Change is Good!

As you all know we have a wonderful new Pastor and his family who I adore already. The days are flying by and we are well into the new year, and with that comes change. Everyone is always excited for a new year and a fresh start; however, change is a word that can propel you forward in life, or make you take two steps back. I am a creature of habit, and change is not my strong suit. So when change comes I tend to panic. 

One day Pastor Dave thought it would be great if I started blogging. For those of you who know me, I’m not the most technical person (my 14 year old son set up my Facebook account and updates my iPhone). I even googled blogging for dummies. This, however, sent me into panic mode on the inside, which led me straight to the cupboard to pound back four Oreo cookies and a glass of cold milk. I decided I better start to pray about it, and hope that the Lord would give me an idea…anything! 

One evening a few weeks later the Lord said to me “Just be you. Be honest and listen to my voice. I made you the way you are and it’s good. Just be yourself.” I then felt led to blog about change. It’s all around us in our everyday life. Changing of age, changing of seasons, changing diapers, changing careers, children changing. Marriages change too. I mean this in a good way. My marriage is different than 16 years ago when I was first married - and that is good change. 

Praise the Lord that He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I used to be fearful of the Lord and afraid of what changes he wanted from me, my life, my husband and my children. But as I get older and change, I have a fuller understanding of God’s grace and his love for me and my family - and for you! 

Sometimes God needs to change things in our lives. Change stretches us, makes us stronger and firmer in our faith. When we moved to the Okanagan five and a half years ago, we left all our friends and family behind in 100 Mile House. As I reflect on that I see how I’ve changed, grown up, and stood on my own two feet all with the Lord’s help. I’ve had some great changes, and some not so great changes that knocked me off my feet. In those times I’ve had to fully, 100% trust God, because there was nothing left to do other than that! Through it all God has made me stronger. He is with me every step of the way. I truly believe he walks beside me and holds my hand. 

Now here’s the point: If I truly believe that he walks beside me then change shouldn’t scare me. Knowing who walks with me should cast out all fear and doubt. Change is inevitable for all of us. Yes, it’s scary, but GOD IS WITH US! 

As times goes by I see my role as Children’s Ministry Director moving to different heights and in new directions (i.e. change). And I think change is good. God doesn’t want me to stay in the same place being complaisant. He is too awesome for that. Now I get excited about change. As we move forward as a church family, let’s be open to change. Climb on board the idea of change. Who knows where it will take us! Are you ready? I think I am!

It’s ok to still bring the Oreos and Milk!

-Tammy