One Year Ago Today...

Andrew preached "in view of a call" at First Baptist Anna. We can't believe this day is already here! This has been the fastest year of our lives! Andrew has written and published his 1st book, graduated from Seminary, started shepherding his 1st church, bought a new house, become a daddy to his 3rd child, and he has been an incredible husband and teammate all along the way this past year! Whew! I will never forget the emotions and the excitement and anticipation both of us felt as Andrew preached his 1st sermon at FBC Anna. We wanted to be at this church so badly! I remember that 5 other churches were "looking" at us and every time we prayed we begged the Lord to place us in Anna. I remember the immediate love we felt from the people and some of the quick connections we made with them. The Lord has given us a heart for this community and we have definitely fallen in love with the people here. It has been one of the busiest years of our lives and we have learned a ton about shepherding a church. We have had many ups and downs, but there is absolutely no doubt that we have been called here and that we are right where we are supposed to be serving the Lord. We have grown deeper in relationship with the Lord and with each other for sure! Your prayer life also completely changes when you realize the true spiritual warfare that is out there and the many attacks the enemy puts on your husband and your family. (Seriously, we could write a book on the cRAZY things that happen from Saturday to Sunday each week! You wouldn't believe me if I told you half of them!) I pray daily that the Lord will equip us, use us, strengthen us, give us wisdom beyond ourselves, protect us and give us boldness to speak truth into the lives of people. What an amazing ride it has been! I am kind of sad that our 1st year is already over. We will never have a "1st year" of Andrew pastoring ever again! Thank you, Lord for such a privilege to serve You in this way! It is all about You and Your glory. Words cannot describe the awe, reverence and wonder You are! Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your provision while we are on this incredible journey with You.

Like David I think, 'Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?' (2 Sam. 7:18)