Monday, January 10, 2011

Embracing a New Season

Well, it has been FOREVER since I've updated my blog, so first New Year's Resolution of 2011 is I'll do it more often than once every 9 months ;0 But, as I sit here staring out the window at the beautiful snow (the first of 2011!), the words that come to mind are "a new season". That could possibly be because I was listening to Nicole Nordeman's "Every Season" song this morning.

As some of you may or may not be aware, I have resigned from my job as the Worship Associate at a local church to join my husband, Ryan Hairston, full time in our new ministry - Waken Ministries. I will continue leading worship as the Lord allows opportunities to come my way, and I will be posting those dates on my website as they come around. Also, we have recently started our first Missional Community with a group of 6 other families and we are excited about what the Lord will do through His people.

As I enter this season of change, I pray the Lord will continue to allow me to see Him in everything - good or bad. As the song says - still I notice you when change begins and I am braced for colder winds. I will offer thanks for what has been and what's to come. You are autumn. As we embark on this time, it may not all be easy or rosy, but I pray I will be able to offer thanks in any circumstance. I also love the next verse that says - even now in death, You open doors for life to enter. You are winter. I will miss my job & the people I was surrounded by every day, so I'll need to grieve that, BUT, I know God is bringing about a new life on this other side and I am waiting in anticipation for God to truly use Ryan and myself to waken people to the mission of God. And, the last phrase that sums up my prayer for me personally says: So it is with You and how You make me new with every season's change. And so it will be as you are recreating me. I know that I will walk through some hard days, some fun, adventurous & fulfilling days, but, through it all God will be changing ME more into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. So, yes, today, I will step out in faith for that!

This weekend's worship time was a great set for me to truly declare a few things to the Lord:

- I won't worry about to tomorrow, I'm giving You my fears and sorrows. Where You lead me, I will follow. I'm trusting in what You say. Today is the day
- My heart will sing no other name. Jesus, Jesus
- I am restless till I rest in You

Embracing a new season,
Laura

LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2