Change is Good!

As I began to unpack, I ran across some old family photos. What an interesting story they tell. As we traveled through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and now the 10’s, we are reminded that things change. When we left Seminary, our kids were little, as we left Bergen, they were just becoming teenagers, when we left Rochester they were college and young adults. Now as we leave Waterloo, they are all married and with 7 children between the three of them.

Most change is accompanied by emotions and that is why we hold on so tightly. But if we can set that aside, we can say, “Change is good:” for who would like to stay in diaper land forever!!!

So since change is inevitable, let’s take a look at the good side of change. Here are a few things that I have thought just off the top of my head. And as I spark this thought in your mind, you can start to think of your own “good change.”

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to unclutter your life. As we got ready to make a move, it’s amazing often we said, “I’m not bringing that.” As we started to clean out, I wondered why we thought we really need so much stuff. It’s been said that an empty desk is an empty mind, but I’m not sure that is true. Have you ever considered that an empty desk could be a focused mind? In truth, clutter not only clutters your closets and walls, it clutters your mind as well. Hebrews 12 talks about setting our eyes on the goal i.e. looking to Jesus. The author goes on to say that we are to lay aside every weight and sin and easily ensnares us. Clutter is one of those weights that can ensnare us.

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to start fresh. It’s true that wherever you go, there you are, but it is also true that with a fresh start you can change your focus. Recently I’ve heard myself say, “When I get to New Jersey, I’m going to . . .” A new environment brings opportunities that might not have been available before.

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to meet and minister to new people. With time we develop friendships that carry responsibility. If we are not careful, we will spend all our time with old friends and forget that the Lord has called us to reach out, share the gospel and then help those new believers to grow in God’s grace.

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to see a new part of God’s creation. As I stood on my front porch, I looked around at approximately 500 trees. Living in the woods is a far cry from the cornfields of Iowa. Both are beautiful. I’m so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to live in different parts of the world and get to know and minister to a host of different people.

I’ve often said it’s never hard to say “hello” to new opportunities, it only saying “good-bye” that really hurts. But our “good-byes” can also free up our friends and family so that they can also minister to a new group of people.

So I’m determined to embrace this change and look forward to what God will do in and through me as I look ahead.

Butterfly's - a new beginning

Fresh Start:

Some people buy jewelry just because they like it. I tend to buy things that have some significance, something that is a memento to a specific time or event in my life. For example, one day, shortly after our move to Waterloo, we were walking the mall and as we past a jewelry store we noticed it was advertising the “necklace of the month” featuring that months stone. It wasn’t a spectacular piece, but Rich just said “would you like that?” Since he had never done this before, I looked at him and said “yes.” This started a monthly trip to the jewelry store. This was our 30^th year of marriage so this was a good memento of that year. I plan to give one of these to the grand-girls when they turn 10 years old.

Another jewelry collection that has accumulated over the years is gems from countries we have visited. It started with our trip to Greece in 2005 when Rich bought a necklace with the blue stone (don’t know the name off hand) that apparently is mined in Greece for each of the girls. Then he surprised me and bought some earrings and a necklace with the Greek Key. From then on, I have tried to get something from each country we visit: Argentina:Rose……?, Bolivia:Bolivianita, Fresh Pearls from Bangladesh, Camanite and a Flip Flop from Grand Cayman, Africa shaped pendent from South Africa. I also have a necklace from Arizona in memory of taking a husband with a broken foot on vacation, a mother of pearl necklace from Becky McDonald’s organization to help women in need from one of my sister’s weekends and come carved earrings from The Gambia.

In 2008, we spent a week in Grand Cayman when we needed to make a decision to accept a call to another church or stay at Walnut Ridge. We were torn, but in the end believed that the Lord needed us in Waterloo for a few more years and we made a commitment to go back and see what God would do. At that time we both bought black coral bracelets to remind us of that commitment. We went back, knowing they would not be easy years, and they weren’t, but now these bracelets are a reminder that we did what we could and now it is time to move on.

Now, at the outset of this new adventure, I have taken the butterfly as a symbol to a new life, i.e. fresh start. With this in mind, as we searched for a stone from Italy, we found a Swarkski butterfly necklace and decided that this would be my memento. However, on our trip south to Pompeii, we found that the Cameo is made there and hence, a Cameo ring.

You might think this is an extravagant hobby, but since the first 20 years of our marriage there were few gifts, flowers, etc. I look at this short window of our life as a time to relax a bit and have fun.

As Christians, at least for myself, we have a tendency to take life too seriously. We’re often told to “make every moment count,” and we should. I know we are to work hard, help those in need, sacrifice for the sake of the gospel, etc., but Ecclesiastes also says to “eat, drink and enjoy life, for this is the gift of God.” I trust as we continue our walk with the Lord, we “seize the day,” “Carpe Diem”: Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of your time. Col. 4:5.

Official End/Beginning

September 1, 2010

Well, it’s official! Yesterday was the official ending of our time at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Waterloo, IA and today is the official beginning of a new adventure at Shawnee Baptist Church in Shamong, NJ.

The month of August has been filled with highs and lows as we said goodbye to so many we love. As I stood in the center of an empty house, I reveled in the grace of God.

Ten years ago I walked into this house and felt immediately at home: This was my house. It was made for me and I loved every inch of it. Many times we would get up in the morning and say as we watched the sun rise over the eastern prairie “I love this house.” Because of this love, I have been able to weather the many storms that characterized this past ministry as it gave sanctuary during times of discouragement and loneliness. Saying good-bye was one of my great fears.

Now, realizing God’s grace in leading us to a new ministry, I feel peace concerning this move. There were no tears as we walked out the door for the last time, only anticipation as to what door the Lord will open for us to walk through.

It won’t be long and we will be winding up our travels and head toward the east coast. I’ve posted pictures of these on http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/1phydeau and Rich has commented on our time in Rome on the blog at www.wordfortheworld.net. You are welcome to follow along through those venues.

Once again, thanks to all who have been praying for me during this time.