Here’s a little recap of what went down this weekend in my world.

Worship Set:

• Beautiful One
• Friend of God
• What a Friend We Have in Jesus
• Communion
• Forevermore

Random thoughts:

• It was my first Sunday in a new place so that was a little nerve wracking, but God was faithful. Kept the worship set simple and singable.
• No drummer for 2 of 3 services. I would’ve normally been a little bugged by this, but everything felt like the glass was half full for me. The band reacted well and I think we were still able to carry enough energy.
• Great response from the congregation after the services. Seems like everyone is ready to jump into what God wants to do next in worship here at Grace.
• I’m definitely a bit of a switch from the norm, but the worship team (band/vocals/AV) all reacted well even when I went off the script.
• I really enjoyed getting to lead the people of Grace in worshiping our great God together. (we even had a few clappers in the 11 service)

I think God has brought me to a “weighty” and “challenging” season, but I’m looking forward to tackling this season with my new church family and seeing us become who it is He is calling us to be!

So I’m up late tonight. Praying about this new leg of my journey. Praying for the people God has called me to serve and lead. Listening to some worship music and reading some Psalms.

Just trying to wrap my mind around all He is doing in this new season. I think the weight of this new assignment is hitting me tonight. (ok. it’s actually morning)

One thing I know. I’m not doing this alone. Someone gave my Mom Proverbs 4:12 which talks about wisdom guiding us in unhindered steps.

This is not the time for me to try and do things on my own. I am determined to be obedient to Him and accomplish His vision in the new year.

The only way I can do that is by getting Adam out of the way and trusting “Him who has begun a good work” to finish it.

So, as you think about the be year, what big things has He placed in your heart that you can’t do without Him? Let’s dream together.

So. I’m moving my family in 5 days to a new state. A new city. A new church.

It’s always an adventure when we start something new together. This will be Mercy and Judah’s first real shot at trying it out. They are 5 and 7 and this is the first move we’ve made that has hit them. They’ve been real troopers and have been looking for the positive almost all the time. That’s not to say it’s been easy. When their peers prayed for them in kid’s church:

There were tears shed. By all of us.

One thing I love about transition with Misty and my family is that it pulls us tighter together. It’s almost like we know we need to lock it up tight. Knowing that we’ve been blessed with each other is an amazing feeling and I’m never more aware of how blessed I am then in these times of transition or difficulty.

Our friends have gone beyond any of my expectations to show us how much they love us and Misty has been working like mad to get us ready. She is the rock in my world. I don’t tell her I love her enough.

As we’ve traveled across NC (which is where we’re moving back to) the anticipation and anxiety of the move has grown. The reality is settling in.

I’ll be leading a whole new set of people in worship next Sunday. They’ve never seen me lead before. The thoughts are racing through my head.

What if they don’t like me?
I can’t wait to grow with them and watch them grow.
I’m pumped about where God is going to take us.
I am stoked about the team I’m going to be leading with.
Is Judah’s school going to be as great as we think it is?
Will Mercy and Judah find new friends easily?

In short (or not really short) life is just that side of crazy right now. We’d appreciate your prayers and, if you’re in the Raleigh area, hit us up when we move down. We’re trusting God for great friendships there!

I know this post is a little less efficient and pretty than some of my others, but one of my friends asked me to keep this blog a little more “real” this year. We’ll see how that pans out.

btw…I’ll be leading worship here in the new year. Drop by if you’re around.

As most of you know, my family and I are moving to Raleigh in the new year. We’re going to be part of a great church there. (Grace Community Church) This move is also going to put us in between our two families. With my Mom going through non-hodgkins follicular lymphoma this going to be a HUGE blessing.

I made a top 10 list of things I was going to miss about where I am, so I thought I’d pull a Fox News and give equal opportunity to the other stuff going on in my head. So without further adieu, here’s my top 10 list of things I’m looking forward to.

10. Opportunities to deepen our faith with another family of believers
9. The chance to make an impact in North Raleigh with a church that is discovering who she is
8. Working with the worship team and musical folks @ Grace Community
7. Cook Out and Bojangles
6. Being closer to old friends
5. Developing new friendships
4. Tarheel Tickets (hint hint)
3. Working with the Staff and Leadership of Grace Community (can’t wait to grow together)
2. Being closer to family.
1. Seeing Grace become a place known for being “without walls” and marked by authentic worship, life change, evangelism and discipleship.

I’ve only got two weeks or so left with my Greenbrier church family and I’m thinking about all the things I’m going to miss. (don’t worry Grace Community…I’ve got things I’m looking forward to as well) Here’s my top 10 list. I’m sure I’ll forget something.

10. Lunch at Warrior Grill/Bangkok Garden/Kyoto/Famous Uncle Al’s
9. Walking to work
8. Church at the Beach (my favorite service every year)
7. Our pastoral and staff team
6. POWERKIDS
5. All my worship teams
4. Consuming, Spirit-filled worship times with our church family
3. All the people who’ve helped me and my family grow
2. inROUTE peeps
1. Deep friendships (thank God for online networking)

This could be the single most depressing post I’ve written. I’d just like for all my Greenbrier family to know that my entire family appreciates and loves you all very much. You’ve been formative in our walk with Christ and I know God has great things in store for you. Thanks for your continued prayers and investment in us. You’ve likely meant more to us than you know.