so things don't seem so overwhelming.
I want Your courage to do what I feel You are calling me to do.
I want to need more of You in every moment.
And I want to do it all for THEM!
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